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Friday Finds for Writers

by Erika Dreifus on
2

Treasure ChestThe weekly collection of writing-related resources, news, and reflections to read over the weekend.

  • For those of us with strong opinions and the urge to share them in writing (ahem): a helpful set of “10 Rules for Writing Opinion Pieces.”
  • Wise words for writers from Sharon Bially on “Marketing and the Spirit of Giving.”
  • Grant-getting tips from Jillian Keenan.
  • There is a lot of advice if you drill down through all of the links in this post on “What Writers Need to Know About Goodreads.” I, for one, can’t see myself devoting sufficient time and energy to making use of every tip. But the key take-away is this: “The key to goodreads is to become a member of the community first…and mention your writing only in context and when appropriate.”
  • And to conclude: some interesting details in this year-in-review post from Ploughshares, including data on submissions, payments, and more.

    • Have a great weekend, everyone. See you back here on Monday for the final post of 2012!

    Wednesday’s Work-in-Progress: The Potential of “Unfinished” Work

    by Erika Dreifus on
    8

    Last July, I noted some boosts in my writerly productivity. I discerned several factors in that happy development, including

    the extent to which I’ve been taking to heart [advice] from Midge Raymond’s Everyday Writing: Tips and Prompts to Fit Your Regularly Scheduled Life. As part of her counsel on ways to meet our writing goals, Midge advises: “Don’t dismiss unfinished projects.” She explains: “I’ve found many gems in long-abandoned projects….Never abandon old ideas; you never know when they’ll suddenly be relevant. Revisit all your ‘old’ stories, poems, or essays at least once a year.” (more…)

    Friday Finds for Writers

    by Erika Dreifus on
    8

    The weekly collection of writing-related resources, news, and reflections to read over the weekend.

  • Some practical tips from GalleyCat: “5 Ways to Find an Agent for Your Book.”
  • Sad to say, if you’ve got a short-story collection to sell, it’s possible that not even the most diligent agent search may yield representation. It’s a common experience we short-story writers encounter, as Becky Tuch noted this week in “Nice Short Story Collection. But Do You Have a Novel?”
  • A litmag editor shares “5 quick & dirty submission tips that you won’t find in anyone’s submission guidelines.” (via Diane Lockward’s poetry newsletter)
  • Speaking of litmags: I’ve long recommended (and relied on, and occasionally donated to) Duotrope’s litmag database. Now, Duotrope has announced that it will begin charging for full access to/benefits from its site. Lots of chatter about this online this week. What say you? I’ll share this: I haven’t decided if I’ll subscribe myself, but I have purchased a six-month gift subscription as a birthday present for a writer friend.
  • The Writer magazine previews a slew of writing-related books slated for publication in 2013. (Could be especially useful for those of you mapping out possible book reviews for 2013.)
  • Finally, a lovely essay on writing by author Silas House. I can’t even summarize it. Please just give it a read.

    • Have a great weekend, everyone. See you back here on Monday!

    Friday Finds for Writers

    by Erika Dreifus on
    5

    The weekly collection of writing-related resources, news, and reflections to read over the weekend.

  • A dilemma for lots of writers (yours truly included): how open to be about one’s political beliefs and causes. Here’s Jenna Blum’s take on the matter.
  • Free today (and, I believe, through the weekend, but don’t hold me to that): “13 Ways to Get the Writing Done Faster,” an e-book by Linda Formichelli and Carol Tice. If you follow this blog, you know that I’m always linking to posts on Linda’s and Carol’s blogs.
  • Wise words from Jamie Todd Rubin in this “FAQ: Will You Read My Story/Refer Me To Your Agent/Help Me Write A Query Letter, Etc.?” (thanks to @mabfan for the find).
  • And speaking of wisdom: Roxane Gay explains why writers should be wary of Simon & Schuster’s new self-publishing arm, Archway Publishing.
  • ICYMI: My latest thoughts on “Jewish fiction,” inspired by Tablet Magazine’s new fiction series, over on My Machberet.

    • Enjoy the weekend, all (and, Practicing Writer newsletter subscribers, look for the December issue to arrive imminently). See you back here on Monday.

    On “Jewish” Writing: Reflections on Tablet Magazine’s New Fiction Series

    by Erika Dreifus on
    11

    As someone who spends a lot of time reading, writing about, and promoting Jewish literature—including, and perhaps especially, Jewish fiction—I’m mystified by the direction that Tablet magazine appears to be taking with its new fiction series.

    Tablet, as you may know, bears the trademarked tag line, “a new read on Jewish life,” and describes itself as a “daily online magazine of Jewish news, ideas, and culture.” It’s a magazine that I admire and enjoy; I was delighted when it added original fiction to its mix this fall. But that delight has turned to puzzlement–and a degree of dismay. (more…)