DEAR READER
WELCOME
Whatever we write needs us to use the right words for the right purpose. In the vast majority of cases this means the writing needs to resonate with its readers. Even if you’re writing step-bystep instructions on how to change a light bulb, they’ll be more effective if the voice and tone connect with the readers whose lights have gone out. And if you’re writing fiction that truly engages its readers. it’s imperative that it should make those readers feel something: excitement, suspense, rage, fear, hope, love, curiosity...
This issue of Writing Magazine fully embraces the concept of generating emotional impact in your writing, with outstanding articles on developing characters over time (p6), writing highconcept romance (p9), the relationship between writing and grief (p12) and being published later in life because of lived experience that gave the writer the insights they needed to complete a manuscript that really mattered to them (p26).
If all this sounds a bit soppy and not for you, think again. Want insights into writing really gripping crime? Bestselling legal thriller author Steve Cavanagh talks about creating page-turning suspense and the kind of villain you can’t help rooting for (p16). James McCreet’s Advanced Creative Writing Techniques series looks at varying the flow and rhythm of your manuscript to create dramatic effect (p4), and Ian Ayris digs deep into how you can write characters that feel real. Even if you write horror – in fact, especially if you write horror – your readers need to be engaged, and if you want the emotion they experience to be encroaching creep with a contemporary edge, turn to the advice on writing modern folk horror on p52.
Don’t think we’ve left you out of the equation, either, WM readers. This month’s call for submissions is all about writing with emotional impact – and you get to choose what kind. We can’t wait to read what you come up with, and see how you give us the feels! Happy writing, and good luck s th
Tina Jackson Content Editor
CONTENTS ON THE COVER 4 Advanced creative writing techniques: Part two: Modulation Techniques for varying the flow and rhythm of your work 6 Creative writing: Writing characters over time Evolving fictional characters over the course of their lifetime 9 Romance: Writing a high concept love story Insights from leading authors of high-concept commercial fiction 12 Writing life: Lines on loss The relationship between grief and creativity 15 Creative non-fiction: Writing about real people Writing from life means considering how you will portray people 16 Star interview: Criminal justice Steve Cavanagh talks about his gripping legal thrillers 26 Writing life: Before my memory fades Lived experience made Zoe Richards a debut novelist in her 60s 52 Fantastic realms: The fields remain dark The distinctive elements of modern folk horror
INTERVIEWS AND PROFILES 22 My path to publication: L. M. Nathan The debut author of dystopian YA 24 Shelf life: Kate Quinn The American historical fiction writer picks five books 46 My writing day: K J Dando The ideas-rich, time-poor thriller writer 54 Author profile: Louise Swanson The author’s new novel opens with the premise that fiction has been banned
CREATIVE WRITING 20 Historical fiction: Sleuth truths Challenging assumptions about Victorian lady detectives 28 Under the microscope James McCreet’s forensic micro-critique 30 Creative writing building blocks: Character: Part three Deep insights into how you can make your characters feel real
40 The first five pages: Box of tricks Tom Mead on planting clues in the latest in his historical crime series 42 Poetry workshop: Filling the gap How the felling of an iconic tree inspired a poem 44 Fiction focus: Making the right connections Tying together the elements in your fiction 48 Masterclass: What’s going on? How to tell tales of the inexplicable in your short fiction 50 Writing for children: Tone it up Get your picture books in tip-top shape
COMMUNITY AND COMPETITIONS 23 Novel ideas 32 Letters/The wide world of writing 34 In the spotlight: WM subscribers’ creative writing 36 Subscribers’ news: WM subscribers’ publishing success stories 38 Get the write idea: Creative writing exercises 73 Competition launches 74 & 76 Short story winners
INSIDE THE INDUSTRY 56 The business of writing: Kiddy commerce Two children’s authors on their different writing businesses 58 Research tips: Public libraries’ online resources Local library resources you can access through your computer 59 Behind the tape Expert advice to get the details right in your crime fiction 60 Ask a literary consultant: Potential developments A developmental editor’s insights into reading your MS 61 Get published You’ve read the advice, now get into print! Up-to-date submission calls, publishing opportunities and writing competitions 69 Going to market 72 Travel writing know-how 78 From the other side of the desk: All blown up Piers Blofeld urges writers to turn their attention from infighting
SEPTEMBER 2024
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