A Bouquet of Promise

by Jennifer Anne F. Messing from the April 27, 2026 issue

Tagline

Maybelle takes her daughter down to the local park expecting a simple, sunny day--but to her surprise, a sweet second chance awaits!

Off the Cuff Observations

Seems like this might be a "marriage in trouble" story.

"Yay! I'd like that," Brooklyn said happily. -- This does not seem like something a 7 year old would say. Feels a little stilted. If you're not around kids much and you're writing about a kid, find someone who has a kid around the age you need info for. Ask them to vet your dialogue and/or actions. It will add to the realism.

As I read the summary of all the things Jeremy still does, even after their separation, I know for sure this is a "marriage in trouble" story. Then, of course, he shows up as expected. :)

All right, second story in a row I see where I would have suggested an edit. And for the second time in a row, it has to do with the ending. As published, this story has what I call a soft ending. 

Then, Maybelle's gaze fell on the beautiful bouquet he'd just given her, bright and full of promise.

There is no concrete ending, but the suggestion that things will be all right in the future. This, obviously, is fine with the Woman's World editors. I see these types of endings all the time. However, I very clearly see a place where we can beef up that emotional payoff (and still keep that last paragraph.)

"Yes!" Jeremy said. "I'm now the manager at Fairlane Transport. But I've decided I won't take overtime anymore."

I would have suggested that the author end this statement right after he says he got the promotion. Let Maybelle give him the quick hug of congratulations. Then, I would have had him tell her about not taking the overtime anymore because this is big for their relationship. This is how Jeremy is demonstrating he is willing to change for the sake of their marriage. 

After that, I would want to let Maybelle process this information and tell the reader how she's feeling about it--the quiet hope she's feeling, maybe reassurance, joy, what have you. Let the reader bask in the All The Feelz Moment, or ATFM as I think I'll call it from now on. Like I said in my last post, this is the reward for reading the story, the reason we read romance. Love will prevail. 

Photo by Julie via Flickr CC License

A Pizza Party 'Plus One'

by Jennifer Anne F. Messing from the September 29, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Cerise Campbell hosts her daughter's birthday, handsome single dad Jordan steps in to help...and love is on the menu.

Stream of Consciousness Observations: "They turned onto Iris Lane, which was shaded by trees with leaves in brilliant fall colors." -- I'm interested to see if there's a reason the street is specifically named.

"Oh no!" Macie wailed. "Who will deliver our pizzas?" -- This sounds a tiny bit stilted, especially coming from the mouth of a teen.

Oooh, stovetop popcorn is the BEST.

As he picked up one of the big bowls of popcorn [sic] his strong, muscular arm brushed against Cherise's arm and she felt an unexpected, pleasant tingle in her arm. -- This is an example of why reading your story aloud is a good idea. The word arm is used three times, which is, if you ask me, one too many.

Nice story! I especially liked the laid-back plans for the birthday party. These days with Instagram and Pinterest, I feel like so many people feel pressure to dial up their events. Birthdays should be celebrated, but not all of them require photo-inspired fanfare.

Photo by Andrew Rivett via Flickr CC License

Strawberry Festival Love

by Jennifer Anne F. Messing from the June 3, 2024 issue

Tagline: While at her vendor booth at the annual fair, Isabelle finally opens her heart to the possibility of romance--and before she knows it, love walks by.

Observations: "Strawberry Festival Love" gave me another idea for thinking up story plots. This story is set at a strawberry festival--a quintessential summer event. When you want to write a seasonal story, look at your town's event calendar, or even some other town's event calendar, for settings. 

For instance, in Los Angeles, I found:

• Summer Sports Brewfest
• Beachside Summer Brunch
• Summer Cocktail Mixology Class
• Summer Wine Fest
• Summer Love Speed Dating Event
• Summer Culinary Creations
• Summertime Dessert and Tea Pairing Experience
• The Culinary Dude's Summer Cooking Camp: Harry Potter Inspired Recipes - Um, I want to go to this, but it's for kids! 
• Summer of love Charcuterie Class
• Vegan BBQ Party

Getting any ideas from this list of events? I am! So, what are you waiting for? Get writing!

Photo by kahvikisu via Flickr CC License