November 2003

The Writer

The essential resource for writers

Join thousands of successful writers when you subscribe to The Writer magazine. Each month The Writer is full of features you can use to improve your writing, including before-and-after examples of improved writing, more literary markets than ever before, practical solutions for writing problems, selected literary magazine profiles, tips from famous authors and hands-on advice.

Features

The scoop on chick lit

By Kelly James-Enger

"Chick lit" may be the hottest fiction trend around right now, and that means opportunities for writers. Hear what editors and agents have to say about breaking in.

Late-bloomer: Julia Glass' inspiring path to success

By Ronald Kovach

On her way to the National Book Award in fiction for her elegant first novel, Three Junes, Julia Glass defied the odds and broke some of the "rules of writing."

Who loves you like the library?

By Arthur Plotnik

An eloquent reminder that in the Internet age, libraries remain a writer's ultimate source of inspiration and reliable, in-depth information.

When the pen soars

By Jane Yolen

Our judge picked the best four from a fine array of essays on the joys of writing, and was ultimately won over by a "Monty Pythonesque monologue."

Learn from expert fact-checkers

By Valerie Feldner

Even if you never write for magazines with fact-checkers, you can read their tips on how to improve the accuracy of your writing.

Too busy for an MFA?

By Sarah Anne Johnson

It may be time to consider the growing number of low-residency writing programs. Here's a look at an MFA option for busy people.

Departments

Letters

Miscellany

An introduction to the New Discovery short-story contest (rules on page 55), the amazing success of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, and other literary notes.

Dear Writer

Some advice for an aspiring songwriter on how to finish what she's started, from Susan Tucker.

Breakthrough

Inspiration plus craft is the key

By Bharti Kirchner

After many successful cookbooks, the author was able to turn her dream of novel-writing into reality.

Net//Working

Getting to know you

By Moira Allen

This month, more on mining the Internet for interactive ways to promote your book.

Off the cuff

Keep hope alive

By Ralph Keyes

Any committed writer needs coping strategies to weather adversity and maintain morale. Here are eight to start with from a veteran author.

Bottom line

Pen for hire

By Anita Bartholomew

Diversifying your energies with corporate, teaching and consulting work can help cushion the slack periods in your freelance writing.

WriteStuff

Reviews of The Middle Mind: Why Americans Don't Think for Themselves by Curtis White and The Freelance Success Book: Insider Secrets for Selling Every Word You Write by David Taylor.

Market focus

Getting green

By Kristine Hansen

Somewhere in most news stories is an environmental angle, and with the right approach and pitch, a freelancer can profit from it.

Market update

Coming of age

By Patricia Kay

The field for contemporary women's fiction is wide open, surging in popularity and collapsing some of the traditional boundaries of some genres.

Market listings

52 MFA programs

How I write

Anthony Swofford

For Jarhead author Anthony Swofford, there's literary value in stumbling down dark alleys.