It’s never part of the plan,

but every issue of frankie ends up becoming a Magic 8 Ball of sorts. Give it a shake, turn it over and a little pearl of wisdom comes into focus. Maybe it’s because we, like other creative souls, get caught in cycles of self-doubt (read: extended periods of lying motionless on the floor, fearing our work will never be good enough). Then when we’re up and running again, we subconsciously cobble together a pep talk on these very pages.

While making this issue, we’ve been telling ourselves: “It’s OK for the first draft not to be Shakespeare.” (page 48) “Don’t be embarrassed to just ask.” (page 120) “The stupidest and scariest ideas are the best ones.” (page 28) And this gem: “Don’t be a turkey; fly like an eagle.” (page 106)

If you’re ever searching for a sign to just do the thing, we hope you can flip open an issue of frankie and find the words of encouragement you need. And to the Magic 8 Ball manufacturers of the world: please get in touch. We have an idea for you.

Enjoy the issue. xx Emma and the frankie team