Do you need a magazine to write a book?

No, but it certainly can help to have some glossy photos of successful writers arriving in your mailbox periodically to boost your motivation. Is it worth the cost? I'd say yes, having just resubscribed to two writing magazines: Writer's Digest and Poets and Writers. Both have author interviews; both cover a wide range of writing; and both have lots of information about workshops, contests and other inducements to the writing life. So, which one is the best bet for you? Pick up a few back issues of each and examine the covers. Do notice anything? On the cover of Writer's Digest, the author is smiling. Poets and Writers cover subjects favor a more austere expression. The same can be said for interior articles. If you are a rather academic stylist, jaded by workshops and modern fiction in general, grab up Poets and Writers. If you are excited, hopeful and determined to write for the most current market, go for Writer's Digest. Better yet, shell out a few more dollars and get both. Then practice your expressions in a mirror in case you are asked to be on the cover of either of them.