Esther Chilton

  • Funny Of The Week

    I think someone needs to rethink their definition of bottomless…

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    Researching your market – analyse the publication as a whole You might buy a magazine to analyse because you have an idea for an article but don’t just analyse the articles. It’s a good idea to study the whole of the magazine. This will give you an idea of the readership of the publication and…

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  • A Lighter Look At Life

    Mum sent Dad to the supermarket to buy some pork chops. Dad couldn’t find them so he thought it best to ask an assistant. “Do you have any loin cloths?” he asked. “Sorry, Tarzan, we don’t have any so you won’t be swinging through the trees tonight,” she quipped. Dad then realised he may not…

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  • Can You Tell A Story In…

    I love a bit of flash fiction – stories told in 100, 250, 500 words, but what about a bite-size flash fiction story? Well, I can write a 50-word story, I hear you cry. But how about a ten-word story? Here’s mine: “Yes!” Eyes dancing, she punched the air. £5000 lottery win. ***

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  • Markets For Writers

    Do you enjoy writing about strong characters? Then the Character-driven Short Story Competition being held by Writing Magazine may be just what you’re looking for. Here’s a bit more about it: ‘Hero or anti-hero, do-er or dreamer, cool or clownish, focus on one memorable character and use them as the driver for the action in…

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  • Funny Of The Week

    I’d love to see this in action…

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    Involve Your Reader Not sure how to open your short story? Try addressing your reader directly. It instantly makes them feel part of your story. Here’s an example: Just one more, that’s all I was going to take. You know that, don’t you? You understand. Well, they didn’t. And they wouldn’t listen. Looked at me…

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  • Markets For Writers

    Most of you know I have a soft spot for flash fiction. Here’s a competition for those of you who also enjoy a bit of flash: The Irish Writers Centre is holding a flash fiction competition of up to 400 words in partnership with the National Botanic Gardens and the Five Lamps Arts Festival. The…

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  • I Challenge You To…

    Last week I asked you to tell me what makes you happy. There were some heart-warming responses: Kristian: My pet chickens make me happy. Sunshine and those early signs of spring make me happy. Finding something to laugh at, that makes me happy. I discovered nearly a year ago, that writing, sharing what I’ve written…

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  • My New Book Is Coming!

    I had a bit of a shock recently when I realised it was nearly five years ago when, The Siege, my first book of short stories came out. So I think another one is long overdue! It’s not as if readers haven’t been asking for another one; it’s just been something that I’ve always meant…

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