writing

  • Markets For Writers

    Writing Magazine have some super competitions and they have a non-fiction competition coming up. Here’s more about it: ‘Explore the real world in our creative non-fiction competition, whether that means a personal memoir, a pen portrait, an atmospheric research piece, or anything else… but whatever your topic and style, you’ll need to use your storytelling…

    Read more →

  • Thinking of you all during these strange times. I hope you’re all okay. Here is a new challenge for you. Last week I wanted you to take a GUESS. This week I want you to be FREE. So can you tell a story in five words, using the word FREE in it somewhere? Here are…

    Read more →

  • Markets For Writers

    Looking for a short story competition? Then why not enter the Literary Taxidermy Short Story Competition? You have up to 2500 words in which to create your masterpiece. Here’s what they have to say: ‘The catch: We provide your opening and closing lines chosen from a classic work of literature. You provide the rest. Follow…

    Read more →

  • When I first asked you to write a limerick as a bit of fun to cheer everyone up, little did I realise what I was starting. It seems you’ve relished them and would like to make this a regular thing to bring a smile to a Monday morning. Here are you wonderful creations from last…

    Read more →

  • Well, it’s certainly been a surreal week. I hope you’re all safe and well. Last week I wanted you to SMILE. This week, I’m taking a GUESS. So can you tell a story in five words, using the word GUESS in it somewhere? Here are your SMILEY thoughts from last week: Christine Mallaband-Brown: I wiped…

    Read more →

  • Markets For Writers

    The Oldie invites articles on any subject between 600 and 1300 words. The editor, Harry Mount has the following to say about it: ‘The idea for the Oldie was cooked up 25 years ago by its founding editor, Richard Ingrams, and his much-lamented successor, the late Alexander Chancellor. Their aim was to create a free-thinking,…

    Read more →

  • On Friday, for a bit of fun to cheer us up, I invited you to write an amusing limerick and you did just that. They all made me smile. I hope they make your Monday morning that little bit brighter. Hugh Roberts: There was a young actress called SheilaWho drove her friends mad with her…

    Read more →

  • Fun Friday

    When the news is full of fearful and frenzied happenings, it’s not easy to stay grounded, or even to raise a smile. So I thought it was time for a limerick. I’d love to see what you can come up with. Here’s a silly one from me: There was a young writer called Sam Who…

    Read more →

  • It’s time for a new challenge. Last week I wanted your BIRTHDAY thoughts. This week, because there’s been a lot of unhappiness and uncertainty around the world, I’m looking to make you SMILE. So can you tell a story in five words, using the word SMILE in it somewhere? Here are your BIRTHDAY thoughts from…

    Read more →

  • Markets For Writers

    I was very surprised to spot a magazine solely devoted to short stories, flash fiction and poetry when I stopped off at the services recently. Popshot is quarterly magazine full of entertaining writing. If you fancy a read, you can subscribe or buy it from bookshops and WHSmith. They’re always on the look out for…

    Read more →