Write A Serial For The “Friend”

Founded in 1869, “The People’s Friend” is the longest running women’s weekly magazine in the world. The first issue was dated 13th January 1869, and its mission statement was clear from the start.“We intend that fully one half of the “Friend” shall be devoted to fiction… the “Friend” being intended for fireside reading, nothing will be admitted into its columns having the slightest tendency to corrupt the morals either of old or young.”Successive editors have remained true to those principles and to the avowal that the “Friend” should be a magazine for ordinary people, by ordinary people. The “Friend” grew and thrived through social upheaval, wars, strikes, financial crashes and natural disasters. It continued dispensing entertainment, instruction, comfort and good cheer to its readers. The “Friend” became a constant in its readers’ lives; a true friend to turn to in times of trouble.Today, the magazine is known, loved and trusted worldwide, with readers in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada as well as in the UK. Aimed primarily at the over-60s market, it’s a magazine for people who love to read quality fiction, and who are looking for uplifting, feel-good entertainment. The weekly title is packed with quality short stories, two exclusive serial instalments, cookery, craft, puzzles, gardening, travel and health. There are also 17 “The People’s Friend” Specials every year, published three-weekly, which contain an inspiring, adventurous mix of fiction and features, and the fortnightly “The People’s Friend” Pocket Novels, each one a longer novel-length story in an easy-to-read, larger-print format.“The People’s Friend” has a long, proud history. However it also embraces the future, with a popularFacebookpage and website as well as a digital edition of the weekly magazine.

The People's Friend

Brand New Workshop!
 
Throughout its 150-year history “The People’s Friend” has been famous for its fiction. Many writers say they’d love to write one of our renowned serials, but aren’t sure how to get started. Now, to celebrate our 150th anniversary year, we’re introducing our brand-new serial-writing workshop, offering your chance to learn from the experts with experienced serial writer Alison Carter and Fiction Editor Shirley Blair
 
Our Experts
Shirley Blair is Fiction Editor of the “Friend” and is also a published author in her own right including seven “Friend” serials. She loves to help promising new writers develop their skills and can call on over forty years’ experience in magazine fiction to help you achieve success.
Alison Carter has had dozens of short stories published in the “Friend”, countless long read crime mysteries, and five serials. She’s learned that it’s about knowing your reader. It’s also about practice (and more practice!). But most of all it’s about enjoying a really good story.
Itinerary
10 a.m. Tea, coffee and introductions
10.30 a.m. Discussion: Shirley Blair on writing for the “Friend” and first steps in serial writing
11.30 a.m. Break
11.45 a.m. Discussion & exercise: Alison Carter on how to find and develop ideas
*12.30 p.m. Lunch
2.00 p.m. Discussion & exercise: Shirley on your serial’s characters
2.30 p.m. Discussion & exercise: Alison Carter on plot generation
3.15 p.m. Break
3.30 p.m. Talk: practical tips, word counts, synopsis, etc
4.15 p.m. Questions
4.30 p.m. Finish
 
You can read about some of the previous workshops here;  <A HREF="https://www.thepeoplesfriend.co.uk/2018/09/28/york-workshop-sept-20-2018/" TARGET="_blank" DATA-MSYS-CLICKTRACK="0" REL="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.thepeoplesfriend.co.uk/2018/09/28/york-workshop-sept-20-2018/</A>
 
*Please note lunch is not provided.  Tea/coffee will be provided.

D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd.

Our {communityGuidelinesLink} describe the sort of content we prohibit on Eventbrite. If you suspect an event may be in violation, you can report it to us so we can investigate.

To report other categories of prohibited or illegal content, submit {link}

Write A Serial For The “Friend”

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in London and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.

Write A Serial For The “Friend”

More Hobbies events

Browse more Hobbies events with different dates, prices, and formats to find your next great experience.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in London and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.