Bumper Reading
This is the time of year where the TV and radio magazines publish their bumper festive issues. It’s a good time to highlight the programmes you want to watch over the holidays, though if you are anything like our family, getting people to agree on what to watch or tape is another thing entirely. What can beat a festive schedule of sport after all . . .
In the land of the “Friend”, we produce not one but two bumper issues this month. Our December 8 issue is already on sale in the shops, and this will be followed by our December 22 issue, which is on sale on Wednesday, December 19. Both issues contain a whopping 17 stories, not to mention four serials. With a selection of top features and regular favourites to read, the two bumper issues contain a magical selection of content.
Where To Start
I am wondering if you are like me and, starting from the beginning, read a magazine from page to page. I am sure when it comes to reading the “Friend”, you have your favourites. From a fiction perspective, that might pertain to story genres, settings and, of course, writers, too. Though it’s the Fiction Team’s responsibility to make sure the best fiction goes into the magazine, we all have our favourite types of stories.
I particularly like our historical stories as there is often a deeper sense of make-believe attached to them. Lucy on the team also likes the historical stories as she finds the characters more varied and colourful. Whereas “aspiring detective” Tracey is naturally a fan of our cosy crimes.
That’s what I like about the “Friend” – though we have our favourites, there is a selection of fiction in the magazine to appeal to everyone. And a well-told story will capture the senses whatever the type.
On behalf of the Fiction Team, wherever you start in the December issues, I hope you enjoy your bumper selection of reading this Christmas.