Fiction Ed’s Blog: Authors Who Joined The ‘Friend’ In 2023

By Lucy Crichton - December 7, 2023

Pic: Shutterstock

Since our very first issue in January 1869, ‘The People’s Friend’ has striven to give unpublished authors a voice.

Open To All

The ‘Friend’ has always been open to all; men and women, of all abilities, nationalities, and backgrounds.

We couldn’t put the magazine together without our established authors.

With around 769 stories published every year, we also need to encourage new authors.

Why We Need New Authors

Established writers occasionally stop writing due to ill health, bereavement, or caring duties.

They may have other projects or studies on the go; be extra-busy at work; or retire.

And sometimes authors simply take a break.

So it’s really important that we bring new authors on, to keep the flow of fiction steady.

A Warm Welcome

We’re delighted that the following authors have been published in ‘Friend’ weekly issues for the first time, in 2023: Moira Smyth, Audrey Mary Brooks, Elizabeth Egginton, Alison Marlow, Pamela Gough, Samantha Bentall, Jane Mooney.

Authors signed up in 2023 and whose stories are scheduled, are: Julie Blaho, Kate Baker, Donna Ferguson, Leah Rottier, Bshash Mubarik, Christopher Goulding, Alexis Wolfe, Sareen McLay, Caroline Hall, Becky Dickinson, and Tina Jay.

Authors signed up in 2023 whose story appears in one of our Specials: Graeme Edwards, Gillian Dean, Emma Dee, Margret Geraghty, Ros McKenna, Sue Hassett, Felicity Harper, John Holmes, Sarah Daniels, Amanda Parker.

And authors signed up and whose story will soon be scheduled are Jackie Morrison, Denise Penrose, Esther Chilton, Jenny Argante, Sarah Smith, and Theo Malings.