This month we have expert advice on writing short stories from experienced tutor Lorraine Mace, success stories from our forums, Ten Top Tips helps you find new ideas and Useful Websites is, as always, really useful.

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

Hello Dear Readers,

I’m feeling much brighter now that it’s still light when I leave the office. Arriving and leaving in the dark can make it feel like you’ve seen nothing of the day, so longer days are definitely a plus. And, I don’t know about you but, when it’s the height of summer I long for cosy winter nights and in the middle of winter I yearn for lingering, warm summer evenings. Honestly, some people are never happy!

It’s World Poetry Day on March 21st – “a day to promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world”. If you fancy becoming a poet our Art of Writing Poetry course is a great place to start. With leading poets Alison Chisholm and Lorraine Mace as your tutors you’ll soon see your work improving and maybe you’ll want to try you skills out in our Poetry Competition – more details below.

Anyway, on to business. This month’s expert is tutor Lorraine Mace who advises on how to write a great short story. Again, very useful for those who want to enter the short story competition. Ten Top Tips helps you to come up with the ideas to which you can apply Lorraine’s advice and Useful Websites will help you carry out research and organise your work. Plus, there’s a fantastic website to help you create perfect photographs.

If you still feel like you need more help with your short stories you could go along to Mr B’s Bookshop in Bath on March 24th where author and creative writing tutor Alison Clink is hosting a workshop. She’ll offer “tips on writing a winning story, pitfalls to avoid” and you’ll be introduced to “exercises to get you inspired.” It’s from 6.30 – 9.30pm and costs £24.

Don’t forget that we’ve split the annual competition into two parts. The short story competition is accepting entries now and closes on June 30th. The poetry competition will be accepting entries from 1st July.

Happy writing!

Shelley

P.S. Don’t forget to check into the student forums for help, advice and support.