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 • Cloying rhymes, not enough time, inspiration to chew on and subs getting stuck in – anything goes in the wonderful world of writing

Writing Magazine

LETTERS

LOVE RULES: How to write contemporary romance • Author Sandy Barker looks at writing modern love and keeping it fresh, engaging and relevant

MIND THE AGE GAP • It makes commercial sense for publishers to get better at catering for older readers, says literary agent Piers Blofeld

Time-travelling through stories • Children’s author Sophie Kirtley looks at how to bring history to life for young readers

WORDS OF WISDOM • These Foolish Things author Deborah Moggach always gives older characters a new lease of life, as Tina Jackson discovers

SUBSCRIBE TODAY • and receive 3 FREE books

Pay your way? • Helen Corner-Bryant answers a writer worried about paying agents and publishers to get a manuscript read

A class APART • Author Phoebe Wynne describes how she took writing classes in the US and the UK – and found they affected her writing process in drastically different ways.

FELINE fascinated • Totally under the paw herself, Rosalind Moody wonders why we writers love cats so much

Jake Avila • The thriller writer describes how his belief in a book no-one wanted paid off when he won a major prize

Under the covers Gillian Harvey’s diary • In which our columnist undergoes The Wait

THE WRITE SITE • Find times and places that suit you to write, says Adrian Magson

WIN! £500 • IN CASH PRIZES & PUBLICATION

HUMAN SPIRIT

Marketing matters • Indie author DJ Bowman-Smith helps you get to grips with basics of marketing your book

SHELF LIFE • The bestselling and award-winning literary novelist Sebastian Faulks shares five books that have left a lasting impression on him

Your writing critiqued • James McCreet applies his forensic criticism to the first 300 words of a reader’s thriller

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

BEASTLY WRITING • Your writing group won’t want to weasel out of these animal-themed 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 NEWS

The art of writing • Think visually in these drawing-based creative writing exercises from Jenny Alexander

A child’s playground of verses • Look back to playing when you were young, suggests Alison Chisholm as she introduces WM’s Childhood Games poetry competition

TAKES THE CAKE • Alison Chisholm finds a winner with a sweet spot in WM’s Humorous Poetry Competition

With a little help from my (writer) friends •...