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

When ghosts speak: STORIES TOLD BY THE DEAD • Author Alice Jolly invites you to think about the how and why of creating ghostly narrators

BEAUTIFUL DIFFERENCE • Debut murder mystery author Emma Mason looks at creating neurodivergent characters and how their authentic experience can add nuances to the story you’re telling

FICTION AND NON-FICTION – a love story • Introducing his new three-part series on a narrative non-fiction, author James McCreet considers the relation between two normally separate genres

Turning your life into fiction • Bestselling romance author Kandi Steiner looks at how to mine your own experiences for stories that hit readers in the heart

FIND YOUR THEME • Knowing your story’s theme is the key to understanding what you’re writing about. Author Linda Rosewood explores the importance of finding a strong theme in your writing

PREDICTING THE FUTURE • Wondering what the publishing industry is going to be excited about in the year ahead? WM gazes into its crystal ball to find out which genres are likely to be trending in 2026

A LITERARY LIFE • Novelist Sebastian Faulks talks to Tina Jackson about his new memoir, and the differences and similarities between writing fiction and writing from life

REAL LIFE, great stories • This month, Jenny Alexander looks at the importance of feeling the feelings when you write your memoir

Subscribe and receive Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2026

Your writing critiqued • James McCreet applies a forensic micro-critique to the beginning of a reader’s manuscript

Dialogue PART THREE • Want to bring a character vividly to life? Show it in their speech. Writer and tutor Ian Ayris explores writing in the vernacular

VIOLA VAN DE SANDT • The author of a debut novel about the breakdown of a relationship describes the process of believing that her work was worth sharing

Novel Ideas Best intent • Lynne Hackles is looking at the best way to approach 2026

SHELF LIFE RUTH KELLY • The thriller author picks her fi ve must-read titles

The world of writing • What goes through a writer’s brain? Readers’ letters and dispatches from the wide world of writing

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: HAUNTED HOUSE

Subscribers’ news

Preparing for the abyss • Queer romantic fantasy author Rebecca Thorne describ es setting up the world and the characters at the b eginning of the first b ook in her new science fantasy series

Ringing in the season • Alison Chisholm explores a poem based in memories of ringing the church bells for Christmas

As pretty as a picture • Helen M Waters explores what writers can take from visual artists in their short fiction, with an example story by Edith Wharton

Level up • Amy Sparkes sets strategies you can use to your children’s writing to the next level in the year ahead

Dark Christmas • Alex Davis explores writing festive fear and ill tidings in your...