As regular readers of our blogs will know, since April the “Friend” Team has been coming into the office one day a week.
This week, Fiction Team’s Abbie and I came in on Monday, too, and it was a day that weather-wise, could best be described as “dreich”!
Very autumnal – quite ‘raw’, temperature-wise, rainy and misty.
Remembrance
The view from our window (above) is of the High School Of Dundee, preparing for this year’s commemoration of Remembrance.
And it got me thinking about the rhythm of the year, and seasonal stories.
About Seasonal Stories
Our weekly, Special and Annual carry a mix of stories, some suitable for ‘any time’, and some set seasonally.
So what are we looking for, when it comes to seasonal stories?
What We’re Looking For
It’s all about the reader, and the dates throughout the year that mean something to her.
So Remembrance would be of interest – remembering and respecting those lost in wars past, and more recently.
Christmas is important – we feature Christmas stories in both bumper December issues, our Special, our “Magic Of Christmas” Bookazine, and our Annual.
Pre-Christmas, Advent stories are needed, too.
Reflecting The Rhythm Of The Year
New Year. Valentine’s Day. Easter.
Wimbledon. Summer holidays. Harvest. First frost.
Or stories set in a particular season of the year, such as autumn or spring.
When To Submit
Stories (and poems, and pocket novels) which reflect the passing of the year are welcome, and we’d ask you to submit these six months in advance.
This leaves enough time for submissions to be read and considered, purchased and illustrated well ahead of time, because, to paraphrase John Donne, no story is an island.
Each story in each issue must fit in with each other, as well as being strong stories in their own right.
So to give your story the best chance of success, submit six months in advance if your story is set seasonally.
For more on when to submit, click here.
Lucy Crichton Better known as “Fiction Editor Lucy”, I am always on the look-out for the very best short stories, poems and pocket novels. As well as sourcing enjoyable content, I enjoy working with our established contributors, encouraging new talent, and celebrating 155 years of “Friend” fiction!
