The Writer magazine

What drives your writing?

JReich — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:28:41 GMT

In my October 2009 editorial, I make note of Chuck Leddy's Take Note piece, "Some feel the pains, others fell the pleasures of writing," and asked readers, What draws you to writing? Do you find it a "pleasure" or a "pain"? Why do you stick with it? (Read the full editorial here.) Writing for me is a compulsion, something that's hard to explain to others but is an inescapable fact of life. So, why DO you keep writing? Please chime in and give us your reasons for being a writer.

Joyce Carol Oates (Aug. 09)

The Rebellious Journalist — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 01:14:26 GMT

This archive article reminded me why I started writing in the first place. I liked the fact that Oates went deep into what I consider a true writer's process, and how she emphasized character and style over commercialism. I personally believe that writing a novel takes a long time, just as Oates does, and I would never like to be a "midlister" of books that is creating them for commercial profit, unless that blessed moment would happen upon me (which probably never will) where my quality and quantity have reached the same level. So I guess I'm covering three areas in particular of the article--the "Have it all Come Together," "A Celebration of the Unique," and "Connecting on a Deeper Level," although it's all essentially one article and all the parts are interwoven by this excellent author. I am now no longer surprised why Oates is so renowned. I think the Writer needs more articles like this, and less along the lines of "quick fixes" to problems and the business side of writing.

Peace,

--Nick Kessler

Re: Write a first draft to Find Your Story

Teyah — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 05:03:48 GMT

It finally clicked. After reading this brilliant article, I found myself staring, open-mouthed at the magazine, wondering how Mr. Dufresne knew exactly what I was going through. I'm that novice he describes, the one who is overwhelmed by the first draft, constantly struggling with my creative and logical demons that refuse to let me just...write.

Now, I get it. Get it on paper, no matter how ugly it seems, or how different it is compared to what's in your head. Just do it. You'll have learned so much about writing, your characters and your story by the time you finish that you'll be amazed. Amazed that you have something to revise...and revise...until you've finally got it right.

Thank you for a wonderful article.

I should frame it!

Question about NaNoWriMo

Luca-bear — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:48:41 GMT

I was wondering if The Writer has ever done an article on the event NaNoWriMo. I searched for it in the back issues and did not see it. I just want to make sure.

Thank you.

October Dueling With Words Column

JimNC — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:34:43 GMT

I received my copy of the October issue of The Writer yesterday and read Lisa Shearin's "Dueling With Words" column this morning. This sentence made me laugh.

At least once, most writers experience that special moment when they realize that their precious project is a stinky pile of tripe.

Once? Tripe? Ha! Once a quarter is more like it. And I use a word considerably strong than tripe when I finally realize I've spent too much time on something that never stood a chance from the start -- but I'm not writing for a widely-distributed and respected magazine either. Excellent article. Great examples. Thanks, Lisa.

In the footsteps of the 9/11 hijackers, interview with Andre Dubus III, August issue

jimdens — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:57:38 GMT

I loved, absolutely loved this interview. Andre Dubus is a well-spoken man, to say the least. Somehow, (most likely due to too much focus on researching nonfiction to learn how to write it), I missed hearing about him entirely. Now I can't wait to go get all his books and get reading.

High-Tech Tools for Writers - August 2009

minnownj — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:11:48 GMT

Yikes! After reading this special section I found myself destroying the kitchen looking for a paper bag to breathe into.

So after you do all this stuff like keeping up a website, blogging, participating in Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn, not to mention holding down a day job and taking care of a home and family, when should we find time to write? I constantly read in The Writer that we should write something every day, and we should read, read, read. But if we're bogged down by all this Internet stuff, when do we find the time to write?

Of course, we could just give up sleep. It's bad enough I get up every morning at 5:30 to catch up on my reading, and maybe, just maybe if I'm lucky, there's still some time to jot down a few lines.

The Internet is a great research tool for busy writers. Think Google and Wikipedia. Otherwise it's just too time consuming. Some days I want to throw my laptop down the septic tank and cancel my Internet service.

