Here’s a little tip I read recently: Children’s magazines always need stuff like crafts, quizzes, and non-fiction ideas. But, of course, children’s writers like to write children’s fiction. There’s more money to be made in selling stories, right?

Well, yes and no. Because to get a story sold may take ages. Meanwhile, to get a craft or non-fiction article accepted may not take nearly that long. And you can build a relationship with an editor while you’re sending along all those sweet somethings that they need.

So, down the road, your sweet fiction is more likely to get a closer look. At least, that’s what I’m hoping. ‘Cause if you take a closer look at the envelope below, you’ll see “Highlights.” As in Highlights for Children Magazine. And that’s my CONTRACT I’m sending back! I sold a craft today and did such an extended happy dance that Mr. Hall threatened to hose me down.

So trying sending a craft. It may seem like a little thing, but just that little bit may make all the difference.

After sending I-don’t-know-how-many queries out into Market Land, one finally paid off.

Senior Living Magazine, distributed primarily in North Georgia (though I came across it in my neck of the woods), accepted one of my columns for the May issue. I was hoping the column would be available online, but alas, not all the contents from the issue are transferred to the online magazine.

That’s okay. I know it’s there. And Sally knows it’s there, too. Come to think of it, now you do, too. Here’s hoping the folks who read Senior Living like “I Ain’t Afraid of No Solicitors” by Cathy C. Hall. (I know Mr. Hall really liked that column; he laughed all over again when he read it in Senior Living…or maybe he’s just more senior than I thought!)