Writing Magazine

The saying goes that “everyone has a story in them” and it’s the mission of Writing Magazine to help you get yours out. Brought to you by real experts who know what it takes to improve your writing or get published, this monthly magazine is a must-have for all writers. Whether you write fiction, poetry, drama, children’s books, non-fiction or anything else, each issue features tips, practical exercises and real-life advice, that will not only help you get all that creativity onto the paper but also, get your name and profile out into the industry. With writing masterclasses from professionals, industry news, events listings, competitions where you can submit your work for fantastic prizes and real paid writing opportunities, Writing Magazine has everything you need to hone and improve your talents.

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DEAR READER

Multisensory LANGUAGE • In the first of a new series aimed at honing existing writing skills, James McCreet looks at developing a unique voice through word choice

STARTING SHORT • What can writing short teach about writing long? Short stories can be ideal training ground for writers working up to a novel, says author Dan Malakin, whose route to writing bestselling thrillers came through writing hundreds of short stories, twice being shortlisted for the Bridport Prize

EXERCISE • Dan Malakin looks at how you can access the stories inside you that want to be written

FANNING A SPARK TO FLAME • Author Norie Clarke explores the way Nora Ephron’s maxim of ‘everything is copy’ transformed a spark of inspiration into her new novel, and explains how you can develop an initial spark into the foundations of your novel

EXERCISE

ROCK IT AND SEE • Write about what you love and you’re living to win, says Mark Rotherham, whose novels reflect his lifelong passion for heavy metal. And pirates.

A SCANDALOUS SUCCESS • With the Bridgerton effect in full force, Regency Romance is seducing a new generation of readers. As her new Regency Romance is published, author Katy Moran offers her top tips for writers roaring to get going with their own historical romp

The bad OLD DAYS • Britain’s best-loved saga author Rosie Goodwin talks to Tina Jackson about tough times, working class voices and why her characters deserve their hard-won happy endings

DIFFERENT HATS, SOUND ADVICE • Adam Gauntlett is a literary agent with Peters Fraser and Dunlop (PDF). As A.E. Gauntlett, he’s attracted widespead praise for his twisty, turny debut thriller The Stranger at the Wedding. Wearing both his hats, he offers his top tips on what makes a book work – and potentially catch an agent’s eye

IRENOSEN OKOJIE • The acclaimed author describes how holding out for the right home for experimental fiction led her to independent presses before being signed to a major

Dream not screen • Switch off your screen and give the ideas a chance, says Lynne Hackles

JO THOMAS • The author whose feelgood novels focus on food tells Lynne Hackles about her everyday recipe for writing

REAL LIFE, great stories • This month, Jenny Alexander looks at the power of settings in your writing from real life

TREVOR WOOD • The former scriptwriter turned acclaimed author picks five books that led him into a life of crime (writing)

Your writing critiqued • James McCreet applies a forensic micro-critique to the beginning of a reader’s humorous manuscript

THE BUILDING BLOCK OF CHARACTER: PART TWO • Getting your characters right will transform your fiction. Author and tutor Ian Ayris uses an example story as he puts the focus on getting inside who a character really is

Celebrating • As the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School reaches its Diamond Anniversary, chairman Gerald Horns by looks...