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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.
Years ago when my sister was visiting
By Alicia AnsteadWhen I eventually found the stone and wiped off the mud, one word gleamed at me: WRITE. At that moment, I had no idea about my sister’s mischief. All I knew was that a talisman seemed to have revealed itself to me with a clear directive.
Features
Location, location, location
By Elfrieda AbbeNovelist David Rhodes gives advice on how setting creates character, interiority and narrative.
The college try
By Harvey RachlinDon’t wait for the degree. Check out 15 ways undergrads can jumpstart a writing career.
Chapter One: Bill Cheng
By Megan KaplonA debut novelist reveals how he hooked his audience from the opening line.
Shrink tank
By Grace BelloPack a punch with your book summary. Learn how to pare down your story – and snag an agent – in 200 words.
In tune
By Kinney LittlefieldScreenwriter Callie Khouri shapes the complex characters of Nashville through story and song.
Departments
Curious surge
By Alicia AnsteadPush toward the wacky and outlandish. Set your inner writer free.
Type faster
By Jennifer WillisIn the twilight of his life, Jay Lake savors his time as a novelist.
Let’s get physical
By Sarah ZobelA runner’s physical therapy inspires 10 fiction-writing tips.
Cracking open truth
By Robert HirschfieldSenior poets use words to connect, explore and reflect.
Make them tell stories
By Dale McGarrigleWith profiles of literary giants, a collection of interviews sheds light on the writing life.
Crossing borders
By Hillary CasavantThe International Festival of Authors is a launch pad for new writers.
Parental guidance
By Melissa HartEssays in Brain, Child tackle the ups and downs of raising a family.
Also in Every Issue
From the Editor
Take Note
When to scrap a story, the best go-to writing guides and products to organize your office.
Markets
Get “classy” with our MFA program guide.
Classified advertising
How I Write
Jonathan Maberry: “Don’t wait for the muse to whisper in your ear.”