The wonderful world of stories... Image via Pixabay.

GREAT FAIRYTALE SALES PEOPLE

December 12, 2016Leave a comment

A mixed bag tonight – a humorous piece for Fairytales with Bite and a thoughtful reflection on the value of end of year reviews for This World and Others. I am also delighted to recommend, via my Facebook page, one of the most moving flash fiction collections I’ve ever read – the Great War by Dawn Knox (who is also a contributor to Baubles, this year’s anthology from Bridge House Publishing).

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

There have been some great (generally) unseen sales people behind some of the classic fairytales. I suggest some of them in Great Fairytale Sales People.

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

One thing I do just after Christmas is to give myself an end of year review in terms of where I am at with my writing and where I would like to be. In End of Year Reviews, I discuss this further and share what I think are the advantages of doing this.

FACEBOOK PAGE

I was delighted to meet Dawn Knox, a fellow contributor to Baubles, at the recent Bridge House Publishing/Cafelit book launch in London. I was even more delighted to come across her book, The Great War, which is a flash fiction collection of 100 stories, each one 100 words long. The stories are character led (the best ones I think always are) and here are the stories of the boy who deliberately lied about his age to sign up and is about to go to Flanders, the soldiers in the trenches, the mother with her baby who doesn’t know if she’ll see her husband again amongst many others. Very moving and if, like me, you love flash fiction and history, I’d highly recommend reading this book.

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How do your characters handle matters when forced to change direction and take a path they had not expected or wanted? Image via Pixabay.

Where will your writing take you? Forward into the future or backwards in time? Image via Pixabay.

Well, what IS your story? Image via Pixabay.

WRITING TO A DEADLINE – THE ADVANTAGES

December 11, 2016Leave a comment

I usually use the title of my Fairytales with Bite piece for the title for this but not for this one. I hope Writing to a Deadline – the Advantages gives some useful advice on why it is a really good idea to get into the habit of doing this.

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

More Fairytale Classified Adverts follows on from yesterday’s post with fun suggestions of what could be in the magical world’s advert columns.

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Writing to a Deadline – The Advantages gives 5 reasons and details as to why I think imposing a deadline on yourself if necessary is a good idea. To name one reason here I have found it helps me write much more than I used to do because I plan out what I write (to ensure I meet the deadline). Because I write more, I have more material to submit to competitions and so on. See what you think anyway.

FACEBOOK PAGE

I share links to Alfie Dog where my recent short story, The Delivery, is now on site. At 39p a download, it is a cheap way of trying out different authors’ works though it will come as no surprise when I say I’ve linked to my author page here!!

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Shakespeare had his quill, modern writers have their laptops. Image via Pixabay.

I write fairytales with bite as flash fiction and short stories in particular. Image via Pixabay.

FAIRYTALE CLASSIFIED ADVERTS

December 10, 2016Leave a comment

It has been a very busy but productive week. From going to the Bridge House/Cafelit joint book launch last Saturday to having another story, The Delivery, appearing on Alfie Dog on Monday to tonight’s labour of love which is my Chandler’s Ford Today post, it has been a good week. (And that was despite me coming down with a bug on Wednesday night!).

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

Fairytale Classified Adverts shares a few examples of how I imagine these could look like. Hope you like them.

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Musical Imagery ties in with my CFT post this week but for this page, I focus on what music means to your characters, what are their important songs and so on.

ALFIE DOG

I share the link with my author page here. I now have 5 stories on Alfie Dog. The latest, put up on Monday, is The Delivery and tells the tale of a former favoured servant of the Dark Lord who has fallen out with the boss and is now facing the consequences. I loved writing this. Alfie Dog charges a small fee per download and there are a wide variety of authors and genres to choose from, including yours truly. If you love your short stories, you should check this site out (and I would say that if I wasn’t on it, honestly! In fairness, I did check it for a long time before I submitted work here. And naturally it took time for me to get my work to a good enough standard to be accepted so it means a lot to me to be on here. I’m sure everyone else on here would feel similarly).

BRIDGE HOUSE PUBLISHING BLOG SPOT

Bridge House have set up Facebook page for Baubles, this year’s anthology. On their blog spot, they are putting up for the 24 days from the beginning of December to Christmas Eve, extracts from the 24 stories in Baubles. I was on day 7.

And last but definitely not least:-

CHANDLER’S FORD TODAY

I loved writing the classical music greats article a little while ago but found there were so many pieces I had to leave out. Most of these were film scores so waste not, want not – another post was born! Tonight’s What’s Your Favourite Film Theme? My Top Ten continues my habit of having titles that tell you all you need to know (!) and I hope generates a good response as the classical music piece did. There were a good few replies with clips of favourite classical music and I hope for a similar contribution to tonight’s post. Contributions of your favourite film music would be very welcome!

