writers

  • Can You Tell A Story In…

    It’s time for your weekly five-word challenge! For this week’s challenge, can you tell a story in five words, using the word Camera in it somewhere? Last week, your story needed to contain the word Date. You sent in some great stories. Here they are: Christine Mallaband-Brown: My date is waiting outside. The date will…

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  • Markets For Writers

    Do you enjoy writing for children? Ever thought about writing a picture book? Writing Magazine are holding a competition with a fantastic prize – a lunch consultation with top children’s fiction agent Julia Churchill, a year’s subscription to Writing Magazine and £200. There are also second and third place prizes. Here’s what they have to…

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    Entering a writing competition? Here are a few tips to ensure your entry is on the shortlist: A judge wants to read something unexpected, exciting and compelling so think outside the box. Make sure your story isn’t over the word count. Your story may only have gone over the limit by five words, but if…

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  • Can You Tell A Story In…

    It’s your challenge time! For this week’s five-word challenge, can you tell a story in five words, using the word Date in it somewhere? Last week, your story needed to contain the word Broken. You sent in some fantastic stories. Here they are: Kim Smyth: So tired of being broken! Ritu: My iPad is broken.…

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    Take your time The time of day can make a difference to the type of atmosphere your readers feel. For example, you can darken a story by setting it at night. There’s always an extra sense of menace, of threat and uncertainty in a story that takes place at night. ***

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  • An Interview With Rachel Dove

    The very talented Rachel Dove is my author interviewee this week. I first got to know Rachel through The Writers Bureau many years ago and since then our paths have crossed through various writing means over the years. I finally met her at Harrogate Crime Festival this year, which was an absolute delight. Q. Your…

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    Make your reader smile Ideas for humorous letters, fillers, articles and stories are everywhere. Something your granddaughter said which left you in stitches can make an ideal anecdote for a reader’s letter. Likewise, an experience abroad, be it braving the kamikaze streets of Rome or trying to make friends with a camel in Egypt, can…

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  • It’s five-word challenge time again! For this week’s challenge, can you tell a story in five words, using the word Switch in it somewhere? Last week, your story needed to contain the word Sulk. You sent in some interesting and entertaining stories. Here they are: Sanandi-jacq: Lacking bulk hulk in sulk. Ritu: No sweets allowed…

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  • Here’s part six in my writing dialogue series. If you missed part one, click here. For part two, click here. For part three, you’ll find it here , for part four, click here and for part five, it’s here. Now for part six: At the end of a passage of speech, don’t add a full…

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  • Here’s part five in my writing dialogue series. If you missed part one, click here. For part two, click here. For part three, you’ll find it here and for part four, here. Now for part five: If you’re using lots of dialogue, add in some action. What are the characters doing as they’re saying their…

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