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On Writing

Writers, editors, agents, publishers and more share their thoughts, experiences and stories.

The Sound of Own Voices

English actor Daniel Day-Lewis once said: ‘A voice is such a deep, personal reflection of character.’¹ The only male actor in history to have won three Academy Awards for Best Actor, Day-Lewis is famous for his devotion to and research of his roles. While playing Christy Brown, the Irish painter who was born with cerebral palsy and was able to control only his left foot, the actor practically lived in a wheelchair on the set for weeks and crew members were required to spoon-feed him. He stayed so long in his wheelchair that he damaged two ribs.²

Produce Work so Good it can't be Denied

A portrait of AS Patric against a wall with graffiti on it

AS Patric answers five questions about the inherent power in the short story. 

The First Time

Kate Mildenhall interviews debut author Katherine Collette about her new novel (and subject of ‘The First Time’ podcast), ‘The Helpline’.

 

 

The Emerging Issue

Kate Cantrell unpicks the unstable and always changing nature of the markers: early, emerging and established.

Mentored Well

What makes a successful mentorship? Mentor (and author) Kathryn Heyman and mentee (and author) Michelle Johnston share their experiences.

Objective Value

Marie Alafaci demystifies the manuscript assessment process.

A Prize Role

Moreno Giovannoni, winner of the inaugural Deborah Cass Prize, reflects on how it helped him develop his debut novel.

Tales of a (Pre)- Emerging Writer

Sara Bannister has been writing for years. But, she asks, can she call herself an emerging writer yet?

 

Short Story Writers: We Want You

There’s a particular type of magical thinking employed by short story writers. This story will find a home in the magazine of my dreams. My lack of profile, the number of submissions they receive, networks and nepotism – all irrelevant. Quality will win out. This story will not languish in my Submittable list or in a slush pile. This one will be longlisted, shortlisted, then win the prize. I might be offered a publishing deal, like the woman who wrote ‘Cat Person’, the one who was published in 'The New Yorker'.

Getting published

Re-invent Re-emerge Become

When I was eighteen, I joined a troupe of amateur actors. My first (and only) performance was a pastorela, a play representing the birth of Jesus. I played the role of the angel who guided Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and accompanied them during their first days as parents. We rehearsed for a month. I didn’t have many lines but needed to position myself at the centre of the stage with my arms spread wide, showing off my shimmering wings. The lighting technicians would illuminate the wings, casting golden light on the nativity scene.