Query Letter: "Peppermint" Magazine

Many of you would know of my long-standing love affair with Peppermint magazine. Writing for them would be a dream come true, but unfortunately it wasn't to be this time around. I never got a response to this pitch I emailed...

I'm a freelance writer from Adelaide who's been published by magazines including Women's Health & Fitness and Cosmo Bride. Samples of my work are available on my blog, Becks and the City.

What's a girl to do when she meets injustice in the world? Unfortunately, the modern answer can often be worry about the cause, but not know how to solve the problem.

It's time to bring back the elegantly-phrased protest letter!

I'd like to use my experience working for a state minister and hobby of serial letter-writing to magazines (a major glossy once published seven of my letters in one year -- I stopped before they took out a restraining order) to bring "Make a Statemint" to Peppermint readers. Covering the different causes, where to address your letters and when to start or join a petition, the article would provide a gentle, politically-neutral guide to practicing your penmanship and literary fist-shaking all at the same time.

Coming to 1,000 words, the article would be delivered within two weeks of hearing you're interested.

Yours sincerely,

Rebecca Douglas

Not sure what went wrong. : ( Please send me any advice you can muster!

Wedding Words for Writers

A wedding is not a time where you want to be stuck for words. Here's a few to get you started.

Occasion, nuptials, marriage, countdown, proposal, romance, passionate, bridal, bouquet boutique, floral, flowers, bonboniere, stationery, catering, event, gown, frock, festive, merry-making, enjoyment, DJ, musician, celebrant, seasons, bubbly, champagne, toast, speech, cocktail, dinner, brunch, ballroom, invitation, embossed, bejewelled, pampering, beauty regime, makeup, toned, trim, boot camp, tanned, lighting, rings, personalised, intricate, simple, elegant, graceful, first dance, train, fascinator, hair clip, veil, bow, lace-up, pearlescent, glittery, buttons, lapel, moonlit, candles, special, soiree, delicate, embroidered, sweetheart neckline, ruching, bustle, control underwear, strapless, decolletage, sprinkled, cupcake, fruit cake, croquembouche, pastry, artistry, beach, garden, hotel, homestead, sculptures, drinks, embellished, family, intimate, regal, lavish affair, trickling, fountain, suits, dinnerware, registry, honeymoon, destination, elope, budget, chic, mother-in-law, father-in-law, plans, decorations, organisation, weather, chandelier, processional, ceremony, buck's night, hen's night, venue, dressmaker, florist, toasting, menu, ritual, entree, main, dessert, organza, tulle, lace, silk, taffeta, vintage, layered, modern, traditional, conservative, groomsmen, bridesmaids, jewellery, entertainment, details, off-white, cream, coffee, ivory, satin, favours, theme, roses, peonies, tulips, image, portrait, photography, angles, capture, dress, chapel, table runner, church, groom, ruffle, wispy, sheath, corset, mermaid, princess, chair covers, de-stress, diamantes, maid-of-honour, pavillion, garden, marquee, bodice, Hollywood glamour, celebration, confetti.

Any I've left off the list?

Fabulous Fridays: 6 January 2012

How's 2012 been treating you so far? Easing your way in or bursting into the new year, we could all do with a dose of the delightful...

• We miss you, Patrick, but we'll always have Dirty Dancing to remember you by.
• It isn't even a fair contest -- Cake or Death? Get your bloggy sugar fix here.
• Who needs a meat schnitty when you could enjoy eggplant parmigiana instead?
• I'm thinking the Girls! Girls! Girls! CD would be a good investment in my future of raunchy dancing. Plus, it has a cute cover, so it's bound to sound good, right?
• The story of the 30-something woman who decided to advertise for a sugar daddy: Sugarbabe. One of my absolute faves for its insights on men. Read it!
• Would you let your car be plastered in advertising for money? I'm considering it, but can't decide if it's selling out or money-making genius. PS, if it were an ad for troll dolls, I'd say yes in a heartbeat!
• A biochemist by day and Las Vegas pole dancer by night. Can you think of a better superhero?
• Back in the '80s, I used to traipse around a pixellated wonderland as Sir Graham for hours playing King's Quest (nerrrrrd!). Best. Fridge magnet. EVER!!!
• We're cooking this low-fat Vietnamese chicken salad for dinner at tonight's girls night at my house. Can't wait. : )

What's new @ Becks and the City

• Facebook: New favourite Vogue covers in my gallery, including Kate Moss.
• Facebook: CLEO magazine quoted me on lipstick in the January issue, but screwed up my age!
• Etsy: Find precious vintage and handmade pieces Carrie would be sure to appreciate in my Sex and the City: Carrie's Closet treasury.
• Facebook: New gallery of fashion drawings by Megan Hess, illustrator for several Candace Bushnell books, including Sex and the City.
• Facebook: More girly indie publications you'll adore in the ZINES gallery, including a Sex and the City comic and the first issue of Cosmopolitician!

