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

Comic timing • Writing funny is one of the hardest things to do well, and it can mean playing a long game. Former standup turned comedy writer and now novelist C.K. McDonnell explains how nothing in a comic writer’s life is ever wasted, and how you can make comedy work in your fiction.

CLAUSE FOR CONCERN • Discounted author copies? Surely that can’t be a bad thing? Piers Blofeld urges authors to look carefully at their publishers’ Ts & Cs

A matter of speculation • This month, Cornerstones’ Assistant Editor, Sarah Conkerton, discusses the often confusing ‘speculative fiction’, what agents and publishers mean when they use the term, and how and where it differs from traditional SFF

WRITER’S WORKSHOP: Bringing your characters to life • In part two of his series on character and voice, author and creative writing tutor Ian Ayris provides you with the tools to create characters readers will connect with

Opposing views: How to write a dual narrative • Using a dual narrative opens up interesting possibilities for your fiction. Novelist Cailean Steed explains how it works, highlights outstanding examples for you to learn from, and offers exercises to get you creating your own dual narratives.

Imran Mahmood • The barrister and acclaimed novelist tells Lynne Hackles how he makes the most of waiting time and interruptions to write his compelling crime thrillers

Dreams can come true • Jill Mansell, the Queen of Feelgood Fiction, talks to Tina Jackson about how she creates the warm, relatable romantic comedies that have sold more than 14 million copies worldwide

Eco-fiction: FOLLOW THE SCIENCE • Leading crime writer Peter May describes how he was inspired by the science to create crime thrillers with a terrifying backdrop of climate crisis, and tells you how to find the story that will bring your climate change fiction to life.

Questions of narrative • Keen to try writing non-fiction from a personal perspective? James McCreet describes fusing fictional and factual writing techniques when he made the switch from novels to history.

LOUISE HARE

SHELF LIFE • Simon Scarrow, the No 1 bestselling thriller author, rounds up the five reads that most gripped his imagination

SIMON SCARROW

CHARLOTTE RIXON • The author of suspense novels and now a love story describes her long and difficult journey to getting a book deal – and why she wouldn’t have it any other way

HEALTHY WRITING

The world of writing • Playing dead, poetry in motion ... Miscellany and our readers’ news and views...

MAKING SENSE OF THINGS

(PUT IT) RIGHT TIME?

GETTING STARTED

POT KETTLE

PLAYING DEAD

Get the write idea • Explore how place affects the dynamics of a story in these creative writing exercises to try right now

Brush strokes • Create new work on an art theme in these writing group exercises from Julie Phillips

Front of stage • To feature in subscribers’ news contact:...