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

Exercise: THE WRITERS’ SANDBOX (from Written)

Under pressure • Modern publishing isn’t just hard for authors to crack. The demands facing editors are piling up in a way that’s detrimental for everyone, as Piers Blofeld explains

Agent wish-list • Sarah Conkerton, Cornerstones’ Assistant Editor with an agency background, talks about where to find potential literary agents and how to build a list ahead of your submissions (what’s known as a sub list)

WRITER’S WORKSHOP: Character and voice • In the first part of a new workshop series focusing on how to create authentic characters and bring their voices to life in your writing, acclaimed author and creative writing teacher Ian Ayris explores the fundamentals of character creation

Structure : The writer’s quest • Giving structure to your fiction is essential – and it can be challenging. Leon Conrad, author of the award-winning book, Story and Structure: A Complete Guide outlines a simple structure he uses at every stage of the writing process, and explains how you can use it to find your way through your story and make your writing flow

Jennifer Croft • The author and Booker International Prize-winning translator tells Lynne Hackles how she needs as much light as possible as she multi-tasks her way through various projects

MISSING INK

SHELF LIFE • John Marrs – the bestselling author of twisty, turny, high-concept thrillers – talks us through five books that made a massive impact on him

JOHN MARRS

Your writing critiqued • James McCreet applies his forensic criticism to the beginning of a reader’s manuscript

WAITING IN THE WINGS • Uplit author Matt Cain describes how he set the scene for his lead character to give the performance of his life in the opening pages of his new novel, Becoming Ted

SANTANU BHATTACHARYA • The debut author of the greatly anticipated One Small Voice describes the obstacles he overcame to publish the book he believed

Helen Garnons-Williams, publishing director at Fig Tree

The world of writing • Going goblin, eating all the pies ... Miscellany and our readers’ news and views...

GONE GOBLIN

STAR LETTER

AFFIRMING IDENTITY

ON THE ROAD AT LAST

THE SPICE OF (WRITING) LIFE

DANGEROUSLY HAPPY

HAMMER OF THE GOD

RADICAL ACT OF WRITING

Too much pressure

A BITE OF THE MANGO

Not running according to schedule

Hold the front page

SMALL BOOK, WEIGHTY SUBJECT MATTER

Get the write idea • Explore various forms of interaction with these creative writing prompts and exercises to try right now

Turn on, tune in, write it out • What does radio mean to you? Create sound waves and dial up the transmission in these creative writing exercises from Jenny Alexander

Destination unknown • Take your writing group members on a journey in these travel-related exercises from Julie Phillips

CIRCLES’ ROUNDUP • If your writing...