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Learn to write fiction with Jo Barnden
Joanna Barnden, creative writing classes, creative writing courses, writing fiction course, writing fiction classes, writing fiction for women’s magazines, writing skills.
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Joanna writes short stories and serials for the national women’s magazines.


She teaches nationwide courses in writing for this specialist market.


She also lectures in creative writing for the open university and in schools


Joanna’s first novel, Running Against the Tide, comes out in 2013.


Sample Published Stories
Time Tricks ...click to download.

In The Still of the Night...click to download.

With a Little Help From Heaven....click to download

Interested in writing fiction for a living?
You’ve come to the right place to find out how...

running against the tide Hi,
I'm Joanna Barnden and I've been writing for the national women's magazines for the last ten years. I've had over 150 stories and serials published and one of my serials – 'Running Against the Tide', a romance set in the London Docklands in 1800 - is coming out as a full novel on 31/01/2013: Available on Amazon.

Writing fiction is a job I love and one I'm (hopefully) still getting better at. Writing isn't a God-given talent; it takes as much work, practice and knowledge as any other trade and I can help you with that. In the course of my writing career I've learned a lot about what the womag's discerning readers and (more crucially for budding writers) their editors, are looking for. Take a look at the samples available to download here, or email me to see further work.
I offer a very competitively priced critiquing service that can help you target your own areas for improvement. I also run a number of writing courses and am happy to work with your writing group or class in whatever targeted way suits you. And for any creative writing teachers out there, I am also featured in an excellent study resource: 'Teaching Creative Writing' which offers loads of ideas for practical writing exercises: Click here to find out more...

These days I am moving more and more into longer fiction, but crafting short stories remains close to my heart. It is a difficult genre to master but a rewarding one and there are a few key elements that are crucial to get right. I can help you to create engaging characters, bring their problems to life, and structure the way you tell them so that you too can have success. Having your stories published - seeing your name in print - is one of the most satisfying things in the world , as a number of my previous students have happily found out, so why not give it a go?

Do call or email me for more details. I look forward to hearing from you.

  Joanna Barnden Fiction Writer