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 • Lewis’s legacy, expensive editions, essential SF, recipes for success and DIY to the max – taking the road less travelled in the fantastical realms of writing

Writing Magazine

LETTERS

LEARN LIVE FROM THE WM EXPERTS • Join the WM team for more interactive webinars to help you achieve your writing dreams.

Unfair FIGHTS • A book’s failure can leave an author wondering how to fight their corner, says literary agent Piers Blofeld

KEEPING TIME WITH STORY • Understanding story is vital to crafting the internal mechanism of your creative writing, says author James McCreet

Words are a way through • Is writing therapeutic? Snowflake author Louise Nealon describes how putting words on the page helped her more than therapy

DARK STAR • Crime bestseller Stuart MacBride explains how he writes dark tales with a light touch to Tina Jackson

Lingering EFFECTS • Author Lesley Thomson explores the way things that leave impressions in life affect you as a reader and writer

Second chances • You’ve published though a small press, or self-published, but now you want to take your work to traditional agents and publishers. Sarah Conkerton, Cornerstones’ assistant editor with an agency background, looks at the practicalities.

Louise Mumford • Facing a big birthday forced the psychological thriller writer to focus on her ambition of getting into print

THE WIDER WORLD OF WORDLE • If you’re sick of the normal daily grid, Rosalind Moody presents a new game for every wordaholic this summer

PLASTIC PLANET • With Plastic Free July on the horizon, try these eco-writing exercises from Jenny Alexander

WIN! £500 IN CASH PRIZES & PUBLICATION

Toe ing the L ine

NUMBERS ADD UP • There are very good reasons why you’re never too old to write, says Adrian Magson

SHELF LIFE • New York Times-bestselling popular fiction author Susanna Kearsley picks her five favourite reads

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

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

HOME TRUTH • Think about what home means in these writing group exercises from Julie Phillips

TINY BOOK, TINY TALES

Sylvia’s stories

A sustainable story

CARE BEAR

FEELS GOOD

KILLING (PAST) TIME

I had a dream…

Life lines

(Re)Telling tales • Existing myths, legends and tales can provide a brilliant source of material for new stories. Two authors share their experiences with Amy Sparkes

SCIENCE FICTION SHORT STORY COMPETITION

“REALLY?”

SCENE ON SCREEN • Helen M Walters explores how TV can play an effective role in your short fiction

THE TROUBLE WITH TIME TRAVEL • Alex Davis...