This month Lesley Cryer gives a realistic account of a writer's lot, Ten Top Tips covers how to present the perfect manuscript, plus student success stories, useful websites, a fantastic competition and inspiration for articles.

• Editor's News
• Successes
• Expert Advice
• Top Tips
• Useful Sites
• Inspiration

USEFUL SITES FOR WRITERS

www.ted.com/
Even though strictly speaking this website has nothing to do with writing I think it deserves a mention simply because it is such an awe inspiring site. If you find yourself lost for inspiration or suffering from writer’s block sit and watch the experts talking about all manner of things – such as exploring the mind of a killer and escaping the Khmer Rouge – for half and hour and you’ll soon be buzzing with ideas, plus it’s free to join.

www.authorsblogs.com/
In line with the theme of this month’s expert advice it may also help you to understand what it’s like to be a freelance writer if you read other people’s blogs about trying to be just that. So, here’s a huge, and I mean huge, list of blogs written by new and established authors about what life is like. The blogs are alphabetised and categorised by genre and whether they are written by published or aspiring authors. There should be something to suit every single one of you.

www.necrotania.com/eFiction/
This site is for those of you who like to write fantasy and science fiction. It’s a writing community, a place to chat, read other people’s work, look at art work and generally enjoy being amongst other like-minded individuals. You do have to register to take part but it’s free.

Remember, if you run a website that you think may be of use to our readers, let me know. If I like it, I’ll publish a link to it giving you a free plug. What could be better than that?