I write popular woman's fiction so is there a group for me? I am not into writing for the sake of it but to make something that will sell and realise this will alienate me from those who believe in art for art's sake. Just uploaded my story 'Living Loving Learning' if anyone cares to read it. It's an example of a story that doesn't really fit any sort of publication. I'm a regular contributor to Woman's Weekly and Fiction Feast (offshoot of Take A Break) and have sold stories in other pop women's mags. I've also published a couple of teen novels. This story, however, cannot find a home. I think I know why - but that doesn't mean I want it shoved in a drawer because it's not appealing to one particular market. Any comments would be appreciated particularly good advice as to how I can tweak it out of one genre and into another. If there are any more fiction writers for women's mags out there it would be good to hear from you.

Welcome, Jen. I'm not a fan of women's mags and I believe in art for art's sake, but I like the openness of your message and will check out some of your stuff over the weekend! I'm actually writing a teen novel. Don't know if your work would fit in any existing groups, but hey, if not, why not start one? I really want to read a women's mag type of story that can also be read totally against the grain. I'd be interested in reading your experiences of writing for this market.

Cath x

I am with Cath when ahe welcomes you and suggests that you tell us a little of your approach/technique/views on writing for the Womans Weekly type of market. You suggest that you are a prolific writer for this market and I am sure there are quite a few Members who would welcome advice and your personal experience.

Len

Cath - "a women's mag type of story that can also be read totally against the grain"

Would such a work be published in that market?

I have a friend who worked for both Women's Weekly (famed for its fiction?) and Take A Break (she's now with Bella). I'll ask her when she gets back from holiday about 'against the grain'.

Joe

Joe,

I didn't really explain things properly in that message as it was late, too much wine, etc! But I remember for my first degree we did a module on popular fiction, which included doing feminist (and psychoanalytical) readings of Mills and Boon books. I totally loved that idea!

Cath

I’m doing a workshop in July about writing for Womags. I have no idea what it takes to break into this market but I’d like to have a damned good try.

Joe, I’d dearly love to know what your friend has to say.

Dee

Dee

Yes, 'noted and marked forward for action' as we say in the Civil Service. When she gets back from Mexico, I'll have a word and report back.

Joe

<Added>

Oh, and speaking of similar books - does anyone know 'Dangerous Love' by Eleanor Caldwell? 'Love could be lethal with a man like Roy'.

There's a great line: 'Must she sit for hours alone together, frying an egg?' (She is actually on her own, in case you think there's something subtle going on here.) This is almost (not very 'almost' just a bit) like the astonishing work of Miller O. Albert, the Nigerian (?) writer, except Miller is a real prose-poet, an amazing talent.

Joe

Thankyou for your reply. I would love to start a group for those interested in writing for the women's mag market. Any takers?

er - hello! Is there anyone out there? I thought you all wanted to write popular woman's fiction - but now you've all gone quiet!