writing

  • 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,…

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  • 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…

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  • 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…

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  • 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…

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  • 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…

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    Going on holiday soon? What a perfect time to write! But surely holidays aren’t for writing? Holidays are for relaxing and doing nothing. For some they are but for others, they’re a time to see the sights and enjoy new experiences. This is excellent fodder for novels, stories and articles, as well as fillers and…

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  • Exciting News!

    Have any of you been to Swanwick Writers’ Summer School? No? Perhaps you’ve heard about it. If not, it’s known to ‘writers the world over‘ and ‘is legendary for the warmth of its welcome. ​If you love writing then Swanwick offers you the opportunity to learn new skills, hone existing ones, explore your creativity, make new…

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  • Markets For Writers

    Your Cat magazine are looking for stories about your first cat. Write to them with your special memories (they’re looking for around 500 words). They publish one story in each issue. Email your story to editorial@yourcat.co.uk. Write ‘My first cat’ in the subject line. As well as your story, don’t forget to send photos. ***

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  • We all have them, don’t we? You know, that author who saves us, who always gives us what we want. So, when you’ve been wading your way through a book you’re really not enjoying and you think why am I doing this to myself? Reading should be a pleasure, that’s when you turn to your…

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  • Thank You!

    I must give an enormous thank you to all of you who entered my competition to win a copy of my latest book, A Walk in the Woods. I’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of entries and the fantastic stories you’ve created. I love how you can take an opening line and everyone will head…

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