Fairytales and “Planned” Writing

May 22, 2018Leave a comment

Have had a lot of fun with slideshows on my Facebook author page this week!

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Loved the Royal Wedding. Loved the music and the sermon especially. A modern fairytale? Absolutely fine by me.

Ironically, I think one thing that can be overlooked about fairytales by some is the fact that they are based on a sound knowledge of human nature. The classic fairytales call a spade a spade when it comes to jealousy, cruelty etc. There is no pretence about the fate Snow White faced at the hands of the Wicked Queen, or that Cinderella really loved being treated the way she was by her stepmother and stepsisters.

Fairytales, I think, can be amongst some of the most honest fiction there is when it comes to holding a mirror up and reflecting what humanity can be like.

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Looking forward to taking part in the Hursley Park Book Fair next month. I’ll also be giving a talk on flash fiction as part of this. Will be posting more details a little nearer the time (here and via Chandler’s Ford Today).

Pleased I’ve sent off two flash fiction stories for the Bridport Prize. (Nothing ventured, nothing gained). Getting quite a few stories together now for a future third collection, which is great. I also hope to spend some time on non-fiction later this year too. Always good to have plenty to be getting on with writing wise!

Beautiful pens. Pexels image.

Editing – the crucial part to getting a story right. Image via Pixabay.

What wonderful worlds we can creat! Image via Pixabay.

Clarity is vital. Pixabay image.

My flash fiction collection from Chapeltown Books!

So many ways to network online now. Image via Pixabay.

Even in the heart of a city, books can provide escapism. Image via Pixabay.

The perfect way to relax. All writers love to read. Image via Pixabay.

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I like a mixture of planned writing to a topic and “free” writing. These posts are always in the latter category as, with the exception of flagging up my CFT posts, I never know quite what I’ll be writing until a few minutes before I get started. It keeps it fresh!

For CFT and other blogs, I do have to think well ahead for topics. How far ahead depends on how much research I need to do and things like the date the post will go out. For example, I know when the Fryern Funtasia will be each year so that tells me what my post for that week will be.

I like the mixture of planning and NOT planning – it keeps me on my toes! As for my flash fiction, I brainstorm opening lines every so often but deliberately don’t write the stories up until later. I want to give myself some thinking time here. I then set aside time (often on a train journey!) to get on and write those stories down. I know the theme, how I’m starting and likely possibilities of where that opening line can take me but that’s all. And away I go!

Reaching out for writing ideas. Image via Pixabay.

Is your writing as colourful as these flowers? Image by Allison Symes

What worlds could there be out here? Image via Pixabay

What lies beyond the shore…. ideas for stories? Image via Pixabay

The road should not be an easy one for your hero/heroine. Image via Pixabay

The dark can seem to overcome the light but light will prevail. Image via Pixabay

Pressing on towards the light. Image via Pixabay

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My CFT post later this week will be the last in my series 101 Things to Put Into Room 101. I’ve had no trouble whatsoever coming up with 101 things… that DOES say a lot about me/human nature in general I think.

Will be talking about flash fiction at the Hursley Park Book Fair in June. Hursley Park is the home of IBM and is a well known landmark between Hursley and Winchester. Looking forward to this a lot. A number of local writers will be taking part – and the event is free and there is parking! More details a bit nearer the time. (Will be the biggest event I’ve taken part in to date).

Writing wise, do you find it easiest to have a good opening line to “peg” your story to or have a cracking ending that you work backwards from to get to the start point? I use both methods and like them both, though numerically I’ve written more from the starting point of a good opening line. I suppose it does feel more natural to write a story that way.

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Busy preparing a couple of flash fiction pieces for a competition. Been a while since I submitted competition entries (not deliberately, you know how it is. You become engrossed with other writing work etc). Want to do better on this front so am starting to make diary notes to remind me to do it.

Really pleased that my last competition entry, for the Waterloo Festival anthology, did well and will be included in that ebook when it comes out. Naturally I shall post about it nearer the time!

I’ve been making greater use of my writing diary since earlier this year for sending in work to Cafelit and that has worked well. Why is it that almost making an appointment with yourself to do something like this can and does make all the difference to whether you actually do it or not?

I suppose it is because seeing it in the diary makes me block out time to actually get the job done. I need to block out more time!

Aiming for more “magic” from my stories this year! Image via Pixabay.

