Happy Winter Solstice – and Christmas!

Today is the winter solstice. From now on the days lengthen and spring draws ever nearer. For me, tomorrow is the start of a new year – and it will be very welcome. 

I recently went to Avebury for a bit of stone hugging, just in case that helps make 2021 a better year than this one.

Womag news

Thanks to Sharon H for the update about Love Sunday magazine. Submissions are now to be sent to lovesundaystory@trinitymirror.com This is a non paying market, but they will often include a mention of the authors book. If submitting to them and you want this, I suggest making that clear and reminding them on acceptance as this sometimes gets forgotten.

Thanks to Jill Crawford for passing on the information that following the closure of Woman's Weekly Fiction Special, Woman's Weekly are now only publishing stories of 800 or 1,800 words. Fiction is currently scheduled until October 2021!

Jill also informs me that stories of 1,800 words are wanted for both Woman and Woman's Own.

I understand that Woman's Weekly now has a new fiction editor. I'm currently trying to find out more about that, and the requirements and submission procedure for all three publications, and will update you with any information I get.

Free to enter writing competitions

Thanks to Sheila Crosby for telling me about this crime novella competition. The prize is publication and $1,000 (Sorry if I mentioned this one before. I thought I had but can't now find it, and decided twice was better than not at all.)

This competition is for 50 words featuring a candle. There are prizes in different age groups. You can write in English or Gaelic.

There's $250 on offer for the winner of this short story competition. You have 1,000 to 5,000 words to write about an attempt to repair something.

Here's a competition for plays which work in an audio form. The prize is £2,000.

A cheeky hint

If anyone is wondering what to get me for Christmas, a review of one of my books (even one of the free ones, and even if you don't feel gushing praise is warranted) would be lovely.

Most importantly

Thank you very much to everyone who has commented on this blog, provided information and shared links on social media. Your support means a great deal and is the reason I continue. I'm signing off now until January (or until something amazing that I can't keep quiet about happens.)

Wishing everyone an uplifting solstice, peaceful and happy Christmas, joy for any other festival or event you celebrate, and many good things for 2021.