Tag: Cafelit

The Best of Cafelit. Image by me.

A GOOD DAY FOR A FAIRY GODMOTHER

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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.

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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.

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.

 

Six of the seven books my stories have appeared in (okay in the case of Limerick Nation, one limerick!). Baubles is the other book. Image taken by me.

LITTLE THINGS/REALISTIC DIALOGUE

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FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

In Little Things, I discuss those little traits that reveal what a character is really like.  Some of these things will be unconsciously done. Others may be deliberately put on to try to reinforce what that character wants other characters to see about them.  (A kind of “building up the image” reaction).  Little things like this can back up the main portrayal of a character or flatly contradict it.  (Personally, I think the little things really do give people and characters away).

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Realistic Dialogue is, for me, writing speech clearly and not necessarily as we actually speak it.  Too  many “umms” and “errs” make for a boring read.  Using slang or regional accents can be problematic.  Clarity is the most important thing of all.

PUBLICATION NEWS

Received my copies of Baubles today, this year’s anthology from Bridge House Publishing.  My story, Helping Out, is in there.  Love the cover.  Have shared the link to the Baubles Facebook page.  Am looking forward to going to the joint launch (with Cafelit) in London on Saturday.  I also have a story, Telling the Time, in this year’s The Best of Cafelit 5. 

https://www.facebook.com/Baubles-204986853276063/

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And for the Baubles book trailer:-

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I discuss how long my Kindle battery lasts (!) and talk about the arrival of Baubles.  My stories have now appeared in 7 different books.  Am very pleased with that and hope to build on it.

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

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

 

 

 

Come sunrise the fairies (and fairytale witches) must vanish. Image via Pixabay.

OFFENDING A FAIRYTALE WITCH

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I love writing a  mixture of funny posts and those that share writing tips/thoughts about writing, hence tonight’s billings!

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

Offending a Fairytale Witch is full of hints and tips for anyone brave or insane enough to give this a go.  It’s not something I’d do but then I like (a) living and (b) going to bed the same shape and species with which I began the day.  Call me fussy and all that but we all have our lines we won’t cross and this is one of mine.  Still the great thing is even if you’re not brave or insane enough to offend a fairytale witch, like me you can always enjoy reading about what you could do but for health and safety reasons have wisely chosen not to indulge in!

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Turning from the ridiculous to what I hope is the more sensible (and maybe sublime?), What is a Good Story shares what I think makes for a truly gripping tale.  Do you agree with my findings?  Can you add to them?  I’ve deliberated not named any specific stories but the principles of my list apply across all genres and word counts.

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Today was lovely in that I sent back the proofs for my short story, Helping Out, which will be appearing in Bridge House Publishing’s annual anthology soon.  This year’s anthology is called Baubles and I am looking forward to going to the launch event in London in December.  It will be a joint launch with Cafelit and I am thrilled I have a flash fiction piece, Telling the Time, in their compilation, The Best of Cafelit 5.  It has been a good year for my short stories and I very much hope to build on this in 2017.

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A way into the magical realm, perhaps? Image via Pixabay.

A way into the magical realm, perhaps? Image via Pixabay.