Escape with a good book. Image via Pixabay.

Says it all really and applies to non-fiction equally as fiction. Image via Pixabay.

Characters seeking to change the world are often on a physical journey too. Image via Pixabay.

Heaven on earth? Image via Pixabay (of the library at Leeds Castle)

Connections to what you read and what you write. What are yours? Image via Pixabay.

You can't beat a good read and I would include Jane Austen in amongst the top of my list. Image via Pixabay.

I finish my writing rituals for the day by having a good read. Immerse yourself in books! Image via Pixabay.

Is the truth welcome in your fictional world? How does your community react to it?. Image via Pixabay.

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What do you like most about flash fiction? I love being able to suggest a whole world in a few words and leave readers to fill in the gaps. I really enjoy having the boot on the other foot as well and filling in the gaps my fellow flash authors leave in their stories. I don’t want the writer doing all the work for me and so I try in my writing to make sure I’m not doing that.

Having the reader fill in the gaps keeps them hooked and reading your stories! The main thing to remember is to make sure they have the crucial points they will need to know to able to fill in those gaps.

Use what you know of our natural world and blend it with some imagination to create your own fictional one - image via Pixabay

Use what you know of our world and your imagination to create something really special. Image via Pixabay

Humans are immensely creative - image via Pixabay

Let those ideas flow! Image via Pixabay,

The fantastic world of books must include non-fiction too - image via Pixabay

The wonderful world of writing should include non-fiction, which benefits from creative techniques too. Image via Pixabay.

A wonderful palette of colours. Image via Pixabay.

Grow as a writer? Grow your reading! Image via Pixabay

What impact do your stories have on your readers? Image via Pixabay

Themes pour out of good books - image via Pixabay

Let the writing flow and if music can help it along even better! Image via Pixabay

There can be reality behind fairytales. Image via Pixabay (and image used as part of book trailer for From Light to Dark and Back Again)

Flash fiction for impact. Image via Pixabay

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Need to send more material off for flash fiction competitions. Have just sent off two new stories for the Bridport Prize. Would love to have a shortlisting there. I know, who wouldn’t?!😀

Am pleased with the stage I’m at for a potential third flash fiction book. Going on all those train journeys has helped no end! Alas, I’m not due on a train again for a while…

I find when I’m writing the stories, I tend to write a “batch”, then have to switch back to non-fiction for while, before getting on with the next “batch”. Not sure why that is but I have found switching like this keeps me alert to the challenges of both forms of writing. The other advantage, of course, is there is zero chance of becoming bored!

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What is your favourite way of opening a flash fiction story? I am very fond of using the first person and taking you straight into the character’s head. In the space of a few words, you will know what that character is like and what dilemma they’re facing. I like efficiency (and you have to be spot on here when writing flash).

The other major way I use to start a story is to set the scene quickly. For example, from Pressing the Flesh, I start with “It was 3 am. The neighbours were sleeping”. (I would hope they were incidentally but this tells you that the character has somehow made sure of this point. That should immediately make you want to know why they would do that and what on earth they’re up to!).

Well, what is it then? Image via Pixabay.

Let a book carry you away! Image via Pixabay

I loved the long, light evenings in the Far North of Scotland. Image by me.

Glorious Golspie on the Far North coast of Scotland, image by me.

Relaxing with a story – image via Pixabay

The most important advice of all when it comes to books whether you are just reading them or trying to write your own as well. Image via Pixabay.

Escape with a good book. Image via Pixabay.

Come sunrise the fairies must vanish. Image via Pixabay.

Notebooks old and new – image via Pixabay. Ideas have to be jotted down somewhere!

Poetry conjures up images and war poetry conjures up some of the most famous of all. Image via Pixabay (and I think one of the loveliest I've ever shared. Simple but stunning).

What are your characters’ favourite memories and why? Image via Pixabay

This statue I like… a lot. Image via Pixabay

Where many a first draft starts life. Old technology still has its uses! Image via Pixabay.

Stories (and indeed most books of any kind) are magical. Image via Pixabay.

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Do you set out to write a collection of stories based on a specific theme or wait and see what emerges from the stories you have written? FLTDBA was really a case of the latter, though I did surprise myself a bit at how many of my stories involved rough/poetic justice of some kind!

