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.

Dear Reader

THE WORLD OF WRITING • Different approaches to writing, and a worrying diversion, catching our eye from the wide world of writing

Writing Magazine

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR • We want to hear your news and views on the writing world, your advice for fellow writers – and don’t forget to tell us what you would like to see featured in a future issue…

Speak out • As the world rallies around the Black Lives Matter movement, Society of Authors pledges its support, with an impassioned call to action from Booker Prize-winning author Ben Okri

WORTH THEIR WEIGHT • Piers Blofeld is delighted that a sideeffect of lockdown has been making people see the real value of books

Talking heads • Give your characters a good chance of speaking to each other convincingly by taking Michael Clough’s advice on paying attention to style and content when you’re writing dialogue

Riding the rollercoaster • Psychological noir author Louise Candlish took a while to reach her audience, as Tina Jackson discovers

Editorial calendar • Strong forward planning will greatly improve your chances with freelance submissions. Here are some themes to consider for the coming months.

What’s on the wish list? • Rosalind Moody quizzes publishing professionals about what they’re looking for in response to the times we’re going through

BEHIND THE TAPE • Expert advice to get the details right in your crime fiction, from serving police officer Lisa Cutts

Ask a Literary Consultant • Helen Corner-Bryant looks at how to make your characters work in this instalment of her guide to honing your fiction

WRITE WHEN YOU’RE READY • Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t been productive during lockdown, says Adrian Magson

JACKIE MARCHANT • The children’s author tells Dolores Gordon Smith how she found the creative freedom she craved when she moved to a small indie publisher

Penny • CONTENT ADVISORY: SOME ADULT LANGUAGE

Play with playtime • Get in touch with your inner child in these play-related creative writing exercises from Jenny Alexander

WIN! £500 • IN CASH PRIZES & PUBLICATION

JAMES CROWDEN • The author and explorer shares his top five reads with Judith Spelman

A Happy RELATIONSHIP • Author James McCreet talks to writer Anita Faulkner about problems with plotting her romantic novels

The style & technique of RACHEL CUSK • Tony Rossiter examines a writer whose work seems to reflect her personal life

Only when I LAUGH • Explore comedy and comic timing in this sitcom-related writing group exercise from Julie Phillips

CIRCLES’ ROUNDUP • If your writing group would like to feature here, whether you need new members, have an event to publicise or to suggest tips for other groups, email Tina Jackson, tjackson@warnersgroup.co.uk

SUBSCRIBER SPOTLIGHT • Share your writing success stories. If you subscribe to Writing Magazine and would like to...