May/June 2012 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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Website of the Week
Writing Website of the Week
Published author Roz Morris' website covers a lot of topics about writing--some serious, some for fun. Either way, it's a site that's worth a few minutes of any writer's week. (I recommend following her on Twitter too.Nail Your Novel 
*Not affiliated with our 101 Best Writing Websites feature.
Author Archives: Brian A. Klems
The Q: What’s the Best Piece of Novel Writing Advice You’ve Ever Received? (Plus, Win a Free WD Subscription!)
We’ve all received writing advice at some point in our lives. Whether it was a high school English teacher who suggested we cut back on using passive voice, a conference presenter who recommended abandoning our prologue, or a roommate who told us to never give up (and to, perhaps, get a second job in order to help pay the rent). The best pieces of writing advice stick with us and make us better writers, so it’s important we share that with others—after all, writers need to stick together. Read more
Getting Your Money Back
You slide your card into the ATM machine and attempt to withdraw cash, only to find that your account is empty. Something is wrong, as just yesterday, you had $5,000 in it. Only one person you know could be responsible for this—and without hesitation, you are off to confront that person and get your money back. Read more
Since vs. Because
Are “since” and “because” interchangeable or is there a difference between them? This quick explanation will help you put this hot-button issue to rest once and for all. Read more
WD Editors Are Writers Too: Meet Robert Lee Brewer, Senior Content Editor of Writer’s Market
All the editors on Writer’s Digest staff aren’t just 9-5 editors, we are also writers and storytellers—which is why we are so passionate about writing and publishing. “WD Editors Are Writers Too” is a feature on this blog to give you a sneak peek at the folks who lead the WD community—including their quirks, what inspires them and what they are writing outside of the Writer’s Digest world. Today’s pick is Writer’s Market Senior Content Editor Robert Lee Brewer, who loves writing, social media, connecting with others and the Cincinnati Reds as much as I do. He was also once named Poet Laureate of the Blogosphere and can grow a monster beard in like a week. Read more
Valentine’s Day Secret Admirer
You receive a Valentine’s Day card in the mail from a secret admirer. According to the love note, the secret admirer will reveal his or her identity on Valentine’s Day at a location mentioned on the card. Oddly enough, this is the same location you are taking your current love interest out on a Valentine’s Day date. Write about how this evening plays out. Read more
The 39 Best Blogs for Writers
While rolling through my typical stable of writing blogs this morning, I stumbled upon this great article by Writer’s Market editor Robert Lee Brewer (if you don’t follow @robertleebrewer on Twitter, you should). Anyway, he put together a great list of 39 Great Writing Blogs that he believes are most worthy of your precious time. Here’s what he says. Read more
The Tooth Fairy is a Thief
The Tooth Fairy visits your house in the middle of the night, only she isn’t just taking your children’s teeth. What is she stealing from your house and how do you attempt to stop her? Read more
Mystery Writing: An Interview With Author Mary Kay Andrews
Mary Kay Andrews was a successful journalist and mystery writer, but she still hadn’t found her niche—until a career renovation pushed her out of her comfort zone and onto the bestseller list. Read more
Not Your Average Bar Fight
After getting into an argument with another patron at a local bar, the person challenges you to a fight out back. Because you’ve never been in a fight before (and don’t want this to be your first time), you come up with a more creative way to settle your dispute. Read more
Use These Writing Prompts (& Get Feedback on Your Writing)
As the first month of 2012 winds down, so does the fight to stay strong in keeping up with New Year’s resolutions. It’s so easy to fall off the horse for a few days, then a few more days, then a few more—and we do this without considering how much falling off a horse actually hurts! (Even falling off a figurative horse hurts our writing career in the long run.) So with month two creeping up on us, I’d like to offer up some writing prompt exercises to rekindle your creative spirit. Read more