I don’t think there is a right or wrong way here incidentally. It’s just I can’t see myself writing to a specific mood of story. You do have to write with conviction, whether you are writing funny tales or deeply serious ones. I suppose the answer if you prefer to write to a theme is to set one which is fairly broad and can be interpreted in different ways/moods/settings to give yourself as much flexibility as possible. I do know you’d need that! Writing can be hard enough without putting too narrow a restriction on yourself.

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This post has been inspired by the Royal Wedding (which I loved). I suspect there will be a book about it before long! There was a lot of talk during the commentaries about modern fairytales, which is fine with me. I’m all for fairytales, ancient and modern. My first reading love was the classic fairytales.

Thinking about it further, maybe children are drawn to the classic fairytales because they know they are honestly written?

Your average fairytale does not pull any punches about exposing what is wrong. There is no pretence Snow White didn’t face an awful fate at the hands of the Wicked Queen. There is no “acceptance of her situation” by Cinderella! Change has to happen, injustices need to be righted, but in this world some magic is needed to make that happen.

Now if we could only make it happen in this one! Mind, if I could bring my fictional fairy godmothers and the like to life, they’d have a huge shopping list of things to put right, so it is probably just as well I can’t.

Back to the reading and writing of books then!

A good reading pile! Pexels image.

The delights of the open page. Pexels image.

Reading outdoors can be wonderful. Pexels image.

Love the bike. Pexels image.

Shedding some light… Pexels image.

The delights of a cosy read. Pexels image

The perfect way to relax. All writers love to read. Image via Pixabay.

Fiction is strengthened when backed by fact. Image via Pixabay

Historical records can be an invaluable source of inspiration. Image via Pixabay,

Some of the books I’ve appeared in and FLTDBA of course. Image by Allison Symes

REVIEWS, FAIRYTALE RELATIONSHIPS, AND STORY IDEAS

May 18, 2018May 18, 2018Leave a comment

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My CFT post tonight is the penultimate one in my 101 Things to Put into Room 101 series. I have had no trouble whatsoever in coming up with 101 things! This probably says a lot about me but never mind…

As well as the horror of ripped jeans, I consign “easy to open packets” and the ability to lose scissors into the vault of doom. The latter of course is a real pain when wanting something to cut open the supposedly easy to open packets…

Part 6 - How many of the packets in a supermarket are that easy to open

How many easy to open packets are here, I wonder, and how many REALLY are easy to open? Image via Pixabay.

Part 6 - We'll be with you between 9 am and 6 pm with your parcel, argh

“We’ll be with you between 9 am and 6 pm”. Hmm… not exactly helpful is it? Image via Pixabay.

Part 6 - A ban on trumpet playing wasn't my first thought on bad manners but here things are different

A ban on trumpet playing? Image via Pixabay

I can predict there will be more end of the world predictions! Image via Pixabay

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What are the signs of a really good story for you? My top five would be:-

1. Not wanting the story to end.
2. Wondering how the characters would have carried on with their lives after the story ended.
3. Re-reading the story several times. (In flash especially a second or third reading will often reveal meanings and inferences you didn’t pick up the first time. You then really get to appreciate the depth of the story in such a tight word count).
4. Wishing you had written it!
5. The ending is so apt for the story, you can’t imagine it ending in any other way.

Comments welcome!

Beautiful pens. Pexels image.

A good reading pile! Pexels image.

The delights of the open page. Pexels image.

I don’t always write directly to screen. Image via Pixabay

Escape with a good book. Image via Pixabay.

Aiming for more “magic” from my stories this year! Image via Pixabay.

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

What fictional world have you created? What ways and rules have you set for your characters? Image via Pixabay.

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.

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Where do story ideas come from? Mine come from a wide range of sources including proverbs and other sayings, books or films that I’ve loved, to objects on my desk that have particular meaning for me.

I’ve learned, over time, to be “open” to ideas and not instantly dismiss them as being “too silly” or what have you. I will explore the idea to see if I can do anything with it and nine times out of ten I can.

I’ve only abandoned an idea once or twice in all my years of writing and I know now that was due to my not having outlined enough. By outlining (and spider diagrams can be useful here), you can work out whether an idea has “legs” or not or whether it needs something else to bring it to life.

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It’s funny how often in writing we remember the bad reviews but not the good ones etc. However, there is a flip side to this. I remember my first acceptance (hello, Bridge House Publishing, for my A Helping Hand in their Alternative Renditions anthology). That will always be a special writing moment.

