Susan Jones writes romantic drama with a touch of humour, and historical sagas as Lydia King. She lives in North Warwickshire, and loves walking through the beautiful woodlands where she lives, and gardening and reading are her pastimes.

The power of visualisation can often be underrated.  A philosopher once said, ‘The mind perceives, The mind believes, The mind achieves.  So when you want to have your stories accepted by Woman’s Weekly, Take a Break or People’s Friend, or Yours then you need to see your name and title of your story on the pages of those magazines.  Often the titles of stories in People’s Friend relate to songs.  Especially ones from the fifties and sixties.  The stories for People’s Friend are always uplifting and have a happy ending.  Titles such as, One day at a time, Somewhere over the Rainbow, or Putting on the Style would be ones they’d like.  There needs to be plenty of speech.  Most of the stories begin with a conversation, and a problem in that first paragraph.

Sometimes it’s the same names that appear each week.  That’s because they’re writing the stories that the editor’s want.  Most of those writers are busy every day coming up with new ideas and plots with twists and characters with odd habits.  Don’t think that it’s only those writers’ that they publish.  If that was the case, they wouldn’t want stories, like My Weekly who only take stories from previously published writers.  More than ever, they’re on the lookout for good writing, something that makes them smile, shed a tear or generally feel better for having read that story.

With these thoughts in mind, see your name on the pages below your title.  Now write that story that will get accepted as soon as they see it.  Pick a great title, write a story full of speech, problems which are overcome, and bring it all together in a happy ending.  Now you will soon be seeing your story in print.  What would be your title?  Here’s mine – Climb every mountain.  

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8 responses to “Visualisation.”

  1. Rosemary Gemmell Avatar

    A lovely post, Suzy, full of good tips! I’ve been in PF before (some time ago) but need to get writing the right type of story again (after NaNo).

  2. susanjanejones Avatar

    Hi Rosemary, being in P.F. once is a good sign. They set a really high standard which is good I think. Because I aim for them, I get my stories accepted quicker elsewhere. Good luck with nano and other writing.

  3. Teresa Avatar

    Climb Every Mountain – what a great title! I have absolutely no idea why, but the song “Buttons and Bows” is playing in my head. Not even sure if that was from the 50s or 60s or earlier.
    A lovely inspiring post 🙂 x

    1. susanjanejones Avatar

      Buttons and bows sounds lovely Teresa. I always spent hours looking through both Grandma’s button tins. I’d say it was fifties, and definately a People’s Friend kind of title. You must write it up now, and let us know when it’s published, which I know it will.xx

  4. Linda Avatar

    Good advice, Susan. Knowing your market is essential. You have to give editors what they want – not what you think they should want.
    I’m intrigued by your title. Let us know when it’s published!

    1. susanjanejones Avatar

      You have great faith Linda, I’m going to write it up now, and will keep you informed.

  5. Suzanne Avatar

    Great post. Looking forward to reading your story. x

    1. susanjanejones Avatar

      Thanks Suzanne. It’s going to be set in North Wales of course, and my girl in the story has a red rucksack and longish blonde hair.

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