Author Archives: TanGental

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.

Inspiration

This week’s #writephoto Charleston Darwin really disliked his older cousin and his Origin of Species. It was all so… so… limited. The book talked species but it just man man man. Didn’t other species deserve some time in the sun? … Continue reading

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Flaming Sambucas, Etc

This week, from the Carrot Ranch comes the following prompt: March 20, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about shots fired. Where is this story taking place? Is there urgency or surprise? Who is … Continue reading

Posted in #99wordstories, Carrot Ranch Congress of Rough Writers, creative writing, flash fiction, humour, little Tittweaking, miscellany | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

Coff #limerick

This week’s prompt is cough ‘You really sound terribly roff,’‘With that persistent, rattly coff.’‘I’ve made you a coughin’‘To carry you ough in,’‘When it all becomes more than enoff.’

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Odd Auld Place

Weddings, however they appear are unique set pieces. This weekend just gone we spent four days in Edinburgh at the wedding of the daughter of two old friends. David, the dad, and I go back to our very first day … Continue reading

Posted in art, edinburgh, miscellany | Tagged , , , , , | 35 Comments

Cemeteries Wot I’ve Nown… #Westnorwood

Circling London are seven cemeteries that were created in the early to mid 19th Century to deal with the overcrowding in London’s churchyards and the equally limited space to bury dissenters. The seven – more recently dubbed the Magnificent Seven … Continue reading

Posted in art, history, miscellany, west norwood | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Club Colours

This week’s prompt is ‘Vernon Vermillion? Vern..?’ Blanche Beige read from the clipboard. ‘Here.’ What appeared to be a sack stood from the seats and hurried forward. Blanche noted the bright red socks and shoes and nodded. ‘Colour counselling?’ A … Continue reading

Posted in #writephoto, creative writing, flash fiction, humour, miscellany | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

The Half-March Garden

Having spent a week on the ski slopes, the garden has mostly been looking after itself. Despite the continuing bursts of cold weather, the grass is growing; a trim will be called for soon. The magnolia is leading the way … Continue reading

Posted in miscellany | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

Living History

This week’s #99wordstories prompt is March 13, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a place where children once played. It can be a field, a playground, or any place that attracted children to … Continue reading

Posted in #99wordstories, creative writing, flash fiction, humour, little Tittweaking, miscellany | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Being Frank (and other disguises) #limerick

This week’s prompt is cross I’ve been described as quasi posh Which has been known to make me cross. It’s time to put this thing to bed And reinstate my lost street cred. ‘I’ve lost the title and sold the … Continue reading

Posted in limericks, miscellany | Tagged | 12 Comments

A Life Of Unbridled Meh #writephoto

This week’s prompt is Chandler Ear was a victim. Indeed, not just a victim, but the victim. As a child and, especially a teen, he accused his parents of neglect when they gave him space, of smothering him if they … Continue reading

Posted in #writephoto, creative writing, flash fiction, miscellany | Tagged , , | 32 Comments