February 2017

February 21st

By February 21st

Features

Introducing the DIY writing retreat

By Susan Ito

Most writers don’t have enough cash, time, or patience to plan a writing getaway, right?
Wrong.

On self-assignment

By Amy Wright

Sometimes our writing asks us to step away from the page and into the real world.

Niche networks

By Melissa Hart

Conferences and retreats for every writer.

From both sides

By Jack Smith

In fiction and nonfiction alike, Pulitzer Prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen aims to shed fresh light on war, race, culture, and, ultimately, our humanity.

Departments

OFF THE CUFF

‘What do you do?’

By Pete Croatto

How to answer this deceptively difficult question.

BREAKTHROUGH

What the writer doesn’t know

By Lynne Constantine

In a sea of conflicting advice, one writer finally found a voice she could trust – and refined her own in the process.

WRITER AT WORK

Hit the ground running

By Jen A. Miller

A five-step guide to planning a successful DIY book tour.

WRITING ESSENTIALS

Scene-building secrets

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Three creative nonfiction pros on how to snare readers.

CLASS ACTION

Low-res? Try no-res.

By Jeff Tamarkin

When you can’t get away to pursue your MFA, these online-only programs might offer a solution.

CONFERENCE INSIDER

Warm, welcoming, collegial

By Melissa Hart

Canadian camaraderie abounds at the Surrey International Writers’ Conference.

LITERARY SPOTLIGHT

Art of darkness

By Melissa Hart

This online magazine definitely isn’t afraid of the dark.

Also in Every Issue

From the Editor

Take Note

James Sadwith, Dylan Landis, and more.

Markets

How I Write

Etgar Keret: “There’s something intense about my stories, and I see my stories like explosions. They come from the gut and come out short. It’s just the way I write.”