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

The way TO WIN PART ONE • Winning a writing competition is a standout achievement for any writer – and it can be a springboard to other success. So how can you improve your chances of a win? In the first of a two-part series, Esther Chilton offers advice on making your entries stand out for all the right reasons

ROBOTS WRITE ON • ChatGPT and AI have created worrying issues for writers throughout 2023. Gary Dalkin considers the impact of AI and looks at potential future developments and how they could effect the world of writing.

All the feels WRITING FESTIVE FICTION • Christmas romances are perenially popular with readers – so how do you write a winter wonderland that readers will fall in love with? Author Jenny Bayliss offers her top tips.

THE RHYTHM OF WRITING • What does the act of writing mean, what is its importance, and why do we do it? Its rhythms shape us, says award-winning author and essayist, editor and professor of European literature Ben Hutchinson

Notably NORMAL • Philippa Gregory’s latest book is a passion project that turns women’s history on its head. She talks to Tina Jackson about Normal Women, writer’s wrath and how the Bayeux Tapestry’s embroidered misogyny set her on the trail.

Reframing RELATABLE ROMANCE • Romantic novelist CA Castle looks at writing romance from a queer perspective, and offers his top tips for writers wanting to write rainbow romances that honour their lived experience

Beyond convention • Author and tutor Ian Ayris reflects on the relationship between creativity and the expectations of readers and publishers, and how writers need to take both into consideration as they begin to assemble their stories

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

TRACY FELLS • As her collection of feminist fairy tales is published, the debut author describes how she only achieved her lifetime ambition to be in print when she made space for herself

Novel Ideas Bath bombs • Lynne Hackles finds ideas come when writers are soaking in the tub

SHELF LIFE • The journalist turned author of romcoms and YA novels picks the five books that most inspired her own writing

GET THE write idea • Write about small things that make a difference in these creative writing exercises to try right now

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 DARK SIDE

Subscribers’ news

WRITER’S ADVENT CALENDAR • Give yourself the Christmas gift of new writing in these themed festive exercises from Jenny Alexander

MYTHS & LEGENDS • Use folk myths and local legends to inspire new writing in these group exercises from Julie Phillips

FEMI KAYODE • The crime author and screenwriter tells Lynne Hackles why early starts and planning ground his writing process

THE poetry OF MUSIC • Alison Chisholm...