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 • Bird song, a wolf book, let’s go and Lego – anything goes in the wonderful world of writing
Writing Magazine
LETTERS
BONFIRE OF THE VANITY • Agents are paid to pick your fights for you, so let them fight, says Piers Blofeld
THE PATIENT WOMAN • Joy Ellis describes the publishing path that took her from struggling out-of-print author to the only independently published writer on the British Book Awards shortlist
Feels like the first time • Bestseller Fiona Walker’s first novel was published in 1994. Now she’s had a second chance at a ‘debut’ with her first book as Georgie Hall. What has she learned in between?
Looking up • The servant class are the overlooked observers of history for Stacey Halls, she tells Tina Jackson
A helping handout • Helen Corner-Bryant offers advice on the funding available for new writers on low incomes
THE Write BALANCE • Part two of WM’s series about writing in a post-lockdown world looks at capitalising on what we’ve learned as we look to the future
The world at your fingertips • Could you move abroad to travel and write, or is it just a romantic pipedream? Rosalind Moody finds out how you can live the digital nomad dream.
Daisy Johnson • The new author of a children’s school story describes her own learning process
Sarah Odedina, publisher, Pushkin Press
Under the covers Diving in • Gillian Harvey is thrilled by the excitement of a new project
Growing a thick skin • Writers need to develop a sturdy outer layer – a bit like corduory – to deflect rejection, says Adrian Magson
WIN! £500 IN CASH PRIZES & PUBLICATION
Out of Office
A WINDOW ON YOUR WORDS • Indie author DJ Bowman-Smith helps you achieve the perfect book cover
AMANDA PROWSE • The internationally bestselling author shares the five books that matter most to her
Your writing critiqued • James McCreet applies his forensic criticism to the first 300 words of a reader’s manuscript
In summary • Read James McCreet’s suggested rewrite of this extract at http://writ.rs/wmaug21
Editorial calendar • Strong forward planning will greatly improve your chances with freelance submissions. Here are some themes to consider for the coming months.
TRAINS and BOATS and PLANES • Take your writing group on a trip in these transport-related exercises from Julie Phillips
SPOTLIGHT ON… Writers #Virtual Platform
Brentwood Writers’ Circle
Dream come true
Tell you about it
Making connections
THE B-LIST • Watch out for the supporting cast who are so interesting they take over your novel, advises Margaret James
I wish I’d known
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE • Helen M Walters uses a short story by John Cheever to explore how you can use time in your own fiction
It's owl good • Have a hoot with these owl-themed creative writing exercises from...