The booking form for the spring series of our award-winning People’s Friend Story Writing Workshop was in last week’s issue, but in case you missed it, or forgot to cut it out before you tossed it in the recycling bin, you’ll find it here. It’ll also be in the magazine again, April 8 issue – though places are going quickly so I wouldn’t delay.
So far I’ve recognised two names of existing “Friend” writers – which I’m pleased to see, because there’s always something to learn. To continue to be as successful as the “Friend” is, a magazine must constantly evolve. Otherwise we become a museum piece. And of course that means the fiction content evolves at the same time. We introduce new genres, or shift our familiar boundaries, something I’ve mentioned before. And at the workshop I can explain in greater detail precisely how we’re doing that and how writers can help.
So although a writer might have had a few, or lots, of stories published by us in the past, they have to keep up to date with that evolutionary process. And attending a workshop and hearing it straight from this old nag’s mouth is the best possible way to do that.
I can honestly say that the success rate of writers who’ve attended one of our workshops, increases. Hand on heart.
But what about new and aspiring writers? Those who perhaps have never plucked up the courage to submit a story, or simply don’t know how? There’s definitely a place for you, too. I’ve found that coming to a workshop, spending a day as a “real writer”, helps less experienced writers to feel more confident, both in their own fledgling ability and about the whole submission process – and I explain exactly how you go about that, by the way.
One of our short story writing workshops is all about you, and “The People’s Friend”, and our readers. I’ll see you soon!
Story Starter
Oops, nearly forgot to give you a Story Starter image – some lovely young swans turning from brown to white – which no doubt has a proper name. Growing up, anyway. Is this a swan’s teenage years, or toddler-hood?
Shirley Blair Fiction Ed Shirley’s been with the “Friend” since 2007 and calls it her dream job because she gets to read fiction all day every day. Hobbies? Well, that would be reading! She also enjoys writing fiction when she has time, long walks, travel, and watching Scandi thrillers on TV.