I can’t recall my first rejection though. Nor do I wish to! I do wish I could recall my LAST rejection but that would mean stopping writing and I’m one of those people where the pen would have to be wrested away from me. And that is the way it should be!

Hard at work. Pexels image.

Books are the keys to knowledge. Image via Pixabay

Ebooks and print – both have their own frustrations when it comes to publishing. Image via Pixabay

Let the creative process flow! Image via Pixabay

Part of my Book Fair stand (from behind the table!).

Many thanks to all who’ve reviewed FLTDBA so far.

Libraries are fabulous places. Go and explore! Image via Pixabay.

Simply stunning… image via Pixabay

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Does mood affect what you write? The jury is out on this one as far as I’m concerned.

I’ve written funny stories when feeling sad (it was therapeutic doing that). I’ve written dark stories when feeling cheerful. (Not entirely sure what to make of that one).

What matters most, I think, is you have to decide what is going to be the mood of your story and then write accordingly. Deciding on the mood will then lead you to think about why you’ve chosen that and what character or type of character would be best for your tale. Sometimes I think putting a story together is exactly like putting a jigsaw together. The pieces are interconnected but you need a starting point and using mood of story can be a useful way to “kick off”.

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What influences your writing? Books and stories you’ve admired by other authors? A cracking film that kept you on the edge of your seat for over two hours? A special symphony?

I expect that your influences come from all over the place. What is lovely is when a couple of them combine and you can create a new story from that combination. For example, your lead character loves gothic novels and classic railway engines. How could you use that in a story? (Could be fun finding out. Indeed, SHOULD be fun finding out!).

What is great here is that by reading/watching films/listening to music etc, you can ensure you never get stuck for an idea again. The “trick” is to read widely/watch films across many genres/listen to several types of music etc. Think of it as casting your net really widely!

The building blocks of putting a story together. Pixabay image.

The writer’s basic toolkit – image via Pixabay

Good advice – and it applies to our characters too. Image via Pixabay

Use personal reviews to help you generate character and story outlines. Image via Pixabay.

Says it all really but reading your work to yourself will show up where dialogue is weak. Image via Pixabay.

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

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It is only when you are putting a collection together, you realise sometimes just (a) how much you have written and (b) that more work is going to be needed to get that volume right.

Where themes emerge, you will want to group them together (so you’ll need to get your contents page right for one thing and that will keep changing as you move things around).

The importance of VERY accurate proof reading will dawn on you in a way it may not have done before! (You want “your baby” to be perfect, yes?). Also, you will soon realise you cannot rush the proof reading stage to be sure of accuracy.

But enjoy the process. This is a very special part of the writing life – you are that bit nearer to publication.

Books should show you other worlds. Image via Pixabay.

Books are a fantastic form of escapism. Image via Pixabay

What a beautiful home for books. Image via Pixabay

Ah! I do love a good memory stick! Image via Pixabay.

Enjoy what you write and read! Image by Allison Symes

What ever writer needs. Image via Pixabay

Images from the magical world… Image via Pixabay

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Really pleased that my last competition entry, for the Waterloo Festival anthology, did well and will be included in that ebook when it comes out. Naturally I shall post about it nearer the time!

I suppose it is because seeing it in the diary makes me block out time to actually get the job done. I need to block out more time!

: The delights of a cosy read. Pexels image

: Great library. Pexels image.

: A rose by any other name? Tribute to Shakespeare maybe? Pexels image.

: The classic start to a fairytale. Image via Pixabay.

: Where will your characters take you? Image via Pixabay

: A blank page can take you anywhere in writing. Image via Pixabay.

: The Kindle. Has expanded my reading (no more worrying about how many books I can take on holiday either!). Image via Pixabay.

: This statue I like… a lot. Image via Pixabay

: Poets stand and stare and then write down. Image via Pixabay.

Fairytales with Bite – Relationships in the Fairytale World

I write this post on the eve of the Royal Wedding in the UK between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. So there will be a lot of talk about “fairytales” as in “fairytale weddings” tomorrow. And yes, the happy ever after fairytale ending is a classic one. But if you take a deeper look into fairytales as a whole, you will find that most relationships in a fairytale world are fraught ones!

