The May issue of Writing Magazine is all about creating authentic lives on the page. Funny writing is one of the hardest things to get right, and this month, top comedian Helen Lederer offers top tips on how to mine your own humiliation and embarrassment to generate words that will make readers laugh.

There are guides to evoking emotion in writing, creating a believable faux memoir, and crafting settings that really show people in places. You’ll also find incisive advice on turning a messy first draft into a publishable manuscript and developing your prose style, and an interview with leading psychological thriller author C.L. Taylor, as well as all the usual creative writing advice, encouragement, inspiration and industry updates.

And don’t miss the latest submission calls and competitions – chances to see your work in print and win writing prizes!