fiction

  • A Little Piece Of Flash…

    One of my short story tips is to take a single word and then to create a story around it. In the book I’ve been reading the word ‘envy’ stood out. It set my mind working on a story…   Envy   I look around at my colleagues with envy. “Are you ok, Jamilla?” Shirley…

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  • Writing Workshop…Top Tips

    Now for the sixth instalment in my writing workshop series. I’ve covered the short story ending as well as the opening.  I’ve guided you through dialogue and focused on the importance of taking time to do things properly. Last week, it was a competitions refresher. This week there’s some advice on the art of the…

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  • Markets For Writers

    As many of you know, I have a passion for flash fiction so, when I saw the advert for this writing competition, I knew I had to share it with you: Competition: The Writers Bureau Flash Fiction Competition Word count: up to 500 words Closing date: 30th November 2017 Prizes: 1st: £300 2nd: £200 3rd:…

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  • Love…And Hate…

    And here’s another piece of flash fiction for you: Destruction I touch his face, my fingers caressing his lips, catching on a ragged ridge of chapped skin. I press my own to them, tasting the tang of tears as they cascade down my cheeks. I drink in his warmth. Or what’s left; it won’t be…

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  • Tommy’s Tale

    I’m slowly getting my writing mojo back, with a penchant for flash fiction at the moment: Tommy Coats: pink, blue, yellow, green and others every colour of the rainbow covered the pegs. All except one. Tommy Brown, outlined in bold black letters, stood above the empty peg. His blue coat wouldn’t ever rest on the…

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  • Markets For Writers

    Enjoy writing romance? Then this week’s market may be just what you’re looking for. Writing Magazine are holding their annual Love Story Competition. Here are the details: Word count: Between 1500-1700 words Prizes: 1st:   £200 plus publication in the magazine 2nd: £50 plus publication on the website Entry Fee: £5 or £3 for subscribers Closing…

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  • Darling Clarissa…

    I’ve had a few ups and downs lately, like many of us do, and it’s meant I haven’t had much time for writing. But gradually, I’ve started again. And it’s felt good. This piece is short and sweet but, as many of you know, I’ve always had a passion for flash fiction.   My darling…

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  • Markets For Writers

    This week’s market is for the flash fiction fans. The Fiction Desk is running a flash fiction competition, which invites entries of between 250 – 1000 words. The deadline is midnight UK time on Friday, 29th September. There is a first prize of £300 and two runner-up prizes of £100. The entry fee for one…

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  • Writing Workshop…Top Tips

    Here is the second in my writing workshop series. Last week was all about the opening; this week’s it’s the ending’s turn: Top Tips… For A Tremendous Short Story Ending You’re almost at the end of your cleverly crafted story, but how do you bring it to a satisfying climax? Here are some tips to…

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  • Guest Writer Spot

    I’m pleased to welcome back Nest Madden to my Guest Writer Spot. Nest was one of my talented Writers Bureau students. He completed the course a while ago (well done!) and it’s good to read his writing again. The Suprise By Nest Madden George, hated night duty. It was a boring twelve hours, stuck in…

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