Yes, I know autumn is already here. Approaching Autumn is the title of my latest story in Woman’s Weekly. I’d forgotten when it was due to be published, but I always flick through the magazines when I see them, to see if I can spot stories by my writing friends. I came across this one whilst in LIDL buying Marmite to go on my toast for breakfast.
We’re currently away in the mobile writing retreat, and have seen a lot of views like the one used in the illustration.
I have a story in the current bumper issue of Woman’s Weekly.
The characters are shown drinking a glass of red wine. I’m pretty sure that means I’m allowed one too?
Did you know it’s towel day next week? I did, but only because my friend Sheila Crosby suggested it as a subject when I was putting together my collection, Days To Remember. It’s not actually in the collection, as by then I had enough stories, but I wrote it anyway and it’s in the current (special bumper issue) of Woman’s Weekly.
Perhaps I’ll do another collection of stories about special days and include it in that?
I don’t have a sister, so had to use my imagination for parts of this story about sisterly relationships, which is in the current issue of Take A Break’s Fiction Feast. There’s quite a lot about cake too, so I was writing what I know there!
We’re still away in our campervan, and that’s definitely a place for two. A Place For Two is also the title of my story in the current The People’s Friend Special.
That’s not my original title – that was A Good Judge Of Character. As quite often happens, someone at the magazine changed it. There can be all sorts of reasons for that – they might already be using something similar, or have done so recently, a different one might fit better on the page, or felt to be more suitable.
I don’t mind, although on this occasion I much prefer my original (not that I’m biased or anything!) I’m very pleased with the illustration. It’s not only very attractive, but also extremely appropriate. If you read the story, let me know if you agree.
No, not the weather – that’s decided to stop being calm and mild, as it was for our Christmas trip in the campervan, and to behave more as we’d expect for this time of year. Perfect staying in and reading weather!
Getting Warmer is the title of my short story in the January 2025 issue of Take A Break’s Fiction Feast.
I haven’t had a story in Take a Break’s Fiction Feast in a while, so I’m very pleased to have two in the current (October) issue.
The titles they’ve been given might make it tricky to guess what they’re about. Does it help at all if I mention werewolves?
No, I’m not issuing an ultimatum – that’s the title of my story in the current issue of Ireland’s Own. (You won’t tell them that despite my name, and the fact I spent my honeymoon there, I’m not really Irish, will you?)
As the strapline suggests, this story is about two strong-willed characters. It’s also about a mother-in-law who likes to get her own way, and is perhaps even a bit stubborn. Of course it’s entirely fictional and has absolutely no basis in reality whatsoever.
On an unrelated note, I find that writing can be a very cathartic process.
My story Stop Thief, which is in the current issue of Take a Break’s Fiction Feast is based on a true story. At least, it’s based on a true story to the extent that many historical films and TV programmes seem to be – extremely loosely!
I once worked somewhere which had security on the entrance/exit. One day a random* search revealed a member of staff had stolen some toilet rolls. It wasn’t even good stuff, but that awful tracing paper type stuff. They got the sack.
This was thirty years. Nothing I’ve ever witnessed is safe from being turned into a story!
Naturally I’m pleased the story has been published. Fortunately one of the illustrations provides a suggestion of how to celebrate.
*We were told it was random, but I’m not sure. Almost every random search seemed to reveal someone was up to no good, so I expect there were a few tip offs.
I’ve just discovered that I had a story in last week’s issue of My Weekly. I did know it was going to be published, just not exactly when.
The story is called ‘Making Your Mind Up’. I confess