I’ve subscribed to Mslexia – the magazine for women who write – for many years. It’s packed full of interesting articles and useful tips, and showcases new writing by women. The magazine also pays contributors – not huge sums, but an important recognition of the value of the writer’s words.

And probably for about as long as I’ve been a subscriber, I’ve been trying to get a piece accepted for Mslexia. Recently, the magazine opened up more paid writing slots for women writers. I made myself a mug of coffee, settled at my desk and had a go at two of the new submission opportunities. Bear necessities asks for 50 words plus a photo about an object that helps with the writing process. I wrote about my olive green mug filled with magic black coffee.

For Eyeverse, the requirement is a short poem of no more than four lines accompanied by an original illustration of some kind. After some thought, and more coffee, I chose a photo I’d taken of one of the stray cats who live in my community garden, and crafted four lines in response.

Fast forward a few weeks, and I was excited to see an email pop into my Inbox from Mslexia with the subject: Eyeverse.

Dear Hilaire
I’m delighted to let you know that your Eyeverse poem Cold Turkey has been selected for publication in Issue 87 of Mslexia.

My excitement turned to perplexity. The title of the poem I’d submitted was Papped. Had they got the title wrong, or had they emailed the wrong poet? My query elicited a quick and very apologetic email – my poem and photo had made the shortlist, but another poem had been chosen.

My disappointment was somewhat alleviated a few days later when I had a DM from Mslexia on Twitter asking if they could reproduce one of my tweets on their letters page. Yes of course! So I’m in the new issue of Mslexia, but yet to fulfil my goal of a paid publication spot in the magazine. Here’s my tweet:

And here is my Eyeverse poem that nearly but didn’t quite make it into Mslexia: