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 • Works lost and found, stories coming full circle and rumours going round – don’t get dizzy in our roundup of the wonderful world of writing

Writing Magazine

LUCKY 21 • What does 2021 hold in store for writers, publishers and readers? WM experts and guests share their thoughts on the year we’d sooner forget and brighter prospects ahead

STAR LETTER

Explaining terms • Contracts adviser Catherine Fuller explains what the SoA helps you look out for

Battle of the BEHEMOTHS • As Amazon and the big publishing companies get increasingly supersized, Piers Blofeld ponders on the fallout for authors

TRUE CRIME • Emotional truth and procedural accuracy are at the heart of crime queen Mari Hannah’s novels, as Tina Jackson learns

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

WIN £1,000 • IN THE WRITING MAGAZINE GRAND PRIZE 2021

The six-par synopsis • Helen Corner-Bryant helps you complete your submission package

Those we have lost • As we wave goodbye to 2020, Rosalind Moody pays tribute to some of the valiant magazine victims of the deepest recession since records began

Cherie Jones • The Barbados-born writer, lawyer and Commonwealth Short Story Prize winner describes how her debut novel is the fulfilment of a teenage dream

CHERIE’S TOP TIPS

Imogen Taylor publishing director, Tinder Press

Broad Strokes • Don’t get too hung up on detail, says Adrian Magson

WIN! £500 IN CASH PRIZES & PUBLICATION • New start short story competition

Lockdown Recipes

The first five pages • Allie Reynolds runs through the effects she creates in the first pages of her debut thriller, Shiver

CATHI UNSWORTH • The crime writer known as the queen of noir shares the books that have shaped her career as an author

Your writing critiqued • Author and lecturer James McCreet applies his forensic criticism to a reader’s first 300 words

In summary

What’s in a (pen) name? • Jane Wenham-Jones has advice for a writer who would like to conceal her true identity behind a pseudonym

Under the covers Accentuating the positive • With 2020 behind her, Gillian Harvey is looking hopefully ahead

What’s my motivation? • Help your writing group members determine what they want to write, and why, with 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

Exploring what’s mine

A blueprint for happiness

Blossoming time

Stranger danger

Cautiously tiptoeing…

Lockdown result

Characters coming through

A dark stroke of fortune

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