Wednesday 11 August 2021

Guest post by womag writer and novelist Glenda Young

 

Today's guest is Glenda Young

Why your comfort zone is bigger than you think


Hi everyone, I’m Glenda and I’m a womag writer and bestselling author published by Headline. My novels are set across two genres which are 1) gritty sagas set in a northeast mining village in 1919 and 2) cosy crimes set in modern-day Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast. I’ve also written TV tie-in books for ITV’s Coronation Street, I run a Coronation Street fan blog and am an award-winning short story writer. I’ve also got a unique claim to fame as the writer of Riverside, the first ever weekly soap opera published in The People's Friend magazine.

Phew.

That’s quite a lot of different genres to write in. And as if that wasn’t enough, whenever I get time, I love to pen short stories for women’s magazines. Over the last few years, I’ve had hundreds of womag stories published. And as all womag writers know, each story was tailored to the magazine it was submitted to, because knowing your market is key. However, not all of my stories were in the same genre. For instance for women’s magazines, I’ve had stories published about a cowboy searching for his father, horror stories, cosy crime, mysteries and plenty of comic short stories. I even wrote the first same-sex romance to be published in My Weekly magazine. As I'm not gay it's further proof that the margins of what you are capable of writing about can - and should - expand to the market's requirements.

But even though all of these short stories, and my novels, may appear at first glance to be in different genres, what I’d like to remind anyone reading this is that they were all written for the same market. As womag writers know, we tend to write for women. And that’s exactly who I keep in mind whether my story is about cowboys or comedy, whether my novels are sagas or cosy crime. I slant each story or novel to fit the market and have fun with what with I’m doing.

What I’m trying to say in a roundabout way (sorry Patsy, I’ll get to the point, promise!) is that just because we’re writing for women’s magazines, doesn’t mean you can’t try something new and surprising, as long as it fits the magazine’s specifications. And if you want to write a cowboy story, for instance, it doesn’t mean you have to leave your comfort zone. Think of it more as expanding your comfort zone around you, pushing it a little to give you more room to breathe.

Because after all, when we’re writing for women’s magazines or any particular market, writing something that might at first appear difficult and daunting, as long as you tailor it to the market you’re writing for, it isn’t that different at all. You’re simply playing with the genre and having a great deal of fun at the same time. And when you have fun in your writing, I truly believe your reader will find it fun to read too.

Glenda Young's  Website, Twitter, Facebook




From Patsy – With the reduction in markets for womag fiction, many of us are considering other types of writing. That might seem daunting but, as Glenda says, new doesn’t need to be completely different. If we think of subjects we’ve used in our stories, and know something about, we may come up with ideas for articles too and could attempt those with the same readership in mind. 

Glenda has kindly said that she'll give a signed paperback copy of any one of her books, plus some bookmarks, to one person who comments on this blog. (The books are stand alone, so you don't need to worry about picking the right one to start with.) Anyone may enter the draw, but the book can only be sent to a UK address. To be in with a chance, leave a comment on this post by midnight UK time on 16th August, making it clear that you'd like to take part. Of course comments from those not entering the draw are equally welcome.

24 comments:

Jackie Sayle said...

Thanks for the encouraging words, Glenda and Patsy.

Simon Whaley said...

Great advice about expanding into new markets.

Glenda Young said...

Thank you!!

Ruth Smith said...

You're a star Glenda. Read your latest book Murder at Seaview Hotel. Very interesting. I felt I was there watching all that was happening. Can't wait for your next book. ( I have already pre ordered it on amazon) I know it won't be until next year but I have to have it. I'm addicted to your books so true to life. xx

ados123 said...

I love trying something new for markets I write for - I get bored with writing in a similar way all the time. I often play around with format as well as content. And I've usually found that fiction editors are happy to see something new too!
Good advice, Glenda and Patsy.

Alyson

Sharon boothroyd said...

As someone who occasionally writes for the corrie blog I'd love to win one of Glenda's books! Count me in please!

Marguerite said...

