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.

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THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY • How do you write characters who are difficult to like? Bestselling author Alka Joshi looks at the good, the bad and the ugly, and explains why novels need all three

Flesh on the bones • Have you written short stories, and now want to attempt a novel? As her debut novel is published, Sheila Armstrong, the author of acclaimed short story collection How to Gut a Fish, looks at the process of moving from short fiction to long.

Walking the writer’s path:Inspiration • In this new three-part series, Leon Conrad, author of Story and Structure: A complete guide shares some thoughts on three aspects of the writing process: inspiration, structure, and plot – from his practice as a writer and story structure enthusiast

GEORGE ORWELL’S CHILTERNS • In this new occasional column Lizzie Enfield, writer and walking tour leader, follows in the footsteps of a particular writer and shows us the literary landscape they inhabited

CARO GILES • The author of creative non-fiction talks to Lynne Hackles about being inspired by the landscape and the structure of the lunar cycles

OUT OF THIS WORLD • Mat Osman, author of The Ghost Theatre, talks to Tina Jackson about bringing the stage to life in his alternative version of Elizabethan London, and the relationship between writing and his career as a musician

Trick yourself into writing • Jumping without a safety net into the unknown is where you’ll find the real joy of creativity, says author Steve Aylett, which is why he has created The Trickster Brick of prompts – treasure from the great beyond to spark your wildest ideas

Show up FOR YO U R WRITING • Do you think you, or your work, aren’t good enough? Even after publishing success, negative thoughts can stop your creative flow. Author Livi Michael passes on her advice for when self-doubt threatens to derail your process.

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

Writing WITH COURAGE • Roll up your sleeves, says author and tutor Ian Ayris. Face your demons, and the darkness, and your writing will be all the better for it.

NADIA ATTIA • The debut author describes the witches’ brew of elements that went into the creation of her spellbinding novel of a divided kingdom, Verge

Novel Ideas • Timely advice often arrives just when you need it, says Lynne Hackles

HANNAH ROTHSC HILD • The writer, documentary maker, businesswoman and award-winning satirical novelist picks five books that have left a lasting impression on her

Essie Fox • The author of gothic Victoriana shines a light into the darkness to reveal the creative choices she made at the beginning of her fifth novel The Fascination

The world of writing • Labours of love come up against book bashers and readers’ news and views in this month’s world of writing

IN THE SPOT LIGHT: YOUR WRITING

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