Tonight’s CFT post. Image by Pixabay. Editing on Pic Monkey.

HELPING OUT

December 8, 2016Leave a comment

Apologies for the no-show last night. An annoying bug caused technical problems – not with the computer but with me!!! Technically I couldn’t have wielded a pen last night yet alone focused on a screen. Still back to normal now… (or what passes for normal in these parts anyway).

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

Helping Out is the title of my story in the Bridge House Publishing anthology Baubles. They are sharing 24 extracts/author interviews from the 24 writers in the book for the period 1st December to 24th December. A book-like Advent Calendar (minus the chocolate, though!). Naturally, Murphy’s Law intervened and my slot came up yesterday and I missed it! Still, I’ve found the link and share it on my web page here.

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

In Author Interviews, I share what I like about these. My Bridge House spot included an interview section and I link to that (and my story) in This World. It was huge fun being interviewed and I loved writing the story. I hope that shows through. (Generally, I think you can tell when a writer really enjoyed their work).

CHANDLER’S FORD TODAY

My next post (hopefully due to appear tomorrow night) will be my Top 10 Film Themes. More details when up on site.

FACEBOOK PAGE

Again I discuss my story, Helping Out, and share the links with the Bridge House blog spot.

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Love the cover for this. Image supplied by Bridge House Publishing.

One of the best ways to escape is with a good book. Image via Pixabay.

THE MAGIC OF WRITING

December 7, 2016Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

The Magic of Writing shares what I love about writing and writing get-togethers such as the Bridge House Publishing/Cafelit joint book launch I went to last weekend. It was huge fun meeting up again with some I met from last year and others who were new to me.

And we all got the chance to practice our networking skills with the speed dating exercise. You get to chat to a writer or reader for three minutes and ask them for marketing tips (if speaking to a writer) or discuss books in general (if speaking to a reader). Once the three minutes are up, you then talk to someone else.

The only thing I dislike about this is you inevitably stop half way through an excellent conversation and there isn’t always time to get back to it at the bar again later. However, it does get you mixing and talking and you inevitably learn something really useful.

(Baubles – the Bridge House anthology for this year – and The Best of Cafelit 5 are available in print and on Kindle and via Amazon, as well as from the publishers directly. I have a short story, Helping Out, in Baubles and a flash fiction piece, Telling the Time, in Cafelit 5).

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Writing Books shares some non-fiction how-to-write books I wouldn’t be without. I deliberately kept this to a short list. Can you add to my list? I wouldn’t dare list the fiction books I’d hate to part with as I’d be writing that list till Doomsday!

FACEBOOK PAGE

I discuss the joys of swimming tonight. I always thought I would end up working out stories as I swam but it hasn’t worked out like that. I’m more likely to do that when doing the ironing!

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One of my favourite book images. They really are magical. Transportation into other worlds and around this one in a few hundred pages. Brilliant! Image via Pixabay.

The world of the imagination should play a role in your stories. I can't imagine any world without some form of the arts. Image via Pixabay.

FAIRYTALES IN A FLASH

December 6, 2016Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

Fairytales in a Flash shares my love of flash fiction and fairytales. One lovely thing about flash is it is very flexible when it comes to genre. In my upcoming book, From Light to Dark and Back Again (Chapeltown Books), I have stories which are borderline horror, others are crime tales, while the majority are fairytales with bite. So have fun with the form – I have (and am now working on another flash fiction collection so intend to keep on having fun with it!).

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

What Not to Say to a Writer is one of those posts that could attract lots of additional points to the ones I’ve made (feel free!). I’ve listed the “where do you get your ideas?” and the “I’d write if I had more time” line but what can you come up with here? For novelists, I’d add in something like “you’ve written one novel – is that all?”. For all writers, why are there misunderstandings about how long it can take to produce a good story (and a good novel takes even longer)? Has film and TV made everyone expect stories instantly? (False premise if so, it takes ages to produce something that’s ready for broadcast).

FACEBOOK PAGE

Today (5th December) was my 29th wedding anniversary. Had a lovely day out with better half and the dog. None of us can believe where the time has gone! (Okay Mabel has only been with us for 4 years out of that 29 but she can’t believe where that time has gone!). Managed to catch up with some reading tonight as well which was great. And I put in a plug for flash fiction again – I won’t bother to pretend I’m not biased. I am!

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Do your characters know in which direction they're going? (Border collie is optional!). Image via Pixabay.

Mabel. Image taken by me.

