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 • Lost classics, litigation loopholes, literary lapses and light at the end of the tunnel – all the latest from the wonderful world of writing
Writing Magazine
STAR LETTER
The smallest steps • Crime writer and SoA board member Sam Blake on slowing down to stay focused in uncertain times
STATE OF AMERICA • Piers Blofeld wonders if US’s cultural influence may be waning in the light of recent events, and what this might mean for the book trade
EXPERIMENTING WITH FORM • Stuart MacBride explains the benefits of shaking things up from time to time
Indie or TRADITIONAL? That is the question! • In the first of a new series on self publishing, indie author DJ Bowman-Smith argues that the choice is yours
SOME USEFUL ORGANISATIONS FOR ALL WRITERS
PODCASTS FOR INDIE WRITERS
Bringing SEXY back • Melanie Blake is a formidable discovers woman with a mission, to bring back bonkbusters, as Tina Jackson
HOW I BROKE ALL THE RULES • Writing Magazine assistant editor Tina Jackson encourages you to follow your heart, not the rulebook
Whose point of view? • Cornerstones desk editor Sarah Rouse gives guidelines about POV to a writer who wants to combine multiple viewpoints
Writer’s retreat • Want a change of scenery? Dream of running away to these spectacular literary-themed AirBnbs, suggests, Rosalind Moody
Wibke Brueggemann • The debut YA author felt as if she was being tested all along the way until a stroke of luck led to her first novel being accepted
Sam Smith Macmillan Children’s Books
Aim for the target • Setting targets will help you progress your writing, says Adrian Magson
750-Word • IN CASH PRIZES & PUBLICATION
Library of emotions
RUNNER-UP AND SHORTLISTED
The sense of a woman • How to write compelling female characters, by screenwriter, lecturer and author Helen Jacey
FEMI KAYODE • The thriller author shares the books that shaped him as a writer
Your writing critiqued • Author and lecturer James McCreet applies his forensic criticism to the first 300 words of a reader’s work in progress
In summary
Personalised writing courses to help you achieve your goals
Editorial calendar • Strong forward planning will greatly improve your chances with freelance submissions. Here are some themes to consider for the coming months.
Record breakers • Julie Phillips invites writing group members to go for world records – in these exercises, of course
CIRCLES’ ROUNDUP
Finding the right footing
Flash forward
Secrets in Scotland
An eight-year slog
WE’LL HELP YOU SELL YOUR BOOK!
A domestic tragedy
Cooking up a crime tale
Making sense of being at sea
Linda’s legacy of lockdown
COURSES GUIDE 2021 • Expand your writing horizons with courses, workshops and retreats during 2021. These are sorted geographically...