Our May/June issue features a profile of Julia Alvarez on the publication of her latest poetry collection, Visitations; an in-depth interview with agent Alia Hanna Habib; and essays on why we write—even when we hate to write—and earning and honoring your readers’ trust. More: at.pw.org/MayJune2026
I still can't help wondering what that show would have looked like with Geneviève Bujold as Janeway. I'm not complaining, mind you, it was great as it was. Just idle musing.
France is removing unnecessary Start buttons.
Well, I personally know of one CD-ROM drive that was definitely sold because of 7th Guest and Myst. But I also remember Doom and Wolfenstein floppies on grocery store spinner racks at one point.
Jealous? Never! Envious, maybe. Yeah, I can do envy. :)
A purple slide that reads: "These editions of Mapping the Maze is an online workshop for emerging creative writers who are ready to make a plan for getting their work published. Over two days, writers will receive guidance from trusted professionals to help them navigate the literary marketplace and take their next steps with confidence."
The Poets & Writers Mapping the Maze logo
Drumroll... New editions of Mapping the Maze are here! 🎉 Checkout the agents, editors, and authors who are here to help demystify the publishing process for poets, fiction, and creative nonfiction writers. Get early-bird discounts while space remains: at.pw.org/classes
“You were breathing fire when I met you, I should have sensed the danger: a pale, shirtless sixteen-year-old in the middle of a frozen field inhaling slugs of kerosene and spewing jets of flame...” Find out which of our #PageOne books opens with this dazzling line: at.pw.org/PageOne2026x2
A photo of Madden sitting at a window.
Madden's quote: "Who was being asked to tell their story and in what way? Who was more educated? Who had more wealth? Who had greater proximity to whiteness?"
In her new novel Whidbey, @tkiramadden.bsky.social investigates questions of privilege through complex, layered, and even unreliable characters. Read the profile on Madden in the March/April issue: at.pw.org/CrimeAndCompassion
A collage of the twelve featured books from the March/April Page One installment.
Looking for new titles from well-versed writers? Our latest #PageOne includes Sonia Sanchez’s 24th book, This Is Not a Small Voice; Mark Haddon’s 15th book, Leaving Home; and Tsering Woeser’s 24th book, Ocean, as Much as Rain, translated by Fiona Sze-Lorrain + Dechen Pemba. at.pw.org/PageOne2026x2
I think it means that I’m dead inside because when I’ve received these adoring emails, my reaction was “people would never be this nice about my writing so this must be a scam.” Saved by a powerful negative voice!
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/25/b...
#ICYMI: In our new issue six authors recall writers retreats that changed their lives, Brian Gresko profiles T Kira Māhealani Madden, Natalie Bakopoulos blurs borders in fiction, and Michael Kleber-Diggs reports on fifty years of Boa Editions. Find out more: at.pw.org/MarApr2026
ALERT: Scammers are posing as representatives of Poets & Writers to trick writers and take their money. Do not fall for it! We do not ask writers for money to promote their books, and we do not offer editing or website design services. These are phishing scams.
Our March/April issue features retreats that can provide the alchemical magic to unlock a new way forward in your writing; an extended interview with award-winning poet Jake Skeets on his new collection, Horses; and Meg Day’s essay on ASL poetry, Deaf art, and the queer archive. at.pw.org/MarApr2026
Calling all writers from Connecticut 🎉 Poets and fiction writers from Connecticut are invited to apply by March 1 for the 2026 Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award. This prestigious award aims to provide writers a network for professional advancement. Learn more and apply by March 1: at.pw.org/wex26
Lilliput vs. Blefuscu maybe?
“Joining Poets & Writers Groups has allowed me to connect with writers from all over the country.” If you’ve been looking for fellow writers to support you on your writing journey, find them at Poets & Writers Groups (groups.pw.org).
Celebrate our 21st annual debut poets with us on January 20 & 21, 2026, at 7 PM EST! Taking place over two evenings, the event includes readings from the poets and conversations about their individual paths to publication. RSVP is required for this free virtual event: at.pw.org/DebutPoets2026
I'm not the first, but I have to go with Little Earthquakes. Outstanding album from the first to last track.
This was my Gimli. The name fit him perfectly. He was short, hairy, and served as the comic relief.
When the National Endowment for the Arts added conditions to its grants that run counter to our commitment to antiracism, our belief that freedom of expression is the bedrock of democracy, and our core values of Integrity, Service, Inclusivity, and Excellence—we had to say no to a $70,000 grant.
#ICYMI: Our new issue includes a retrospective celebrating a decade of our beloved 5 Over 50 series; advice for turning a book event into an occasion that fosters community and connection; an article on the growing literary scene in Dallas; and so much more. Explore: at.pw.org/NovDec2025
In our new issue Ruth Madievsky writes about how your internet obsessions can become your writing’s obsessions and allowing those passions to animate your literary work: “…sometimes it helps to put the thing that’s stopping you from writing your book into your book.” at.pw.org/RatherBeOnline
Chart your path to publication with advice from industry professionals. Our next edition of Mapping the Maze for fiction writers starts this Monday! There are a few spots left. Register while space remains: at.pw.org/classes
“How do we write heart-wrenching absence and loss?” In this week’s #CraftCapsule, Ellen Bass recommends writers reflect on painful experiences without naming the source of their pain. at.pw.org/grief2
Pippin, a bolonoodle dog, sleeping on his dog bed.
Sleep now, little one. Life threw you a bunch of curves, but you always tried to be a good boy anyway.
“So often the images and sentences in this magazine similarly stick with me, and this issue is no exception. Start with that cover photograph of Toni Morrison…” EIC Kevin Larimer reflects on the photos and words that have moved him professionally + personally over the years. at.pw.org/OldFortTavern
"No streaming services, just a bunch of dusty books on crude shelves. When I complained, the owner just stared and said, 'Books are the treasured wealth of the world.' WTF? I missed the premiere of Billions. -- 1 Star"
(Happy b-day, Henry David!)
Congratulations to Dakota writers Kristine Knapp and Courtney Huse Wika, winners of the 2025 Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award! 🎉 The prestigious award aims to provide writers with a network for professional advancement. Learn more and read excerpts from the winning manuscripts:
You're invited! Join poet Douglas Kearney and Poets & Writers Magazine contributing editor Destiny O. Birdsong on May 1, at 7 PM EDT for a reading and discussion of Kearney’s new collection, I Imagine I Been Science Fiction Always. RSVP is required for this free virtual event: at.pw.org/3FT0BBd
My autocorrect is my nemesis. Sadly, it always gets the last word. :)