1. Cinderella. Didn’t exactly have the happiest relationships with her stepmother and stepsisters.

2. Snow White. Having a stepmother actively trying to kill you puts Cinderella’s woes in the shade!

3. Hansel and Gretel. Could sympathise with Snow White. Would feel, at best, disappointed their father ever agreed to the stepmother’s scheming at all, even if it was reluctantly.

4. The Emperor in the Emperor’s New Clothes. Couldn’t rely on his courtiers to be honest with him. Quite sad really. Makes me wonder if his vanity was an insecurity issue. How did he react, later, after his foolishness was soundly mocked? He really needed someone to tell him he was being an idiot (and be honest enough to admit he needed that, as I think we all do).

So jealousy, hatred, and insecurity are huge themes here. Hmm… fairytale relationships? Perhaps not quite so happy ever after then!

Preparing a talk or a flash fiction story perhaps. Image via Pixabay.

Stories reflect all sorts of moods. There is a story to suit everyone out there! Image via Pixabay.

Books make wonderful gifts. Image via Pixabay.

Books are wonderful – whether in print or electronic, whether as audio stories or told by a storyteller. Image via Pixabay.

Well, what is it then? Image via Pixabay.

Listening to an inspiring talk. Image via Pixabay.

Escape into another world. Image via Pixabay

A typical writing conference room. Image via Pixabay.

This World and Others – Advice to My Much Younger Self

I wrote a Chandler’s Ford Today piece on this a while ago where I discussed what I’d tell my 20-year-old self. I thoYouught I’d revisit the theme and list some things I would tell myself when I was starting out as a writer that I know now but didn’t then.

1. Expect rejection but don’t be fazed by it. Use it to improve what you do.

2. Submit to honest competitions as often as you can. It is all useful experience in submitting work for outside criticism and in meeting deadlines. If you do well and win or are shortlisted, you can add that to your writing CV. And always check out the background of the competition so you know you are submitting work to a reputable one. It’s not you, there ARE charlatans out there.

3. Be open to trying different forms of writing. Had I done this when younger, I would’ve discovered the joys of flash fiction that much sooner!

4. You can never have too much A4 printer paper or toner cartridges or pens. Stock up. Take advantage of special offers when possible.

5. Submit work to honourable online sites as well as for print anthologies etc. Your body of work will soon build up doing this and you cover both audiences – those who only read online, those who read “proper” books and most people go for both anyway.

6. Don’t underestimate how long it will take you to be published. It always does take far longer than you dream of!

7. Before entering any contract, get it checked by the Society of Authors (UK) or other reputable equivalent body. You can save yourself a lot of heartache and money doing this.

8. Expect to be addicted to (a) notebooks, (b) nice pens, (c) going to good writing conferences, and (d) tea/coffee etc to keep you going as you write. Save up accordingly! Start now…

9. Read as much as you can, contemporary and classic, fiction and non-fiction. You may think you’re already doing this but writing has made me read much more than I ever did before, sometimes for review purposes, sometimes not. You need to know what’s out there now. It can help you find your own niche for one thing. You can then play to your strengths here which will give you a greater chance of success when approaching publishers.

10. Remember practically everybody struggles to find an agent, it isn’t just you. Rejection is never personal either. It can be easy to forget these things. Keep going. There is a lot of truth in the saying the professional writer is the amateur who didn’t give up.

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Being Creative

May 14, 2018Leave a comment

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I think most of us need to find some form of being creative – whether that’s using a pen to write or gardening tools to make the “perfect plot” (pun intentional, no apologies!).

I suppose it is because creativity gives us an outlet, especially if most of the time we are doing something far more humdrum. (I love that word humdrum, just sounds good, and conjures up the exact image of what it means).

Creativity is good for mental and physical health so why does it seem sometimes as if it is something that is “indulged in”? (I don’t have that problem, my family are very supportive of my writing, for which I am enormously grateful as I know not every writer can say that).

Stories are magical and inspire other stories. Image via Pixabay.

The world is shrinking thanks to technology. Image via Pixabay.

Beautiful pens. Pexels image.

What great books and stories will emerge from your laptop this year? Image via Pixabay.

Doesn’t look comfortable to me. Pexels image.

Editing – the crucial part to getting a story right. Image via Pixabay.

I finish my writing rituals for the day by having a good read. Immerse yourself in books! Image via Pixabay.

