Monday, August 30, 2004

Website: The Practicing Writer

New Website: The Practicing Writer
URL: http://www.practicing-writer.com

Writers, take note. There's a new Internet presence to support your craft and business, especially if you're writing novels, short stories, poetry, essays, or book-length nonfiction. You can now count on The Practicing Writer, a website featuring a free monthly newsletter, complimentary literary competition guide, and other resources.

"Websites can provide enormous assistance to writers," says Dreifus. "But writers want to spend their time writing. They seek quality content and they appreciate a site that allows them to access it easily." The Practicing Writer's "Resources" page, for example, offers a selection of links divided into sub-categories including "Writing Programs, Conferences, and Centers"; "Publications for Practicing Writers"; and "Teaching Resources."

The website's goal, Dreifus says, is to provide both inspiration and practical assistance. Visitors may subscribe to a free monthly electronic newsletter that includes up-to-date announcements about literary competitions, grants, fellowships, and residencies. The newsletter also features a "Submission Alerts!!!" section for literary journal theme issues and similar opportunities. A sample copy is available on the website.

Dreifus, who has recently published "The Practicing Writer's Primer on Low-Residency MFA Programs," is a Massachusetts-based writer and teacher who earned A.B., Ed.M., and Ph.D. degrees from Harvard University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte. "I've found that many people--classmates and students alike--are eager for information to help them as practicing writers," she says. "It's a tough road, and every bit of support is appreciated."

Erika Dreifus, Ed.M., M.F.A., Ph.D.
Editor, The Practicing Writer