That's it 'til next week. Cheerio!

Hello 2012!

2011 is, like, sooooooooo last year.

And not everything last year went to plan.

I had two writing goals for 2011, to create a kick-ass magazine writing portfolio (tick!) and to get my non-fiction book published (FAIL). To help myself along, I issued challenges to myself with highly desirable rewards for inspiration. When I was satisfied with my portfolio, I treated myself to a beautiful cardigan in the Alannah Hill Challenge. My quest to own a pair of sweet little mouse flats in the Marc Jacobs Challenge didn't fare so well.

Let's take a look at the flip side -- my personal goals for 2011. I had nine, I accomplished... two (improving my writing portfolio and going on a girls' trip), and the second one was only because my friend's husband organised it, not me. Yikes, that's not a great strike rate! In the words of Carrie, "If I was a ball player, I'd be batting... whatever really bad is".

Rather than feel guilty (such a wasted emotion), this year I'm going to alter my approach. So, hang onto your fedoras, ladies, here's the plan as we delve into 2012... : )

Firstly, I'm resuscitating the Marc Jacobs Challenge, which since the beginning of 2011, has only had two updates (naughty, naughty!). And, I'm introducing...

The Wheels & Dollbaby Challenge

Picture Alannah Hill clothing with a stronger '50s edge, worn by the likes of Dita Von Teese, Gwen Stefani and Katy Perry and with rockstar prices to match. Check out the gloriously girly eboutique here.

So, if I win this challenge, I'm giving myself dangerously free reign in the W&D store. To earn it? This should hopefully be easy -- finish and launch my zine, Magazine Love. For my first blog post on this new challenge, I'll outline my game plan. : )

Personal Goals

As for my personal goals, I've decided to take a fresh approach. Even though my current bucket list is rather small, it still has enough items to overwhelm me. The multi-tasker in me wants to begin all of them at once and then gets frustrated, so I'm keeping things simple and... where I can see them.

In 2012, I'm introducing a mini bucket list on the Becks and the City sidebar to show you my latest personal goals -- hobbies I'd like to take up, experiences I'd like to try, my travel wishlist, etc. You can even send me suggestions. Big and small aspirations will be included and feel free to share with me whether you've tried any of them or your tips for succeeding! I plan for it to be an ever-changing kaleidoscope of experiences and you'll hear about when I succeed in ticking off an item. Boy, will you hear about it! ; )

So that's the plan. What do you think? And what do you think of my current mini bucket list?

Goodbye 2011

Beck's year 2011...

1. Enjoyed being part of a live TV audience for a football show, along with Mr Big and friends.
2. Revelled in the glorious tackiness that is the Eurovision Song Contest.
3. Completed my first paid copywriting assignment for a recruitment agency's blog.
4. Placed 3rd in an amateur pole dancing competition by performing a routine to Jason Derulo's "In My Head".
5. Was a bridesmaid for my very close friends, Alexis and Ying, in a lovely October ceremony.
6. Experienced my first spray tan, massage and facial and shortest haircut (a bob) in ten years.
7. Won the Alannah Hill Challenge by compiling a nice little magazine writing portfolio and bought myself a pretty cardigan as a reward.
8. Became hooked on the fist-pumping, hard-drinking action in Jersey Shore.
9. Celebrated a delightful first anniversary in Sydney with Mr Big, exploring Taronga Zoo, discovering the amazing Kinokuniya bookstore and eating at Pie Face and Wagamama.
10. Became hooked on zines and started creating Magazine Love.
11. Dressed as a Strawberry Shortcake character, in a masquerade mask and as a pirate for friends' birthdays.
12. Survived the fifty-billion musical numbers we watched in a stage production of Miss Saigon.
13. Worked as a guerrilla secretary in a private boys' college, tree-lopping company, hospital, car dealership, solar panel provider, law firm and old folks' home, amongst others. Almost worked for Witchery.
14. Witnessed my football team's worst thrashing in the club's history live in Melbourne.
15. Hosted the first Becks and the City giveaway.
16. Let my inner nerd out to play at my first comic convention and saw Lance Henriksen (the android, Bishop, in Aliens) speak live.
17. Wrote for Women's Health & Fitness and eBayLife magazines, and scored a gig as assistant editor for The Essential Guide to Twitter.
18. Won a VIP backstage pass to a fashion parade and enjoyed a personal styling session, makeup application by The Body Shop, meeting hot cricket stars and getting a behind-the-scenes view of the modelling world with my mother-in-law and two friends.
19. Nearly collapsed learning to dance the can-can.
20. Enjoyed a full 12 months off from my regular 9-5 occupation to write, write, write.

Thanks 2011, you've been amazeballs and awesomesauce!

Wanna see my 2010 list? Here it is.