Writing – research – Writers’ Forum

On 8 September I looked at sources of advice for budding writers and mentioned the UK’s Writing Magazine. The other major periodical in the UK for writers is Writers’ Forum.  This is a monthly glossy also. Their strapline is ‘How to write; what to write; where to sell it.’ Its cover price is £3.60 (12-issue UK subscriptions are available; also elsewhere, varying for Europe and rest of world).

In the 68 pages of a recent issue (October) you will find articles from published authors, writing groups, writing exercises, insight into aspects of the publishing industry, freelance markets, a story competition and results of an earlier competition, readers’ letters, and a competition calendar, among other things! So there’s plenty to peruse and much that can offer advice, solace, encouragement and even target markets.

I have had a couple of articles accepted in the past, though the majority of features are provided by regulars; still worth a try, though.

Also, if you send them short news items for their pages, either researched directly by you or sourced from press released or publications and rewritten for the magazine, and in return you’ll get a byline and the best will win a free year’s subscription. Items should be under 200 words, useful, interesting or amusing to writers: news@writers-forum.com.

The featured author interview is with Tarn Richardson who, after 20 years of trying, finally found his voice with his horror novel, The Damned, selling it to Duckworth Overlook, an independent publisher of long standing. Worth bearing in mind that Duckworth published World War Z, which was made into a riveting movie starring Brad Pitt.

There’s advice on polishing your work. Believe me, many writers spend too little time on self-editing. Some simply expect that the publisher’s editor will do that editing bit; well, only if there are no glaring errors or inconsistencies in the original submission, otherwise that will get rejected.

Another writer explains that when writing his pocket novel, the last part to be written was the beginning. Note that he wrote this under a female penname. This is a useful tip: don’t get bogged down with your beginning – it just might change or be shunted into chapter two once the book is finished! I’ve written often about beginnings as they’re important. The primary purpose is to hook the reader; how you do that will depend on the type of story you’re telling.

Yet another article tackles ‘how to break into vampire tales’ and the writer talks to three authors about this: Suzanne McLeod, Mark Jackman and Amanda Grange. A while back, the same writer asked me how I broke into westerns, along with two other authors.

 
Della Galton, a highly respected multi-published writer of short stories and novels runs a regular advice page; one of her tips to a writer is: read the target magazine you’re aiming at. She also pines for the old marketplace, when there were about 80-plus women’s magazines featuring fiction; now, there are about seven open to the freelance!
 
The short story competition is not expensive to enter: £6 or £3 per story for subscribers. The prizes are £300, £150 and £100. Enter by going to www.writers-forum.com or post a coupon from the magazine. The three winning stories are all published in a subsequent magazine with the judge’s comments on the winners.
 
There is also a poetry workshop and a competition - £4 per poem. Regular contributor Phil Barrington always ends the magazine with a first-person piece from a writer – ‘Where I write’.

More than enough to get your teeth into every month!

Good luck with your writing.

 

 

 

 

 

Writing tips – ‘Can be applied to any genre novel’

My apologies, but today unashamed promotion follows. [I do try not to make a habit of it..].

I’m pleased to write that my book Write a Western in 30 Days seems to be popping into the top 100 Amazon how-to books quite regularly. It has just appeared again; and for that, I must thank everyone who has bought a copy. Please spread the word if you find the book useful!

 

 

·         Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,287 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

   #88 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Education & Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Publishing & Books > Authorship

E-book from Amazon com bought from here

E-book from Amazon co uk bought from here

or paperback post-free world-wide from here

On Amazon.com this book has eight 5-star reviews and two 4-star reviews; on Amazon.co.uk it has an additional three 5-star reviews.

This book is considered to be a very useful guide for anyone wanting to write genre fiction – that is, any genre, not only westerns. Those aren’t my words, but the opinion of reviewers on Amazon.

My thanks to all reviewers who take the time and trouble to post their comments.

