The Writer December 2011

Noir: The dark side
By Barbara DeMarco-Barrett
Is it time to try your hand at noir and put some narcissistic characters on the road to doom?

Science fiction openings
By James Gunn
A Grand Master offers some observations on crafting an effective beginning in an alternate world.

The flash novel: All meat and no fat
By Nancy Stohlman
The flash novel is a new type of storytelling that does a lot in a little space.

Romance Writing 101
By Rebecca York
A master of the genre takes you through the essentials of this popular form of storytelling.

Dip into the riches of historical fiction
By Susan Vreeland
A bestselling author offers an engaging overview of the genre and a step-by-step approach to getting started.

6 ways to find markets for your work
By Kelly James-Enger
The writer offers some simple, as well as digital, suggestions for placing your articles, including a list of subscription-based sites and services.

A writer lands an agent, a publisher--and a lot of self-marketing work
By Candice Reed
When our writer and her co-author landed a book contract, they learned that the new publishing era of self-promotion is in full swing.

Perfecting the art of slowness
By Linda K. Wertheimer
A journalist learns to disregard the time clock in order to strike the right emotional note.

Poet to Poet: How to connect with your peers
By Marilyn Taylor
A community of poets can provide emotional support and help you improve your skills.

Interview: A man for all literary seasons
By Tom Callahan
Versatile author and journalist Pete Hamill looks back at the pleasures and challenges of writing across many genres.

Freelancing: Check that calendar
By Joseph Finora
A freelancer describes how he learned to find opportunities in a publication’s editorial calendar.

Delight your readers with the gift of satisfying surprise
By Philip Martin
Learn how to employ this key storytelling concept, which is crucial for endings.

Ghostwriting: The invisible writer
By Moira Allen
Six ghostwriters tell you what it takes to succeed at their self-effacing craft.

Ghostwriting: Get paid in advance and other tips from a successful ghostwriter
By Robert Bruce Woodcox
The author worked with Hollywood celebrities, mafia captains, a Russian czar and many other colorful characters.

Treat your writing like a business
By Kelly James-Enger
Here are 10 ways to act like a professional freelancer—and watch your work improve.

Market Focus: Going home
By Terry Tucker Hinkley
Build a solid freelance business with these tips on writing for home-and-garden magazines.

Literary Spotlight: PEN America spans the globe
By Melissa Hart
This month’s spotlight is on the journal PEN America, describing its tone, editorial preferences and contributors.

The Writer, 2011, December