Words Magazine is a voluntarily run website for worldwide writers and readers of short stories. New and unpublished authors encouraged. Publishes quarterly hard copy magazine - free gift for subscribers. Website has lots of resources, competitions (many free to enter), etc. Profits in aid of charity.

Calum Kerr - The home of Calum Kerr: freelance writer and teacher, associate lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, bon viveur and raconteur.

Very similar to the Muse in its philosophy. As they say on their site, "It's different and it's aimed at all writers: the short story writer, the novelist, the poet, feature writer, anyone with a serious intent to develop their writing to meet the expectations of today's editors. Launched in September 1996, in every issue you'll find original short stories, a showcase for new poetry, articles, book reviews, market information, news and readers' views."

If you want to find a group of like-minded people near you, here's the place to start. Contains a good deal of information.

The writers' section of Harper Collins' website. They actively look for good, publishable, work. There are forums, blogs and a great feedback system. You can upload sections of your work and have it commented upon by other writers and perhaps even shortlisted for publication if your feedback is good.

The website of "Renaissance Woman", Shirley Golden. Apart from winning the Muse's first writing competition, she has been published several times - each time with excellent pieces, ranging from science fiction to western! Her favourite book and film list reads like my favourite night in (pub or home!) and I predict she will go far. We saw her first!

Bruce Harris, retired teacher, educational researcher, and ex-Director of the charity, Exam Aid. In late 2007, he started writing fiction and has now opened this site as a window for his work.