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.

THE MISTAKES NOT TO MAKE

Labour of love • You’re writing a book that’s niche, and tells an extraordinary true-life story.What’s the process, and what are the choices you make? Storyteller and dance historian Jo Hirons McAvoy describes uncovering the lost history of marginalised dancers from a bygone age and why self-publishing was by far the best option for her book.

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP Writing the everyday gothic • Kate Collins, whose new book is a chilling update on the haunted house novel, examines how ordinary life can be amplifed to terrifying effect in your fiction

YOUR WRITING WORKSHOPPED • James McCreet solves a reader’s short story problem as they go through a workshopping process that takes a story from first to final draft

THE LOVE OF MUSIC

Northern soul • Benjamin Myers is an extraordinary talent whose latest novel is a visionary time-travelling story rooted in the North of England. He talks to Tina Jackson about medieval saints, regional identity, punk philosophy, and working class writing.

THE WORD GAME • Want to play the writing game? Take your chances against other players? Write to win? Sharpen your tactics as you make your way through the rules laid down by Scott Kershaw, author of high concept thriller The Game.

ON LOCATION • Heidi Swain discusses setting up the beginning of a novel about friends, linked by a much-loved book, and holidaying together in the place used for a book-to-film adaptation

TOYA WOLFE • The award-winning Chicago author talks about the perseverance it took to get her debut, Last Summer on State Street, into shape, and why drawing on things that were personal and specific allowed her to develop her unique voice

SHELF LIFE • Prize-winning Caribbean novelist and poet Kevin Jared Hosein, whose new novel is Hungry Ghosts, shares the books that helped to shape his own ideas of what reading and writing can be

KEVIN JARED HOSEIN

The world of writing • Baffling acronyms, reading, keeping it real... Miscellany and our readers’ news and views...

A SAFE BET

REALITY BITES

Fun and (party) games • Draw on your writing group’s memories in these children’s party-themed prompts and activities from Julie Phillips

THREE IN A ROW

Keeping it noir

A happy handful

DAVE DOES DARKNESS

Dark deal

Kate Hardy • Margaret James talks to the prolific Mills & Boon novelist to find out how she keeps romance blooming

KATE’S TOP TIPS

Take note • All writers need a notebook, but have you ever written about them, rather than in them? Here are some notebook-themed exercises from Jenny Alexander for you to try

Get the write idea • Use your imagination to fill the gaps in these creative writing exercises to try right now

Creative reading (PART 1) • In the first of a regular column tackling the fundamentals of creative writing, acclaimed author and creative writing tutor Ian Ayris looks at reading and the...