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Services for Writers


Want to polish a short story? Need feedback on your poetry? Looking for a writing coach who can help you stay focused on your writing goals and work closely with you to improve your writing? I offer proofreading, editing, and critiques as well as a writing coach program that includes weekly feedback. Visit the services page to learn more.

Recent Posts

July News and Announcements

Summer was off to an overcast start here in California. Just when I started thinking we were never going to get any sunshine, the clouds parted... 

Poetry Terms: Alliteration

If you write poetry, then you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the poetry terms that are used to identify, define, and discuss the... 

How to Stay Inspired with a Creative Writing Talisman

Sometimes when we sit down to write, the muse is in full effect and the words pour forth effortlessly. Other times, we sit there staring at a... 

Better Writing Habits

Every ambitious writer strives to consistently produce better writing. We work to master grammar, develop a strong voice, and build sentences... 

Writing Resources: The Writing Show

Looking for some great writing resources? Sit down and listen to interviews with writers – but read this first. The Writing Show The Writing... 

Word Pairs: Lay or Lie

Word pairs often seem like they were designed to confuse writers. One of the most common grammatical mistakes is the practice of unwittingly... 

Are You a Serious Writer?

Need a writing coach? There are countless types of writers, from the Pulitzer Prize winning novelist to the small child who pens poetry about... 

Writing Community Projects

Join other writers who are working toward creative goals with these writing community projects.

 
 

Writing Resources

Latest News

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July News and Announcements

Summer was off to an overcast start here in California. Just... 

Creative Writing Exercises

Keep your writing fresh and inspired with creative writing exercises - fiction, poetry, and more!


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Sensible Writing Exercises

Ah, the senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. How do... 

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Poetry Writing Exercises for Groups and Partners

Today’s poetry writing exercises encourage you to try co-authoring... 

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Poetry Writing Exercises: Freewriting and Poem Building

Today’s poetry writing exercises will show you how to build... 

Writing Tips

Get useful writing tips, creative writing ideas, and insight for proofreading and editing your work.


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Better Writing Habits

Every ambitious writer strives to consistently produce better... 

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Writing Resources: The Writing Show

Looking for some great writing resources? Sit down and listen... 

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Questions, Curiosity, and Writing Ideas

Even though writing ideas abound all around us, we writers sometimes... 


About Writing Forward


Writing Forward features creative writing tips and ideas, including articles on grammar, fiction writing, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Get writing exercises and poetry prompts, the latest news from the publishing industry, and most importantly, connect with the warm and supportive writing community.

Every year, we promote writerly events, such as National Grammar Day, National Poetry Month, Read Across America, and National Novel Writing Month. These events are designed to keep writers doing what they do best.

Keep on writing.

Melissa Donovan

Who's Flying This Ship?


My name is Melissa Donovan. I'm a self-employed website copywriter and web content specialist.

Creative writing is one of my passions. I earned a BA in English with a concentration in creative writing, and I've been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember. I write fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. And of course, I blog.

My goal is to promote great writing, help writers stay inspired and motivated, and to act as an advocate for writers.