Proud word nerd finds the perfect magazine

I love magazines … real magazines that you can hold in your hand and actually turn the pages. It’s always felt like a decadent experience to me to read one. I mean, who has time in this crazy busy world to peruse a magazine for gosh sakes? When I pick up a magazine, I almost feel like I’m taking a mini vacation.

I typically read for an hour or two every evening, with books being my “go-to” material. However, there are times when I need something light to enjoy, something that doesn’t make my head spin when I go to bed thinking “OH MY GOSH WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT?”

Magazines to the rescue.

When I discovered that there was a magazine called Writer’s Digest, I knew exactly what to request for my birthday last month. I strive to always work to expand my knowledge and improve my writing. I figured this publication would be perfect for me and give me some nice motivation each month to get closer to my goal of being a full-time author.

After my husband John sent me the email confirmation for my subscription, I was so excited. I’m a proud word nerd, after all. (Thank you, former columnist Curtis Honeycutt, for that term.)

Imagine my reaction when I opened my mailbox last Monday to find my very first issue. Those who know me well would correctly guess that I squealed with delight.

Photo provided by Amy Shankland

I’m not even a third of the way through it as of this writing, but I’m already devouring every paragraph and making some “oohs” and “aahs.” It offers multiple writing contests, which already has my brain turning over various possibilities and ideas.

I’ve already expanded my knowledge about how to market myself and my books, which is probably one of the biggest challenges authors face.

And there are … writing prompts! What are writing prompts, you may ask? These are sentences, headlines, ideas, pictures, etc., that help you beat writer’s block or just flex your writing muscles. Writer’s Digest featured pictures – a hotel’s front desk bell, an hourglass, and a red dress – to get my mind working.

I’m delighted to have this monthly motivation that will keep me moving in the right direction. It’s not possible to constantly go to writer’s conferences, as I work full time as a grant consultant and can’t take a lot of time away from my work. Plus, those conference fees add up.

If you’re a writer, or you want to be, I highly recommend this publication. And if you’re not “old school” like me and prefer to get your content online, you can visit writersdigest.com.

Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.