November 2004

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.

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Features
Advice from a top sci-fi writer: Connie Willis
By Linda DuVal
She may be the most honored science-fiction writer, but to Connie Willis it's all just good storytelling. She starts with "What if?"--then hops aboard her imagination.
Balance fact and fiction in your historical novel
By John Edward Ames
Editorial interest in historical fiction remains high. If you've been eyeing this versatile genre, our veteran author offers some timely direction.
Use your life to enrich your stories
By Leslie What
Turning personal experience into fiction is no reason to take a dry, factual approach. No, this is your time to lie, distort and exaggerate.
Great interviews begin with great questions
By John Brady
The right questions can unlock your subjects--or silence them. Insights from an expert on the art.
MFA writing programs that are right for you
By Angela Jane Fountas
If you're considering an MA or MFA program, this article can help you find a good fit.
8 reasons to join a writers group
By Connie Heckert
Considering ways to improve your writing life? A writers group has many benefits, our author says.
Departments
Editor's notes
Letters
Take note
How "exuberant imperfection" can get you through your first draft quickly, plus other literary notes, Dear Writer, and information on contests and conferences.
Breakthrough
Learning to let go of your first novel
By Karin Gillespie
Turning thumbs-down on your first novel is a tough decision, but our writer learned that it can sometimes lead to better things.
Get started
Finding markets for your articles
By Kelly James-Enger
You're ready to start putting your work out there and you wonder: Who might want it? Here's advice on how to find markets.
Net//Working
Research revolution
By Moira Allen
If you're writing a book proposal, you'll find that Amazon.com is a great free resource for reviewing and discussing your competition.
Writers' exchange
When it pays to break the 'rules' of writing
We've all heard the various "rules of writing." But sometimes, as our four essayists interestingly describe, it just pays to break 'em.
Off the cuff
Write holiday letters your friends will actually read
By Cynthia Pederson
Holiday letters have gotten some bad press--and it's no wonder. Here are some tips on how to evoke interest, not grimaces.
Bottom line
When bad things happen to good assignments
By Kelly James-Enger
You're bound to run into some common freelance hassles--a blown deadline, difficulty finding sources, a killed story. Here are some tips for dealing with them.
WriteStuff
A look at The Writer's Mentor: Secrets of Success from the World's Great Writers, edited by Ian Jackman, plus some brief reviews.
Market focus
Freelancing for newspapers
By Larry Atkins
You won't get rich at it, but writing for newspapers continues to offer good opportunities for building your clips and your platform.
How I write
Classified advertising
Index of advertisers
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