Review by Steven D. Mathews, Librarian Assistant
Need some tips and tricks for your new writing project or assignment? Want to learn how you can get your ideas and stories published?
The Yocum Library subscribes to the print edition of Writer’s Digest (est. 1920), a magazine dedicated to helping fiction authors write better, network with others, and sell books. The Digest publishes eight issues annually and features interviews with best-selling authors.
A recent issue (February 2017) features an interview with the Australian author Liane Moriarty, who has written seven best-selling novels in the past 13 years including Three Wishes (2004), What Alice Forgot (2010), The Husband’s Secret (2013), Big Little Lies (2014), and Truly Madly Guilty (2016).
In the interview, Moriarty discusses her own writing process, which is actually a lack of one: “I’m a little all over the place—I don’t have a system. I might sit there one day and see where the document opens and just start rewriting whatever’s on the page in front of me” (48). The important thing here is that she already has words in the document to play with and move around, so I think she does possess some sort of practiced intuition at the beginning of her projects.
As a copywriter for several years before becoming a full-time author, Moriarty was asked if the previous experience affects her current approach to fiction writing: “Nobody wants to read advertising copy, so you have to keep your sentences short and sharp and succinct. You have to lead the reader, you have to trick them to keep on reading something they don’t really want to read” (49). I’m reminded here of Strunk and White’s pithy but simple rule from Elements of Style: “omit needless words.”
Another feature of this issue is a section on productivity and organization, which provides a variety of practical tips: mapping and finding time to write, outlining and research strategies, giving depth to characters, and structuring the narrative.
As a copywriter for several years before becoming a full-time author, Moriarty was asked if the previous experience affects her current approach to fiction writing: “Nobody wants to read advertising copy, so you have to keep your sentences short and sharp and succinct. You have to lead the reader, you have to trick them to keep on reading something they don’t really want to read” (49). I’m reminded here of Strunk and White’s pithy but simple rule from Elements of Style: “omit needless words.”
Another feature of this issue is a section on productivity and organization, which provides a variety of practical tips: mapping and finding time to write, outlining and research strategies, giving depth to characters, and structuring the narrative.
Finding time to write when you also have a day job is extremely important and may involve those interstitial moments (e.g., between shifts, during meals or dog walking, while waiting for appointments, etc.) in addition to dedicated time blocks. In the article, “Rebuild Your Desktop,” Tyler Moss provides several strategies for keeping track of your writing, feedback, freelance fees, and time by using spreadsheets and Google Drive.
Networking and getting your writing to other people is another definite step in such endeavors as becoming a published author of fiction. The issue also features some letters from concerned authors and responses by an actual literary agent in the “Funny You Should Ask” section. Further, there are several tips about attending writing workshops and conferences.
Networking and getting your writing to other people is another definite step in such endeavors as becoming a published author of fiction. The issue also features some letters from concerned authors and responses by an actual literary agent in the “Funny You Should Ask” section. Further, there are several tips about attending writing workshops and conferences.
The Writer’s Digest also has a website that includes innumerable resources for aspiring and professional writers.
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