So for today, I'm going to consider this rant as my daily writing exercised. Maybe tomorrow I'll get back to writing the short story I started six months ago. After I check email.

Author photos--is there too much focus on image?

slange — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:05:18 GMT

In “Hot shots: The marketing of an author’s image,” contributing editor Chuck Leddy writes, “In the world of marketing, … whether the product being marketed is cosmetics, clothes or laundry detergent, beauty sells. It should come as no surprise then, that if attractive people can sell toothpaste, they can also sell books.” (Take Note, September 2009, pp. 8-9).

He goes on to describe how an attractive photo on your book jacket can win you media coverage, at least in some outlets. According to a director of publicity at a major publishing house, a People magazine editor once said of book coverage in the magazine: “If you have an attractive-looking author, there’s a better chance that your book will get reviewed.”

What do you think of all of the attention given to an author’s photo? Does it distract potential readers from what should matter--the book? Do they even care about what an author looks like? Is projecting a certain image, including having an appealing photo, just part of the business of being a writer today?

What's your favorite "department" in The Writer?

minnownj — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:45:40 GMT

I have to say that my favorite articles are the ones dug out of the archives written by successful and very famous novelists who have taken the time out of their busy careers to share their knowledge about the writing life. It's good to read that many of the issues I face in my writing life are the same issues even the famous have.

What's your favorite part of the magazine?

happy with the magazine?

oldsoul24 — Sun, 14 Mar 2004 01:40:09 GMT

Can anyone please tell me if they are pleased with the magazine, The Writer? What do you like about it especially? Are there things that you don't like? I ask because I'm interested in a subscription but don't know much about it. Would like to know your opinions. Thanks.

"How to Write a Personal Essay" Special Pacakge (March 2009)

The Rebellious Journalist — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:23:02 GMT

I found these articles both a breath of fresh air and very motivating and rewarding, particularly in the field which I am currently in: independent publishing of 'zines. I live across the Columbia from Portland, OR which could very well be the 'zine capital of America, considering how accessible they are here and the presence of the Independent Publishing Resource Center. Alas, I get ahead of myself. The reason these articles are so helpful for 'zines is that most 'zines cover personal info about the authors opinions, philosophy, humor and emotions. I found these articles a great way to brainstorm for 'zine article ideas. What did other readers think of these articles? Were they a breath of fresh air as well, or perhaps too simplified for their standards?

Hello, it's 2008 - Where is everybody?

Third Generation — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:14:44 GMT

Going through some of these forums I think everyone has disappeared. Come on back. Let's have some mind boggling, brain jolting conversations. Wake up. WHERE ARE ALL THE PEOPLE?

Richard Price Interview (Nov.2008)

The Rebellious Journalist — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:33:45 GMT

I found this article intriguing. "Before I start writing anything, I have to be able to sit down and verbally tell someone the story in a couple of minutes." -R.P. He has the "crudest of outlines," with "big gaps between particular incidents." He also says he opts for dialogue whenever possible in any given scene, which is probably why his works are so dynamic. Finally, I really liked what he said about not enjoying writing. "Deadlines help," he says. How he compares writing to other art forms made me realize just how much effort it takes to be a writer. We should all be giving each other pats on the back for choosing this profession! It certainly isn't easy.

--Nick K.

Lois Lowry-from the archive Feb 2009

MonicaW — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:57:20 GMT

The Feb. 2009 archive article from Lowry was an example for all of us on how to write an interesting article. She has a great real-world anecdote about cooking and relates it brillantly to writing. Her examples of her topic (knowing when to quit and end your story) were interesting and helpful. Every writer, especially those writing magazine articles, should read this article for its information and lessons it can give. It proves she's a master of words and story telling. Thank you to the editors for printing it!

Wow! Love the new site!

dbmaine56 — Tue, 16 Aug 2005 19:23:46 GMT

Wow! Love the new site! I look forward to browsing! Great Job!

--dare to dream

dbmaine56