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.

DEAR READER

GO WITH THE FLOW • In her new book, award-winning author and creative writing teacher Elizabeth McCracken offers thought-provoking insights about the craft of writing. In this exclusive piece, she sets out parallels between navigating the world under water and writing a book

20 years, 20 top tips • Psychological thriller author Ruth Dugdall rounds up her best advice, based on what she’s learned in the two decades since she launched her professional writing career

Talk of the times • Crime novelist Faith Martin examines the importance of language and grammar whilst writing a 1920s-set ‘Golden Age’ mystery – and looks at the potential pitfalls!

PITCH IN! • Author and former literary agent Lauren Schott offersadvice on how to pitch yourdebut novel to agents

CREATIVE BIOGRAPHY • James McCreet rounds off his narrative non-fiction mini-series with a case study on applying fictional techniques to writing a biography

Mapping the unknown • Indian novelist Deepa Anappara tells Tina Jackson about exploring the effects of colonialism in her new novel set in 19th-century Tibet, and why fiction is where historically silenced voices can have their stories brought to life

TIPS AND TRICKS TO make your writing fly • In the first of her new column, Della Galton offers advice about getting started as a writer

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Your writing critiqued • James McCreet applies a forensic micro-critique to the beginning of a reader’s manuscript

“Dialogue PART FIVE” • Writer and tutor Ian Ayris looks at the contrasting effects of using Direct and Indirect Speech in your fiction

REBECCA ANDERSON • The author describes how an editor had the vision to realise her writing could create a heart-warming story about friendship – her first novel for adults

Novel Ideas Not writing a saga • Lynne Hackles has done everything . . . except write her saga

EVIE WOODS • The international bestseller of novels inspired by folklore and magic realism chooses five books that cast a spell over her

More BANG for your books • Got a book coming out this year? Then you’ll need to launch it with a bang! Jenny Alexander offers advice on how to organise your perfect book launch

The world of writing • What goes through a writer’s brain? Readers’ letters and dispatches from the wide world of writing

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: DRAWN FROM LIFE

Subscribers’ news

TORN APART • Author Liz Flanagan describes how she created the rift between two sisters in a familiar landscape at a time of civil war in her new historical novel

A collection of cast-offs • Alison Chisholm is entranced by a list poem that spins memories from discarded objects

Stage right • Helen Walters looks at the ways theatre can enhance how we write short fiction, with an example story by O’Henry

Finding family • Amy Sparkes meets the author of a debut middle-grade novel that takes in...