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.

WELCOME

The world of writing • Blog blunders, PR wonders, serialised Salman, a purple revival and a silver anniversary – the truth is stranger than fiction in the wonderful world of writing

Writing Magazine

LETTERS

On curse? • Are expensive creative writing courses a worthwhile investment, ponders Piers Blofeld

THE POWER OF suggestion • Author James McCreet looks at how to write for the reader, and solve one of the most common problems for writers

BREAKING the big money BARRIER • Veteran journalist Andrew Don lets you in on how he trousered serious dosh as an independent operator so you can do it too

PRIME WRITER • Lynda La Plante’s enthusiasm shows no sign of waning with the publication of her 45th novel, 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.

Whose point of view? • Helen Corner-Bryant looks at ways of conveying different POVs without head-hopping

Love hurts • Rosalind Moody pulls her hair out trying to explain – in writing – why putting words on paper can sometimes be the hardest thing in the world

Anni Domingo • The actor and award-winning debut novelist describes how she gained the self-belief to see herself as a publishable writer

Under the covers

The idea generation game: Part one • Whatever genre you write, you’ll find something to inspire you in these writing prompts from Alex DavisT

Epistolary

The Buffet

STAND UP FOR YOUR WRITING • Adrian Magson says he’s all for not sitting down on the job

SHELF LIFE • Award-winning Native American novelist David Hesketh Wanbli Weiden shares five books that have left a lasting impression on him

DAVID HESKA WANBLI WEIDEN • David Hesketh Wanbli Weiden has been hailed as a major new voice in American crime fiction. He is Professor of Native American Studies and Political Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver and also teaches creative writing. His published work includes Spotted Tail, a biography for children of the Lakota leader which won the 2020 Spur Award from the Western Writers of America. Winter Counts is his first novel.

Seeing sense • Try using all the senses to give extra dimensions to your fiction, with advice from Alyson Hilbourne

Reach for the stars • Take your writing group into the space race with these exercises 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

Pitch perfect

Unlocking in lockdown

The write ingredients

Lots going on for Lou!

Love is all around • Margaret James explores different kinds of love you could engage with in your fiction

I wish I’d known

More questions than...