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
Cast a SWOON-WORTHY spell • Romantasy is the hottest new genre to have readers devouring pages. Leading romantasy author Stephanie Burgis advises you on how to enchant your readers.
OVERSEEING A CRIME SCENE • Former police officer turned best-selling author Neil Lancaster argues that crime writers need to prioritise story over accuracy
HISTORICAL FICTION: Making the past feel real • How do you bring the past to life in your historical fiction? You need to combine research skills with imaginative ones, says author Fiona Keating
CLIMATE FICTION. Do we have to? • Cli-fi is the new genre everyone wishes didn’t need to exist. Leading practitioner John Ironmonger sets out what it is and how to write it
OFFBEAT ROMANCE: Misshapes &mistakes • Contemporary rom-coms involve relationships and situationships that are gloriously quirky and flawed. Author Lauren Bravo looks at the joys of writing the imperfect romance
Nailing it • Lynne Hackles gets her nails done – and material for a crop of new stories
THE POWER OF KINDNESS • Award-winning author Kit de Waal talks to Tina Jackson about finding her voice later in life, writing people who are unseen and overlooked, and why her new novel is all about being kind
BOURNEMOUTH WRITING FESTIVAL Write By the Sea • Gary Dalkin and Bournemouth Writing Festival Director Dominic Wong reflect on how Bournemouth’s literary history provides inspiration for the festival and for writers today
ANNABEL STREETS • The author of books about walking and wellbeing tells Lynne Hackles about starting her day with a walk
REAL LIFE, great stories LESSONS FROM LIFE • This month, Jenny Alexander highlights writing from hard-won life experience
Your writing critiqued • James McCreet applies a forensic micro-critique to the beginning of a reader’s manuscript
TENSE AND POINT OF VIEW: PART FIVE • Writer and tutor Ian Ayris provides a recap of using First and Third Person PoV in your fiction, and examines writing from outside the story with Third Person
CHRIS BRIDGES • The debut psychological thriller author describes how he found his voice when he started drawing on his lived experience of chronic illness and decided to create a character who bust the stereotypes
KATE LORD BROWN • The historical novelist revisits the books whose beautiful writing most captured her imagination
The world of writing • What goes through a writer’s brain? Readers’ letters and dispatches from the wide world of writing
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: YOUR WRITING Someone in the shadows
POETRY
PROSE • The Space at the End of the Landing
WE WANT YOUR WRITING • (and we’ll pay you for it!)
Subscribers’ news • To feature in Subscribers’ News contact: tjackson@warnersgroup.co.uk
OPEN PAGES • As this year’s Quick Reads scheme launches on World Book Night, Ann Chadwick looks at the benefits of accessible writing for writers as well...