Warminster writer’s short story to be published in national magazine

A shorter story written by a Warminster man has been selected for publication in an upcoming edition of Woman’s Weekly magazine.

Retired Government Information Specialist Chris Watson began writing short stories in 2021. In late 2025, he submitted one of his stories to Woman’s Weekly magazine, which has now been selected for publication.

“Its an uplifting story of a lone woman looking out to sea from a cliff top bench, alone with her memories and suddenly a stray dog appears and changes her life,” said Chris.

“The story is inspired by there being so many abandoned dogs since the pandemic and the onset of the cost of living crisis. They are just as much in need of loving human companions as are many people who have a gap in their lives, for whatever reason, and who can gain so much happiness from a canine companion.

“I hope stories such as this can encourage people who can to take on a dog from British dog shelters who desperately need a home.”

The location of the story was inspired by Brixham, Devon.

Chris is a member of writing groups in Frome and Mere. In 2025, he gained a highly commended rating for a short story written for the Frome Writers in Residence Competition, where a story is written in three hours while sitting in public locations.

He currently has around 30 short stories and is working towards publishing a themed collection of unsettling tales, with some inspired by true events in his life.

Three of his stories will also be included in a collection published in September by the Pennybank Writers of Mere.

Chris’s story, Friends in Need, will be published in the 14th October issue of Woman’s Weekly.