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 
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The Writer’s Dig
What if You Were the Editor Who Rejected Jurassic Park?
Most of us writers have received rejection letters at one point or another in our writing career (I’ve certainly received my fair share, that’s for sure). But what if we could turn the tables a bit and pretend to be an editor that rejects a bestselling novel or famous author? Writer’s Digest’s Reject-a-Hit free writing contest encourages you to do just that. Recently, writer Matthew Lauser took a stab at it and wrote this brilliant rejection of Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park. Perhaps you have a brilliant rejection in you too? Read more
7 Tips for Turning Your Blog into a Book
Here are seven tips on how to book a blog and turn out a professional manuscript—one with a high likelihood of achieving self-publishing success or landing a traditional publishing deal—in the process. Read more
Random Acts of Kindness for Writers
The writing community is made up of thousands of individuals who support one another. There is a collective understanding between writers that we are strongest together, and to that end, people readily give their time and energy to see their fellows succeed. Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi share the writing path with so many great people, and decided to stage a Random Acts of Kindness for Writers initiative at their blog, The Bookshelf Muse. Learn more here. Read more
Leaped or Leapt?
It’s time to settle the dispute in the battle of leaped vs. leapt (vs. lept). Which one is correct? Find out here. Read more
Mary Kole’s Publish Your Children’s, Tween, or Teen Fiction in Today’s Market (& a Critique)
We are honored to have agent Mary Kole back this Thursday (May 10, 2012) to teach her webinar “Publish Your Children’s, Tween, or Teen Fiction in Today’s Market: How to hook an agent with your ‘Once upon a time…’ and make your own fairy tale.” This is not only our most popular webinar, but, as a bonus, you get a critique from Mary herself! Get more details here. Read more
7 Ways to Write a Stand-Alone Book (with Series Potential)
Publishers would rather publish a stand-alone book and see how it does before committing to a series, so the first book becomes a tough balancing act. How do you learn to write a stand-alone book with series potential? Here are 7 ways to accomplish that. Read more
The Q: Can You “Read” an Audiobook?
A few months ago, my wife picked up an audiobook from the library (it was Rob Lowe’s Stories I Only Tell My Friends, in case you were wondering). I had never listened to an audiobook before, so I thought I’d give it a go. And I fell in love with it. It’s the perfect way to spend my solo time in the car, beating the other well-known car pastime of complaining about traffic. So now I read in the car … Or do I? Read more
Have You Written Something Great? It’s Time For Some Recognition
When your writing wins an award, it gives it more credibility. It’s a badge that says to others, “My writing is good and I have proof.” One competition worth checking out is the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition. This one, whose deadline is fast approaching on May 1, is special for a few reasons … Read more
Add Writer’s Digest to your Google+ Circles & Get Our Creativity Guide
Did you know Writer’s Digest has a Google+ page? We’ve become a part of one of the fastest-growing networks so we can deliver more great writing advice and tips to even more people. Are you on Google+? If so, follow us and you’ll get extra goodies, like this … Read more
Exciting News: I Landed a Literary Agent!
As many of you know, I’ve spent the past few months working on a New Year’s Resolution list that’s difficult, yet achievable (well, I’m not yet convinced that getting a photo of me and my kids with all of our eyes open at the same time is achievable, as they usually turn out like this). But one of the major goals was to develop a book proposal and land a literary agent. Today I can officially say: Mission accomplished! I’m thrilled to announce that … Read more