The following three are the most recent:

Nik's enthusiasm for storytelling is evident in this accessible how-to book. While it's geared to writing Westerns (Nik cites loads of resources) the mechanics of structuring a workable (and readable) plot as well as creating engaging characters make this a must-read for any writer of any genre. I took his advice on the plot-plan (Ch. 7) and it changed the way I approach sketching out a novel. Taking the necessary time to prep makes the writing easier. It took me three days to complete a plot-plan on a story I had in mind, and just two weeks later I have already written 11,000 words of the novel. Write a Western in 30 Days will dispel any doubts that you don't have what it takes to finish a novel. If you have a story to tell, Nik's book will give you the tools you need and, better yet, get you excited about the craft of writing. – fizz8185, December 2013

When I started Nik Morton's Write a Western in 30 Days, what struck me was that this wasn't just a book of guidelines and tidbits for someone attempting a western, this is a fantastic map to anyone who wants to dive into the world of genre fiction. What Morton lays out are some of the best, common-sense rules for writing that I've ever come across - especially the chapters on plotting and structure. If you're not writing a western, it doesn't matter; what can be found in this book can be applied to any genre novel. What Nik Morton has done, finally, is to lay a solid foundation for a way for writers to follow a path to get their work done in the cleanest, most efficient way possible - and discover their best work besides. Highly recommended. – C Courtney Joyner, December 2013

 
I actually own this book in both Kindle and physical copy. I bought the physical copy to refer back to after first reading it on Kindle. I currently write non-fiction books but wanted to branch out and try my hand at a fiction western. This book clearly lays out how to go from idea to finished product in 30 days. Having an actionable plan from someone who has actually followed the steps outlined is very helpful. – DerekM, January 2014

The book uses a good number of excerpts from my novel The $300 Man to illustrate the points made.
 

The $300 Man can be purchased post-free world-wide from here

Two of my other genre books that are available are:

 

Spanish Eye

 

 

Spanish Eye, which can be purchased post-free world-wide from here

 
and the Spanish Eye e-book bought from Amazon com here

or bought from Amazon co uk here

Blood of the Dragon Trees

 

 

The Blood of the Dragon Trees e-book bought from Amazon com here

or bought from Amazon co uk here

 

Next month, my crime novel Sudden Vengeance is released by Crooked Cat Publishing.

Thank you for tuning in. Normal service will be resumed tomorrow!

Life coaching for writers

A while back I, along with several other writers, was approached by an author to contribute to her book, Life coaching for writers, by answering a few questions. The author, Sarah-Beth Watkins is a freelance writer with over 20 years' experience of writing for magazines and websites on a variety of topics including writing, parenting, crafts, literature and women's development. She has also tutored writing courses within community settings and as a distance and online learning tutor. She lives in County Wexford, Ireland. I was happy to oblige; no fee, no royalty, no problem; my writing CV's at the back.

The result, as this blurb reveals, is that “Life Coaching for Writers is a self-help and personal development guide for every writer that will help you to unleash your creative potential. Whether you are a fiction or non-fiction writer, it's not always easy to be creative - life conspires to throw up obstacles, fears and external influences that get in the way of our writing lives. It is aimed at writers who know that they want to write but are struggling to realise their full potential. It is specifically aimed at more experienced writers who have had some successes and want to move from the life of an amateur scribbler to a professional writer.”

Happily, I don’t have a problem with my imagination or my creativity. Indeed, I have far too many projects and stories begging for space in my cranium. Some say writing is a lonely business. I don’t see that – I’m always accompanied by several characters clamouring to be heard, insistent that it’s their turn to appear on the page now. Even so, from time to time it’s helpful or encouraging to read about how other writers cope with the process of writing. And, in truth, we can all glean fresh insights from this kind of cross-pollination. This book offers plenty of perceptive viewpoints and even some trails to follow to get those creative juices flowing.

A glimpse at a few of the chapter headings will give you a rough idea:

Your creative purpose – this may be important. When I first started writing in earnest (a small town in southern Hampshire), the correspondence course tutor presented me with a list of questions, among them, “Why do you write?” That helped me focus on the why.

