Author Archives: TanGental

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published four books - Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle, My Father and Other Liars, Salisbury Square and Buster & Moo. In addition I have published three anthologies of short stories and a memoir of my mother. More will appear soon. I will try and continue to blog regularly at geofflepard.com about whatever takes my fancy. I hope it does yours too. 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.

Going Rogue #writephoto #prompt

Posted on Apr 11, 2021 by TanGental

This weeks #writephoto prompt is…. ‘Listen up ladies. This is…’ ‘As I was saying Doris, we should…’ ‘Excuse me, but I was talking.’ The lamb glared at the two recumbent sheep. The older one, if her grey eyes meant anything … Continue reading →

Posted in #writephoto, creative writing, humour, miscellany | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Fowl Deeds #blogbattle #prompt #creativewriting

Posted on Apr 10, 2021 by TanGental

This month’s #blogbattle prompt is ‘owl’ and this is what came to mind ‘West Worple Police Station, Sergeant Haematoma speaking.’ ‘Is that the Police?’ Rhinegold Haematoma sighed. Why did callers not understand what a police station was for? ‘Yes madam, … Continue reading →

Posted in #blogbattle, creative writing, humour, miscellany | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Ups And Downs #shortstory

Posted on Apr 8, 2021 by TanGental

Sergio Pontus took his job as hangman seriously though he preferred ‘final dispatcher’ as his sobriquet. His own knot, known as the ‘Sergio Slip’ earned plaudits for being easy to make, comfortable to wear with minimal abrasions and quick to … Continue reading →

Posted in creative writing, flash fiction | Tagged , | 18 Comments

The Art Of Carrot Cake #food #tategallery

Posted on Apr 7, 2021 by TanGental

I’m lucky enough to be a member of the Tate Galleries though in these Covidy restricted times it’s months since I could visit. Still, as a member they try and keep us informed and in the loop. In the latest … Continue reading →

Posted in baking, food, miscellany | Tagged , , , , | 30 Comments

Moving On #carrotranch #morganandlogan #creativewriting

Posted on Apr 6, 2021 by TanGental

This week’s #carrotranch prompt is April 1 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a swift passage. You can take inspiration from any source. Who is going where and why. What makes it swift? … Continue reading →

Posted in carrot ranch, creative writing, flash fiction, miscellany | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Lawn magic

Posted on Apr 5, 2021 by TanGental

Whatever the gardening royalty say about a lawn being herbaceous abuse, I’m still rather wedded to my sward. This year, with a wedding to be set on it, I’d rather like it to be the best it can be. With … Continue reading →

Posted in gardening | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

A Poem For A Modern Tragedy

Posted on Apr 4, 2021 by TanGental

I’m over at Esther Chilton’s blog, here, with a rather sombre poem… please go and say hi. I wrote this after I listened to actress, Ruthie Henschell describing being allowed to visit and hold her mother one year after lockdown … Continue reading →

Posted in miscellany, poems, poetry | Tagged , , | 34 Comments

Memorials And Memories #thoughts

Posted on Apr 3, 2021 by TanGental

Back in 2014 there was a memorial at the Tower of London, with ceramic poppies, one for each Commonwealth casualty during WW1. It was memorable and very moving, especially when they read out my great uncle Willie Dyson’s name and … Continue reading →

Posted in London, miscellany, thought piece, visits | Tagged , , , , , , | 58 Comments

More Haste #writephoto #prompt #humour #creativesriting

Posted on Apr 2, 2021 by TanGental

This week’s #writephoto prompt is ‘Is this doping control, Bunny?’ ‘Yes, and stop calling me bunny.’ ‘Yeah, whatever.’ There was a pause while Cony Thumper and Terry Terapin eyed each other. ‘I won you know.’ ‘You crossed the line first.’ … Continue reading →

Posted in #writephoto, creative writing, humour, miscellany | Tagged , , , , | 22 Comments

Lions And Lambs – The March Garden #garden #dog

Posted on Mar 31, 2021 by TanGental

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a light or a lemming, or some such… We certainly had our share of weather which held things back. No bad thing. I cleared out the round bed where Vicky, … Continue reading →

Posted in dogs, gardening, miscellany | Tagged , , , , , | 31 Comments