I have been very lucky, over the last year, to have sold many stories to The People's Friend and am in no doubt that the interest and guidance of the editors of this lovely magazine has helped my writing. They may not be the best payers but trust me - they are a great magazine to write for.
There is no better way to get to know what a magazine wants from a writer than by hearing from the person who will be reading (and hopefully buying) your stories. If you would like to have a go at writing for them too, then why don't you pop over to Samantha Tonge's blog today, where her guest is none other than their fiction editor Shirley Blair.
I have just visited Sam's blog and it is fascinating to know what is going on behind the scenes at The Friend. Shirley tells Sam about the creation of the People's Friend Annual 2014 which is published today.
She also tell us what short story themes are likely to be rejected:
- elderly ladies in homes
- elderly ladies afraid of the young
- elderly ladies whose friends never visit
- elderly ladies whose daughters bully them
Other themes to avoid are:
- inherited cottages
- grandchildren given a technology free weekend
- a retired husband getting under his wife's feet
A particular favourite theme of Shirley's is about women's friendship.
Please visit Samantha's blog for many more fascinating incites into the world of a People's Friend editor.
For anyone who hasn't already got them, the People's Friend guidelines are here.
My next story 'For Your Eyes Only' (unless the name changes) will be published in the August 17th issue of the People's Friend.
Thanks for putting this on your blog, Wendy! I hope people find it useful, Shirley was very generous with her answers.
ReplyDeleteOn a personal note, i loved finally seeing what she looked like (fantastic hair!) and it was nice to find out a bit more about Shirley Blair, the woman.
Sam x
You know I thought the same, Sam. I had no idea what Shirley looked like. I thought it was a great interview and it was very good of her to give her time... although I shouldn't be surprised by that - it's what is so nice about the magazine.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are lovely to write for and very generous with feedback, i find, which is particularly great for newer writers.
ReplyDeleteHmm, it is always nice to be a face to a name!
Sam
That's what kept me going when I first started... they were so encouraging and gave me hope that if I just kept going I would succeed - which was what eventually happened.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on all your success with them, Wendy. It's a market I've not cracked - I just don't seem to be on their wavelength.
ReplyDeleteI notice we are sharing the pages of this month's Fiction Feast though, Patsy.
DeleteThanks for this pointer Wendy, always useful to be reminded what a magazine is and isn't interested in. Nice to know that PF are moving with the times and getting on FB etc but also that their keeping their unique selling point of stories, stories and more stories!
ReplyDeleteLong may it last, Cara, and congratulations with your serial The Lemon Grove.
DeleteI've already had a look and left a comment - it's a great interview! You're doing so well with PF, Wendy.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rosemary, they've helped me a lot over the year.
DeleteThanks for visiting and commenting today, everyone. and thanks for sharing it on your blogs.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope it helps us all!
Sam T
Thank you for a great interview, Sam... not sure you need much help though!
ReplyDeleteWendy, thanks for this - interesting stuff. On a slightly different note, I've just read your story in TAB - 'Paint With Passion, Claire' - loved it! Well done! (I was there, in France, with the sexy Alain!!)
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Helen. will do an inspiration behind the story post soon and you will have to wait and see if the sexy Alain is based on someone real!
DeleteYou are so right about the lovely editors at The People's Friend - so lovely to write for.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your sales to them, and your story in this months Take a Break's Fiction Feast. X
Thank you, Amanda, and well done for having a story in the 2014 Annual.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wendy, for this pointer to the interview with Shirley Blair on Sam's blog. It's good to see an old faithful like The 'Friend' keeping up with the times. Rx
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Rena.
DeleteWell done on all your sales Wendy, I have an obsession with P.F. It's because the stories in there move me and they are exactly the ones I want to write. I keep sending, and they keep returning, but I will not give up until I get one published. I read it almost every week, so no reason not to know what they're looking for.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good reason for wanting to write for theM, Susan... keep at it!
DeleteThanks for the link, Wendy - I'd be heading over to Sam's blog in a sec.
ReplyDeleteInteresting list of themes likely to be rejected - I've just had one accepted which sort of falls into one of those categories, so I might suggest it's perhaps the perspective or slant on the theme which is the issue. As we're so often reminded, there are no new stories - just new ways of telling them.
Interestingly, Jenny, I've had a story accepted with an inherited cottage in it... so I think you're right.
DeleteThank you, Wendy, great post.I've shared to Facebook and Twitter, hope that's OK :)
ReplyDeleteOf course I don't mind, Della as I'm not on either of these myself.
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