Party With Writer’s Digest: A 90-Year Bash, Giveaways … and Even Birthday Cake
Going to be in the Great Midwest Jan. 20? If so, join us for a bit of a grassroots bash (with sheet cake). I’ll post the official release–and, of course,…
Going to be in the Great Midwest Jan. 20? If so, join us for a bit of a grassroots bash (with sheet cake). I'll post the official release--and, of course, a prompt--below. Hope to see you there!
WRITER'S DIGEST CELEBRATES 90TH ANNIVERSARY
Legendary writing magazine rings in milestone with special issue, free birthday bash
CINCINNATI--It has featured everyone from Jack Kerouac, Kurt Vonnegut and Ernest Hemingway to Hugh Hefner and Sylvester Stallone. In the last year alone, it's spotlighted interviews with Stephen King, James Patterson, Mitch Albom and Audrey Niffenegger. It's covered everything from “The Truth About Writing For the Talkies” to e-books, and has survived two World Wars, a Great Depression and a recession.
Now, Writer's Digest is celebrating a critical milestone-the magazine's 90th anniversary-and the publication, though now in its nonagenarian years, is (cane-free, and) still going strong.
“Even though publishing is undergoing massive transformation, one thing has not changed: the passion and persistence of writers to improve their craft and get their work published,” Publisher Jane Friedman says. “Writer's Digest survives because the number of aspiring writers increases year on year, and they're all seeking information on how to break into the business.”
Founded by Ed Rosenthal in 1920, the Writer's Digest community today is comprised of the industry-leading magazine, books, special newsstand-only publications, the annual Writer's Market guide (also celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2010), an online school, conferences, competitions and one of the biggest online communities for writers. To celebrate the anniversary, Writer's Digest is hosting a free bash at 7 p.m., Jan. 20, at the Northside Tavern (4163 Hamilton Ave.). In addition to refreshments and cake, the WD team will be on hand to ring in the literary legacy with giveaways and other events.
As for the magazine itself, the 90th anniversary issue, on newsstands now, features an entire redesign, in addition to a package about novel writing. Editor Jessica Strawser also spent time digging in the archives, and assembled a 90 Secrets of Bestselling Authors feature, recapping classic advice from the past nine decades. Finally, the issue is capped off by an interview with 90-year-old writing legend Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
“All of us on staff are honored and humbled to be a part of the Writer's Digest legacy, and this anniversary gives us a moment to celebrate and give thanks to the writing community that supports us,” Friedman says. “Anyone who's ever worked with or for Writer's Digest is encouraged to join us, as well as anyone who has read and appreciated the magazine over the years.”
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Moreover, our anniversary issue is still on newsstands. (And I'm still madly in love with it.) Click here to check it out.
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WRITING PROMPT: Raising the Alarm
Feel free to take the following prompt home or post your response (500 words or fewer, funny, sad or stirring) in the Comments section below. By posting, you’ll be automatically entered in our occasional around-the-office swag drawings.
Yet again, you draw a breath, mumble an apology, and pull the fire alarm at the shopping mall.
Zachary Petit is a freelance journalist and editor, and a lifelong literary and design nerd. He's also a former senior managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine. Follow him on Twitter @ZacharyPetit.
