December 2015

Alicia Anstead

The play's the thing

By Alicia Anstead

Listen to your inner monologue to find the story.

 

PLUS: The MFA Guide!

Features

Within an inch of truth

By Megan Kaplon

Short story writer Mia Alvar looks slant at real life to create compelling fiction.

Writer guy

By Melissa Hart

Dinty W. Moore talks about his unconventional, superstitious, comic, mindful and messy approach to teaching and practicing craft.

Le mot juste

By Jack Smith

Novelist Christine Sneed shares advice for making every page a work of poetry.

Facty with fiction

By Roger Morris

Six novelists share thoughts and tips on fictionalizing personal experiences.

Departments

WRITER AT WORK

On the hour

By Libby Cudmore

Want to finish the novel? Skip TV.

OFF THE CUFF

Going south

By Eliana Osborn

A self-imposed writing retreat resets a goal.

FREELANCE SUCCESS

Act like a pro

By Ryan Van Cleave

Five tips for presenting yourself expertly.

CLASS ACTION

What the F?

By Meredith Quinn

Learn the difference between an MA and an MFA.

Also in Every Issue

From the Editor

Take Note

Bestselling grammar tips, parallel structure, Nick Flynn and more.

Markets

130+ MFA programs

Classified advertising

How I Write

Sam Kean: “Once you have a good story, I figure the science will take care of
itself.”