READING TO CATCH UP

I have been reading several issues of writing magazines and writing newsletters I subscribe to. The pile had reached the "falling over" point so I realize I need to do something. I usually do a quick glance through the issues upon receipt, see if there is any "dated" material I need to address (guidelines, contests, etc.)and make notes if I observe a good topic for one of my upcoming creative writing class lectures. It's finding the time to get back and read them from cover-to-cover that is the problem.

I won't discuss here the older issues but thought I would give you some encouraging words about a couple of the latest issues of magazines you can find on your favorite bookstore shelves. There's nothing worse than having someone gush over an article they read in a magazine that, for all nonsubscribers, has left the face of the earth.

Though I have subscribed to the two major writers magazines (The Writer and Writer's Digest) forever it seems, for many years in my opinion "The Writer" outperformed WD. It offered so much of a variety for all types of writers, not overly heavy on the side of fiction that I found true at that time with WD. I learned so much about writing in all genres; I had not ventured out to submit poetry since I was in high school but by reading the wonderful Poetry column each month, I grabbed my courage and off some of my verses went. The rejcctions came as we all know but then there was the day I received the first acceptance of a poem. I give "The Writer" credit for that sale.

The April 2008 issue is an excellent example of what "The Writer" has to offer. Up front you will always find lots of tidbits of the writing world in general, author information, short lessons in some phase of writing, and possibly a new market. This particular month the major articles offer assistance to many different types of writers: Scare the heck out of your readers--and other horror-wriiting tips is an example. I have seldom attempted to write horror but G.W. Thomas (author of more than 400 pieces) had given me a nudge to try. Ray Bradbury's article from a 1961 issue offers lessons in keeping and feeding your muse, still timely today. "How to Write a How-To" is a lesson in learning how and what to write in this category. Short story writing, fiction success, agent and writer's conferences are discussed. There is a wealth of helpful information in this, and each, issue.

In the last two years, Writer's Digest has caught up (though I still lean toward my old favorite many months). They have become more new-writer friendly while still showing their professionalism. One of my favorite segments of the April 2008 issue is the Writer's Workbook. They have broken this down into different genres: Fiction this issue is addressing Attributive clauses (the case for said); Nonfiction discusses the writing of personal essays; if, like me, you never heard of a shape poem, the Poetry workbook will explain; and the newest thing in marketing terms is "platform." If you think it has something to do with trains or shoes, you need to read the Marketing part of the workbook.

"Writer's Journal" has been a part of my writing education for many years now. I have never had any personal contact with Leon Ogroske, editor, but I know somehow from this magazine that he runs a tight ship. I have spoken to Janet Elaine Smith, the columnist of Marketing Helps, on the phone and have read three of her books--she knows her stuff. There are columns on screenwriting, poetry, vocabulary, computers, and, one of my favorites, photography techniques. The editor offers numerous contests; I've entered and never won but always read the winners. In the March/April issue there is an article everyone who is thinking of self-publishing should read: "I Don't Think We're in Kansas Anymore." And "Making the Word Count/Reduce Word Count Without Sacrificing Content" is worth the price of the magazine.

I have had a few romantic short stories published but don't consider myself a romance writer per se. However, I read romantic suspense (my love for mystery always wins out), am interested in the new books coming out and who the authors really are, so I subscribe to "Romantic Times Book Reviews." It is not just a magazine of book reviews however. In those interviews of authors you will learn what to do and not to do while writing, seeking publication or promoting your work. There is also an area of the mag called: Your Path to Publishing, ProseOnProse. In this issue, the writer addresses "Writing Multicultural." Showing readers how to make character choices, what point of view to use, avoid stereotypes and how to write from your heart with your imagination set free is all there. In this same section, a published author critiques the first three pages of an aspiring writer's work. I always learn something I can use in my own books from this. So, don't snicker at someone you see reading Romantic Times.

Have I convinced you to read these managazines? Yes? I know you will learn from the time spent. No? ??????

Never mind. It's time for me to get back to reading.