April 2012

The Writer

The essential resource for writers

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Features
6 smart tips for writing for the Web
By Thursday Bram

Learn the basics of how search engines work and how to make your written content stand out in searches.

New author focused on quality, polish and learning the biz
By Kira Peikoff

As part of her job in publishing, the writer was sending out rejections—at the same time she was receiving her own for her novel. Eventually it won an acceptance.

How a literary life begins
By John Robinson

In the midst of self-doubt and struggle, a writer finds the courage to follow his dream.

Tell them a story
By Marilyn Taylor

A memorable narrative poem features three key elements: plot, voice and point of view.

Test your literary I.Q.
By Bill Ott

Our intrepid examiner tests your knowledge with an entertaining set of 20 questions.

A keen eye, and fine Prose
By Sarah Anne Johnson

A multifaceted and prolific author, Francine Prose has forged a reputation for paying close attention to great writers, and the world around her.

10 reasons you can attend a writing conference
By Joyce B. Lohse

Don’t assume they’re unaffordable. There are ways to bring down the expense—and get more from the experience.

The road to publication
By Elfrieda Abbe
Four writers with debut memoirs describe their path from idea to book. Take heart—there’s nothing mysterious about the process, although luck can play a role.
Great writing tips from 125 years of The Writer
By The Writer staff

We scoured our considerable archive and found timeless advice from famous—like Wallace Stegner and Patricia Highsmith—and not-so-famous writers.

9 writing mistakes that just won't quit
By Susan Breen
For years, our novelist-teacher has seen a lot of the same errors recur in storytelling. Why not give them heed and save yourself some pain?
The talent myth
By Barbara Baig
Writers can learn some valuable lessons from the expertise researchers.
Instant writing motivation
By Luc Reid

Drawn largely from recent research in neurology and psychology, here are 20 techniques to get you going.

Get ready to market
By Bharti Kirchner
The first six months after a novel’s publication is the crucial period for your promotional efforts.
Going digital with e-books
By Penny C. Sansevieri

There are some good reasons why this format has taken off. Learn what it could mean for your writing options.

Ask for more money--and get it
By Kelly James-Enger

A simple, three-step technique can help you respectfully make the case for a higher fee.

Conference Insider Santa Barbara Writers Conference
By Martha Lundin

Our spotlight conference this month offers some extra fun: after-hours “Pirate Workshops.”

Writing about food between bites
By Bharti Kirchner
Want to share your love of fine cuisine and flair for description? Follow these tips from the author of many cookbooks and articles.
Literary Spotlight: Grain
By Melissa Hart
This month’s spotlight is on the literary journal Grain, describing its tone, editorial preferences and contributors.   
Departments
Editor's Notes
By Jeff Reich
Take Note
How to handle people who tell you not to be a writer, the single most useful thing about writing that author Piers Anthony ever learned, plus much more.
Write Stuff
By Chuck Leddy

A roundup of 20 must-have writing books organized into seven different genres.

Markets
By Martha Lundin

This month, a list of upcoming writing conferences.

How I Write
By Deb Aronson
For popular young-adult fiction writer Sharon G. Flake, the creative process is like getting on a train and going for a ride.
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