inspiration
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I’m thrilled to invite Viki Allerston back to my Guest Writer Spot. A few weeks ago, she appeared on this page, with her highly entertaining story, Bad Boy Boris. From all the wonderful comments, you thoroughly enjoyed her story. I’m sure you’ll enjoy her latest story every bit as much. If you’d like to know…
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Here are my new challenges for you: OPTION ONE: Write a six-word story with the word DISASTER in it somewhere. OPTION TWO: Write a poem or limerick on the theme of WORK. OPTION THREE: Your word is FREEDOM. What meaning does this hold for you? You can write anything on it, be it a poem,…
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With fantastic prizes, The 2016 Costa Short Story Award is worth an entry. You can send in your stories, up to 4000 words, on any theme, from 1st July 2016 – 5th August 2016. Here are some details for you: Prizes: 1st: £3500 2nd: £1500 3rd: £500 There are some comprehensive terms and conditions pages…
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As promised last week, I’m delighted to announce the results of my flash fiction competition. Please read the simply brilliant winning entries below and the judge’s comments following. An enormous thank you to all those who entered. You made it extremely difficult for me to choose. I read, re-read and read yet again, all the…
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This week’s guest writer is another of my wonderfully talented students. Here’s a little bit about Murray Clarke: Murray Clarke has a real passion for writing short stories – and began putting pen to paper when he was only eight years old (which is more years ago than he cares to remember!) He has had…
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It’s challenge time! Here are this week’s new challenges for you: OPTION ONE: WRITE A 10-WORD STORY STARTING WITH THE WORDS ‘OH NO!‘ OPTION TWO: WRITE A POEM OR LIMERICK ON THE THEME OF GLORY. OPTION THREE: WHAT DOES THE WORD DREAM MEAN TO YOU? YOU CAN WRITE A POEM, ARTICLE, STORY; ANYTHING GOES. YOUR…
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This week’s market is a fantastic one (not that I’m biased being a WB tutor, or anything!). The Writers Bureau is inviting entries for its annual Limerick Competition. Here are a few details for you: Prizes: 1st Prize: £100 plus a Writers Bureau Course worth over £350 Runners up: £50 will go to two runners…
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…well, not quite. But I do have news. As I received so many entries, and it’s taking me a while to read through them all, I’m splitting the results into two. The results of the 100-word story competition will be announced next Monday and the results of the ‘Treasure’ competition will be revealed the Monday…
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My guest this week is the very talented Carol Cooper. Carol has a book coming out on 30th June, and she has kindly allowed me to publish an extract on my blog. If you enjoy it, you can pre-order Hampstead Fever today. Here’s a little bit about Carol in her own words: I’m a journalist, novelist,…
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Last week, I gave you a round of fresh challenges. Here are some more: OPTION ONE: Write a mini story of six words. It can be done – here’s mine as an example: I awoke. Zombie apocalypse. Oh shit! OPTION TWO: Write a story, poem, limerick or article with the title AFRAID. OPTION THREE: Write…
Esther Chilton 