I am thrilled to reveal the April issue of Real Simple magazine featuring my story on Garden Goals for 2024. Editorial Home Director Erica Finamore reached out last fall for my thoughts on pollinator gardens, native plants, edible gardening and drought tolerant lawn care. This was a challenge to pare down to 1,200 words!
The story meets my two goals: encouraging newbies to get started gardening, and inspiring experienced gardeners to explore new facets of gardening. Real Simple, by the way, has a really big reach ~ 6.2 million readers and 10 million digital users!
Look for Real Simple magazine’s April 2024 issue on newsstands, or subscribe! I like the recipes, home care tips and lively writing style.
Finding Real Simple in the Wild
I wanted to discover my bylined article in the wild and discovered that newsstands are difficult to locate these days. I tried several local grocery stores before discovering Real Simple on the racks at Sprouts Farmers Market. I found it by Peppa Pig, Pokémon and, believe it or not, the Coloring Book of Farting Animals. Heady company, right?
I guess I looked a bit strange taking pictures of the magazine on the rack, because the cashier started conversing with me when I brought my copy of the magazine to the counter. Her name was Christine and she commented on beautiful spring magazines. and I said, “Oh, and I have a story in this one.” 😊
I turned it to page 78 and she said, “oh, I love to garden” and told me her plans for the summer (growing peppers). She totally surprised me by grabbing an extra issue of the magazine, opening it to my story, handing me a pen and asking for my autograph.
I signed my first magazine article with “Happy gardening! Lucy Mercer.” I had no idea autographing magazines was a thing, but there you go. Thanks, Christine at Sprouts, for making my day.
Are You an Editor?
I’m a freelance writer always looking for opportunities to share my expertise in gardening, cooking, travel, DIY, keeping house, books, and many other topics. You can reach me via LinkedIn for more details.
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