Writing Life Advice

Common Pitfalls Preventing You From Writing the Novel: Tips from the Novel Generator

The Fall Novel Generator is a seven-month program designed to help a small cohort of writers complete the first drafts of their novels. Apply now for the 2026-27 Fall Novel Generator! Deadline is Tuesday, July 7th.

Craft Advice Writing/Reading Resources

What’s the MDQ? Focusing on the Main Dramatic Question in the Essay Incubator

What makes an essay feel focused, purposeful, and emotionally resonant? Essay Incubator instructor Ethan Gilsdorf explores the concept of the Main Dramatic Question (MDQ)—the central tension, desire, or inquiry that gives an essay its shape and momentum.

Writing Life Advice

The Art of Curiosity: Tips from the Mystery/Thriller Generator

The Mystery/Thriller Novel Generator is a seven-month program designed to help a small cohort of writers complete the first drafts of their Mystery/Thriller novels. Apply now for the 2026-27 Mystery/Thriller Novel Generator! Deadline is Tuesday, July 7th.

Writing Life Advice

Why Romance Tropes Aren’t Enough: Tips From the Romance Novel Generator

The Romance Novel Generator is a seven-month program designed to help a small cohort of writers complete the first drafts of their romance novels. Apply now for the 2026-27 Romance Novel Generator! Deadline is Tuesday, July 7th.

Interviews

Interview with Lesley Mahoney O’Connell, Author of Ripple Effects and Other Stories

This post was written by Emily Ross and was originally published on: Dead Darlings, a blog about novel writing run by alumni of GrubStreet's Novel Incubator program.

Writing Life Advice

What’s My Essay About? Tips from the Essay Incubator

The Essay Incubator is a 10-month intensive program for essay writers interested in drafting, revising, and publishing their work. Apply now for the 2026-27 Essay Incubator! Deadline is Tuesday, June 30th.

Interviews

Behind the Silence and Secrets at the Heart of Susan Donovan Bernhard’s Irish-American Epic Westerly

This post was written by Hesse Phillips and was originally published on: Dead Darlings, a blog about novel writing run by alumni of GrubStreet's Novel Incubator program.

Special Series Writing Life Advice

How Much Do I Have to Share? Tips from the Writing to Heal Immersive Program

Writing to Heal is an immersive program designed to give nonfiction students a deep dive into how the writing process can serve as a healing tool for adversity. We are pleased to share instructor, Jennifer Crystal's, philosophy and tips for applying.

Writing/Reading Resources

Deadline Extended to 6/15: Advanced Personal Essay and Advanced Poetry Workshops

Need a little more time? Applications for our Advanced Personal Essay and Advanced Poetry Workshops are now open through Monday, June 15.

Writing/Reading Resources

Is the Essay Incubator For You? Alums Share Why You Should Apply Today

Wondering whether to apply to the Essay Incubator? We asked some recent graduates to share their thoughts about the program Applications for the 2026-2027 Essay Incubator are due Tuesday, June 30th at 11:59 PM ET.

Writing/Reading Resources

Get Submitting: Top Five Opportunities for Writers in June 2026

A monthly hand-curated list of the top five contests, grants, scholarships, submission calls, and awards. We do the research, so you have more time for what matters: the writing.

Community Updates

Featured Grubbies: Longlisted for 2026 Mass Book Awards

GrubStreet is thrilled to celebrate the nine incredible Grubbies whose books were longlisted for the 2026 Mass Book Awards!

Writing/Reading Resources

Get Submitting: Top Five Opportunities for Writers in May 2026

A monthly hand-curated list of the top five contests, grants, scholarships, submission calls, and awards. We do the research, so you have more time for what matters: the writing.

Community Updates

Because every person carries a story worth sharing

In this new note from Executive Director, Kim Dawson Ohiomoba, she reflects on GrubStreet's commitment to protecting space for everyone to tell their story, especially at a moment when storytelling is under threat.

Writing/Reading Resources

Get Submitting: Top Five Opportunities for Writers in April 2026

A monthly hand-curated list of the top five contests, grants, scholarships, submission calls, and awards. We do the research, so you have more time for what matters: the writing.