Setting your writing goals – this makes sense; be practical, with your feet firmly on the ground, even if you aim high.

Creating your writing ritual – some writers are superstitious, even without knowing it, and follow certain rituals before they feel able to write…

Clearing writer’s block – put it in perspective.

Balancing it all – your writer’s day, how to cope with life and chores.

Crossing genres – and ‘Is it worth it?’

Get exercising!

Dealing with rejection – and success!

Getting it down on paper – a must!

Online support – masses of this…

Resources for the writer’s mind – lots of helpful references here.

There's a good deal more than the above, of course. You can check out the first 5 pages including the contents on Amazon here (UK) and here (US).

The other contributors are many and varied, among them:

Meadhbh Boyd Bread and buttered in County Clare, Meadhbh is an Ethnomusicology graduate of the School of Music and Theatre, UCC. She has contributed as a writer on Big Brother (C5, 2012), and is currently working as a barista, and Creative Producer for musical comedy, Laundrette Superstar, with writer Fortuna Burke.

A.M. Dunnewin obtained a BA in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Although her stories cover a wide range of genres, she primarily writes historical fiction and thrillers. She lives in Sacramento, California.

Deborah Durbin has spent the past 16 years doing her dream job – writing content for lots of glossy magazines, along with writing books as and when a subject comes to mind. She is the author of 11 non-fiction books and two novels. Her latest book, So You Want To Be A Freelance Writer? is now available.

Amanda J Evans is a professional freelance writer, author, ghostwriter, poet and spiritual teacher living in Ireland. Amanda is the author of two non-fiction books. From Those Death Left Behind and Messages From The Angelic Realms. She is currently working on a YA novel.

Melinda Feeney comes from an oral culture (Mohawk Nation) and this reflects in her writing. Joe Griffin is a well-known writer, journalist and presenter who he has written for The Irish Times, The Guardian, The Irish Independent and The Sunday Times, regularly appears on TV and radio.

Marilynn Hughes had a career in broadcasting as a news anchor, reporter and producer. She has experienced, researched, written and taught about Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism since 1987 and has appeared on innumerable radio and television programs.

Krystina Kellingley is a reader and commissioning editor/copy editor/publisher of imprints Axis Mundi Books (esoteric books), Cosmic Egg Books (Fantasy/Sci-fi/Horror), Our Street Books (children’s books) and Dodona Books (divination). She has just had her first children’s book, Mistower – The Loneliest Mouse, published and is currently working on an adult supernatural novel. She has a BA in Imaginative Writing and Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. She lives in the UK.

Niall McArdle is an Irish writer based in Canada. His fiction has appeared in Phoenix Irish Short Stories. He has had work published in The Irish Times, The New Orleans Review of Books and The Malahat Review.

Anna McPartlin was a stand up comedienne for four years and it is her experience writing sketches that ignited her passion for storytelling. Her debut novel Pack Up The Moon (2006) was a best seller; she has written three more novels, So What If I’m Broken being her latest work. She’s also written School Run, a TV comedy-drama for TV3 which was nominated for both an IFTA and a TV award. Anna’s books are published in Ireland, Germany, America, Russia, UK and Australia.

Suzanne Ruthven, former editor of The New Writer, started her professional writing career in 1987 by founding the small press writers’ magazine Quartos, which ran for nine years until its merger with Acclaim in 1996 to become TNW. Author of over 20 titles on spiritual, country-lore and self-help matters (including two novels) she has regularly contributed freelance articles to a variety of publications as diverse as The Lady and the Funeral Director’s Journal. Currently commissioning editor for Compass Books (an imprint of John Hunt Publishing), she now lives in Ireland.

Sarah Zama has been a bookseller in Verona (Italy) for eight years. She has been writing since the age of ten and has published fantasy short stories for children and adults in magazines and anthologies both in Europe and the USA.

