The good news is that the editor who commissioned my first paid-for article confirmed that the magazine is going to print tomorrow and will be published next Thursday.

More good news is that I got a response from my ‘gold place’ which showed that the editor had read some of the example writing I sent. The less good news is that she said there was few opportunities to write for the column outside of the regular contributors and any slots were allocated months in advance.

The next step I’m considering is emailing her again in a couple of months time with an article pitch which would work 3 months ahead.

I’ve included a pic of ivy broomrape as I think it sums up today’s outcome. I’m pleased to find this plant but it’s not great news for the ivy.