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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

WELLBEING for writers: THE WRITE DIRECTION • In the first of a new three-part series, acclaimed author Sophie Hannah sets out a programme that will empower you to take the steps to writing success in the year ahead

The way TO WIN

THE grand PLAN • In 2024, how are you going to manage your writing projects? Author Helen Stockton looks at how planning ahead can turn you into an effective writer who sees projects through to completion

THE THRILLER KILLER KING • Linwood Barclay writes fast-paced thrillers that keep you guessing until the end. He tells Tina Jackson about how he keeps stakes high and readers turning pages

Planting seeds • Do you have a big writing project in mind and wonder how you can make it grow? Make it happen, with advice from Deborah Alma, who dispenses advice as the Emergency Poet

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

THE FIRST BUILDING BLOCK: PLOT AND STORY • As you begin to build your story, they way you will structure it is a fundamental consideration, says Ian Ayris

KATE BRODY • The author of exciting new literary thriller Rabbit Hole connected with her seven-year-old self when she first held her new book in her hands

Tidy desk, clear mind

SHELF LIFE • The murder mystery author picks five books that offer clues to his interest in developing unputdownable detective fiction

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 UNRELIABLE NARRATOR

Subscribers’ news

A backwards glance • In her final Free Range Writing column, Jenny Alexander encourages you to draw on the past to write in the present

SPORTING SHOTS • Kick off your writing group to a great start with these sports-themed exercises from Julie Phillips

GET THE write idea

RACHEL HORE • The bestselling novelist tells Lynne Hackles about the importance of creating a writing routine, and working in an actual garret

The house that story built • YA author Emily Bain Murphy explores the beginning of her debut novel for adults, and the nuances of difference between it and the opening of her YA fiction

A FORMAL FAREWELL • Alison Chisholm explores the way poetic structure can be used to craft a measured response to the theme of separation

Perfect partners • Two is company, in writing as in life. Margaret James looks at the possibilities of using partnerships in your fiction

Five quick questions

Time and place • Consider what history and geography can bring to your fiction, says Helen Walters, with an example story by Willa Cather

Beat the blues • Amy Sparkes offers some sure-fire ways for you to keep loving your writing when challenges crop up along the way

Embrace THE STRANGE • Do you have unsettling stories to tell that don’t fit neatly into any...