Wide open brief

Creating character is one of the most fascinating aspects of the writing process, and often the basis for the most intriguing and compelling work. The WM writers responded to the ‘Getting to Know You’

Over my decades-long writing life, I’ve been a reader, judge and (sometimes) an organiser for many novel-writing competitions, including the Harry Bowling Prize, the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s

What questions should today’s writers and artists be asking? Responses from authors at the Hay Festival and the TLS

A revelatory history of Scottish verse, from Columba to Carol Ann Duffy

She’d admired the cool blonde from afar, but Teresa had no idea how much they actually had in common

With returning swifts screaming across the rooftop and golden buttercup pollen gilding his Wellingtons as he strides across the cow meadow, John Lewis-Stempel marvels at the many pleasures of May