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The Magic of a Good Character Backstory
What Is Backstory? Backstory is a literary device used to present the history of a character before the events of a story begin. This...
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The Writer's Workout
Be a better writer.
The Writer's Workout is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers.
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Hey there!
Welcome to The Writer's Workout. Whether you're new to the craft, coming back after time away, or a seasoned professional, we can help you be a better writer.
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We have open spaces!
Check the volunteers page for details.
​​Open Now:
Registration is closed for 2025.
We sent all feedback folders to new participants on June 1 & 2.
Past participants can find their doc in their existing folder.
Mock Event feedback was delivered on June 12.
WayWords issue 20 is OPEN for themes of "messy".
Issue 19 is CLOSED and in edits. Our editors have finished making the tough choices and we'll contact everyone by August 2.
Issue 18, Kids Write! is published in digital and print!
Fiction Potluck is OPEN for themes of "sibling relationships".
Read more about this quarter's guest judge, Will Kelly.
Fiction Potluck is sponsored by Duotrope.
Our 2025 Tales theme is "the unknown". I'm so excited to read your submissions again this year! Just a head's up, I'm slightly delayed while we finish up with Writer's Games. I'll reach out to you over the next few weeks!
About me: Theresa is a co-founder of The Writer's Workout, a crime fiction writer, and a freelance editor and book coach at Premier Literary Services. She is looking for well-planned plots, occasional humor, and strong character development and growth.
Tales from the Kitchen (2024) is available in digital and print. Check the Tales page for cover, Pushcart Nominees, and links!
Find the full calendar here.
Around WW:
Our focal topic in July is 2nd Person Point of View: why it can be useful for the reader to drive the story. Look for some great tips from River on July 3.​​
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Neurodivergent writers might find clarity (and tips!!) in Karen's Craft & Chaos series, available in the resources tab.
Welcome back, Indie Author Spotlight! Contact us to be featured.
​​​Join us on Discord for write-ins, chats, and fun times.
If you missed the free conference, don't stress! All the videos are still available through the playlist.
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Write Track is currently on hold. Next rotation expected in January.
We're looking for judges to help with this competition.
Feedback for REDRAFT Challenge is coming in early July.
Find quick access to announcements from any page through the pinned note at the top.
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Happy writing!
—Theresa
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On the Blog:
Recent Releases:
Looking for the 2024 March Conference videos?
Find all the videos and presenter information on the conference page. Handouts are still available.
Back to Basics
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In the latest Back to Basics course, Izhan picks up a MacGuffin to discuss why those tiny details are so useful in threading ideas throughout your plot (psst! There are multiple Core Concept references in this one!).
This course challenge includes FREE feedback.
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Back to Basics is a free mini-course open worldwide. Join us on Discord or use #WWB2B on social media.
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