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December 2004 - Writers Magazine

How Not to Write a Novel: Confessions of a Midlist Author


Our ninth excerpt from David Armstrong's entertaining book:


This month the author turns to reading aloud:


'Reading work aloud is absolutely essential. There's something about hearing the words you've written, not merely within the confines of your imagination - in your head - but out in the air. Hearing them in this way helps you to tell whether all sorts of things are working - or not.'


What new writers need survey (see below)


Our latest survey results provide a fascinating insight into what new writers want to help them get started.  More help from big publishers is a top choice.


Plus many interesting comments, such as: ‘publishing is like an impregnable mountain fortress that has to be broken into by force’ 


Magazine - Anchor


More work for writers


Kevan Manwaring's storytelling tour round the UK for his book The Long Woman shows how writers can get out there and sell their own work. Catch his tour now!

Bob's Journal goes into its 4th volume


Bob enjoys being back on EastEnders, trying to: 'mentally scrub my more off-the-wall ideas' and come up with good new ones...


'Then write about what you know, goes the old adage. Rubbish, of course. If writers wrote only about what they know, writing would be a very dull occupation. Not to mention reading.'


This week


Our new survey - see below


Good news


Deborah Lawrenson offers a cheering update to the good news about her self-publishing success, as her book shoots up in value in the first edition book market.


My Say


Phyllis McDuff's piece for My Say offers her practical tips on Speaking for Writers and why it is so important as a way of publicising your book.


New Poetry Competition


Academi in Cardiff have announced a new international poetry competition, first prize £5,000.


Review of the new Children's Writers' and Artists' Yearbook


Our reviewer Maureen Kincaid SpellerMaureen Kincaid Speller a reviewer, writer, editor and former librarian, is our book reviewer and also works for WritersServices as a freelance editor. said this was 'a fantastically valuable resource for anyone who wants to venture into this highly specialised area of publishing'


Writers' ForumBritish writers' magazine which is highly recommended for all writers. It features wide range of news and articles which help writers to improve their work and get published: www.writers-forum.com Column


John Jenkins on the readability of the Booker list, John Humphrys' campaign for correct use of English and The Times going tabloid.


From the Editor's View, written by the Editor of Writers' Forum magazine.