How to write a novel in 2026, how to stay focused, how to finish a project, and when not to, from one of fantasy's most prolific bestsellers.

Did you know that George RR Martin, the mastermind behind the epic “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, often writes multiple chapters for each character consecutively? This non-linear approach helps him ...

“A writer,” Saul Bellow once observed, “is a reader moved to emulation.” But what if it’s also the other way around? What if, when we think about writing, we are actually teaching ourselves how to ...

This is part of Help! Wanted, a special series from Slate advice. In the advising biz, there are certain eternal dilemmas that bedevil letter writers and columnists alike. This week, we’re taking them ...

Editor’s Note: This is the second column in a new series, “Are You Writing?” Part 1 is here. I have heard many irritating suggestions on scholarly productivity in my time, but none get my blood aboil ...

It’s easier than ever to find someone to comment on your work. But whether you participate in an online critique group, meet up in person, post excerpts on Wattpad, or have a writing partner, getting ...

It’s true: Writing a book is challenging, but it’s also extremely exciting and rewarding. And if you’ve always wanted to write one, I’m here today to encourage you to go for it. What started out as a ...

The new question-of-the-week is: What is your advice for active K-12 educators who might be thinking about writing a book? Many of us feel like we have books “in us.” In theory, many educators (at ...

All advice is suspect. I'm not suggesting you break all the so-called rules of creativity you've collected. Only that every tip can be counteracted with its opposite. And some advice is just plain bad ...

From 10-word social media posts to 100-word emails to 1,000-word blogs, sloppy writing reflects a disorganized mind. Any warning signs of disorganization will send prospective clients running — and ...

“Happy the man who has never been told that it is wrong to split an infinitive,” says The Economist’s style guide “Happy the man who has never been told that it is wrong to split an infinitive,” says ...