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 • The future is in scifi, judging books by their covers and behind every great man… clichés rewritten in the wonderful world of writing
Writing Magazine
LETTERS
Granting permission • Author Isabel Thomas demystifies the language of grant applications
FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH • An unlikely bestseller gives Piers Blofield food for thought about the impact authors have on the publishing world
How to be CREATIVE • consider some ways to expand our creativity
THE FIRST FIVE PAGES: KJ Maitland • The bestselling author of historical crime thrillers analyses the beginning of her new book, The Drowned City
MAKING HISTORY • Bestselling author and Women’s Prize founder Kate Mosse explains the pull, and resonance, of historical fiction to Tina Jackson
REWARDING WOMEN WRITERS
Editorial calendar • Strong forward planning will greatly improve your chances with freelance submissions. Here are some themes to consider for the coming months.
Submit with care • Helen Corner-Bryant of Cornerstones Literary Consultancy offers a submission package checklist so you can present a polished-looking manuscript
Why does grit get us in the groove? • Marking a year since the Covid pandemic really hit home, Rosalind Moody examines why crisis inspires us to create
Julietta Henderson • The debut author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman thought she was writing a different novel until this guy called Norman turned up…
Molly Crawford, editor, Transworld Books
Fine tuning • Adrian Magson urges you to pay attention to even the most seemingly irrelevant details
WIN! £500 IN CASH PRIZES & PUBLICATION Food
Pile Up
Getting it out there • In part three of her series, indie author DJ Bowman-Smith tots up the cost of self-publishing
PHOEBE MORGAN • The psychological thriller author and HarperCollins editorial director shares the five books that mean most to her
Your writing critiqued • James McCreet applies his forensic criticism to the first 300 words of a reader’s manuscript
Coffee and cake • Helen M Walters uses a layered story by ZZ Packer to explore combining successful ingredients in your fiction
The slip up • Julie Phillips urges writing group members to embrace the moments that make them cringe with embarrassment in these exercises
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
Annie’s fantastic odyssey
A ten-book milestone
Dawe’s open
Setting out on a saga
All for love
Rising to the challenge
A life-changing journey
Twenty and counting
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FESTIVAL GUIDE 2021
RISK IT FOR A BISCUIT • Jenny...
