Don’t Be A Starving-Artist
I read an article the other day by a writer who, out of one side of his mouth, suggested that writers aren’t paid enough. We
David Farland
May 14, 2019
David Farland: Story Doctor Writing Tips
Recent Writing Tips
The Deepening Sea
There seems to be a disconnect between authors and readers right now. Many publishers are having a hard time finding the readers. In fact, a
David Farland
May 7, 2019
Learning to Write in Workshops Versus Universities
Today a young writer asked what the advantages are of studying writing at a university versus at workshops. Now, I’ve taught in both settings, so
David Farland
May 2, 2019
Finding Your Theme
In brainstorming a work, you will often find that you want your characters to behave in certain ways. And as they grow and develop, you
David Farland
April 30, 2019
The Heart of Your Story
I was asked to read a screenplay a while ago. It opened with two minutes during which it explained what a common household device was,
David Farland
April 26, 2019
Recognizing Your Own Skill
When you write a story, you often have to ask yourself, “Is this tale good enough to send to editors or agents? Is it ready
David Farland
April 23, 2019
On Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll
Years ago, there was a powerful writer that I liked. His stories were energetic, lyrical, evocative and imaginative, so I studied a couple dozen of
David Farland
April 18, 2019
Can Writing be Taught?
As a teacher I can offer inspiration, point out the writer’s natural gifts, and help develop new skills. In fact, I’ve found that I can help most people learn to write to a publishable level and in many cases I can bring them to the point where they write at an award-winning level. At this time in my career, I’ve trained dozens of authors who have gone on to become New York Times bestsellers, and I still have to wonder: How much can I really help a new writer, and how much of what they do is innate ability?
David Farland
April 11, 2019
Opening Strategies
There are many ways to hook a reader who opens your book–a great cover, a catchy title, luscious descriptions on the back cover, an endearing
David Farland
April 9, 2019
Finding Your Theme
In brainstorming a work, you will often find that you want your characters to behave in certain ways. And as they grow and develop, you
David Farland
April 5, 2019
Emotional and Intellectual Payoff
Some stories gain power by tapping into the emotions that we felt at a particular age, or during a certain time of our lives. For
David Farland
April 3, 2019
How to Develop a Fictional Character: 7 Tips a Best-Selling Author
Of all the topics on how to write, I suspect more books have been written on how to create solid characters than on anything else.
David Farland
April 1, 2019
The Super Writers’ Bundle
The Writers’ Bundle—On Sale Now! David Farland has helped dozens of authors hit the New York Times bestseller list, contributing to the careers of J.K.
David Farland
March 29, 2019
Tips for Plotting Your Novel
A plot doesn’t have to be brilliant for a story to work. It just needs to have some basic components: characters, in conflict, and in
David Farland
March 28, 2019
Writing Easy
I’ve been a bit sick for the past few months. In fact, back in September I got sepsis and had to make a trip to
David Farland
March 22, 2019
