Writing Magazine

Opening chapters

Thank you to everyone who took part in the first ever Writing Magazine Chapter Book Prize. There were over 130 entries and we really appreciate every single one, especially as last year was an extremely challenging time!

Congratulations especially to all our longlisters and shortlisters – to be listed for a Book Prize is a huge achievement. We hope you find this encouraging as you move forward with your writing this year.

Judging was a difficult process, but finally we chose our top three. Huge congratulations to our talented winners.

THIRD PLACE:

Chapter One: The Silvermoon Magical Riding School

Things you should know before you start this chapter:

Horses with wings can BITE!

The Silvermoon Magical Riding School stood high up on a moor, hidden in the mist. To anyone passing by it just looked like a collection of old tumbling down stone barns, but those able to pass through the dreamy mist were able to find a friendly, busy stable yard that looked a lot like your average riding school, but with rather unusual inhabitants.

At the entrance gate to the school, was a sign that proclaimed:

THE SILVERMOON MAGICAL RIDING SCHOOL

Riding lessons for all magical folk
We protect and care for all magical horses
And then in smaller writing:
If you

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Writing Magazine

Writing Magazine1 min read
Part-time Benefits
Confession: I have never earned enough to be a full-time writer. Of course, most writers would love to be bestsellers, win awards and be offered six-figure advances, but most do not achieve this. It is an achievement to find a mix of activities that
Writing Magazine4 min read
L. M. Nathan
I didn’t grow up surrounded by books. It was music that first gave me a love of language. My Grandad had an enormous record player, and it was a communal event to curate a playlist. The lyrics fascinated me – the way writers put them together in unus
Writing Magazine4 min read
Sleuth Truths
When I began writing my novel about the Victorian era’s funniest lady detective, Violet Hamilton, I hit a wall. I wanted Violet to be bold, daring, ground-breaking and free, but it went against all I was reading about women’s real lives at the time.

Related Books & Audiobooks