Buy the current issue

Subscribe Now

• Letter From the Editor
• Extra Credit
• Call for Entries
• Seven Deadly Distractions
• Writing Prompt
• Got Questions?
• Personal Writing

Last week, I asked which you preferred to do first: Read a novel or see a movie based on the novel. Not surprisingly, the Writer’s Digest community not only writes, but also reads. Most respondents feel that reading the book first is the way to go. In the Forum, Sharifa commented, "With novels I’m able to imagine a scene how the writer originally wanted the scene to be. Movie makers are limited to what they can display and no matter what they film, some ends up on the cutting room floor because of necessary editing. Give me the book anytime."

Thanks for taking the time to participate. Keep reading the newsletter for more discussion topics, tips and contest information.

—Keep writing,
Robin Hampton, newsletter editor

Talk to us! Send an e-mail to writersdig@fwpubs.com with "Newsletter Comments" in the subject line. Keep in mind that your comments—in whole or in part—may appear in upcoming editions of the newsletter. If you are interested in having your comments included in the newsletter, please include your phone number so we can confirm your responses.

 

In the March issue of Writer's Digest, author Loriann Hoff Oberlin outlines how to supplement your writing career by teaching. Some of her tips to help you break into this field include:

"You can find distance education opportunities through colleges and universities that have online divisions. In addition, search the Internet using ‘writing classes,’ ‘teaching writing’ or any derivatives thereof. The popularity of a particular Internet program is no guarantee that it’s reputable or pays instructors on time, but if you examine the longevity and affiliation, it’s a better benchmark of quality. Is it affiliated with a well-known writing organization, or does it boast solid academic affiliation?

"There’s no need to develop an entire course proposal before you land a position. Start by writing up an intriguing class description that would excite students enough to register. You’ll need a brief cover letter that outlines any teaching or group leadership experience, plus a résumé saved as a Word or text attachment for online prospects. Most school brochures or Web sites have instructor bios, which can help you craft a description that sets you apart."

For more information on teaching writing classes, read the article:

Extra Credit

The Pacific Northwest Writing Association is accepting entries for its 2005 Literary Contest. The competition features 10 categories including novel, short story, article, picture book, poetry, screenwriting and more. All entries must be postmarked by Feb. 22. First-place winners in each category receive prizes of at least $400.

For more information, guidelines and prize information, visit the contest Web site:

PNWA Literature Contest

In Writing Basics, a special publication from the editors of WD, freelance columnist David Fryxell lists seven article-writing sins. A few transgressions to avoid:

"Sometimes writers have an answer to readers’ ‘Why should I care?’ question, but they hide it. If you don’t plant your hook high enough in the story—at the first point readers might waver in their attention—you risk losing them. In a 3,000-word magazine article, for instance, you’d better make the case for reading on within the first 500 words.

"Every single element in your story must somehow contribute to making your point. Each fact, quote, anecdote or example should advance your idea. If it doesn’t fit, no matter how fun or fascinating, cut it out."

Read more tips and articles for beginners in Writing Basics, available at the Writer's Digest Bookstore:

Writing Basics

Write a description of yourself from your pet’s point of view. Consider your appearance, actions, values, etc.

—Contributed by Rose Kent, Cincinnati, OH

To post your response, visit the Writer’s Forum:

Dog’s-eye view

Has something really been bugging you about grammar? Do the laws on copyrights or other legal matters confuse you? Want to know what editors are looking for in a manuscript? Let us help you.

Send an e-mail to writersdig@fwpubs.com with "Q&Q" in the subject line for a chance to have your questions answered in WD’s monthly Questions & Quandaries column. While we can't respond to every request, you will hear from us if we plan to use your question.

Check out our answer to Christine Turcotte’s question about first North American serial rights:

http://www.writersdigest.com/qadisplay.asp?id=2663

Personal Writing, the new specialty publication from WD, hits newsstands Feb. 22. Inspired by WD’s Personal Journaling, this magazine covers blogs, journaling, essays and more. We’ll feature article excerpts in the newsletter, or you can pick up your own copy next week so you can Get Real, Get Personal and Get Writing.

THE MOST COMPLETE LIST OF CHILDREN'S PUBLISHERS

Writer's Digest Book Club
Join Writer's Digest Book Club today and get 3 FREE Books when you buy a 4th for just $11.99. And, there's no obligation to buy any more books—ever! Join now!

Get 2 FREE issues of Writer's Digest magazine
Packed with plenty of must-know info like how to polish your writing, submit your manuscripts successfully, break into hot, new markets, hook an agent, and more. Get your FREE issues, now!

WritersOnlineWorkshops.com
Online instruction in fiction, nonfiction, business writing, grammar and more. Write at home, set your own schedule and get one-on-one feedback from a professional, published writer. Click here for a workshop demo and details.

Advertise in this Newsletter
For information on advertising in this newsletter or to receive a rate card, contact Ken Workman at kworkman@longshoremedia.com, or call toll-free: 800-467-2437 x108.

Tell a Friend
If you know another writer who would be interested in receiving this newsletter, tell him or her to sign up online.

You have received this e-mail because you expressed interest in receiving updates about writing and about Writer's Digest products by e-mail. Thanks for your subscription!

You are currently subscribed as $subst('Recip.EmailAddr'). To unsubscribe, send a blank message to $subst('email.unsub')

To change the address we send messages to, click here: http://fwpubs.sparklist.com/read/my_account/?forum=writersdigest

To receive the text-only version of the newsletter, unsubscribe using the directions above, then subscribe to the text-only list by sending a blank email to join-writersdigest-text@fwpubs.sparklist.com.

Questions?
To ensure a timely response to your questions, please see http://www.writersdigest.com/contactus.asp.
Please only reply to this message with newsletter-specific questions.