The history of magazines dates to the days of Benjamin Franklin. Once a luxury only the wealthy could afford, magazines became a low-cost, widely-available way to inform, entertain, educate, and inspire audiences world-wide. 

“I have always loved the diversity of magazines,” said freelance writer Wendy Hobday Haugh, whose short stories and articles, nearly 300 to date, have been published in dozens of national and regional magazines, including Highlights for Children, Hopscotch, Boys’ Quest, American Profile, Grit, Woman’s World Weekly, Saratoga Living, WritersWeekly.com and of course… Simply Saratoga.

“A single magazine can hold a treasure trove of stories. There’s always a little something for everyone, so if one piece doesn’t engage you, another one surely will. I also love the shorter length of magazine stories and articles,” Wendy continued. “They’re doable: able to be fit in, read, and enjoyed even on the busiest of days.”

Why This Writer Writes

In the late 1970s, Wendy began writing short stories and articles for children. Through the years, her portfolio of work came to include parenting articles, household tips, poetry, profiles of fascinating people and stellar felines, a church history, articles about writing, and one published book.

“The beauty of writing is that there's always something new and fresh to write about, and with every finished piece comes the possibility of publication,” said Wendy. “That intriguing prospect keeps me digging in and digging deep. I’m happiest when immersed in a writing project.”

While there have been countless rejections during Wendy’s more than 40 years of writing, the thrill of writing for magazines remains. 

“Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of an acceptance letter,” she said. “The pay is nice, sure, but it’s the initial correspondence—whether by letter, email, or phone—that rocks this writer’s world. Acceptance letters give writers courage and confidence: the courage to continue being hopeful, despite daunting rejection, and the confidence to keep writing and sending out.”

Inside the Biz

Wendy enjoys pitching editors directly and has never worked with an agent. ”I’ve always loved the challenge of pitching stories and building new editorial relationships on my own, so I’ll just keep approaching editors who do not require agent involvement.”

Over the years, working with a half-dozen different editors, Wendy has had 36 mysteries, romances, and fillers published by Woman’s World Weekly. Since 2013, 18 of her personal stories have appeared in 16 different Chicken Soup for the Soul^© books.

“The competition for any slot can be fierce, but that doesn’t stop me from trying,” Wendy said. “Freelance writing requires determination, persistence and, at times, a really thick skin. But the rewards are many! Every piece you write, whether accepted or not, makes you a stronger, better writer.”

Since September 2019, Wendy has written two dozen magazine stories for Chris Bushee, Saratoga Publishing’s magazine editor (with more to come!)

“Chris is, by far, the most enthusiastic and interactive editor I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” said Wendy. 

“In many ways, Chris reminds me of Amy Newmark, editor and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul^© books. Both women exude incredible warmth and charisma, boundless energy, and a true love for their writers and their readers. Amy and her staff make writers feel like they’re a valued part of the Chicken Soup ‘family,’ and that’s exactly how Chris Bushee makes her writers feel; like they’re a valued part of something positive and joyful in this world. Among freelance writers, Chris is truly a gift.”

Read Reality, the latest of Wendy Hobday Haugh’s stories, in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Advice That Changed My Life^©, available March 14th from booksellers everywhere. 

For more information, go to www.wendyhobdayhaugh.com