My guest today is Julie Day, who has recently sold her first ever womag story.
Congratulations on becoming a womagwriter, Julie! Who bought your story?
You (S. Africa)
Can you tell us a bit about it?
It's a 1,500 word Xmas ghost story, with humour, set around a panto.
That sounds fun. How did you feel when you got the news?
Did you celebrate?
Couldn't believe it. At last! To
celebrate I bought a few children's books I wanted.
Some writers have rituals to get them
in the mood to write, lucky pens, or even wear particular clothes
when writing. Do you do anything like that?
I like to write in silence or with the
TV on low. I have to write with pen and paper.
How long have you been submitting
stories to womags?
2-3 years.
How many stories do you think you've
sent to get that first acceptance?
About 20, including the same stories
to different magazines.
You sent out fillers too, I believe.
Did that help keep you motivated?
Yes, knowing that magazines do like my
writing helped.
Do you have any advice for writers
who've yet to have their first success?
Read and study the magazine and their
guidelines. Keep writing. Find your voice. Find the magazine that
likes that voice, and stick with them for a while.
Writers need fuel - what's your
favourite snack when you're writing?
Kallo dark choc rice cakes, Houmous
chips with Violife soft cheese. Or Tesco Free From plain crackers
with Violife soft cheese.
I know you have Asperger's; how does
that impact on your writing?
I can only write for 30-45 mins before
my head goes fuzzy. I have to have an afternoon nap to recharge.
That must make things difficult for you, yet I understand you write books too?
Yes. Magical realism for adults and
children. Such as Billy and The Sparkling Socks and One Cood Turn. You can find all my other books here.
You also produce a newsletter, what's
that about and how can people sign up?
I send out tips about writing and
marketing esp for indies. Writing exercises. News about my books,
events and other stuff. People can sign up here.
Is there anything you'd like to add?
If you like writing one genre, eg for
me it's magical realism, then concentrate on that and do it well.
9 comments:
Congratulations Julie! It's so lovely to hear when someone has their first success with a magazine after working so hard. It reinforces that we as writers should never give up trying because eventually we will get that sale! xxx
Thank you for posting your interview, Patsy. It's always interesting to hear how different writers plan their writing day. Congratulations, Julie.
Congratulations Julie!
Well done, Julie! May it be the first of many.
(I like Kallo Rice Cakes too)
Helen
What a great success story, Julie. Congratulations, you deserve it!
Congratulations on the Yours success Julie. Hope to hear of many more in the future.x
Thank you, everyone. Sorry to be a day late here but things went wrong whilst out shopping yesterday. Mum went dizzy in a shop, and fell backwards, banging her head. We had to go to A&E. Mum is still there, but feeling a bit better, although shaken up.
Hope you and your mum are feeling better, Julie. Well done on your short story sale and your lovely books, too. Kate Hogan
Congratulations Julie! And thank you for sharing, it's helped motivate me to keep on trying. All the best to you and your Mum.
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