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

LIVED EXPERIENCE

The world of writing • Protecting legacies, abusing authors, inking errors and punishing reviews – traversing the highs and lows of the wide world of writing

PLANE-SPOTTING

WORTH WAITING FOR

THE JOKE’S ON US

LETTERS

Tech talk • Cornerstones editor Sarah Rouse runs through her top tips for using digital writing programmes, from tracking changes, to the time-saving ‘find and replace’ command

United, not divided • As writers, shouldn’t we look for what we’ve got in common, and not just at what divides us, asks Piers Blofeld

Self-publishing success • Navigate the self-publishing process with expert and up-to-date advice from John Sailing of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, who explains why the trade union has launched a free guide to self-publishing

The best and worst of BookTok • BookTok reviewer turned author Stacey McEwan outlines what the online platform can do for you as a writer – and the pitfalls to be aware of

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE • Alan Garner, the oldest person to be shortlisted for the Booker Prize, tells Tina Jackson about distilling language, stories and place to cast a spell with words

TRACEY LIEN • The former Los Angeles Times journalist walks us through how she mustered her reporting skills to get started on her debut literary thriller, All That’s Left Unsaid

Love your library more • As the cost of living crisis intensifies, councils are introducing their own ‘warm banks’ registers. Rosalind Moody evaluates where she’ll be camping out to write this winter

REBECCA NETLEY

CRITIQUE

WIN! £500 IN CASH PRIZES & PUBLICATION

TWIST SHORT STORY COMPETITION WINNERS

Is it you I’m looking for? • Who are you writing for? Adrian Magson says it’s best to think about what you want rather than a reader you don’t know

Short Story Prize

SHELF LIFE • Dystopian thriller author Greg Mosse outlines the five books that helped transform him into a writerr

GREG MOSSE

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

Get the write idea • Think about how character influences story in these prompts and exercises to try right now

Best feet first • Get your writing group to put on their dancing shoes in these 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

All Seasons Writing Group

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS ONE BOOK AT A TIME

A helping hand

MAL TAKES FIVE

Once you’re in you’re in

Pay Day pay dirt

Home time! • Children’s literature is full of school stories – but what about stories featuring children who are home-educated? Amy Sparkes looks at creating possibilites for home-schooled children...