Start the new year right: Editor's Notes, January 2005
Published: November 29, 2004
What do you want to write in 2005? Maybe you're working on a short story or novel. A nonfiction article or book. A collection of poems. Personal essays. Perhaps you've started a journal to see where your writing will take you.
We had a great time putting together this issue to help you get your year off to a good start (and ours, too). It's chock-full of advice and ideas on how to:
Get inspired Read about five writers and one writers group that received our annual Writer Awards (page 20), given to writers who use their talents to make a difference in their communities. Their stories remind us of the power of words to influence, teach and call others to action.
Improve your craft Take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn from a master of nonfiction, Gay Talese. Senior editor Ronald Kovach sat down with the renowned writer in his New York City townhouse and talked to him about his writing process (page 24). Talese described the narrative techniques he uses to tell compelling stories.
Energize Polly Campbell's "Move on Up" (page 34) offers 20 ways to take your writing to the next level. One of her suggestions is to exercise a writing muscle you haven't used before by trying a different genre. If you've been writing nonfiction, try fiction or poetry.
Dive deep Catherine Munch's essay "Your window on writing" (page 17) struck a chord with me. She writes about using powerful emotions you've experienced without making your writing too raw or too personal. As I read, I found myself making mental notes about people and events in my own life that are, as she puts it, "grist" for my writer's mill.
I hope you find something in this issue that will move you to extend your reach. There's no better time to start than now. |