The Writer November 2000

Creating credible teen sleuths in no mystery
"How do we, as writers, make young readers believe that an inexperienced kid their own age with problems very much like their own... can actually best law enforcement professionals?" By Joan Lowery Nixon

A conversation with James Patterson
"At some point," says Patterson, "I stopped writing sentences and started writing stories. And that's the advice I give to new writers." By Lewis Burke Frumkes

Revision: It's child's play
"The story that was such a pleasure in the head-long rush of the first draft now seems murky and formless. Panic sets in; paralysis follows. But shouldn't revision - which is the real writing, after all - be a joy?" By Monica Wood

Trade on your expertise
"By combining your desire to write and publish with knowledge and experience in your profession, you may be able to earn some bylines and open doors to writing opportunities." By Charles R. McConnell

A writer's journey
"The process of writing is not simply a journey from point A to point Z. In between there are pratfalls, pitfalls and writer's block. There are phone calls and unexpected guests. There is, in short, life." By Maureen Crane Wartski

Writer's groups need commitment, planning and focus to succeed
"I've found that participation in a good critique group not only helps me keep perspectives and polish my writing, but also brings me inspiration during those inevitable dry spells." By D. M. Rosner

Using time elements wisely enlivens features
"Relying exclusively on chronological narrative is one of the most common mistakes made by beginning feature writers." By John Lenger

Energize you writing
"Writing with vitality and movement captivates readers, brings realism into your stories and makes readers feel they are living through the chapters' experiences." By Beverly J. Letchworth

The Writer, 2000, November Volume 113, Volume Number 11, Issue Number 112