Under Two Shires Oak
It seemed their futures lay in different directions, yet all three girls were determined to say in touch . . .
Applewood® Bacon Panini
Quick to make and so satisfying, this sandwich is perfect for a hearty lunch.
We’ve been talking long service, but how about shortest service? What’s the shortest time you stayed in a job?
We never want you to be without something to read, so why not get the latest Pocket Novel, Kindred Spirits by Wendy… https://t.co/Q1P6YjKY57
Blogs & Comments
I discovered something pretty exciting this week and that’s that people have been posting comments on my blog. Gosh! I’ve…
Fiction Sneak Peek: October 21, 2017 issue
A stunning illustration by Mandy Dixon opens this week’s issue, alongside a fun story that makes a very good point….
Round By Moulin
Any time I feel like having a day not too far from home, my car invariably finds its way to…
Story Starter: I’m On The Train – Or Not
Here’s the story starter image: people waiting for a train. I have a tale to tell about this…. Remember I…
Special 147 is in shops now!
Our Autumn Special comes with our 15-month Diary, featuring shots of adorable kittens and puppies. In it’s own case with…
1 of 5 copies of “Between Sisters”
Enter our competition for a chance to win a paperback copy of Kristin Hannah’s book, as featured in our September…
Fiction Sneak Peek: Oct. 14, 2017 issue
Ooh, remember the classic Ford Anglia? It features in this illustration for Annie Harris’s “Dear Aunt Marcia”, helping to set…
Off To Edinburgh Writers….Again
I’m off to conduct a workshop at Edinburgh Writers shortly. Lovely: another trip on a train. That sounds sarcastic and…
Write That Poem!
Writing a poem is often all about putting an observation about the world around you or the way you feel…
The Garden In Autumn
Autumn has well and truly arrived now, and temperatures are beginning to drop across the country. A walk through your…
Story Starter: Inspiring Words
This arrangement of plaques was on the back wall of the room where we held our latest writing workshop last…
Judy Murray joins the D.C. Thomson family!
We’re big fans of Judy Murray here in the “Friend” office, so we were delighted to hear our colleagues over…
Behind The Scenes: About 1200 Words….
I want to set the record straight on what’s happening with 1200-word stories. I’m reading a lot of chatter out…
Fiction Sneak Peek: Oct. 7, 2017 issue
A luscious Italian setting brings sunshine to early autumn days in “The Road Out Of Rimini” by Angela Petch. Elisabetta…
Fiction Ed’s Book Review
I know I quite often say I loved this book or that, but I really, really loved Calling Major Tom…
1 of 4 copies of “Calling Major Tom”
Be in with a chance of winning a copy of this fabulous summer best-seller. Here’s a synopsis from Google Books:…
A Grill Circle Deluxe From JML
We’ve got a tasty competition prize that we’re sure you’re going to love as it’s set to revolutionise the way…
Story Starter: Exotic Birds
It’s been a busy week, and I was out of the office yesterday and some of Wednesday for our latest…
Working Horse Day in Crieff
They were busy at the hay this morning when I passed East Crieffvechter Farm on the outskirts of Crieff. Huge…
The People’s Friend Annual 2018
Year after year The People’s Friend Annual is by far the best-selling annual in our collection. Our readers love this…
Behind The Scenes: About Word Counts
“Can I just ask you for some guidance on word counts ? Ie: can I go to about 2500 or…
Fiction Sneak Peek: Sept. 30, 2017 issue
Do you like your romantic hero tall, dark and handsome? And a spirited heroine to make things interesting? Then boy,…
Treasure Trove
Here at the “Friend” office we love to offer our loyal readers the chance to win some great competition prizes….
Bumper Bundle Of Annuals
Every now and then we love to offer our readers a special prize that money simply cannot buy, and the…
Story Starter: Smithy House
Quite a straightforward Story Starter Image this week. A house whose name reflects its history. Your story might be about…
Your Best Ever Christmas Is On Its Way
We don’t know about you, but we’re a little bit torn on the topic of ‘how early is too early…
Behind The Scenes: We Read Everything
The first of our autumn writing workshops takes place today, here at our Dundee HQ. Encouraging new writers has always…
Fiction Sneak Peek: Sept. 23, 2017 issue
Old customs and who Amos will choose as Corn Maiden are the perfect ingredients for a classic Pamela Kavanagh harvest-time…
The Art Of Craft
There’s a certain expression which has followed me all my life. I’m not sure if it’s a Scottish term, but…
Story Starter: Snail…And Judy Murray!
I know: Snail and Judy Murray in the same sentence. How….? It started with another walk. Yes, again. I walk…
Winter Home Emergency Tips Updated
As we move into winter, several things happen – the days get shorter, the nights get longer, the temperature drops,…
Fiction Sneak Peek: Sept. 16, 2017 issue
“Lark Cottage” by Pamela Kavanagh is set in the early 1900s, with the cottage Hannah’s temporary home as she sets…
Celebrating With Edinburgh Writers’ Club
A guest post by Kate Blackadder. Kate, who so excellently co-presents the more northern of our writing workshops, is a…
How To Create Good Impressions
I love the old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. In a fiction setting, it’s easy to create…
Story Starter: Nothing Happened Here…
Another gift from the Story Starter fairy….This wee brass plaque is on a gatepost on a house up the hill…
A Break In Johnshaven
Having spent most of the day exploring old Aberdeen, including a walk out to the quaint village of Fitdee, it…
The Fair City Through The Decades
This week’s cover illustration features the lovely city of Perth, which has always a popular location when it’s been featured…
Ask John Stoa, Our Gardening Expert: Should I Remove My Strawberry Plant’s Runners?
Even the most experienced gardeners need a little advice sometimes… especially from a gardening expert! Our gardening guru, John Stoa,…
A Garden Is A Sanctuary
In the stillness of a garden The spirit is refreshed, The soul responds to beauty And is richly blessed. It’s…
Cat comforter pattern
Make your squares around 25 cm x 25 cm. You can knit or crochet these. Work your squares in any…
