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 • Bad endings, Booker bustups, matchbook collecting and a risk-taking career change, with a singing robot soundtrack, in the wide world of writing

Writing Magazine

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR • We want to hear your news and views on the writing world, your advice for fellow writers – and don’t forget to tell us what you would like to see featured in a future issue…

What if…my publisher goes out of business? • Martin Reed of the Society of Authors looks at what happens to authors if their publishing company can’t survive the health crisis

Make ‘em laugh • Piers Blofeld reminds the industry that even though dullness is the order of the day in lockdown, its job is to entertain as well as inform

TREADING A FINE LINE • Nydia Hetherington on the power of imagination and blending the real and the fantastical in her circus-set debut

First lines for fiction • Pamela Price explores techniques to achieve that elusive hook in the opening lines of your novel

Mystery invention • How do you write a mystery that honours the traditions of the genre but brings it bang up to date? Stuart Turton explains all to Tina Jackson

Editorial calendar • Strong forward planning will greatly improve your chances with freelance submissions. Here are some themes to consider for the coming months.

ASK A LITERARY CONSULTANT • Helen Corner-Bryant reassures a writer who is struggling to research their novel in lockdown

Make an audiobook • The audiobook market is increasing, and indie author Paul Beatty explains how to get your book into listeners' ears

ANGIE LAKE • The children’s author describes her unconventional path to publication

The ripple effect • Give your scenes added value with advice from Adrian Magson

WIN! £500

A Lame Joke

Free your mind • Clear your schedule, desk and mental workspace to become more creative, with advice to make you an organised writer like novelist, comic and game writer Antony Johnston

ELLA ALLBRIGHT / NIKKI MOORE • The romantic novelist shares the five books that have meant the most to her

SHELF LIFE

Under the Microscope • Author and creative writing lecturer James McCreet applies his forensic criticism to the first 300 words of a reader’s manuscript

In summary

FIND YOUR rhythm • Jane Wenham Jones advises a busy writer worried about lacking discipline that writing doesn’t need to be routine

Under the covers An elephant on the head • Debut author Gillian Harvey wonders if anyone has noticed her book’s been published

OPPOSITES ATTRACT • Explore conf lict and resolution in these writing group 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

SUBSCRIBER SPOTLIGHT • Share your writing...