THE DELIVERY

December 5, 2016Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

The Delivery shares news of my latest short story to appear on Alfie Dog (Fiction). The link takes you to my Writer’s Notes page, where there is a brief interview with me and a list of the stories I have on Alfie Dog. The Delivery is about a favoured servant of the Dark Lord, who has fallen out of favour. Not a good place to be…

I also talk about how vital it is writers do deliver on their stories, whether it is getting them in for a competition or what have you. If your story is humorous, is it still funny when you review it just prior to sending it off? Likewise if it is horror, is the tale scary? This is where having a writing buddy (ideally one who writes in a format/genre different to your own) can be invaluable. Equally if you’re entering a competition and they offer feedback, then seriously consider going for this. I’ve always found this kind of feedback helpful.

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Guest Blogging talks about some of the advantages of doing this. This came about as my recent Story Structure post on This World and Others has been shared with my blessing by Valerie Penny on her marvellous book review site. Valerie’s site reviews some prestigous books and gives good writing advice so I am flattered she wanted to share this post. I met Valerie at Swanwick earlier this year. Indeed she took pity on a lost looking soul (me!) arriving at Derby Railway Station and looking around wildly for where the Swanwick coach might be parked up!

FACEBOOK PAGE

It has been a busy writing day as the two notes above show. My post on FB tonight again shares the news and the links. Am very pleased with Valerie’s sharing of my post and the new story on Alfie Dog.

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I thought I would share my feature image from this week’s Chandler’s Ford Today post as I think I can safely say, with all the positive things that have happened recently, I’ve travelled a few more miles up the writing road this week! (Important thing is never to end up in a cul-de-sac though!).

My Chandler’s Ford Today post for this week looks at where I am at currently on my writing journey, Image via Pixabay.

FAIRYTALE MARKETING

December 4, 2016Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

Fairytale Marketing looks at what could be marketed in a magical world. This post came about as, being at the Bridge House Publishing/Cafelit joint book launch in London today, writers were invited to share marketing tips with other writers. The event was huge fun and I hope you find this post is too. A magical salesman… hmm…. what could possibly go wrong there?!

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

In Marketing, I share a couple of tips I shared in London today but also a few there was no time to do. I also discuss why you shouldn’t consider other writers to be rivals and that social media, wonderful for marketing work, should be used wisely.

FACEBOOK PAGE

I discuss the Bridge House and Cafelit event tonight. It was really good to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Chapeltown Books (imprint) was also mentioned as the fact my flash fiction collection will be the first to be produced.

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The Best of Cafelit. Image by me.

A GOOD DAY FOR A FAIRY GODMOTHER

December 3, 2016Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

A Good Day for a Fairy Godmother lists what someone like my rebellious Eileen would consider was a “good day in the office”. You just don’t want to be the other side of the metaphorical desk when she has a really good day… Oh, and if you happen to be a monster or other foul fiend, you can rule out having a long life expectancy. Her good day is your nightmare. She prides herself on it after all.

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

High Days lists some of the special steps I’ve experienced as a writer. Where you know you are going to face rejection after rejection (it is in the nature of writing), being able to have positives to refer to can help enormously. And the nice thing is even if you are just starting out, as long as you keep going, get feedback and not be afraid to change/get rid of what’s not working in your fiction, then those positives will happen to you too.

CHANDLER’S FORD TODAY

The Writer’s Journey shares what has happened writing wise since I went to the Swanwick Summer School in August. This period has easily been the busiest and most productive writing time I’ve known – so far anyway! I also share a new flash fiction story, The Magician, and I suspect all pet owners will be able to identify with it. Hope you like it.

FACEBOOK PAGE

I share news of my CFT post and look forward to the Bridge House/Cafelit joint book launch/celebration event (Baubles and The Best of Cafelit 5) in London on 3rd December. Last year’s event was huge fun. I love this sort of event as I get to meet new people and it is lovely talking with folk who love writing at least as much as I do.

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Baubles – the new anthology by Bridge House Publishing. My story, Helping Out, is in there. 2016 has been my most successful year for acceptances to date and I hope I can build on that. Image supplied by Gill James of Bridge House Publishing.

Where I have been published in print so far - and Baubles (not pictured here) is the most recent. Image by me

THE WISH LIST

December 2, 2016Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

There is a definite theme tonight. In The Wish List, I give wishes that might have been made by a magical character. Do you agree? What would your characters wish for?

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

The Writer’s Wish List shares some of the things I commonly wish for when writing. What would your list look like?

FACEBOOK PAGE

I share news of my forthcoming Chandler’s Ford Today post. I am sharing more local author news this week – this time, mine! I share what I am writing now and my one regret about what is happening writing wise for me right now.

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My Chandler’s Ford Today post for this week looks at where I am at currently on my writing journey, Image via Pixabay.