Through new eyes

PEARL Maskell drew the lace curtain aside. “The new neighbours opposite at number ninety-two look all right,” she said, directing the comment back to her mother, who was knitting. “Two ladies – mother

Poetry and criticism are forever entwined

I PULLED back the living-room curtains and stopped singing along to the radio, frozen to the spot. How could this be? It was a beautiful morning. The sun was shining, the birds had been singing up a s

Novelist Amanda Smyth and her partner were aligned on never wanting children, until, at 40, she felt a deep and non-negotiable desire to reverse that decision. She explains how she navigated the path that took her in a new direction

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’

PAPA! Papa, come on!” Small fingers pull at Will’s hand. He looks down at his four-year-old daughter. She is heading towards the cottage, intent on getting home to her mother. “Go ahead, Mercy,” Will