SHORT AND SWEET – OR NOT AS THE CASE MAY BE…

February 13, 2017Leave a comment

My posts are all flash fiction theme based tonight.

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

Flash Fiction and Fairytales looks at why I think these make for an incredibly good mix. One thing I love about fairytales is they are direct and flash fiction, of course, forces you to write “tight” to meet strict word count requirements.

I share one ofmy stories, Living the Lie, in this post. (I hope this story will be in my next collection). A lot ofmy flash stories are my take on fairytales and this one is my take on Beauty and the Beast. Hope you like it.

And why not have a go at writing flash? One thing I have found (and From Light to Dark and Back Again reflects this) is that it can cover all genres. (My book has fairytales, crime and light horror stories in them amongst others).

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Short and Sweet – or Not as the Case May Be looks at the advantages of flash fiction and I discuss one of the methods I use when it comes to writing these. I also discuss one huge advantage of flash fiction for all writers, regardless of genre and including non-fiction as well, is that it does force you to write tight. That skill of course can transfer across to whatever it is you write (and is bound to improve it. My stories and posts always improve when I write tight and cut out all the unnecessary words. There are always more of those than you think/would like on a first draft! Still the good thing is that is true for all writers!).

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I share a little of what is around my writing desk tonight and talk about why I think border collies are great dogs. (I know it’s a strange mix but writing and dogs are a major part of my life and both are phenomenally important to me). I managed to catch up with some reading today after a hectic week (most of which was not writing related unfortunately). I don’t know quite what it is about reading but I do know it is good for you!

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Open a book, open a gateway into another world. Image via Pixabay.

BOOKS FOR THE MAGICAL WORLD

January 16, 2017Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

In Books for the Magical World, I suggest what volumes would be likely to appear on people’s bookshelves. I’ve excluded standard spell and charm books and the classic fairytales but have included things like Wand Size – Does it Matter? (one for the more insecure wizard I think) to Voice Coaching – How to Perfect that Cackle for the beginner fairytale witch who wants to get her “sound” right.

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

How Important is Reading is one of those questions that have inspired reports, essays, academic papers and so on, so how can I answer it in a blog post? By focusing on answering it from your characters’ viewpoint. Do they read and, if so, what? Do they try to read the books their society bans and so on?

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I discuss book and story formats tonight. This follows on from my recent Chandler’s Ford Today post about the Blood and Valour comic book/graphic novel. I like this kind of thing as these are splendid artworks in their own right and I feel an invaluable aid to coaxing in the reluctant reader. I also discuss audio books.

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Main Cover – Blood and Valour. Image supplied by Eastleigh Borough Council. Glorious artwork and a great way of bringing in reluctant readers.

Says it all really and ties in with my post tonight for This World and Others. Image via Pixabay.

THE JOY OF BOOKS

January 15, 2017Leave a comment

It’s spot the theme night tonight!

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

The Joy of Books looks at well the joy of books for one thing but also asks whether your characters read for pleasure. Also, do your characters take in their stories via print or do they use other media to do so? How do your characters “use” their literacy?

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

In Reading, ask how literate is your world and if reading is encouraged or viewed with suspicion? (Reading can generate ideas, after all, some of which at least could be threatening to those in power). Are there libraries? Can anyone access them?

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I talk about the various books I have on my Kindle – everything from C.S. Lewis to Doctor Who to short stories to fantasy to history (fact and fiction). I conclude by wondering if someone found my Kindle, would they consider me a confused reader or someone who couldn’t make up their mind as to what they read? For me, variety is the spice of my reading life.

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The Kindle – modern reading for a modern era. Image via Pixabay.

Books help you wind down. Was glad of them after a stressful weekend. Pity this option is not available to my border collie. Still lots of cuddles did the trick there! Image via Pixabay.

TEN THINGS NEVER TO TELL A FAIRY GODMOTHER

January 9, 2017Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

I’m back to my lists again with Ten Things Never to Tell a Fairy Godmother (well, I’m assuming you like living). From the “you’re not as good as you used to be” to the “there’s not much difference between you and a good witch”, there is plenty to insult the average fairy godmother should you wish to do so. As ever, can you add to the list?

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Spotting the Difference highlights three ways of showing differences between two characters during dialogue in a story without the need to say Character A said this, Character B said that continually. There are more ways than this but the three ways I list here are the ones that struck me as being the most useful.

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I discuss my favourite things about reading and writing tonight. Do you agree with my verdicts? If not, what would you choices be?

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sg-part-2-books-whether-poetry-or-prose-can-be-magical-image-via-pixabay

Books and stories are wonderful but what would be your favourite things about reading and writing?

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

A FAIRY’S CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

December 29, 2016Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

Have you ever wondered if a fairy is allowed to send in their own wishes to Santa (working on the assumption they are definitely not permitted to grant their own)? Wonder no more! A Fairy’s Christmas Wish List shares what I think would be on such a list. And I even include a wish a lazy fairy would ask for too.

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

I discuss Christmas Customs in tonight’s post. I share a few of mine but ask what your fictional characters would do in way of celebrating a festival that was important to them/their society? Does your fictional world observe other civilisations, including ours, and what does it make of our customs and festivals?

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This is a “hello, I’m back” kind of post and I share news of how Mabel, my border collie, is doing after she was so ill. I also hope everyone had lots of lovely books for Christmas!

