20 Writing Tips from the 2025 AWP Conference in Los Angeles

This weekend, I had the privilege of exhibiting as an author at AWP in LA—a dreamlike space where book lovers, introverts, and creative souls gathered in full force to share, create, and connect. Imagine an entire convention center buzzing with literary energy, brimming with writers, publishers, and readers: a fever dream of book nerd heaven.

The vibes: Creativity with a touch of gentle chaos

Walking through the LA Convention Center, you could feel the passion in the air. Tables stacked with books, eager authors repping their work, and conversations filled with dreams, aspirations, and the occasional publishing horror story. The energy was friendly, curious, and inspiring. And for someone who thrives on deep, meaningful exchanges, this was the place to be.

This weekend was an investment—in my career, my craft, and my belief in the power of storytelling. Being surrounded by so many brilliant minds reminded me that writing isn’t just about the words—it’s about connection, persistence, and finding the right home for your work.

And since I was able to meet so many brilliant writers, I want to share some of their winning tips for fulfilling creative writing.

20 tips for creative writing

1. “Write something that your 18-year-old self would have had to hide to read.” - Maya Deane, author of Wrath Goddess Sing

2. "Prompts are really helpful. If you have random prompts in a jar and reach out and pull a handful out, challenge yourself to incorporate all of those things." - Robin Michel, writer & poet

3. “Don’t get discouraged, no matter how discouraging it gets.” - Spencer Fleury, author

4. “Write longhand.” - Anya Ventura, writer

5. “Work hard.” - Ben Bush, writer

6. “Try the Pomodoro method.” - Pearl Griffin, writer

7. “Practice makes progress. You don’t have to be perfect—just write something.” - Monarch Sterling, poet

8. “Somebody needs to hear what you’re writing, so write it anyway.” - Sam Ray, writer

9. “Don’t fight the edits.” - Alaina Noelle, poet

10. "Write more and don't ever throw any of it away." - John Gallaher, poet & editor

11. "Be very careful about tips from writers." - A.M. Juster, writer

12. "Have a point and know what you're shooting for." - Dr. Bruce Wasserman, poet & author

13. "Let your life inform your story." - Elizabeth Hensley, author of Dead Girl

14. "Make your plot before you write the story." - Caleb Maser, writer

15. "Sit with the characters and constantly ask why." - Ishara Serette, writer

16. "Force a routine. I've realized I do better with routine." - Katie Peterson, managing editor at Booth Journal

17. "I'm big on coming up with fun ideas you wouldn't normally think of. The way I get there: If I think of a character, I ask why and how. I get those answers, then I ask why and how. Then i get those answers, I ask why and how. Eventually, who what when and where will all be answered by the why and how. Why is motivation, how is agency. Those two things drive characters and narrative." - Eric Taveren, author

18. "Write what you want to write and don't be too worried about anything else." - Tivoli Silas, writer

19. "You know 'Write what you know,' but I think what's more interesting is writing what you're trying to figure out." - Michael Muszynski, fiction editor at Reed Magazine

20. "Prioritize your writing over all the other stuff. So often, writers get steeped in craft, marketing, finding agent, etc. You get inundated with noise, don't have time or energy to do the thing that started you on journey." - Taylor Bradley Wright, author & publicist

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