A Bit about Shonda Buchanan Shonda Buchanan is a calm force in the writing world. Raised as a Black woman “who grew up hearing cherished stories of her multi-racial heritage, while simultaneously suffering from everything she (and the rest of her family) didn’t know,” her work culls forth dynamic voices. The author of five books, […]
Kara Vernor Announced as Contest Flash Prose Judge
Introducing Kara Vernor Kara Vernor writes flash. Her wit and keen observation find a voice in dynamic, edgy stories. How she describes the process of flash writing illuminates volumes in small spaces. She’s had a long relationship with this genre and gives homage to a high school instructor. Balanced sentences layered with stated and inferred […]
Francesca Lia Block to Serve as Contest Fiction Judge
Introducing Francesca Lia Block We are thrilled to announce this year’s fiction judge, Francesca Lia Block. Francesca writes fiction, nonfiction, short stories, and poetry. A prolific storyteller, Francesca has authored over 25 books and has had stories, poems, essays, and interviews published in the Los Angeles Times, the L.A. Review of Books, Spin, Nylon, Black Clock, The Fairy Tale Review, and Rattle, among others. She has also adapted her […]
Meet Our Creative Nonfiction Judge Mireya S. Vela
Mireya S. Vela will serve as the 2020 WNBA Writing Contest’s creative nonfiction judge. Introducing Mireya S. Vela Mireya S. Vela is a Mexican American creative nonfiction writer, storyteller, and artist in Los Angeles. Both serious and gregarious, she tells great tales, using stark, pointed language, mythic themes, and deep examination. Much like her artwork, Mireya layers meaning between the […]
Celebrate National Poetry Month with WNBA Poets
By Tina Ollenburg (Network) April is National Poetry Month! Within the WNBA, we have a number of amazing poets, and we wanted to shine a light on their work, as well as their experiences with writing and reading poetry. Linda Vigen Phillips (Charlotte) Linda is passionate about poetry and realistic fiction. She is the […]
The Miracle of the Book Outline
When you sit down to write, do you ever feel lost and like you don’t know what you want to say or where you want things to go? Have you ever gotten halfway through a chapter or a book, you stop and you read what you’ve written, and it doesn’t make sense? A book outline can help you. And Melissa Kirk, WNBA-San Francisco, is here to help you create one!
Writing about Love and Family Dynamics
Writers write for many reasons. Holly Hughes (WNBA-Charlotte) writes about love and family dynamics because she is compelled to. Through her art, she has helped herself heal and hopes to help others.
Master the Comma: Why It’s Important for Writers
How many commas did you use in your last piece of writing? Do you think you used too many or too few? Maybe you don’t have a clue. Maybe you hate them, maybe you love them, but do you know why it’s important to use them? Editor and Charlotte member Nicole Ayers explains why mastering the comma matters.
How to Organize Your Nonfiction Book
Have a great idea? Have a novel approach? Then do your book a favor and organize your nonfiction book before you begin writing.
Reading and Writing Stories Can Help Cure Your Anxiety
Life presents us with many challenges. Once we get through them, we can be left with anxiety, fear, and pain. Network member Emily Davis learned that stories have the power to teach us, free us, and heal us.