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
8 Tips for Making the Most of Your Writing Time
What could you do with a few stray, imperfect minutes? Aine Greaney, author of Writer With a Day Job, offers these 8 tips for making the most of your writing time. Read more
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 162
Poetry relies on art as much as (or maybe even more than) craft to communicate. Sometimes, we need to look at the ugly sides of human nature to find the beauty in … Read more
A New Direction for No Rules
2011 was a year of transitions at WD. We re-launched WritersDigest.com. We remodeled the email newsletter. And with another fresh start, it’s fitting that we begin 2012 with a new group effort here on No Rules. Find out a bit more here. Read more
New Agent Alert: Carrie Pestritto of Prospect Agency
Carrie is seeking: In the fiction arena, she is looking for literary fiction, historical fiction, and mature YA. She would love to see a thriller/mystery about Elizabeth Bathory, otherwise known as “Lady Dracula,” or a novel about a young teacher at a private high school who finds herself attracted to one of her students. She is not currently interested in romance, science fiction/fantasy, or picture books. For more information, or to learn about her nonfiction interests, please keep reading. Read more
Success Breeds Success – Especially When You Have Success Stories
Guest Post by Rob Eagar I’m a big fan of Compassion International (www.compassion.com), a non-profit organization that helps provide food, education, and medical treatment to children who are stuck in poverty around … Read more
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 161
After getting bombarded with some unexpected projects at the end of 2011, I’m finally starting to catch up with 2012. It’s a pretty nice year so far, and I hope to start … Read more
Prompted, An International Collection of Poems (and a Question for the Community)
I don’t usually focus too much on specific poetry books or anthologies on this blog, but I’ve been meaning to say something about this one for a while now. Prompted, An International … Read more
10 Tips on Guest Blogging and Blog Tours
Hosting guests and author tours on your own blog is a way to attract more readers to your site as well as introduce your guests to a new audience. As a blogger and author, you also have an opportunity to make special appearances from time to time, or to schedule a virtual tour for a new book release. When I was promoting my second mystery, I did a few guest appearances for more experienced bloggers. In mid-2010, after I’d mastered the basics of Blogger, I began inviting authors to write for my blog . These are a few of the things I’ve learned.
GIVEAWAY: Patricia is excited to give away a free copy of her book to a random commenter. Comment within one week; winners must live in Canada/US to receive the book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before. (Update: Petrea won.) Read more
Q&A Spotlight: Greg Koch, Author of “The Craft of Stone Brewing Company” (Comment For a Book Giveaway!)
Keep reading to find a Q&A with Greg Koch, co-author of the book THE CRAFT OF STONE BREWING CO.: LIQUID LORE, EPIC RECIPES AND UNABASHED ARROGANCE (Fall 2011, Ten Speed Press). “Since its inception in 1996, Stone Brewing Co. has been the fastest growing brewery in the country—Beer lovers gravitate to its unique line-up which includes favorites such as Stone IPA and Arrogant Bastard Ale. This insider’s guide focuses on the history of Stone Brewing Co., and shares homebrew recipes for many of its celebrated beers.”
GIVEAWAY: Greg is excited to give away a free copy of his 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. (Update: JRocHoll won.) Read more
Your Top 12 Author Marketing Moves for 2012
Guest Post by Rob Eagar As we face a new year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with resolutions and the desire to improve upon last year’s success or the lack thereof. But, … Read more