Category Archives: writing

Travel Horrors: Being In Love

1984 and the Textiliste and I married. That’s officially long ago. We’ve done the 30 years – pearls apparently – and rubies beckon. They’ll be cake and stuff and hopefully no travel. Big events and travel don’t combine well when … Continue reading

Posted in flash fiction, miscellany, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 27 Comments

Life Sentences, The Art of Spirit Capture and beyond

Last year I published The Art of Spirit Capture, which has received some lovely comments. Here’s one such review. ‘Jason Hales loses his job and simultaneously learns that he and his brother Peter have inherited the estate of his Aunt … Continue reading

Posted in writing | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

The Sweet Art Of Taking Criticism – Learning To Roll With The Punches

When I was in the second form (what is now year 8 in English schools), my English master, Mr Doubleday*, asked us to start writing a book. That was the gist of his challenge though how he set it up … Continue reading

Posted in creative writing, criticism, miscellany, writing | Tagged , , | 23 Comments

Me, Me, Me

We’re you intrigued to learn a little about me, I’ve been profiled over on the blogbattle website. Here’s the link if you can be bothered to click across. https://bbprompt.com/2021/04/24/lepard/ Go on, you know you want to.

Posted in blog battle, miscellany, writing | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Musings From The Kitchen #prompt #shortfiction

Diana Peach at Myths Of The Mirror has prompted us to write about our muse. But what if… It had been a heck of a day. So many interruptions, but finally I’d settled down to write. That’s when the door … Continue reading

Posted in fiction, writing | Tagged , , , , | 45 Comments

The Triangulation Of Superheroes #novemberwritingchallenge

This is written for D Wallace Peach’s November Writing Challenge ‘Hi, Bat, you okay to take a call?’ ‘Who is it, Alfred?’ ‘The Mayor of Gotham. Sounds a bit angsty.’ ‘He’s always angsty. Put him on.’ The Bat smoothed his … Continue reading

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

The History Of Fairy Tales

Fairy tales often stem from real life. Jack and his bean stalk, for instance, has its roots in the battle between Prince Savipattugak and his brother, Giantanaparan.  ‘Gak’ raised an army to defeat Giantanaparan’s forces but the cost was borne … Continue reading

Posted in creative writing, miscellany, prompt, writing | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

Choosing Isn’t Easy

I hosted a small writers’ retreat this weekend gone. Each of us was at a different stage in production of our latest work. In my case I’ve been editing the sequel to my first book. That edit finished on Sunday … Continue reading

Posted in creative writing, miscellany, novels, writing | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Limes are the sourest fruit #mondaymotivations #shortstory

Esther Newton’s Monday motivation prompt is Flaskback It was just a party, a few friends. ‘Come,’ they said. It’ll get you out.’ I refused. Twice but then, well, I had to some time, didn’t I? People are kind. No comfortable … Continue reading

Posted in creative writing, flash fiction, prompt, short story, writing | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

When mummy knows best #microfiction

Jane Dougherty’s picture prompt is The Painful Truth Dearest Priscilla, I had to write to explain why I am currently on the way to Gretna. As you know, I’ve been walking out with Reginald for six months, despite mummy’s reservations. … Continue reading

Posted in creative writing, microfiction, miscellany, prompt, writing | Tagged , , | 23 Comments