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
Win a copy of Patricia A. Hawkenson’s new book of poems–and a few other titles
When we launched Promptly last summer, we released our digital baby into the big scary digital world with a Kick-Off Breaking-Block Challenge featuring prompts and prizes for a top story response. From … Read more
Agent Advice: Gordon Warnock of Andrea Hurst & Associates Literary Management
This installment features Gordon Warnock of Andrea Hurst & Associates Literary Management. With a B.A. in Creative and Professional Writing, Gordon helps his clients polish their manuscripts and book proposals by using a combination of industry knowledge, a sharp editorial eye, and his experience as a college-level tutor.
He is seeking: When it comes to nonfiction, Gordon is looking for memoir, pet-related projects, cookbooks, self-help, true crime, current events, humor, how-to, and health and dieting. In fiction, his interests lie in commercial narrative, character-driven literary, monster and disaster, pets, and humor. Read more
7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Mary Potter Kenyon
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 writer Mary Potter Kenyon.
Mary Potter Kenyon has had more than 100 essays published in magazines such as Home Education and Woman’s World, and in the anthologies Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul and Voices of Caregiving. Read more
Write Your Next Screenplay… on the iPad
I’ll be honest, folks… for weeks, I haven’t been sure what the big deal about the iPad is. But having seen it and played with a little, I gotta admit… it’s pretty … Read more
Writing Prompt: A pinch of salt, a dash of . . . well, The Surprise Ingredient
A clandestine chef? A simple accident? Table-side tomfoolery? Strange times in the kitchen … (And be sure to check back Friday for a chance to win a copy of Promptly inaugural contest … Read more
New Agent Alert: Bree Ogden of Martin Literary Management
Reminder: Newer agents are golden opportunities for new writers because they’re likely building their client list; however, always make sure your work is as perfect as it can be before submitting, and only query agencies that are a great fit for your work. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time and postage.
She is seeking: Middle Grade, Young Adult and Graphic Novels. “I am also open to picture book queries, but it has to be really stunning and unique.” Read more
How I Got My Agent: Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos
“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. If you have a literary agent and would be interested in writing a short guest column for this GLA blog, e-mail me at literaryagent@fwmedia.com and we’ll talk specifics.
Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos is a two-time breast cancer survivor and penned the book Surviving Cancerland: The Psychic Aspects of Healing. She is an inspirational speaker and a mentor for We Can—a women’s self-help group. Kathy contributes to CapeWomenOnlineMagazine and many other publications/websites. Read more
The Importance of Specific Details
Every character who appears in your story must been seen. Where did I read this? It was a quote by a famous writer, I believe. This writer expressed the importance of the … Read more
Agent Michael Larsen on Starting Your Career (Part 1)
1. Read: Ernie Gaines, author of the Oprah book club selection, A Lesson Before Dying, believes that you can only write as well as you read. So read what you love to read and write what you love to read. Reading will enable you to establish criteria for your books. Also read about authors you admire to learn how they succeeded.
2. Establish models for your books and your career: Choose those that most inspire you.
Michael Larsen and his wife Elizabeth Pomada founded Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents in San Francisco. They are AAR members and have sold books to more than 100 publishers. Michael is the author or co-author of How to Write a Book Proposal and Guerrilla Marketing for Writers.
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How Do You Make the Time to Write?
Since college, I’ve held fast to an existential philosophy that goes something like this: We make time for whatever is important to us. Our actions are the biggest indicators of who we … Read more