2013: The Year of the Writer

by Gary Fearon, Creative Director, Southern Writers Magazine


Okay, 2013 is actually the Year of the Snake, but isn't it time we claim it for ourselves?

I'm not the first to say it, and I won't be the last: What a great time to be a writer!  We have opportunities and tools that weren't available to us even a decade ago.  Now, as 2013 gets underway, we're especially excited to celebrate the joy of writing with you.  For example:

THE NEW JANUARY ISSUE

Helping us ring in 2013 is an exception group of authors and publishing experts who you'll find uniquely inspiring, including multiple award-winning romance great Colleen Coble. The very clever and insightful Robin Perini shares her secrets of blending love with murder, and we visit with Joshilyn Jackson, who ignites her characters with personalities that jump right off the page. For a complete list of the bestselling wordsmiths who'll spark your creativity, visit the Southern Writers website. As always, the new issue is available in the colorful print edition, or online for immediate reading. Karen Kingsbury

THE NEW FICTION SHORT STORY CONTEST

Last year we held our first short story contest, and published a bonus publication featuring the 13 winners. Response was so great and we received so many requests to do it again, that we're starting the new year with an all-new contest just for fiction. We've doubled the prize money (Grand Prize is $250) as well as amped up the additional perks. The contest begins today, and entries will be accepted through March 1st. For full details, check out the contest web page.

THE NEW YEAR

Like you, we have goals for the new year, and they include continuing to bring you even more bestselling authors and more useful information to help you achieve your writing resolutions and sell more books. Since our first issue we've featured over 300 successful authors, some who are familiar names at the top of the bestseller lists, others who have just broken through with their first novel. One thing they all have in common is a love for writing and a willingness to share their expertise with their fellow wordsmiths. We're grateful to them all, proud to promote their works, and committed to keep bringing you a content-rich magazine that's never boring and ever empowering.

We encourage you to resolve to take advantage of the free promotional platforms available to Southern Writers subscribers. Announce your latest release on Mic Nite. Read an excerpt on Take Five. Plug your book trailer on Must Read TV. Or, if you're simply a fan of good writing, those are great places to discover a new book, so check them out regularly. We'll also be talking to more of your favorite authors on the next Southern Writers Radio Show, coming your way later this month.

Writers, join me in making this our year.  Best of luck to you in 2013.  May this be the year your writing dreams come true.