Let’s get political – Winter Fuel Payments

Winter Fuel Payment is a contentious issue in the UK – and in Europe, if it comes to that.

Winter Fuel Payment – about £100 (about 116 euros) per year per individual - is a universal benefit paid to overs 60s each year to offset the high cost of heating during the winter months. Higher rates apply for older ages. The biggest bill for winter fuel payments in Europe – outside the UK – is for expats in Spain, followed by France, according to the Department for Work and Pensions figures. In the winter of 2011-12, fuel payments to expat pensioners in Spain was £5.78 million (about 6.7 euros).

Costa Blanca, February

 

Back in 2008, a Home Office Minister wanted government lawyers to find ways around European law so he could stop winter fuel payments to thousands of pensioners living in the EU. Yet another instance where government mandarins don’t do their homework but think they can get a few votes, particularly by appealing to the politics of envy. That didn’t work. In fact, the EU told the Home Office in no uncertain terms that the allowance should be paid without pre-existing conditions, otherwise they were being discriminatory. I have a vested interest, as I’ve lived in Spain since 2003 and first claimed the allowance last winter (2012-13).

Now, the subject is rearing its head again. Chancellor George Osborne advocates that a ‘temperature test’ should be applied to restrict elderly UK pensioners living in warmer countries from receiving the ‘benefit’ after August 2015.

On the face of it, he’s trying to save the country money, resources are limited, after all. He's probably also hoping it will win votes at the next election. Yet he is applying questionable logic in doing so.

 

 

Resources are limited

We’ve already detected a trend as the world’s population gets older and lives longer. Governments are becoming alarmed at the subsequent pension costs. They start to move the goal posts, shifting the qualifying age, changing the rules. The winter fuel payment issue is another example of this. I can’t argue against them changing the rules, per se. I do take issue with them when they attempt to apply dubious science, in the form of ‘temperature tests’.

Costa Blanca, February

Granted, Spain is much warmer than the UK in the winter months, but that’s during the daytime. Evenings in Spain are cold, as any student of geography would confirm. It’s a little disingenuous to apply a ‘temperature test’ at midday, for example. (The photos here were taken after a hailstorm in February, 2005; pretty, aren't they?).

Hailstones, Costa Blanca

 

Fact. The houses in Spain are not built to retain heat so they still require heating. This heating is in the main supplied by bottled gas and electric heating systems, whose prices have increased considerably over the last six years, thanks to those green taxes. Indeed, expat residents acclimatise and their blood thins so, like the elderly in the UK, they feel the cold more than visiting tourists; walk around in the daytime and you’ll see locals fully clothed, not wearing shorts, while tourists are in T-shirts and shorts. My bottled gas bill for the winter 2011-12 amounted to 1,160 euros (about £981) Shame, they shouldn’t have moved here then, comes Nasty’s response.

Fact. Most pensioners living in Spain are here not only because of the climate, which is considered healthier. They live here because they can’t afford to live in the UK since Gordon Brown raided their pensions. Nasty says, They’re lucky to have a pension, some of us have to work till we’re 70 now!

Fact. Most, if not all, of in excess of 25,600 pensioners living in Spain and claiming the fuel payments actually pay the Chancellor’s and all civil servants’ wages through their taxes. Nasty keeps quiet, perhaps he’s never paid any taxes?

Fact. These same pensioners paid into the system and since the rules entitle them to a monetary benefit, why should he see fit to curtail it simply by virtue of where they live? Since the balmy climate argument doesn’t hold water, perhaps it’s simple envy? Nasty stamps his foot.

The Chancellor sees the continuation of these payments as a problem. The problem is in fact the Home Office and the Treasury and their constant attempts at chipping away at the inalienable rights of expat British who pay their salaries, a fact they’re uncomfortable to acknowledge.

I wonder how much the Government pays its lawyers to ‘get around’ or ‘subvert’ laws. And I wonder too how comfortable their eventual pensions will be, compared to the pensions of those expats living in Spain.