February 2012

The Writer

The essential resource for writers

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Features
The do's and don'ts of flashbacks
By Bharti Kirchner

Because flashbacks generally involve a shift in time and place, you need appropriate transitions to make the reading experience a smooth one.

Flexibility and a twisted spin on a classic got her in the publishing game
By Porter Grand

At first, the idea of reimagining a classic novel with horror themes and monsters seemed, well, horrifying to the writer. But she came around, and good thing she did.

A writer's legacy
By Barbara Haines Howett

Despite their problems, a mother and daughter connect over their love for words and stories.

How to write the poem that scares you
By Marilyn Taylor

Here are five techniques to help you tackle emotionally difficult subject matter.

40 prompts to get you writing
By Rochelle Melander, Hal Zina Bennett, Jill Dearman, Midge Raymond, Lori Ann Bloomfield

Five authors share story starters, intriguing scenarios and fun exercises to inspire your work.

Writing like no one's looking
By Gabriel Packard
Like the author herself, Terry McMillan’s fiction is bursting with unbridled personality.
6 self-publishing success stories
By Sandra Hurtes

See what the decision, process and results of self-publishing were like for a diverse group of writers.

Self-help for the budding novelist
By William Kowalski

Think you’re alone in having nagging doubts about yourself, your talent and your story? Think again. “The path to success,” our author says, “is as much an inner journey as an outward struggle.”

2011 Short-Story Contest winner: 'My Brother's Wife'
By Holly S. Warah
Enjoy this story of longing and clashing cultures, then read a little bit about the winning writer, and an appreciation of her story by novelist and executive editor of Tin House Michelle Wildgen.   
Cross over to children's writing
By Mary Quattlebaum
Are you thinking of trying to broaden your reach? Here are some tips on how writers for adults can widen their audiences.
The interviewer's tool kit
By Melissa Hart
From waterproof pens and a cheap camera to breath mints and pregnant pauses, these tips will keep things running smoothly.
Say what?
By Linda DuVal

You can endure a tough interview by developing a thick hide—or relying on a little kindness. Learn from some trying experiences.

9 ways to develop regular clients
By Kelly James-Enger

You should aim to establish solid relationships so you can spend more time writing and less time pitching. Here’s how.

Conference Insider: Whidbey Island Writers Conference
By Martha Lundin

Our spotlight conference offers solid instruction, camaraderie and a beautiful setting.

Improve your winning chances
By Erika Dreifus

Niche literary competitions and awards may mean less competition for you.

Cream City delights in the unexpected
By Melissa Hart
This month’s spotlight is on the literary journal Cream City Review, describing its tone, preferences and contributors.
Departments
Editor's Notes
Take Note
Amazon’s journey into traditional publishing, how to save time on queries, a question for Ask The Writer, Lisa Shearin’s regular bimonthly column on fiction writing, and much more.
Write Stuff

Reviews of three new writing books.

Markets

This month, a list of agents, and tips from agent Natasha Kern in Market Q&A.

How I Write
By Mary Curran Hackett
For Tom Rachman, lauded for his first novel, The Imperfectionists, waiting for inspiration is about the worst thing a fiction writer can do.
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