The Writer

Since 1887 The Writer has provided the motivation, writing techniques, expert tips and compelling author insights that turn good writing into great writing. We’ll help you become a better writer, find markets for your work, understand the business of writing, follow industry news and trends, reach your goals, and more!

The Writer

Prologue

Revising the rules

Upcoming calls for submissions

International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association • This organization offers a wealth of professional options for members, including an in-person conference, hosted press trips, a digital magazine, and virtual cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.

Get away to write • These seven writing retreats should be on your radar.

Ruby • Send your best short-form food stories to this new literary food magazine.

Emerge Literary Journal • Whether you’re seeking first-time publication in a genre or first-time publication, period, the editors of this journal are eager to read your work.

Ax to grind • The perils of settling scores in your writing.

A new approach to outlining • Seeking a middle ground in the plotters vs. pantsers debate.

Gifts • for every writer on your list

Books to stuff their stockings

Broadening the Bookshelves • This month, we’re focusing on queer literature.

Talk to the Practitioner: Putsata Reang • Putsata Reang’s memoir, Ma and Me, draws on her long experience as an international journalist to piece together a detailed, layered reckoning of her relationship with her mother and Reang’s own identities as a refugee, an American, a lesbian, a Cambodian. We sat down to talk about the writing process and the weight of representation.

The Nightstand • Steffan Triplett edits essays for The Offing and is the assistant director for the Center for African American Poetry and Poetics at the University of Pittsburgh, where he also teaches creative writing. We asked him for five must-reads by queer writers.

NAVIGATING THE WIDE WORLD OF self-publishing • (WITHOUT GETTING LOST ALONG THE WAY.)

AUDIOBOOKS

A writer’s guide to the SECOND DRAFT • Seasoned authors share their best tips, tricks, and strategies for tackling draft 2.0.

TIPS FROM THE PROS

WHAT BOOKS ABOUT PUBLISHING GET RIGHT (AND WHAT THEY GET WRONG) • The lack of diversity is on the mark. The author as all-powerful being is way off.

Reading list • We asked the authors who contributed to this story for their recommendations for realistic books set in the publishing world. Here are their can’t-miss picks.

Getting on the GUEST LIST • What writers need to know about pitching themselves as a podcast guest.

Priscilla Long • Retiring is not in this poet and writer’s vocabulary as she nears 80.

BEST OF THE BEST • Read the grand-prize winners of our 100-Word Contest and our Fall Short Story Contest.

Postscript • Take your writing to the next level. Find the perfect MFA, MA, or PhD program with our annual listing.

THE MONTHS AHEAD

Gigi • Will Know