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Interviews writer Cynthia Ozick. Creation of the protagonist character Ruth Puttermesser for the novel `The Puttermesser Papers'; Psychological and emotional connection between the writer and literary heroes and heroines; Educational background; Success as a writer of fiction and nonfiction; Writing habits; Advice for young writers.

This article offers step-by-step instructions for how to keep track of a novel-in-progress.

Reflects on becoming a creative writer. Role of intuition in a writer's life; Task of a writer; Key factor in knowing the unknown; Tools of a writer.

This article offers a few things to consider to make good travel pieces. First and foremost it is important to travel light. A travel writer should pack a notebook—not a laptop, but the old-fashioned kind, with pages made of paper, preferably one small enough to fit in the pocket. Along with the notebook, one should bring an easy-to-operate digital camera to provide with a visual record of a particular sight. Photographs can become an integral part of an article. Travel writing gets interesting when there are characters the reader can care about. INSET: Making a scene makes for a more effective opening.

Presents an interview with filmmaker-screenwriter Barry Levinson. When asked about the kind of writing he did as a boy he refers to school papers but admitted that he failed at everything he wrote. Working in local television in Washington, D.C., after college and being in acting school when he came to Los Angeles, California are the two great learning curves for him. He reveals that improvisation became the bridge to his writing. INSETS: The Barry Levinson File;The prolific Barry Levinson: some essential credits and awards.

Focuses on the search for inspiration in writing and how to put this idea into paper. Chief source of inspiration for any writer; Comments from William Faulkner, a writer; Views on poetry writing.

Discusses the reasons why some literary journals accept writer's submissions during summer. Remark from Arlan Hess, poetry editor of "Paper Street"; Reason for the limitation of submission periods for the "Natural Bridge," according to editor Ryan Stone; Comment from S. L. Wisenberg, creative nonfiction director of "Another Chicago Magazine."

Summarizes a writer's work, which goes on even during so-called vacations, and holidays. Discusses awareness and the importance of storing feelings and information in the mind and on paper for future use.