People's Friend Serial The Lemon Grove
Wow, it's so nice to see a plan come to fruition. At long last, my serial, The Lemon Grove set in sunny Sorrento is appearing in The People's Friend magazine. I blogged about writing a magazine serial both here and on caracoopers.blogspot.com. There are eight episodes, but if readers miss any there is always a 'catch up' so you can read the backstory and pick up the thread. One of the nicest things about having a serial accepted is seeing an artist interpret your story and come up with how they think your characters look. The author and artist don't speak, it's all done through the editors, and the artist simply has to work from reading the story. Here on the People's Friend blog, one of their artists gives a run down of how she works. My hero's looks are based on a very good Italian friend of ours who is seriously handsome and full of rakish charm (I haven't let on I based the character on him in case it goes to his head). The artist has very definitely caught his thick chestnut hair! I think the editors enjoy choosing the artwork too which must be a relief for them after going through the tough phase of reading and suggesting amendments from authors like myself who can go off on a tangent if they're not watched carefully. I had a scene with a fashion show I was very fond of in episode 3 but I must admit the editor was right in saying it didn't fit. I had to bite the bullet and let it go. I do hope anyone who has paid their 97p feels the magazine is a good investment - so many stories and all designed to leave a warm glow. People's Friend is also now on Facebook and Twitter, find them @TheFriendMag and come along and chat.
How exciting for you, Cara. It seems as if an awful lot of hard work was involved. Nice you had a handsome hero to help you along!
ReplyDeleteGuess what's just been added to the shopping list for tomorrow.
Well done Cara. I meant to buy a copy today but forgot. Sounds a good story with a lovely hero.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read it either yet, Cara but will buy a copy. I do follow The Friend on Twitter but as I'm not on Facebook I don't go down that route.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
Sounds a great read, Cara - well done!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a real achievement to get a serial accepted - the PF are very specific in what they want in serials and short stories. Do you think having a lovely, hot, exotic location helped? What is it they particularly want in a serial?
ReplyDeleteI will be buying a copy tomorrow when I get to tescos.
Carol
Thanks for your kind remarks. I am now trying to think up a second serial using some of the same characters. I'm 50% there as I've got the beginning and end, it's the middle that needs filling in!
ReplyDeleteThat's very exciting, Cara. I have read part one but not the rest yet. I have the synopsis and first instalment of a short serial with them now (you see after reading your blog post, I was brave enough to go for it!) so am keeping my fingers crossed that they like it.
ReplyDeleteAs a rule I don't usually read peoples friend but started reading your story and was hooked, I've looked for it on the internet because I didn't want to wait a week to read more and also hoped you had written other books I could read,
ReplyDeleteDear Rose - thank you so much for your comment, I'm afraid I've been away and not had a chance to look at the blog lately. That's really kind, so glad you enjoyed it. I do have other books which are available as e-books and some from the library. I'm actually appearing on the Romaniacs blog today, here's the link http://theromaniacgroup.wordpress.com/ and there are links to the downloads on there. Two will very soon be out from Accent Amour, a new imprint and should be downloadable from their site. Wendy, all the best with your serial, fingers crossed! All the best, Cara
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