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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.
Making novels
By Alicia AnsteadLast year, The Writer staff conducted a survey in which we asked readers what area of writing interests them the most. The largest percentage replied: book-length fiction, followed closely by short fiction. Surveys are always tricky, but if I had to put my money on it, I’d bet that writing the “great American novel” (or any country’s “great novel”) is a dream that is alive and well, at least among our readers.
Features
Cave art
By Robert G. PushkarWhen it comes to his work, Andre Dubus III is a creature of habit.
That’s a wrap
By Dale McGarrigleIn a picture-centric culture, writers look to video to sell their books.
Lonely arts
By Donna GephartWriting is a solitary business. Here’s how to stay connected to others.
Slammed!
By Hillary CasavantPoetry slam participants share techniques that apply to all genres.
Hannah Moskowitz on the edge
By Sharon NaylorForget vampires. The YA author has a different kind of bite.
Character and point of view: Alexander Maksik
By Megan KaplonThe novelist discusses his process for falling in love with characters.
Departments
The 40-year novel
By James Allen MitchellA European escapade leads (eventually) to success.
Character profile
By Patrick ScalisiHaving trouble with characters? Interview them.
Filling the tanks
By Erica MeyerLooking for great ideas? Travel may help.
Between the sheets
By Alicia AnsteadBe fearless about intimacy in your work.
Teen time
By Charlene OldhamMoving from adult to YA markets can open a new world for you and for readers.
Magical space
By Hillary CasavantIndia’s Jaipur Literary Festival renews joy.
Father’s day
By Melissa HartKindling Quarterly carries a torch for fathers.
Also in Every Issue
From the Editor
Take Note
Your monthly prompt, a trio of YA authors born in November, Helena Maria Viramontes on writing, a Q&A about NaNoWriMo, a lesson on idioms and tips for professional dress codes.
Markets
Classified advertising
How I Write
Amor Towles: “Writing is a craft. It’s not a mystical state.”