The Writer March 2008

Choose the right word
With close examinations of both fiction and nonfiction passages, our author clues you in to the difference carefully selected language makes MICHAEL KURLAND


Using pen names
7 savvy reasons why a pseudonym can be an author's best friend CAL OREY


Archive: Infuse characters with sincere emotion
Go beyond technique to write real characters from the heart FAITH BALDWIN


Point/Counterpoint: The trick of reading the right thing while writing
Picking relevant material in the formative stages of your story can provide inspiration and information and push you in new directions MICHAEL BACKUS


Point/Counterpoint: Once you're past the early stages, stop reading--or else!
Keep it up and you're asking for outbreaks of envy, imitation and discouragement--all obstacles to finding your own voice, this writer argues NOELLE STERNE


COVER STORY - Ken Burns' master storyteller
Geoffrey C. Ward offers his formula for award-winning narrative history and compelling film scripts CHUCK LEDDY


COVER STORY - Filmmaker aims for 'universal scripts'
Ken Burns emphasizes a back and forth between words and images and an openness to many revisions KAY B. DAY


Sketch your way to character emotion
Informally rendering slices of your life can help you reach deeper truths BARBARA KRASNER


Step by Step: Writing secrets of the ancient Greeks
What Aristotle can teach us about fiction WILLIAM KOWALSKI


Writing for girls is tricky terrain
A published author in the field offers 7 tips for reaching this discriminating young audience LEE TOBIN MCCLAIN


Covering conferences for fun and profit
An experienced freelancer advises how to break in JOHN K. BORCHARDT

The Writer, 2008, March