Hello, and a warm welcome to our issue dated August 12, 2023 – on sale Wednesday, August 9.
Join me for a quick flick through the fiction inside.
Short Stories
Our opening story this week is by David Balmer, where a dry spell has revealed a sunken village. “Stuck In The Mud” features artwork from Sailesh Thakrar (above).
We travel back in time to 1958 for Eirin Thompson’s “Beside The Sea” – where shy Cora is ready to build a new life, down on the coast…
…while in “Marking The Milestones”, a special occasion is marked with a tattoo. By Louise Johnson.
Mark and Nora meet up after many years apart – but there have been some big changes in that time! “A Perfect Combination” is by Stefania Hartley.
After an accident, Sharon just wants to be left alone. Teresa Ashby’s “Lean On Me” features artwork from Sarah Holliday.
Nancy keeps failing her driving test, in Meg Stokes’ “Take The Wheel”…
…and there are wheels of a different kind, in Moira Smyth’s “Don’t Stop Me Now”. Wilma meets a little girl alone at a bus stop, but where is she off to? Illustration from Karen Milne.
Serials
It’s Part Two of Kitty-Lydia Dye’s “Sabotage At The Big Top”, and Beatrice never imagined this reunion with Adio could be possible. Artwork from David Young.
While in Part Three of Kate Blackadder’s “Footsteps In Ashbridge”, Sarah is keen to socialise more… and maybe even try dating… Artwork, Ruth Blair.
Series
It’s the final instalment of Stefania Hartley’s “Welcome To Quayside”, and the library is finally open – so what’s next for Tanya?
A new series begins next week.
In Glenda Young’s “Riverside”, what’s Susan doing on the riverside bench, all alone?
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!