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Pleased with writing achievements on the train yesterday. A whole CFT post written for next week and a flash fiction story (though one at the higher word count end for me). Hope to have a good look and edit of the latter during the week and submit it somewhere.

Looking forward to taking part in the inaugural Hursley Park Book Fair in June. Over 40 authors are taking part and I will have more details nearer the time via a CFT post about it.

Reading, for me at the moment, is pretty much split 50/50 between paper and Kindle. That is a change for me as it used to be 80/20 paper to Kindle. (But you can’t beat the convenience of slipping your Kindle into a bag with loads of books to choose from over having to limit yourself to one or two paperbacks, depending on the size of one’s bag of course. Goodness knows how men manage here. Is that a paperback in your pocket or…. well you can fill in the rest!😁).

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I’ll be resuming my 101 Things to Put into Room 101 series for CFT this week. Up to No. 76 already! Drafted this on the train at the weekend. Had no problem thinking of things to shove (hard) into the vault of doom.

Am hoping to get a couple of flash fiction stories off for competition later this week. I am pleased (and frankly relieved) so many competitions now accept online submissions. I used to spend a small fortune in postage when I first started writing – and yes, the dinosaurs did still walk the earth then. I was one of them – easily spotted. I was part of that sad group forever in a Post Office queue! (I could almost guarantee I’d be out of stamps when I needed them for a competition. I guess the online equivalent would be finding out your server is down just as you’re trying to send your story in. Murphy’s Law does get everywhere).

A good reading pile! Pexels image.

May require help turning the pages. Pexels image.

I now use a laptop. Pexels image.

Reading outdoors can be wonderful. Pexels image.

Books – love them, don’t mind the format. Image via Pixabay

A huge but lovely library. Image via Pexels

Let the ideas flow and let journeys encourage that! Image via Pixabay

Ebooks and print – both have their own frustrations when it comes to publishing. Image via Pixabay

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Glad to say I’ve had to order more copies of From Light to Dark and Back Again ready for book events coming up over the summer months. Will post more about those nearer to the time of each though I am glad that at one of them in particular, I should have the chance to catch up with friends, which is always a lovely bonus.

I did manage to write some flash fiction on my train journey today – one of my longer pieces. (I also wrote an entire CFT post too so a productive day!)

Can’t beat a good book or several. Image via Pixabay.

The perfect way to relax. All writers love to read. Image via Pixabay.

Even in the heart of a city, books can provide escapism. Image via Pixabay.

Books are the keys to knowledge. Image via Pixabay

Let the creative process flow! Image via Pixabay

The wonderful world of writing should include non-fiction, which benefits from creative techniques too. Image via Pixabay.

Getting the word out! Image via Pixabay

Books can make you lose time but what a way to lose it! Music can do the same. Image via Pixabay

Says it all really but reading your work to yourself will show up where dialogue is weak. Image via Pixabay.

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I am definitely going to have to go on more train journeys as all of the ones I’ve taken so far this year have meant I’ve drafted LOADS of flash fiction stories, which I hope will end up in a third collection eventually. Just a pity my Swanwick trip in August is going to involve a replacement bus service due to major works happening at Derby Station over the summer. Will be interesting to see how I write while on a bus – assuming I can of course.

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The nature of flash fiction in that it gives only a glimpse into the world of its story makes it useful for when you want to imply your character is a time travelling alien or what have you but don’t need to set up a lot of details as to the world they’ve come from.

I’ve found the odd line showing the character’s reaction to the world they’ve left can be telling. It can be a case of what they don’t say that will imply to the reader the world they left was horrendous. Equally a comment, a throwaway line from the character will show their attitude and from that a lot can be deduced.

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Goodreads Author Programme – Blog – Broadening the Mind

The old saying goes that travel broadens the mind and, of course, it can do. But so can reading widely across genres and non-fiction.

Also reading contemporary AND classic fiction is useful here as the former keeps you in touch with what is out there now, and the other keeps you in touch with where writing has come from.

Also I’d argue that writers such as Wodehouse, Austen, Dickens etc have all stood the test of time and will continue to do so. What is fun is to watch out for those contemporary (or near contemporary) authors who will go on to stand the test of time. (I’d have the late, great Terry Pratchett as a certainty here. Also J.K. Rowling for Harry Potter.).

