Writer's Digest August 2007 (PDF)

You'll Love This Issue If:

• You're a fan of author Ann Brashares
• You are interested in writing software
• You want to know how to write your story's first chapter

Have you ever wondered where bestselling authors write and what their favorite writing places are? Or the best software for writers? In this issue, you'll get a glimpse at the unique spaces where four authors find their inspiration for writing and a comprehensive list of the writing software available today. Plus, you can read a feature interview with Ann Brashares, who discusses what it's like to write her first adult novel. And for freelance writers, there is a feature article on finding health-care coverage.

Download this issue today!

In This Issue You'll Learn:

• How to write opening scenes
• The best writing software for you
• How to create rooms that inspire your writing

What's Inside This Issue:

SPOTLIGHT: INSPIRING WRITING ROOMS
The Write Space
By Jordan E. Rosenfeld and Linda Formichelli
Have you ever wondered what makes a writer's room? Four authors share the unique spaces where they find their inspiration.

[FEATURES]
The Healthy Writer
By Linda Formichelli
If you're a self-employed writer, finding health-care coverage can be daunting. Look to these organizations to help get you covered.

The 2007 WD Guide to Software for Writers
By Tom Zeit
Good software doesn't make a great writer. But it can make your work easier. Here's our guide to what's available,and how it can work for you.

THE WD INTERVIEW: ANN BRASHARES
By Kara Gebhart Uhl
The acclaimed author zipped up her mega-selling The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series this year and released her first adult novel. But, as she reveals here, finding a new path isn't easy.

Hook, Grab and Pull
By Les Edgerton
Nothing is more important than your opening scene. Here's how to lure readers to Chapter 2.

Gone Far
By Mary Curran-Hackett
Writing the life of a Sudanese refugee gave literary darling Dave Eggers the challenge of his life.

The Edge of Reason
By Kara Gebhart Uhl
Meet the grand-prize winner of the Writer's Digest Popular Fiction Awards and read the winning work. PLUS: A complete listing of first-place winners and honorable mentions in each category.

[COLUMNS]
Questions & Quandaries
By Brian A. Klems
Should you show your quotes to a source? When should you use "everyday" and "every day"? We've got your answers.

This Writer's Life: Try, Try, Try Again
By Jodi Picoult
Our bestselling author reveals that, while we all experience failure and rejection, often those things push us to succeed.

This Writer's Life: The Road More or Less Traveled
By Kevin Alexander
Does a writer traveling equal a travel writer?

On the Edge: Mojo Working
By Kara Gebhart Uhl
At an increasing number of newspapers, reporters are using their laptops to report, write and post stories from the field.

Ask The Pro: A Push Into Teen Fiction
By Jack Clemens
Scholastic editor and author David Levithan discusses children's book publishing and his new imprint.

First Impressions: Comic Relief
By Jordan E. Rosenfeld
Cartoonist-turned-first-time-novelist Man Martin finds that his humor plays in other genres. PLUS: More notable debuts.

Book Buzz: Scenes From a Marriage
By Jessa Crispin
Calvin Trillin offers a loving character study in About Alice. PLUS: More marriage memoirs.

Your Story: Garage-Sale Addiction
By Jennifer S. Dahlen
The winning entry of contest #5. PLUS: Your Story #7 prompt.

Postscript: Never Say Die
By Kevin Davis
The book proposal that took on a life of its own.

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• Book Tours Go Video
  
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• Fiction: endings
  
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• Marketing: agents