Hi all,

Dotsie asked me if I'd pop in this forum and pass any wisdom along that I might have about getting your work from something you like, to something that many people have the opportunity to like (or dislike!)

I'm really just finding my own way, but have had some encouraging things happen recently. It started with the editor of Family Circle calling my cell phone while I was having my hair cut! They wanted to buy one of my essays. I was so excited. I had been submitting just about everything I wrote to a myriad of magazines (using the current Writer's Market guidelines)and finally, this wasn't a form rejection letter. The same month, I learned of the Cup of Comfort anthology series, and submitted several pieces to them (both via email, I might add. Much easier!) Cup of Comfort for Women included five of my pieces and awarded my story "On Turning 40" the grand prize. It was a thrilling way to enter the book world. Since then, Family Circle has bought 2 more essays, I've been in Cup of Comfort for Inspiration and Cup of Comfort for Christmas. Also, the Chocolate for Women series will include my work next May, and WHEN it comes out- so will Boomer Women Speak. I've had several conversations with a publisher(following several rejection letters from other publishers)about my own book, hopefully more to come on that soon. So, as you can see, it's really just a matter of looking around for books/mags that are a good fit with your writing style, and then, continuing to offer new work once that relationship is established. I pity the editor who buys one thing from me but doesn't expect to hear from me again!

Good luck to us all!

Julie, Thanks so much for sharing. I have already received an email from a woman who has been encouraged by your post.

She wants to read your work. You have a new fan. Are you willing to share your last name so the boomer community can do a little research and be introduced to your writing?

Just those 2 little paragraphs you shared can do so much for so many. Thanks!

Keep writing girls!

I have permission from Julie to post her full name so you can look up her work.

Her full name is Julie Clark Robinson.

Family Circle, Feb. 11 and July 8, 2003 and the book,
Cup of Comfort for Women.

Thanks Dotsie. I should add that my copy of Cup of Comfort for Inspiration just arrived (I have a story in it), and Cup of Comfort for Christmas will be out any day now (it also includes a story of mine).

Thanks!

Julie Clark Robinson