We've got the words.

Here you'll find a collection of tips, tricks, and advice from our writing community, just for you.

A desk with a typewriter, cup and saucer, notebooks, pen, glasses and books

Dear Auntie DD

Dear Auntie DD, I’ve been seeing this guy, and things seem to be going well, but he only wants to see me really late at night. How do I know if I’m just a booty call, or whether he might be a vampire? Sincerely,Late nights in London Dear Late Nights…
A typewriter with a sheet of paper loaded, next to a stack of books

Tips To Improve Your Speed Without Losing The Heart Of Your Story – Part 2

By Ewrither I am not a neuroscientist, so take the following as an indication of what happens in our minds when we write. Do not take it as literally how the brain works, nor use it to perform brain surgery. Writing is a creative and open process but editing is…
A typewriter with a sheet of paper loaded, next to a stack of books

Writing Software For Writers’ Brains

By KimBoo York There has been talk for years about a “killer app” for writers, but I am going to be honest: there isn’t one. That’s not because there are no great apps out there, but because every writer is a unique flower, and usually of the hothouse kind! Every…
A typewriter with a sheet of paper loaded, next to a stack of books

How Dictation Increased My Productivity

By Kit Tunstall When I first started dictating in 2015, I wasn’t chasing efficiency. I just needed pain relief. My hands, worn from years of typing, couldn’t keep up with my brain anymore without a lot of pain, so I picked up an Olympus 821 recorder, bought Dragon 13 Premium,…
A desk with a typewriter, cup and saucer, notebooks, pen, glasses and books

Dear Auntie DD

Dear Auntie DD, I’ve just been sold to a mob boss. Until yesterday, I was in college, so I don’t have much time to put together my bridal registry. Any advice? Sincerely,Getting married in the morning Dear Getting Married In The Morning, A box of cornflakes doesn’t have to make…
A typewriter with a sheet of paper loaded, next to a stack of books

Tips To Improve Your Speed Without Losing The Heart Of Your Story – Part 1

By Ewrither This part is about the mechanics of writing – when you put pen to paper, finger to keyboard etc. It is not about the creative side of writing. That gets some attention in part 2. The best way to speed up your writing is probably either:– becoming a…
A typewriter with a sheet of paper loaded, next to a stack of books

Build An Author Productivity Tool Chest

By KimBoo York It’s not always easy to be productive, and when it comes to writing, the road is filled with hurdles, twists, and turns. Sometimes we need help staying focused or finding our groove. I’ve pulled together some recommendations for apps that might help: Focus apps: There are several…
a desk crowded with notebooks, pens, laptop, tablet, phone and mugs

How A Writing Community Changed My Life And Fed My Children

By HJ Perry When I joined Dirty Discourse, I was in my 40s and had 3 young children. I needed to earn some money from work that fitted around looking after kids. I was confident I could write fiction. The stumbling block was how to turn my creative words into…
A desk with a typewriter, cup and saucer, notebooks, pen, glasses and books

Dear Auntie DD

Dear Auntie DD, What’s the appropriate waiting period before eloping with my older sister’s former crush? Sincerely,Not Lydia Dear Not Lydia, Loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable; that one false step involves her in endless ruin; that her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful; and…
A typewriter with a sheet of paper loaded, next to a stack of books

Productivity Hacks For Writers

By KimBoo York There are plenty of productivity hacks out there which are great for writers. The pomodoro method is a fantastic tool for writing sprints, and a lot of online co-writing session leaders use it. The method is simple, just trading off timed sprints of productivity with timed rest…

Are you ready for more?

Become a DD member and gain instant access to expert advice and a supportive writing community, all for only $10/month.