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.

The world of writing • Surreal sightings, anti-fascist activity, orphaned negatives and a seminal SMS novel all have a part to play in the wonderful world of writing

Writing Magazine

LETTERS

All the fun of the (book) fair • Literary agent Piers Blofeld loves the hoopla of book fair season

FORWARD THINKING • DJ Bowman-Smith discusses technological innovations and what the not-too-distant future holds for writers

Christmas jumpers • Do you dream of writing a Christmas romance that jumps to the top of the bestseller list? Author Rebecca Raisin offers her take on creating a contemporary spin on traditional festive tales

EPICALLY GRIM • Joe Abercrombie, the overlord of grimdark fantasy, explains his bleakly cynical vision to Tina Jackson

Submissions etiquette • Cornerstones’ new assistant editor, Sarah Conkerton, draws on her agency experience to take on all of our most frequently asked questions around submitting

The end or the beginning? • Is publication the be-all and end-all for writers? Author James McCreet explores writing for its own sake versus writing to be published.

BUILDING THE BILDUNGSROMAN • Rosalind Moody pays tribute to a few coming-of-age corkers and suggests how to start your own story

Freya Sampson • The author describes how she battled imposter syndrome to publish her debut novel The Last Library

Under the covers

Open SHORT STORY COMPETITION

The Inheritance

EXTRA WORK • Make the most of your ‘walk-ons’, or supporting cast, says Adrian Magson

SHELF LIFE • International bestseller Kathryn Hughes shares five books that have made a deep impression on her

KATHRYN HUGHES

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

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

SMART thinking • Artifical intelligence comes under the spotlight 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 NEWS

Non-fic fits write in

Doll parts

Follicular spec-fic

Infinities in print

Volunteer your words • Celebrate people who give their time to help others in these creative writing exercises from Jenny Alexander

Your choice • Alison Chisholm launches WM’s popular annual Open Poetry Competition with advice on making the best choices for your poem

WINNER: WHEEL OF THE YEAR

Wheels turn • Alison Chisholm is impressed by the winning poems in WM’s Wheels competition

RUNNER UP: THE HERBALIST

Tricks of the trade • Margaret James looks at adding some unexpected...