A Highland schoolgirl who publishes her own magazine was shown around the DC Thomson HQ yesterday after appearing in the pages of the Press & Journal.
Mirissa Efemey, 11, was given an “amazing” behind-the-scenes insight into life at a real magazine publisher after working for so long on her own.
The Thurso schoolgirl started her M’s Art Magazine in October 2016 and is now designing and printing a 32-page edition every month.
And she is definitely a hands-on boss as she researches, writes and produces the publication by herself, with a little parental help, from her home in Caithness.
So impressed were publisher’s DC Thomson by Mirissa’s efforts that they invited her to spend a day at their HQ building at Meadowside in Dundee to learn more about the trade.
During her visit, Mirissa spent time with the editors and journalists on a host of children’s magazines, including Shout, The Official Jacqueline Wilson magazine, Sweet and Animals and You.
She also had the opportunity to visit Beano Studios, where she was shown some very special old editions of the comic and original art work, by Head of Beano Studios, Michael Stirling.
Mirissa and her parents, Julie and Steve, also met Murray Thomson, a director of the business, who poured over the youngster’s own impressive magazine creation.
She said: “It has been an amazing day. It was brilliant to meet so many people who work on the magazines and has really made me want to do this when I’m older.
“I’ve had loads of great tips for my own magazine – it was great to see how all these massive magazines are put together.”
Mirissa’s mum, Julie, added: “What an amazing opportunity it’s been for Mirissa to experience life in a real magazine publisher.
“I never would have thought a wee family and friends’ magazine would have brought about such a fantastic opportunity.”
Louise Kettle, Editor of Shout, said: “We were so impressed by Mirissa’s talent and enthusiasm for magazines and it was a pleasure to have her in the office for a day.
“I’m sure her own magazine will continue to go from strength to strength.”
