Ah, fond memories of Jackie magazine in the Guardian (‘Girls sent us urine samples in Charlie perfume bottles’, G2, 22 March). Jackie was where I (and dozens of other writers) learned the writing trade. I sold my first short story to Jackie in December 1973 and earned £14. Flushed with success, I did more and more stories, then expanded my repertoire to do serials, photo-stories and, for several years, the horoscopes. One of my favourite writing jobs was doing readers’ true experiences; all made up, of course. We touched on most topics but never anything risque.
I went on to have proper books published but never had so much fun as when writing I Betrayed my Best Friend! or I Let her Tortoise Die! for Jackie.
Mary Hooper
Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
