• 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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  • Funny Of The Week

    One of my students has provided my Funny of the Week this week. Enormous thanks to Sean Parker for this gem. Doesn’t look like they take too kindly to people who clear up anyone else’s dog’s mess other than their own!

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    Need an idea for a story? Think books and films Bookshelves and/or DVD racks are commonly found in our living rooms, featuring all manner of titles, e.g. ‘The Grudge’, ‘When Will There Be Good News?’, ‘Robin Hood’. Think about each title in turn and you should find all sorts of ideas for short stories, or…

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  • Guest Writer Spot

    This week’s Guest Writer is the fabulous Geoff Le Pard. Geoff has written several books, including novels, a memoir and short story collections. He has another entertaining collection of short stories coming out at the end of the month – Life in a Conversation, which is available to pre-order now. You’ll find a brilliant story…

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