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.
Writing Editor Blogs
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
Author Interview: William Richter (Author of DARK EYES, 2012)
Below find a Q&A with author William Richter, who is celebrating the release of his YA crime novel, DARK EYES (Razorbill, March 2012). Richter describes the book as a “gateway thriller — meaning it’s an adult-style crime story but told from the point of view of young central characters.” (Sounds very cool!) It’s his debut YA book, and I always enjoy spotlight up-and-coming authors on my GLA Blog. Read on to learn more Read more
How to Write Effective Dialogue
Dialogue serves several key functions in your fiction: It reveals your characters’ personalities and beliefs, heightens tension, provides an alternative to lengthy descriptive passages and, most importantly, advances your plot. The key … Read more
2012 April PAD Challenge: Day 4
For today’s prompt, take the phrase, “100% (blank);” replace the blank with a new word or phrase; make the new phrase the title of your poem; and then, write your poem. Example … Read more
New Agent Alert: Natasha Alexis of The Zachary Shuster Harmsworth Literary Agency
Natasha is seeking: works of literary and commercial fiction and nonfiction. As a fan of popular culture and cosmopolitan trends, Natasha is keen to represent YA and adult fiction with an edge and fresh point of view, especially works featuring women and people of color. She also has an interest in narrative nonfiction as well as pop science projects. Read more
How to Write a Book When You’re Really, Really Busy
I am, as my mother would say, “a busy little beaver.” While writing my most recent novel, I was working full-time, going to school at UCLA and training for a 50 kilometer footrace. I also slept, ate, saw friends, posted on Twitter and Facebook, blogged, belonged to a book club and watched a number of “Mythbusters” episodes.
With that kind of schedule, one question comes up a lot, especially from other writers: “When do you write?” Read more
2012 April PAD Challenge: Day 3
For today’s prompt, there are actually two options, because it’s Tuesday, which means a “Two for Tuesday” prompt. They are: Write an apology poem, or… Write an unapologetic poem. Your choice. You … Read more
Conference Spotlight: Oklahoma Writers’ Federation Conference (May 3-5, 2012)
Coming up fast is the 2012 Oklahoma Writers Federation Conference in Oklahoma City (May 3-5, 2012), and it looks to be a grand event indeed. The OWFI is a huge writing organization with more than 600 members, and many of them turn out for the annual event. Read more
Things to Write About: Great Places to Find Ideas
Look around and you’ll find there’s no shortage of interesting things to write about—whether you’re in search of blog topics or creative story ideas. But in spite of that, I found myself … Read more
2012 April PAD Challenge: Day 2
We got off to a fast start yesterday, which is great! Now, let’s jump into Day 2. (Also, if you left any comments that needed moderated yesterday, they should now be approved.) … Read more
2012 April PAD Challenge: Day 1
And so it begins! Today is the first day of the 5th annual April PAD (Poem-A-Day) Challenge on Poetic Asides. I can’t believe we’re turning five! For today’s prompt, write a communication poem. The … Read more