June 2008

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
Making every word (and rhyme) count
By Jackie Dishner
Popular children's writer Karma Wilson on how to captivate young readers with picture books
pg. 18
Archive: A poet's letter to a beginner
By May Sarton
The prolific author highlighted the importance of revision in turning the 'seeds of true poems' into full-blown works
pg. 21
Step by Step: Put a highly evocative sense to work
By Stephen Delaney
Here are some tips on leading fiction readers by the nose
pg. 25
A newspaper column offers unique rewards
By Suzette Martinez Standring
An experienced practitioner advises you on its pleasures and challenges
pg. 28
Step by Step: The journey to page one
By Laura Backes
How to find and develop an idea into a children's story
pg. 30
Key questions to ask yourself
By Heidi Kilgras
A top Random House editor suggests how to test your children's manuscript
pg. 34
Put on your publicist's hat
By Noelle Sterne
Here are dozens of ways to spread the word about your children's book
pg. 36
10 things to know before you self-publish
By Michael T. Owens
You will have a more rewarding experience if you know what to expect
pg. 37
Departments
Letters
Reader appreciation
By various contributors
Take Note
Today's brave new world of book publishing
By Chuck Leddy, others
pg. 8
Get started
Science Fiction 101: Tips on creating an alternate world
By Patrick LoBrutto
pg. 13
Breakthrough
How freelancing became a profound respite from chronic disease
By Linda C. DeFew
pg. 14
Poet to poet
Want a fun poetic challenge?
By Marilyn Taylor
Meditate on a subject with the leisurely pace and deliberate repetition of a sestina
pg. 15
Writer at work
Shape 'real life' into worthy fiction
By Susan Breen
Get some distance from familiar people, 'jazz' them up, and they just might develop into good characters
pg. 39
Freelance Success
Find good pay in a 'hidden niche'
By Brian Hill
Business plan writers cater to a select audience and receive a high hourly rate
pg. 41
WriteStuff
Top writers share helpful exercises
By Chuck Leddy, Erika Dreifus, Steve Weinberg
Review of "Naming the World and Other Exercises for the Creative Writer" by Bret Anthony Johnston; "Send: The Essential Guide to E-mail for Office and Home" by David Shipley and Will Schwalbe; and "Old Friend From Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir" by Natalie Goldberg
pg. 43
Market focus
Reach millions of young readers
By Kathryn Lay
Children's magazines offer a wide readership and a chance to feel to feel like a kid again
pg. 46
Literary spotlight
Northwest Review
By Melissa Hart
pg. 48
Market listings
Family and parenting, juveniles, seniors and women's magazines
By Compiled by Martha Lundin
pg. 49
How I write
Jerry Spinelli
By Beth Bakkum
pg. 58
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