writing
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As writers, we’re often very self-critical. We’re always looking forward and thinking about what we haven’t achieved yet, instead of thinking about how far we’ve come. I’ve kept a record book of every piece of writing I’ve ever sent out. It’s been good to go back over it and to see the successes I’ve forgotten…
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Sit back and relax! So, we’re into the second half of January already and how is your writing going? Struggling to get started? Can’t think of a story idea, or characters? Time to sit back, relax and let your mind do the work for you! Have a pad and pen by your side, then take…
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As writers, it’s easy to become set in our ways and to write the same type of stories, articles etc. So make this the year you write something new. You never know where it might lead. I thought I’d take up my own advice and so I tried writing something for the ‘We love to…
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As the year draws to an end and we think about welcoming in a new year, our thoughts often turn to the different seasons and what they’ll bring. Will 2015 be full of darkness and despair, like the first poem, or will it bring lightness and cheer like the second? Dark Thoughts for All Seasons…
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This is the last opportunity for you to take up the challenge in my latest series. This week, we reach the magical 100-word mark, so please send me your 100-word stories. You’ll have a little longer than usual as my Thursday challenge day falls on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, so the next challenge…
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This week, I bring you details of an annual short story competition. ‘The Highlands and Islands Short Story Association’ competition always has an annual closing date of 31st July, so you have plenty of time to work on an entry. There is an entry fee of £5 per story. Prizes are as follows: First prize:…
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Little Steps Unless you’re one of the lucky few, you fit your writing round the day job. Add to this Christmas, housework, family, friends and everything else life brings and before you know it, the week has passed by without you sending any writing out. So, then’s the time to think small. Plan to send…
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Last week it was the turn of the 70-word story so now I’m looking for your 80-word stories. Here are last week’s stunning 70-word entries. Hopefully they’ll inspire you to write that 80-worder: Keith Channing sent in this entry, which also served as another challenge entry on another website at Keith Creates: “Please, mister, can…
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I’ve previously brought you details about the Flash 500 on-going flash fiction competition (see ‘Markets For Writers’). They also hold an annual Humour Verse Competition. The details are as follows: Closing date: 31st December 2014 Entry fee: £3 for the first poem, then £2.50 per poem thereafter Length: Up to 32 lines Prizes: First: £150…
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Last year, I ran a ‘Funny of the Week’ series and searched for the most awful Christmas jumper I could find. This year, Christmas jumpers are in! And the tackier the better. So my search resumes and the first jumper I bring you has the oh-so-subtle hint of ‘home-made’ about it:
Esther Chilton 