Writing, especially when it involves any kind of research, also encourages mind broadening. (The great thing with this is most of us don’t want our waists to broaden, but you can broaden the mind as much as you like! No calories involved whatsoever…!).

So read and write away!

Books should show you other worlds. Image via Pixabay.

So many ways to network online now. Image via Pixabay.

This notice may make you smile though. Image via Pixabay.

A beautiful home for lovely books. Image via Pixabay.

Or you could ask some simple questions! Image via Pixabay.

Use personal reviews to help you generate characters and story outlines. Image via Pixabay.

Can’t beat the notebook and pen for quick notes. Image via Pixabay,

Social Media Tree. Image via Pixabay.

Some of the strongest ideas have a simple theme. See A Christmas Carol as a classic example. Image via Pixabay.

You can’t beat a good book. Image via Pixabay.

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR – AND NIGHTMARES!

May 8, 2018Leave a comment

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Went to our local Funtasia at one of our parks today. Very hot. You should’ve seen the queues for the icecream vans and the cold drink sellers! Good to catch up with friends at Bettermaths and Three Rivers Rail Community Partnership in particular. I’ll write more about this for CFT later this week (though I will put in now a quick nod to the lady selling old paperbacks for charity. Hope she did well. Mine wasn’t in there!).

What kind of fair/show would your fictional world have? Are they based on a religious festival or something decreed by the powers that be that should be celebrated? What would happen to those not taking part? Now I suspect there are quite a few stories to be had from answering those questions alone. Good luck!

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What would be your main character’s worst nightmare and what would happen if they had to face it? Now there’s a writing prompt for you (and I would guess it is the basis for most horror writing in particular).

Equally, success can corrupt so what would happen if your character’s ambitions came true and then they found what they had longed for wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be? Disappointment happens so how would they handle that? (Good question to ask yourself at times I think!).

Thinking about this kind of question will help make your characters seem more real to you, which is crucial. If you don’t believe in them, nobody else will!

Reach for those ideas. Pixabay image.

Work and the muse will come. Don’t wait for it to show up first! Image via Pixabay

Let the ideas flow and let journeys encourage that! Image via Pixabay

Good advice. Image via Pixabay.

Writing conferences, classes etc can be a great source of networking and inspiration for writers. Image via Pixabay.

Could your story start with a journey or an unwelcome homecoming? Image via Pixabay

Some of the strongest ideas have a simple theme. See A Christmas Carol as a classic example. Image via Pixabay.

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The perfect flash story is one which grips your readers, where nothing more could be said in that tale, but also where you have created such a character, it is easy to envisage further stories involving them.

I love it when characters come to life as you know your story has “legs” then. (A recent play performed by local group The Chameleons had the writer bringing their characters to life literally! Were the characters impressed by what their “boss” came out with? Not a bit of it!).

Another sign of a good story is when you re-read it after a suitable gap and you still enjoy it. Remember your first reader is you. If you can’t convince yourself with your story, you won’t convince anyone else, so if you enjoy the re-read, it is likely a reader would love the story too.

What wonderful worlds we can creat! Image via Pixabay.

Great characters = great books. Image via Pixabay.

Books are the keys to knowledge. Image via Pixabay

Good advice – and it applies to our characters too. Image via Pixabay

Not arguing with this! Image via Pixabay

Well, would you? Image via Pixabay

Love this image! Image via Pixabay

Books invite you into their world. Image via Pixabay

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One of the reasons for the need for escapism in any form of fiction is that real life can, of course, be pretty horrid at times. I can understand misery memoir can be therapeutic but I’m afraid it’s not for me. I have to have a story that entertains me (whether is by making me laugh, cry, or by making my blood run cold).

The great thing with flash, naturally, is you can do all of those things in a very short word count. Sometimes you have the “perfect” short story that would be ruined if you tried to pad it out to a more standard length for competitions etc. So never pad! It does show.

The classic start to a fairytale. Image via Pixabay.

I don’t always write directly to screen. Image via Pixabay

A beautiful home for lovely books. Image via Pixabay.

Like being able to store so many books! Image via Pexels

Library shelf. Image via Pexels

From Light to Dark and Back Again. Image by Allison Symes

Says it all really and applies to non-fiction equally as fiction. Image via Pixabay.

You can almost feel the mood from this picture. Image via Pixabay.

