November 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
Creating credible teen sleuths in no mystery
By Joan Lowery Nixon
"How do we, as writers, make young readers believe that an inexperienced kid their own age with problems very much like their own... can actually best law enforcement professionals?"
A conversation with James Patterson
By Lewis Burke Frumkes
"At some point," says Patterson, "I stopped writing sentences and started writing stories. And that's the advice I give to new writers."
Revision: It's child's play
By Monica Wood
"The story that was such a pleasure in the head-long rush of the first draft now seems murky and formless. Panic sets in; paralysis follows. But shouldn't revision - which is the real writing, after all - be a joy?"
Trade on your expertise
By Charles R. McConnell
"By combining your desire to write and publish with knowledge and experience in your profession, you may be able to earn some bylines and open doors to writing opportunities."
A writer's journey
By Maureen Crane Wartski
"The process of writing is not simply a journey from point A to point Z. In between there are pratfalls, pitfalls and writer's block. There are phone calls and unexpected guests. There is, in short, life."
Writer's groups need commitment, planning and focus to succeed
By D.M. Rosner
"I've found that participation in a good critique group not only helps me keep perspectives and polish my writing, but also brings me inspiration during those inevitable dry spells."
Using time elements wisely enlivens features
By John Lenger
"Relying exclusively on chronological narrative is one of the most common mistakes made by beginning feature writers."
Energize you writing
By Beverly J. Letchworth
"Writing with vitality and movement captivates readers, brings realism into your stories and makes readers feel they are living through the chapters' experiences."
From the publisher
Awards
Departments
Roving editor
From the editor
They say
Letters to the editor
The rostrum
Writing for country magazines
By Linda Batt
"Country life is a popular subject covered by an ever-increasing number of publications, ranging from local newsprint weeklies to glossy national magazines. Somewhere in that range is a market just right for your material."
Off the cuff
On creative biographies
By Peter Ackroyd
"Biography is the art of concealment; fiction is that of revelation."
The writer's library
Market newsletter
Prize offers
Where to sell manuscripts
Market News
Magazine Markets
Education; Farming and Agriculture; Health; Media and the Arts; Science and Computers
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