When we began FOTS we had no plan beyond making one issue to see if our idea of people telling stories from their lives was strong enough to appeal to readers. So we asked hundreds of people for £10 each, and brought out Issue 1 in May 2020 during the first pandemic spring.     

   We printed 1,000 and sold nearly all of them. We received such lovely feedback that, emboldened, we decided to produce another issue. Ten issues later, we have published a total of 269 true stories, from over 150 different people. We’ve built up subscribers, and make enough money to keep printing the magazine. We have a great team of friends who help us with the running of the magazine – we couldn’t do it without them!     

   We are honoured that well-known writers, as well as exciting up-and-coming writers, give us their previously unpublished stories. Some of our most compelling contributions come from people who have not written before. Occasionally the stories are not fully formed but we believe in them, so we work with the authors, editing and rewriting to make them as captivating and accessible as we can.     

   The following reactions make it all worthwhile.     

   ‘I came to Scotland from Ukraine, and my friends introduced me to your wonderful magazine, full of sincere stories from people all over the world, and I thought one day I could become one of the narrators and share my piece with you and all the people, who are lucky and privileged to know about your magazine. Thank you for your magazine. It heals people’s hearts.’ Viiktoria Medvied       

   

‘Submitting my story was difficult. In the end, filled with doubt, I thought, come on Lizzy. You’re a retired person. Time to grow up and be brave. When Rachel and Vick said they would include it, I felt thoroughly thrilled. Rachel and I worked on it a bit more until we both were happy. When it was due to come out, I wanted to hide in a hole. But ‘thrilled’ won the day. And privileged. Big thanks to Rachel and Vick for the idea and realisation of FOTS.’ Lizzy Ngotta, Issues 3 and 5

 

Enjoy our tenth issue – and happy reading!

Rachel Swann & Vick Fullick, October 2024