The Changes So Far: An Update


changes

Yup, still here! But I said I would write more about the changes so far, and the transition from Fiction Ed Shirley to Fiction Ed Lucy….

Since the Big Announcement (Lucy’s still buzzing with excitement, by the way), I’ve been emailing most of the writers on my list.

I’m trying to stop calling you all “my” writers — it’s time to let go.

I’m still working on that list, though, so don’t panic if you’ve not had the email yet.

What I’m doing is what I said a few weeks ago — reassigning you to my Fiction team colleagues. Trying to match you in the way that works best for everyone.

So, some have been assigned to Alan, to Tracey and to Lucy. Though I’m trying not to overload Lucy, because she’ll have enough on her plate.

I’m still working on that, but emails and phone calls have been pinging back and forth as hellos are exchanged.

Recruiting

It’s a very busy time, because we’re also now recruiting to replace Lucy, to keep the fiction team four-strong.

And we want that new No. 4 to have a wee startie, as it were, with some experienced writers.

So some of you are being assigned to her/him. We’ve come up with a code as to how to address your submissions.

I hope to finish all of the emails this week, because I understand that you’ll want to know what the position is.

I’m also doing my darndest to read everything that’s in my own personal basket.

As I said, a busy time . . .

Lucy’s shadowing me on the day-to-day running of the desk, doing the story mix each week, among other things, so that she’s ready to carry on seamlessly from me.

And that’s where we’re up to in the transition process. We’ll keep you posted with other changes as and when!

Oh, PS, in case you missed it — the pic is how Lucy and I turned up on Announcement Day.

Unplanned, spontaneous, in practically identical outfits!

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.

The Changes So Far: An Update

changes

Yup, still here! But I said I would write more about the changes so far, and the transition from Fiction Ed Shirley to Fiction Ed Lucy….

Since the Big Announcement (Lucy’s still buzzing with excitement, by the way), I’ve been emailing most of the writers on my list.

I’m trying to stop calling you all “my” writers — it’s time to let go.

I’m still working on that list, though, so don’t panic if you’ve not had the email yet.

What I’m doing is what I said a few weeks ago — reassigning you to my Fiction team colleagues. Trying to match you in the way that works best for everyone.

So, some have been assigned to Alan, to Tracey and to Lucy. Though I’m trying not to overload Lucy, because she’ll have enough on her plate.

I’m still working on that, but emails and phone calls have been pinging back and forth as hellos are exchanged.

Recruiting

It’s a very busy time, because we’re also now recruiting to replace Lucy, to keep the fiction team four-strong.

And we want that new No. 4 to have a wee startie, as it were, with some experienced writers.

So some of you are being assigned to her/him. We’ve come up with a code as to how to address your submissions.

I hope to finish all of the emails this week, because I understand that you’ll want to know what the position is.

I’m also doing my darndest to read everything that’s in my own personal basket.

As I said, a busy time . . .

Lucy’s shadowing me on the day-to-day running of the desk, doing the story mix each week, among other things, so that she’s ready to carry on seamlessly from me.

And that’s where we’re up to in the transition process. We’ll keep you posted with other changes as and when!

Oh, PS, in case you missed it — the pic is how Lucy and I turned up on Announcement Day.

Unplanned, spontaneous, in practically identical outfits!

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