writing

  • 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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  • 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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  • I Challenge You To…

    I’m enjoying reading about all the things that make you happy (my challenge set last week) so I’d like to give more of you the opportunity to tell me your happy thoughts, whether it’s a place, person, work, hobby…anything that makes you smile. ***

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    If you’re writing something funny, don’t over-explain the humour. It’s very easy to feel as if you have to explain exactly why something is funny. You don’t. Keeping it brief and to the point will ensure the humour comes through. Too long and windy and the humour is lost. *** And here’s a tip from…

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  • A Lighter Look At Life

    While in a shop over the summer, I overheard a gentleman talking to one of the assistants. “Do you have a casserole?” he asked. The assistant looked a little puzzled for a moment before taking him over to the casserole dishes. “Well, one of those isn’t going to keep the sun off my head, is…

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  • I Challenge You To…

    My challenge for you this week is happiness. What makes you happy? Chocolate? Wine? Going on holiday? Making someone smile? I’d love to know. Limericks, poems, stories and anecdotes gratefully received. I invited you to let rip last week and to rant about anything and everything. Here are a few of your rants: George Roseby:…

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    The End… Are you struggling to bring your story to a close? Make sure you don’t over-explain your ending e.g. in a crime story, when you reveal who killed the victim, don’t feel as if you have to explain exactly why he/she is the murderer. If you have written your story well, your readers should…

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  • A Lighter Look At Life

    Unloved I’m not a creature who is loved the best, In fact, most say I’m an awful pest, It’s not my fault, I don’t mean to be, Nature made me as I am, you see, I love cats and dogs the most, You humans aren’t the best hosts, I like to flip and flap and…

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