Writing to a Deadline, by Elizabeth Kay
Some people love them, some people hate them, some people can’t write without them. I’m one of those nerdy people who is always early for everything in case something unexpected goes wrong. The ceiling falling down, a failed MOT, a wasp’s nest, a rail strike, a computer meltdown… you know the sort of thing. I’m writing this post six weeks in advance, which is sailing a bit close to the wind for me, to be honest. I know people who write what’s required the night before. I’d be a nervous wreck. On the other hand, tell me whatever it is can be submitted whenever I want and I’ll never get round to it. These days I’ve been commissioned to write a story every three months for Magnet Magazine, and if I don’t have a couple in the bank I have a lurking sense of dread until I do something about it. I provide the January, April, July and October stories, and you can access back copies here . Although I have a reasonably free hand I do need to consider the readership, which is predominantl...