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.
How to Write a Script, Writing Tips
If you dream of making it in Hollywood, seeing your words translated into film, or turned into the next great indie project, you’re at the right place. Get insights into writing the perfect spec script, crafting scenes, and developing that perfect opening plot point.
Looking to take your script to the next level? Final Draft screenwriting software contains a suite of tools to help you create a script like the pros!
Mobisode Writing Could Put Extra Cash in Your Pocket
Looking around at the proliferation of TV shows and movies, you might not think there’s anywhere entertainment vendors could squeeze in their products. But there is—and they’re looking for writers to help.
by John Scott Lewinski Read more
Online Exclusive: An Interview with Indiana Jones Scribe David Koepp
With blockbusters like Spider-Man, Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible and the newest installment of Indiana Jones under his belt, you’d think scriptwriter David Koepp holds the secret to Hollywood success. And in some ways, he does.
by Patrick McGilligan Read more
Being an Author in Hollywood
Trying to make a living writing books is difficult, so a word of advice to anyone who’s planning a move to Los Angeles: Stay right where you are.
by Marc Weingarten Read more
The Four Commandments of Writing Good Sentences
If you want to write a good sentence, don’t pay any attention to your grammar. I don’t mean “a sentence this like OK is.” I mean don’t automatically think you’ve written a good sentence just because it’s grammatically correct. Lots of bad sentences are grammatically correct. Some of these bad sentences might even be yours.
by Bonnie Trenga Read more
Challenging the Limits of Memory
In this excerpt from Writing Life Stories, Bill Roorbach teaches you how to pay attention to and translate your memories and how to overcome your resistance to remembered places and events. Read more
Aaron Sorkin
The West Wing‘s Emmy-winning writer explains the “barometer of artistic integrity.” Read more
Donald P. Bellisario
Even after suceeding with old favorites such as Magnum P.I.
and Quantum Leap, this writer and producer is flying to new heights with JAG. Read more
Anita M. Busch: Hollywood Reporter Editor
The words “writer in Hollywood” conjure images of screenwriters accepting Academy Awards and hobnobbing with movie stars. But to Anita M. Busch, editor of The Hollywood Reporter, writing is as much about power plays as it is about screenplays. Read more
An Insider’s Peek at Breaking Into Hollywood
Have you dreamed of writing movie scripts? Listen to award-winning author and Tinseltown insider John Morgan Wilson Read more
The Dirty Dozen
Scripts columnist Cynthia Whitcomb explains the “dirty dozen” of producer/director Tony Bill. These 12 easy-to-follow rules could make the difference between a script sold or scrapped. Read more