Setting out the plan.

For some strange reason, which I still don't fully understand, the idea struck me that I should set my self a challenge of trying to get a piece of short fiction published in People's Friend magazine.

If your unfamiliar with the magazine you probably not aking your pension yet.

This is what the "Friend" has to say about what it wants:

"First, a bit about the most important people — the readers. Without them there would be no magazine!

They range in age from about thirty to well over eighty. They like being entertained — and dislike being depressed. They like realistic material, but not so realistic — with sex, violence, drugs, drink, etc — that they are frightened or saddened. They still believe in the sanctity of marriage and the importance of the family. Our readers like people — ordinary people, with problems they can sympathise with, and in situations they can relate to. They're optimistic — they like to see something good coming out of a situation, or the redeeming side of a character. They're practical women — and men — with ordinary interests and hobbies. They're always willing to give a neighbour a helping hand and enjoy being with a group of friends.

Yes — they are traditionalist. And proud of it! So they like to see their values reflected in their "Friend". Many say that's exactly how they regard the magazine — as a friend."

This is far removed from where my usual comfortzone is while writing so, thought I why not test my self and see what I can do. I shall try and keep this regularly updated with the goings on of the process and such,

Tomorrow, I'm going to my grandad and purloining the back catalogue of "friends" that he has to get some source material on style and subject matter and such. Fun!