Esther Chilton
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We all do it – overuse words like ‘that’, ‘very’, ‘really’, ‘then’ etc. They’re not necessary. Use the ‘find’ facility in Word and you’ll be surprised at how many of these words you’re using in your writing. Then go back through your work and get pruning! ***
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Stone Cold Heart by Caz Frear The blurb says: A fractured marriage A silent family A secret worth killing for It only took me a few pages and I was hooked. Caz has a way of getting you to care for her main protagonist, police officer, Cat Kinsella, who is instantly likeable, but has plenty…
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It’s time for your weekly five-word challenge! For this week’s challenge, can you tell a story in five words, using the word Camera in it somewhere? Last week, your story needed to contain the word Date. You sent in some great stories. Here they are: Christine Mallaband-Brown: My date is waiting outside. The date will…
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Do you enjoy writing for children? Ever thought about writing a picture book? Writing Magazine are holding a competition with a fantastic prize – a lunch consultation with top children’s fiction agent Julia Churchill, a year’s subscription to Writing Magazine and £200. There are also second and third place prizes. Here’s what they have to…
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10% satisfaction guaranteed? Who could ask for more? Well…
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Entering a writing competition? Here are a few tips to ensure your entry is on the shortlist: A judge wants to read something unexpected, exciting and compelling so think outside the box. Make sure your story isn’t over the word count. Your story may only have gone over the limit by five words, but if…
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It’s your challenge time! For this week’s five-word challenge, can you tell a story in five words, using the word Date in it somewhere? Last week, your story needed to contain the word Broken. You sent in some fantastic stories. Here they are: Kim Smyth: So tired of being broken! Ritu: My iPad is broken.…
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The Writers Bureau are holding their annual flash fiction competition. Entries of up to 500 words are welcomed. The closing date is 30th November 2019. Here are a few more details for you: Prizes: 1st: £300 2nd: £200 3rd: £100 Plus, each prize winner will receive a Writers Bureau course of their choice, worth over…
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They say everyone likes something for free. I’m not so sure…
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Take your time The time of day can make a difference to the type of atmosphere your readers feel. For example, you can darken a story by setting it at night. There’s always an extra sense of menace, of threat and uncertainty in a story that takes place at night. ***
