Today's guest is Julie Day.
Why I write womag stories
I've been writing
(or trying to write) short stories for women's magazines for about
five years now, but it's only been the last couple of years that I
have taken it seriously; submitting and reading the magazines. I've
been to a few Woman's Weekly workshops and met the Fiction Editor,
and it's these that have made me really want to get a story in
Woman's Weekly.
Within
the last year, I have found a Facebook group for womag writes, who
have been very supportive. It also helps to know that I'm not the
only one submitting and being rejected. Through this group I have
found a blog to put my stories on for feedback, and the advice I have
got there, especially from experienced writers, has been helpful and
I've learnt a lot. I feel that my writing has improved because of it.
I am continuing to use this
blog to help me improve more.
Even
though the market for womag stories has shrunk even more, I am not
giving up. I am more determined to carry on.
I will keep on reading the magazines, and finding new markets to
write for, even outside the UK.
I have had short
stories published in small press magazines over the years but not a
national one. So, to see a story in a womag with my name next to it
will give me such a buzz, knowing that I am starting to get there
with my story writing.
So, if you want to
write for womags, here are some tips:
1. Don't give up
2. Read the
magazines and study them.
3. Read their
guidelines
4. Keep an eye out
for new markets
5. Find a group on
or off-line for feedback
6. Take their
advice, esp from published womag writers
7. Don't give up
8. Join an online
group for support. You won't feel you are the only one.
8 comments:
That's a great, positive attitude, Julie, and I'm sure that by continuing to plug away you'll get where you want to be.
Isn't it wonderful to have all that support out there from writing groups?
Helen
Hi, Helen. Yes, it's great to have such supportive groups. As I say in the post, you feel you're not alone when being rejected.
Excellent advice! No-one has yet found a better path to success than to keep writing (and reading).
Hope the womag successes will soon be heading your way, Julie. And those points are good reminders. :)
Thank you for sharing those tips Julie. I'll also keep on trying.
Thanks for sharing, Julie. I feel in good company - although I've only been writing short stories for a couple of years, so still a learner. I came third in a Scribble article contest last year - I didn't have to think up a plot for that - but still awaiting womag acceptance.
All the best with your short stories, Julie - perseverance is one of the most important things a writer can have so keep writing and sending your stories out!
Thanks for an interesting post, Julie.
Your tips are excellent.
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