Hello! And a very warm welcome to our Fiction Sneak Peek.
Here are the stories and serials you’ll find in this week’s issue, on sale Wednesday, September 13.
From next week’s issue – dated September 23, 2023 – details of the authors whose stories appear in the magazine will appear on our Twitter page.
Short Stories
Bus driver, Martisha, is driving a vintage bus to her grandad’s wedding, But her mind’s elsewhere, thinking about the one that got away. By Julia Douglas, “At The Right Time” is illustrated by Martin Baines.
Mitch is bringing his daughter up alone, after losing his wife. His sister-in-law Mae still comes to visit every summer, but something has changed – and Mitch doesn’t know how to tell her. Written by Teresa Ashby, “Family Matters” is illustrated by Karen Milne.
Can a substitute teacher bring out the best in one little boy? “Great Expectations” is by Stefania Hartley.
Morag wonders if she’s bitten off more than she can chew, in Moira Smyth’s “Over The Fence”.
Find out who is the “Talk Of The Ton” in Charmaine Fletcher’s short story, featuring artwork from Mandy Dixon.
A village committee hopes to create a sensory garden, but how can it be funded? Sheelagh Mooney’s “Growing A Dream” is illustrated by Jim Dewar.
A new beginning is needed, in Val Bonsall’s “Starting From Scratch”. Artwork from Helen Welsh.
Serials
It’s Part Two of Liz Filleul’s “Manor Of Mystery”, and as Pat crosses off one of her leads into Luke’s disappearance, another one comes to light…Artwork from David Young.
In Part Three of Sara Partington’s “Under The Apple Trees”, Evelyn’s ankle is better – meaning she can join the team in the blending room. Illustrations throughout from Gerard Fay.
Series
Tash wasn’t expecting chaos to erupt in her class, in Lydia Jones’ “The Show’s The Thing”…
…while over on Glenda Young’s “Riverside”, Debbie has an interview at the Old Engine Room – but how will it go?
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!