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One way through to the magical world but is it all sunshine and flowers? I doubt it! Image via Pixabay

WHAT HAPPENED AFTERWARDS?

December 13, 2016Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

What Happened Afterwards discusses what happened to certain characters after The End had been written? I find a really good story does make you wonder what would happen to characters after the official ending. See what you think!

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Christmas Customs discusses what customs are followed at this time of year in your fictional world. Does everyone join in with these customs? What happens to those who don’t conform? I ask a series of questions connected with customs which should inspire some story ideas.

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I discuss the joys of writing, reading and books in tonight’s FB post. I also share one of the things I love about Christmas Day.

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Images from the magical world… Image via Pixabay

Whatever quest they are going on, I discuss 5 things no fairytale character should be without. Image by me!

FIVE THINGS NO FAIRYTALE CHARACTER SHOULD BE WITHOUT

November 24, 2016Leave a comment

Short and sweet posts from me tonight…

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

I do love titles that tell you all about the contents of the post and I think my Five Things No Fairytale Character should be Without fits well into my “collection”! As ever, can you add to the list?

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Fantastic Flash Fiction again fits in my with my “title tells you all you need to know” theme! I list several reasons why I think flash fiction really is a fantastic form of storytelling. Do you agree?

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I discuss Ben Macintyre’s The Last Word, which includes a very funny study into George W Bush’s unique take on the English language. It is also a thoughtful study and a great read. Highly recommend.

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There must be some truly fantastic fiction here. Image via Pixabay.

Stories come in all kinds of formats including tapestries! Image via Pixabay.

YOUR DAY IS ABOUT TO WORSEN WHEN…

November 11, 2016Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

Your Day is about to Worsen When shares tell tale signs you are about to go through some very hard times indeed as a character in a story. For example it is never good when a wizard suddenly turns up on your doorstep, tells you that you’re about to go on a quest and, by the way, you can’t refuse as the powers of evil are already pursuing you! Can you add anything to my list?

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Why I Love Flash Fiction shares some of the advantages I think there are to writing these stories. For example by their very nature, they have to be short and that helps put a good pace into the story. What other advantages can you think of?

CHANDLER’S FORD TODAY

Just to say my post tomorrow is a review of All My Sons by Arthur Miller. More details tomorrow but I discuss some of the history of the play too.

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I share the Amazon link to Baubles, Bridge House Publishing’s anthology for this year. my story, Helping Out, is in there. I also discuss what’s coming up in my next Chandler’s Ford Today post and what fiction work I’m currently getting ready for a competition.

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Bookshops are vital to encourage literary – image via Pixabay.

STORIES BITING BACK

November 1, 2016Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

Stories Biting Back shares my thoughts on flash fiction and how they must pack a punch. I also share a link with Chapeltown Books, who have a blog page up about the flash fiction collections they are currently producing. The three authors selected so far are Neil Campbell, Gill James and myself. The link shares samples of work from Neil and myself. My flash sample is A Kind of Hell. Hope you like it.

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Creating Worlds again shares the link with Chapeltown Books but also discusses one major thing I love about stories and books in general. That is: each story or book, regardless of length, takes you into its own world and there is no limit to how many worlds you can visit. The more you read, the more worlds you visit so happy travelling!

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Again I share links with Chapeltown Books. On this link there are also Amazon connections to The Best of Cafelit series. I have work in Best of 4 and 5 and reviewed 3! No surprises here but I’m all for supporting the independent presses!!

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All books are gateways to other worlds, fantasy and science fiction especially I think. Image via Pixabay.

FICTIONAL TEACHING, ADVICE AND INTERVIEWS

October 29, 2016Leave a comment

Both of my website posts tonight were inspired by my Chandler’s Ford Today interview post with Barbara Large, the second part of which went up on site tonight. Link below.

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

I look at fictional interviews in tonight’s post and these can be a great way of revealing more about characters (both interviewer and interviewee) as long as the interview serves the story and moves it onwards to its conclusion.

Some of my previous posts on my websites have discussed interviewing your own characters and that can be a useful technique to find out more what makes them tick. But whether the interview is actually in the story or you are using one to help flesh out your portrayal of a character, it should convey significant information, which is crucial to your story in some way.

This is because you may well find out something about the character that you had not originally envisioned but the interview brings out. Find out where that takes you, it could be fun (!), indeed I think it should be fun (!!), and it should add depth to your character portrayal if nothing else.

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Teaching and Advice looks at the role of teachers, advisors/mentors in the role of fiction. What experience do they have? How does it help the one they are advising? Are the teachers and advisors generally respected or not (and why is this the case)? Plenty of story ideas to be found here I think!

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I share details of my Chandler’s Ford Today post, which is part 2 of my interview with Barbara Large.

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CHANDLER’S FORD TODAY

Part 2 of my interview with Barbara Large is now on site and, as ever, Barbara shares a wealth of advice for writers of all backgrounds. It was a great joy to meet up with her again and I can’t overestimate how much she has supported writers of fiction (all genres) and non-fiction over the years. It was lovely to talk to her and thank you, Barbara, for sparing your very precious time for the interview.

The Writing Life with Barbara Large is a two part interview and now available via Chandler’s Ford Today, Image via Pixabay.