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 • Controversy, creativity, flogging a dead horse and flogging a million dollar word game – your monthly roundup of all the lit tattle from Miscellany Manors

APRIL

STAR LETTER

WHALEY GOOD

EDITING INSIGHT

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

SEEING THE BIG PICTURE

DREAMS COME TRUE

PUBLISH AND BE DAMNED • Piers Blofeld argues that the Kate Clanchy episode shows that publishers need to take responsibilty

IN IT TO WIN IT WINNER • Want to give your writing comp entries a winning edge? Searchlight Awards founder Kim Donovan has the insider info you need.

The first five pages: Peach Blossom Spring • Melissa Fu analyses the first five pages of her debut novel, which looks at 20th century Chinese history through the story of one family

My kind of happy ever after • Carefree on the surface, Cathy Bramley’s books require thought, planning and hard work, as Tina Jackson discovers

Dressing FOR success • Jess Morency delves into the book cover requirements for the main romance genres and sub-genres

LISA FIRTH’S TIPS FOR INDIES

Draw attention the write way • Make your submission appeal to agents by following Helen Corner-Bryant’s advice

LET’S HEAR IT FOR WORLD BOOK DAY • With its 25th anniversary the day this issue of WM comes out, Rosalind Moody explores the power of World Book Day, and why this year is so important

Kate Mildenhall • The Australian author of The Mother Fault describes how her writing journey began after her daughter was born

Fantastic beast • Let your imagination take flight in these unicorn-themed creative writing exercises from Jenny Alexander

Supernatural SHORT STORY COMPETITION • SEE P62 FOR ENTRY DETAILS, FULL RULES AND ENTRY FORMS

Beauty? • Read the judges’ comments at http://writ.rs/wmapr22

Blinded by the Light

SET IN STONE AGE • Since time immemorial it’s been essential to keep stories exciting, says Adrian Magson

SHELF LIFE • The bestselling Scottish psychological thriller author picks five books that have made an impact on her life

HARRIET TYCE

Your writing critiqued • James McCreet applies his forensic gaze 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.

DOING TIME FOR THE WRITE CRIME • Writing group members are in for a long stretch with these crime-related 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

SHARE YOUR NEWS • To feature in subscribers’ news contact: tjackson@warnersgroup.co.uk

Promise fulfilled

TREASURE TROVE

Brain pickings

TRAVELLING...