A memory from 2017.
I'd been contributing to this book for a lot of years before I became the sole contributor. 2017 was the first book where I wrote all the stories (but not the poems). And there has been a lot of work put into it since then.
A friend once said to me, "Isn't it just the same thing re-hashed every year?" Well... no. I have a lot more pride in my work than that. Sometimes it is takes on famous quotes. There was a period (after the original writer died) when it was mostly other people's words of wisdom. There is still an element of that, but, increasingly, I try to make it about the lessons learned in real life occurances.
I also try to keep it light-hearted and fun. Frances Gay has always had a sense of humour.
As children, we would give The Friendship Book to our Gran and Auntie Mary for Christmas. I think it would tickle them, and amaze them, to know Young David was writing it these days.
Trying to find 300 new stories every year takes its toll - but in the best possible way. I've learned from the stories, I've been challenged by them... I am a better man for having this book in my life.
Okay... on with the work. You will, hopefully read whatever I come up with this afternoon when the current work-in-progress comes out in 2025. May we all be around to enjoy it!
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