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May/June 2012 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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Alex Carrick's blog is clean, crisp and entertaining. His stories range from humorous to thought-provoking, making it a fun read.Alex Carrick's Blog 
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Writing Editor Blogs
[description]Browse our editors blogs for topics related to the Writing community including guide to literary agents, Questions and Quandaries and more.
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[keywords]editor blogs, writing blogs, writing community[/keywords]
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[keywords]editor blogs, writing blogs, writing community[/keywords]
Guide to Literary Agents Blog
by Chuck Sambuchino
GLA Editor Chuck Sambuchino keeps track of all news related to literary agents and writing conferences on his blog. Common features include agent interviews, new agency listings, agency profiles, upcoming conferences of interest, contests and other publishing opportunities, valuable writing resources, submission tips and information, and a blogroll of other agent blogs. Read Chuck’s Blog
There Are No Rulesby the editors of Writer’s Digest
Get on the cutting edge of today’s publishing trends and how authors can succeed in a world of fast-paced technological change, guided by the editors of Writer’s Digest. You’ll get an inside look at the work, play, and passion of the publishing business and find practical tools for success. Read There Are No Rules
Questions & Quandariesby Brian Klems
Don’t know the difference between “who” and “whom”? Facing an ethical dilemma about accepting gifts from subjects? Let the informative (and humorous) columnist Brian A. Klems answer some of your most pressing grammatical, ethical, business and writing-related questions. Check out his advice and don’t hesitate to ask a question—your writing career will thank you. Read Brian’s Blog
Poetic Asidesby Robert Brewer
Published poet Robert Lee Brewer blogs on issues affecting poets from the poet’s perspective. As the editor of Writer’s Market, Brewer also shares insights on the publishing industry, especially as it relates to poetry and the poetry markets. He also explains poetic forms, interviews other published poets, and provides the occasional poetry prompt. Read Robert’s Blog
How to Find Great Writing Ideas
In the search for story-worthy ideas, most writers are sidelined by occasional bouts of creative myopia. When it sets in—when your field of inspiration narrows—it’s easy to convince yourself that your luck … Read more
Don’t D-Y-I “Do-Yourself-In” with a D-I-Y Mentality
by Rob Eagar I am one of the few original self-publishing success stories. And, I did it way before the advent of e-books, Amazon, and social media. Over 10 years ago, I … Read more
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 175 (Dessert Poems)
For this week’s prompt, write a dessert poem. The poem can be titled as a dessert. The main characters could be eating or waiting for dessert. Or dessert could just be hinted … Read more
How I Got My Agent: Gretchen Berg
“How I Got My Agent” is a recurring feature on the GLA blog. Some tales are of long roads and many setbacks, while others are of good luck and quick signings. This installment is from humorous memoir writer Gretchen Berg.
GIVEAWAY: Gretchen is excited to give away a free copy of her book to a random commenter. Comment within 2 weeks; winners must live in Canada/US to receive the book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before. Read more
Writers Conference Spotlight: 2012 Crested Butte Writers Conference (Colorado, June 22-24, 2012)
I am very excited to instruct at the 2012 Crested Butte Writers Conference. It’s held in the beautiful town of Crested Butte, CO, from June 22-24, 2012. The event is described as “a small conference designed to be friendly and cozy with the caliber of a large conference.” Read more
All Marketing is a Felt Need
By Rob Eagar In my work as a marketing consultant, I’ve met numerous authors who work in academic circles, such as counselors, professors, pastors, and specialty book publishers. A common problem among … Read more
Literary Agent Interview: Elizabeth Evans of Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency
“Agent Advice” (more than 150 interviews so far!) is a series of quick interviews with literary and script agents who talk with Guide to Literary Agents about their thoughts on writing, publishing, and just about anything else.
This installment features Elizabeth Evans of Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. Elizabeth Evans joined JVNLA in January 2010. Previously, she worked for six years in the San Francisco Bay Area with Kimberley Cameron & Associates. Elizabeth has a degree in English literature and received an MFA in writing from the University of San Francisco. She is the founder of Room to Write, a volunteer group of over forty New York City publishing professionals. Read more
Another Take On “Show, Don’t Tell” For Writers
It’s a writing rule most of us have heard before. And it’s a good one. Because no reader wants to be spoon-fed a story. Readers want to see the story for themselves, to make up their own minds. It’s more interesting and entertaining that way, and even more importantly, it lets the reader become more invested in the characters.
A student once asked me to explain the concept of “show, don’t tell,” and here’s what I told her: Pretend you’re sitting in a movie theater, eager to see the latest Shia LeBeouf action movie. You’ve got the popcorn, the Milk Duds, the Coke. The lights dim, and on the screen, LeBeouf appears, with a white background behind him. Nothing else. He tells the audience with a shrug, “This film had a low budget. I mean, really low. Because of that, I’m going to tell you the movie.” Read more
Create Your E-Book and Make Money Now — New Webinar With Jane Friedman on May 17, 2012
It seems like each month there’s another story about someone making a great deal of money off an e-book they created, whether it’s a fantasy novel or a nonfiction book on parenting. Creating your own e-book puts you in the driver’s seat — but do you know how to drive? Do you know how to maximize what you’ve created and get people to locate & purchase your work? To help you navigate the complicated road of creating and distributing your e-book, we’ve enlisted eMedia guru Jane Friedman, former publisher of Writer’s Digest. She’s teaching “Do Your E-Book Right (and Start Making Money NOW)” on Thursday, May 17, 2012. This is one of our most popular webinars because there is money to be made in the e-book arena if you do it right — and Jane can show you how. Read more
7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Katharine Quinn
This is a recurring column I’m calling “7 Things I’ve Learned So Far,” where writers at any stage of their career can talk about seven things they’ve learned along their writing journey that they wish they knew at the beginning. This installment is from historical fiction writer Kate Quinn, author of historical romance novels.
GIVEAWAY: Kate is excited to give away a free copy of her novel to a random commenter. Comment within 2 weeks; winners must live in Canada/US to receive the book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before. Read more
