Fiction Ed’s Blog: Not Goodbye, But See You Soon

When “The People’s Friend” Commissioning Illustrations Editor, Sarah, left for pastures new just over three years ago, we were joined by Manon.

At that time, Manon and I sat next to each other and we often used to chat about the books we were reading, in the mornings before work.

Then covid came, and we started working from home – for over two years, all told, during which Manon kept the artwork looking great.

Commissioning Throughout Covid

While we were working from home, during covid, the Fiction Team talked to each other every day, online.

Manon kept artwork commissions and illustrations flowing thanks to email, and shared illustrations in progress with the Team, at all stages of their production.

I think covid confirmed for us just how important the artwork is, to our readers – it adds so much to everyone’s enjoyment of the stories.

Happy Changes

While we were working from home, there were some happy changes within the Team.

Firstly, Manon got married!

And now, there’s more happy news – Manon will be starting her maternity leave on Friday.

Not Goodbye, But See You Soon

The entire “People’s Friend” Team met up at our favourite Italian restaurant for a ‘leaving lunch’ last Tuesday.

With a little help from ‘Google Translate’, Lucy, thanked Manon on behalf of all the Team – in French!

And Manon’s planning to be back at her desk in the New Year.

Last Word Goes To Mr Dickens

The last word goes to Charles Dickens, from ‘Great Expectations’.

“Life is made of ever so many partings welded together.”

But this isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon – pas au revoir, mais a bientot.

From the whole Team – thank you, Manon, and ‘bonne chance’.

And we look forward to meeting your new little one before long, when we can say – bienvenu/e!