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 • An indestructible book, indefatigable translators, not-so-unrepeatable images and an irreplaceable loss – traversing the highs and lows of the wide world of writing

Writing Magazine

LETTERS

AGENT AGGRO • Agents need to work on a book’s behalf without starting a war, says Piers Blofeld

THE LONG ROAD TO OVERNIGHT SUCCESS • Bestselling author Mark Edwards describes the close calls and near-misses that led to self-publishing and seeing his books go stratospheric

SORT OUT YOUR SHORTS • Overcome common short story problems with advice from writing tutor and editor Esther Chilton

AUSTEN TRANSLATION • Jane Austen’s world comes to life in the novels of Gill Hornby, as Tina Jackson discovers

ENTERING THE RUINS • Feminist gothic novelist Phoebe Wynne walks us through the opening of her chateau - set new novel The Ruins

Pack it in or pick up speed? • Helen Corner-Bryant has wise words for an unpublished writer wondering whether to concentrate on going for a traditional publishing deal

SUNYI DEAN • An autism diagnosis paved the way for the debut fantasy author to find strategies that worked for a neurodivergent writer

Creative cookery • Are pitching contests a recipe for success? Rosalind Moody meets a cookbook author whose Great Cookbook Challenge win took her to the top of the Amazon charts

Creative SWAP SHOP • Pass on your ideas in these exchange-themed writing exercises from Jenny Alexander

Holiday SHORT STORY COMPETITION

You don’t see me; you don’t know

HEAD COUNT • How many people does your story need? Think carefully when you’re populating your fiction, says Adrian Magson

SHELF LIFE • The highly acclaimed author of novels including Beastings and The Gallows Pole choses his top five reads

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

GET THE write idea • Write something different with these creative writing prompts and exercises to try right now

FACE VALUE • Explore imposter syndrome with these writing group exercises from Julie Phillips

HAVING THE LAST WORD

Late starter, blooming writer

Self-publishing with a twist

THE ART OF GETTING REPUBLISHED

Blessing in disguise

HISTORY REPEATING

Styled and set

Picture book PITFALLS • Make your picture book shine by avoiding these common errors, with advice from Amy Sparkes

First-Person Short Story competition

Over

Silence speaks volumes • Helen M Walters uses a short story by Alice Monro to explore the role of silence in fiction

Loving THE ALIEN • Explore extraterrestrial life in your science-fiction with advice from Alex Davis

WHAT’S UNDER YOUR BED? • Rediscover your abandoned manuscripts and dust them off so you can send them out into the world, with advice from Margaret James

5 Five...