Fiction Sneak Peek: September 10, 2022 Issue


Young girl wearing school dress,at an auction.

Every issue of your “Friend” features seven brand-new stories and two specially-written serial instalments.

Here’s a sneak peek at the reading in our latest issue, out Wednesday, September 7.

Seven Brand-New Stories

We’re in the 1920s for our opening story, and tomboy, Livvie, applies for a secretarial job – but is she “The Right Type”? Pamela Kavanagh’s story is illustrated by Philip Crabb.

Camping is NOT Sophie’s idea of fun, in Jan Halstead’s light-hearted “The Great Outdoors”. Artwork from Jim Dewar.

Ernestine has to wear glasses and she is not a happy bunny. But life with her new glasses isn’t all bad, in “Out Of Sight” by Eirin Thompson.

Our next story is set in 1973 – “Her Best Bid”, by Becca Robin. Seven-year-old Jenny’s dad is an auctioneer – and Jenny has her heart set on one special item… artwork by Mandy Dixon (above).

In “Queen Bee” by Alison Wassell, all is not well at one local sewing group. Illustration from Mandy Dixon.

Chalk-and-cheese sisters Millie and Pat  hope to find “The Middle Ground” now that their mum has gone. By Julie Dawn Baker, it’s illustrated by Manon Gandiolle.

Our final story of this issue is by Sara Partington. Firm friends Yolanda and Yasmin find just what they’re looking for, at “The Shop On The Corner”. Artwork from Helen Welsh.

Two Serial Instalments

In Part Three of “This Place We Call Home”, Craig turns up out of the blue and Alexa isn’t sure what to think. By Rebecca Holmes, with artwork by Ruth Blair.

It’s the final instalment of “The Apothecary’s Apprentice”, by Pamela Kavanagh, and Henry’s ultimatum requires an answer…artwork from David Young.

A brand-new serial begins next week.

Our Series And Our Weekly Soap

Lawrence’s chickens come home to roost, in “Wedding Designs”, by Jan Snook.

While in Glenda Young’s “Riverside”, what should Mary do with the huge teddy bear?

Lucy Crichton

Fiction Editor Lucy is always on the look-out for the very best short stories, poems and pocket novels. As well as sourcing enjoyable content, she enjoys working with our established contributors, encouraging new talent, and celebrating 155 years of 'Friend' fiction!