Writers' Den Digest: Must-Have Tools & Writing Resources for Autumn '24
Plus: Sharpen your writing with pro editing tips, time-saving tools, and fresh inspiration including a short story contest on now.
Dear Writers’ Den Members,
As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on a crisp edge, autumn reminds us it’s time for reflection, refinement, and preparation. This season calls us to pause, take stock, and grow—not with the rapid, unchecked pace of summer, but with the thoughtful care that comes from editing, fine-tuning, and embracing change.
Just as the seasons shift, so must our approach to writing. It’s about recognizing what’s working, letting go of what isn’t, and focusing on the craft with fresh clarity.
Forgive me if that all sounds a little “woo.” It’s not at all. I promise.
In practical terms, I’m talking about carving out space this fall to polish the ideas you’ve nurtured—and just as importantly, knowing when to stop. I’m talking about practicing the economy of words and refining your voice. Whether collaborating with editors or sharpening your self-editing skills, each small adjustment moves you closer to your best work.
Don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t inspired to jump into anything new right now. This is a great time to dust off an older piece for revisions or a next draft. Review your previous works for hidden gems, and work on prioritizing what you want to write next. Every step forward, from receiving constructive feedback to saying goodbye to a beloved but misplaced sentence, sharpens your writing into something more meaningful and intentional.
So, as you sip your warm tea (ugh, fine… pumpkin spiced latte 🎃) and watch the autumn winds sweep away the old, take this time to approach your writing with renewed purpose. And remember, you’re never alone in this journey. We’re here to support each other through every revision and breakthrough.
What are you refining this fall? Share your current projects, breakthroughs, or struggles with the Den.
~ Miranda
Heads up—this post contains links to products and services I actually use. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. A writer’s gotta eat!
10-Second Tip
Set a 25-minute timer and focus on writing without distractions—it's amazing what you can accomplish in short, focused sprints! It’s called the Pomodoro Method 🍅 - and it’s completely free. Check it out.
Tool Time: My Top Pick for Busy Writers
Writing is challenging enough without having to juggle the marketing side, too. I’ve been experimenting with a ton of AI tools for creatives (and started a whole blog about it, in fact!) to reduce the time and legwork needed to have a social presence as a writer.
My pick right now is Submagic—it helps you get your work out there on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook without spending hours editing videos. It's a game-changer for saving time and boosting engagement, and one of the more affordable tools out there with packages starting at $14/month.
Submagic makes quick work of things like:
👀 Auto-Zoom
Highlight the important moments of your video by adding zooms.
✍️ Captions
Generate captions for your videos in the latest trending styles across 48 languages.
💭 Generating Descriptions
Get more visibility on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Use Submagic as part of your toolkit to quickly grow your audience while keeping your focus on what matters most: your writing!
(P.S. Use the code MIRANDA10 at checkout to take 10% off your order.)
Toolkit Honourable Mentions:
Grammarly Premium - because no one is perfect. I’ve used the premium version for 2+ years as a Chrome extension so it automatically suggests improvements whether I’m working in Google Docs, email, or elsewhere. Get a month free using my link above.
Nightcafe Studio, a high-quality AI image generator I’ve used often since writing about it last year.
Quickbooks Online - handles your invoicing, sales tax remittance calculations, online payment processing, business performance reports, and more.
ICYMI: From the Writers’ Den
The Writers’ Den Roundup: Insights and Inspiration
I’m always on the lookout for resources that make the writing life a little easier. In this edition, I’ve pulled together some of my top picks—whether you’re looking to fine-tune your craft, get inspired, or simply improve your workflow. Dig in and see how they can support your writing journey!
Crowdfunding for Writers Who Need First-Time Guidance - JaneFriedman.com
Curious about crowdfunding a book? This article by flash fiction writer Jason Brick is a must-read. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter make it possible to fund everything from editing to cover design, but the space has gotten a lot more competitive. See what he recommends.
Kristin Owens: 5 Things I (Painfully) Learned While Writing Elizabeth Sails - TerribleMinds.com
If you’re in the thick of writing your debut novel (or thinking about it), Kristin Owens’ article is packed with humor and hard-won lessons. I included this piece because it’s an honest, relatable look at the struggles (and triumphs) every writer faces—whether you’re on your first book or your fifth.
Is Writing For Newspapers Still A Good Career Path? - The Write Life
While the news industry has faced major changes, from layoffs to the rise of digital media, there are still opportunities for those passionate about telling important stories and getting their byline out there. This piece offers practical insights on the pros and cons of a newspaper writing career and tips for getting started, whether you’re pursuing journalism or exploring new digital paths.
Every Copywriting Formula Ever (or The Ultimate Guide to No-Pain Copywriting) - Copyhackers
If writing copy feels daunting, Joanna Wiebe’s guide to copywriting formulas is your ultimate cheat sheet. It compiles every copywriting formula out there, giving you a clear framework to write faster and more effectively—whether it's for a landing page, an email, or a sales pitch.
Formal vs. Informal Writing: A Complete Guide - Grammarly
Learn how to adapt your tone for different audiences, from business emails to friendly chats, and understand the differences in word choice, structure, and style. Understanding when to use formal or informal writing can help you craft clearer, more impactful messages – including your own marketing and pitches to agents or publishers.
Contest Opp
This one is for the Canadians in the crowd…
The CBC Short Story Prize is open now until November 1, 2024. The winner receives $6,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts, a two-week writing residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and their work will be published on CBC Books.
What I’m Reading
One of the best things about being a writer is that reading is part of the job. Here’s my most recent homework:
It’s not a new release, but it’s new to me; I just discovered the book last month.
Tommy Orange’s There There is a masterclass in layered, multi-perspective storytelling that grips readers with its raw exploration of urban Native American identity. Writers will find the intricate structure fascinating as Orange seamlessly weaves together about a dozen distinct voices, crafting a mosaic of personal stories that intersect in surprising and profound ways.
Through lyrical prose and a carefully fragmented narrative, this novel challenges conventional character development, showing how fractured lives and histories can mirror the complexities of telling—and reclaiming—a collective story.