December 2000

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
Family histories beget novel ideas
By Erna Holyer
Most families have at least one or two fascinating characters with unique experiences that would interest readers. Read these tips on turning a family history into a publishable tale.
Tips on writing children's books
By Nancy McArthur
Get some pointers and find out what one published author learned about writing, rewriting and "testing" a successful children's book.
Science fiction writers face a tough jury
By Gene Stewart
According to writer Isaac Asimov, science fiction is one of the most difficult forms of writing, because it demands so much of both its writers and its readers. What does it take to impress this tough "jury?" Here are some tips.
A conversation with Richard Russo
By Lewis Burke Frumkes
The author of Nobody's Fool and other novels talks about his work and his writing process, and offers some advice for beginning writers.
Capture your ideas on the page
By Madeleine Costigan
"Great ideas can be exhilarating, making the writer feel as though the story is already half-written." The author provides suggestions on how to capture the enthusiasm of your best ideas and make them work in the final story.
Essay writing as a path to Self
By Catherine Lazers Bauer
The personal essay is not only the perfect vehicle through which a writer can express attitudes, emotions and opinions, but it can also help the writer define his or her Self and inspire other projects.
2000 index of articles
Utilize this helpful index of every article published in The Writer in 2000, cross referenced by subject, title and author.
Departments
Roving editor
Off the cuff
Write in time: Put your energy level to work
By Bill Nelson
Writing when their energy levels are high is the secret of many successful writers. Learn how to tap into this common-sense strategy.
They say
Letters to the editor
From the editor
The rostrum
End pieces let writers have the last word
By Ruth Smalley
The fairly new phenomenon of the "last page" essay in many periodicals allows even nonpublished writers to express their opinions through creative essays.
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Markets
Op-ed pages; political articles; religious magazines
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