Thursday 2 March 2017

Guest post by aspiring womag writer Julie Day

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:

Helen Laycock said...

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

Julie Day said...

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.

Penny A said...

Excellent advice! No-one has yet found a better path to success than to keep writing (and reading).

Carolb said...

Hope the womag successes will soon be heading your way, Julie. And those points are good reminders. :)

Eunice Nascimento said...

Thank you for sharing those tips Julie. I'll also keep on trying.

Cathy Cade said...

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.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

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!

Patsy said...

Thanks for an interesting post, Julie.

Your tips are excellent.