December 2013 - The Writer

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.

The "truth" about nonfiction

By Alicia Anstead

During the final stages of putting together each issue of this magazine, I am almost always surprised by a theme that stealthily slips into my consciousness as if secretly hired by the powerful collective wisdom of the writers gathered in these 50-some pages. Our editors believed we were knitting together stories in this issue about “the truth” about nonfiction writing – and yes, the predominance of these stories address those “truths” (shall we say).

Features

Getting personal

By Pat Olsen

Successful practitioners share insights into the rules – or lack thereof – for personal essays.

Full quart press

By Kristen Andresen

Alissa Quart combines the skills of poetry and journalism for a book about outsiders.

Render truth

By Linda McCullough Moore

Think you’re in control as a writer? Paul Harding has news for you.

Prompt service

By Katharine Davis

You’ve heard of writing groups. May we suggest a prompt group?

Jesmyn Ward: structure and memoir

By Megan Kaplon

The novelist talks about the challenges of moving from fiction to memoir.

Can’t stop telling

By Hillary Casavant

Novelist Steve Yarbrough talks about the value of hard work.

Departments

Breakthrough

Anthropologist of love

By Elizabeth Cohen

She went online looking for love. Instead, she found stories.

Writing Essentials

Anecdotally speaking

By Kelly James-Enger

Finding real-life sources requires curiosity and diligence.

Off the Cuff

Be advised

By Julia Rappaport

Advice from outstanding editors will serve you forever.

Freelance Success

Unlocking the LOC

By Jack Hamann

Find out why it’s important to know the Library of Congress’ rules.

Conference Insider

Beautiful concentration

By Hillary Casavant

The Blue Flower conference offers an oasis.

Literary Spotlight

Improvement project

By Melissa Hart

CAB combines literary arts with social mission.

Also in Every Issue

From the Editor

Take Note

Monthly prompts, writing “gifts,” Chang-rae Lee on writing, a Q&A about Kirkus, a guide to seasonal treasures, three meditation exercises. And more.

Markets

Classified advertising

How I Write

Nancy K. Miller: “Without that raw material, I’m not sure how I would have written the book.”