This is such insightful advice. I often think many of the magazines seem quite narrow, and yet, if you study them there is much to play with in their constraints. Please count me in to the draw :) Thank you Glenda and Patsy.

New girl on the block said...

I also found this really encouraging, especially as the womag market becomes smaller and more challenging. I love the idea of playing with genre within any constraints we are given. I'd love to read one of your books, Glenda, so please count me into the draw.

Eirin Thompson said...

A very interesting post - thanks, Patsy and Glenda. I am in awe of Glenda's productivity and would love to learn more about how she fits it all in - two series of novels, magazine work and social media activity. Where does Glenda find the time and energy to do so much? Any tips or advice would be extremely welcome. I'd also like to be included in the prize draw, thanks.

Jenny Worstall said...

Such an inspiring article! I am in awe of how you fit all this in, Glenda. And top top advice to look for ways to spread your writing wings while staying true to the genre and audience. I would love to be entered for the prize draw Thank you. Jenny Worstall.

Marian said...

Thank you for such an interesting and positive article. Really encouraging. I'd very much like to be added to the prize draw. Many thanks.

Carrie said...

I'm in awe as to how you fit everything in too, Glenda. A great article to read, and very helpful advice. I like to try different angles with my writing; sometimes they work, sometimes not, but it's fun trying. I'd love to be included in the prize draw too :) Thank you.

Glenda Young said...

I wish I could share the secret of being so prolific but I'm afraid it's simply a case of sitting down and getting on with it. It's not easy, as all writers know. But it's definitely, always worthwhile. A poem, a tweet, a short story, a chapter in a novel, something gets written (almost) every day. As for the novels... well, once a contract is signed with the publisher, it kinda puts the fear in you and you have no excuse not to sit down and write ��

ChrisC said...

Thank you for a very interesting article. I m in awe at how much you mange to do. A true inspiration. I would love to take part in the draw please.

Sally Jenkins said...

Wow, thanks Glenda, what an inspirational powerhouse you are!
Please put me in the draw and I'd love to read one of the books.

Jane Bettany said...

Wow! You must be a busy lady. How do you juggle it all? Do you prioritise according to deadlines, or do you work on whatever appeals to you at the time?

Bendywriter said...

Thank you, Glenda and Patsy. You are both such positive role models. I'd love to take part in the draw.

Penny A said...

Thank you to Glenda and Patsy for this blog!
I have a Post-It note around here somewhere to remind me of Glenda's online chat about her books with Northumbria Libraries. These talks have been a godsend during lockdowns various, and I'm looking forward to Glenda's on October 5th!

Glenda Young said...

Penny A - thank you and I look forward to seeing you at the online talk for Northumbria Libraries! I'm giving quite a few online talks this autumn if anyone's interested, they're all listed at https://www.glendayoungbooks.com/copy-of-bio-1

Jane Bettany - yes, I always work by deadline order. And when writing my novels, they always take precedence over everything else. And yet... Wednesday afternoons are sacrosanct as I keep them for writing Riverside for The people's friend, nothing gets in the way of writing that, I love it!

Thank you everyone for all your comments.

Alan Barker said...

Congratulations on all your writing achievements so far, Glenda. Long may they continue! Please do include me in the prize draw.

Sheelagh said...

Thanks Glenda some very useful writing tips in there, none more so than the need to sit down and write though - I'm a terrible procrastinator & make every excuse not to get on with the writing despite the fact that I love it when I get going.
I'd love to be included in the competition but as I live in Republic of Ireland should I win I'd like to donate my copy to Patsy who had done so much for me by providing this blog. I have learned so much. Here's hoping Patsy!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this inspirational post Glenda. As others have said I am in awe of how you fit it all in.
You've made me want to keep going and not be afraid to try out different ideas. Sharon H

Kate Blackadder said...

Great post, Glenda. You are so inspiring! I agree that a deadline is a great incentive and try to trick myself that there is one albeit self-imposed.

Patsy said...

Thanks everyone for your comments! I agree that Glenda has given good tips as well as encouragement.

@Sheelagh – thanks for nominating me to receive your prize should you win.