February 2018

Libby Cudmore

Once more, to Pen in Hand

By Libby Cudmore

One writer owes her career to a small-town conference. Seventeen years later, it was time to repay that debt.

Features

Stuck

By Susan Breen

Trapped in the middle of your manuscript? Here’s how to move forward.

Convention apprehension

By Eliana Osborn

Residency, workshop, or conference: Which is right for you?

Cardinal rules of writers’ conferences

By Yi Shun Lai

Three must-follow guidelines to ensure a successful writing conference.

Putting words to work

By Jack Smith

Figurative language in fiction results in deeper meanings and poetic beauty.

Drafting those many drafts

By Jessica Stilling

The 10 revision phases your novel needs to endure before publication.

Departments

WRITING ESSENTIALS

The art of visualization

By By K.L. Romo

How to make your characters and settings come alive.

WRITE STUFF

Making connections

By Jennifer L. Blanck

Online critique groups offer support, guidance, and friendships.

LITERARY SPOTLIGHT

Black Fox Literary Magazine

By Melissa Hart

This seven-year-old publication courts writing of all genres.

CONFERENCE INSIDER

Killer Nashville

By Melissa Hart

This thrilling conference allows participants to learn about the industry, sharpen their crime-solving skills, and net a publishing deal all in one weekend.

Also in Every Issue

From the Editor

Take Note

Featuring Jeannie Vanasco, Libby Cudmore, and more.

Markets

How I Write

Kristen Iskandrian: “I really wanted to plunge into the all-consuming world of the novel. I wanted to try it because it really scared me.”