Goodreads Author Programme –

Blog – What is the Best Thing about Stories?

What would you say was the best thing about stories? The happy ever after/for now ending? The twist? The engaging characters?

Any decent story, to my mind, has to have at least some of those elements but, for me, the best stories reveal something about human nature that, for whatever reason, has not occurred to me before.

A good story will show you something about yourself and challenge you to think about whether you would have done what Character X did or not. A good story also shows consequences from action and, sometimes, inaction. You should be asking yourself what would I have done had I been the character in this story?

Do you find yourself a bit less quick to condemn when doing this? Putting yourself in the shoes of characters, whether you write them or not, can be enlightening.

I also love it when justice is seen to be done where the story calls for it given we all know that so often doesn’t happen in life. This is one reason for the continuing huge popularity of fairytales.

And you can’t beat pure escapism as one of the great joys of story reading and writing. So whatever the best thing for stories is for you, enjoy it all!

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HOW TO HELP THE WRITER IN YOUR LIFE – AND A NEW FLASH STORY

May 6, 2018Leave a comment

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Glad to say my latest flash fiction piece, Getting Lost, is now up on Cafelit. Hope you enjoy. If you’ve ever had a sat nav give you “strange” directions, this is a story for you!

What wonderful worlds we can creat! Image via Pixabay.

Technology has helped short story writers. Image via Pixabay

Signing books for a friend. Image by Adrian Symes

The art of the flash (fiction). Image via Pixabay

Great way to relax. Now where are those biscuits? Image via Pixabay

Let the creative process flow! Image via Pixabay

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If you want to help the writer in your life, please do review their books on Amazon, Goodreads etc. The lovely thing with this is that the review doesn’t have to be a long one – the crucial thing is it has to be honest! The numbers of reviews build up over time and really do help an author’s profile.

One great thing a writer can do is review other books and across a wide range of writing tastes. I must admit I tend to have a “glut” of reviewing and then write none for a while. Not deliberate on my part. I just need to be a bit better organised on that front! The reason why this is so useful is by bringing a book into the publishing world you are joining the industry and it makes so much sense to support that industry by buying other books and reviewing them!

Present buying for writers? Well, you can never go wrong with nice notebooks and pens or book tokens/gift cards. Getting that one in a tad early for Christmas I know, but hey writers have birthdays too!

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There will be a new flash fiction piece from me up on Cafelit tomorrow (sometime during the early evening onwards) called Getting Lost. Must try and enter more flash fiction competitions this year too.

I tend to draft promising first lines and then draft stories to fit them (often when on train journeys). It definitely beats doing the crossword by a very long margin! Often that promising first line sparks ideas for the title of the piece too.

How do I decide whether a story will be a drabble at 100 words or a longer one? Basically when I know I cannot edit the piece any more without it losing something that contributes to the characters or the overall story. I then leave the piece be and whatever the word count is remains the word count! Often this will be at 100 words or under but sometimes a piece really does work better as a 250-300 worder. This is where reading a piece out loud can show you how well the whole thing “flows” and if it “flows” well, that is when it is time to drop the editing pen.

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One of the great joys of reading flash fiction is picking up on the clues the writer gives you. I normally have to read a story twice to pick up everything (I was like this when watching things like Columbo too – this DOES say something about me!).

You can learn a lot about story construction when reading a piece through more than once. This, of course, is one great joy about writing flash fiction. You pick up things like story construction to help inspire and improve your own work and are looking for things a reader simply wouldn’t.

One difficulty with flash can be working out where to end it. It must not seem like a big bit of prose cut abruptly short. This is where I love the twist ending as it overcomes that. The twist clearly is the ending with no room for anything else afterwards. Problem solved!

Heading to the light. Image via Pixabay.

From Light to Dark and Back Again perhaps? Image via Pixabay (and so beautiful)

Beautiful light. Image via Pixabay.

Networking with readers at the Chandler’s Ford Book Fair in 2017. Image from Janet Williams, CFT’s amazing editor.

My flash fiction collection from Chapeltown Books!

Decisions, decisions and a not terribly helpful signpost. Image via Pixabay.

Honest feedback is the only kind worth having. Image via Pixabay.

What I do! Image by Allison Symes

Is the truth welcome in your fictional world? How does your community react to it?. Image via Pixabay.

Let your stories have impact. Image via Pixabay

What ever writer needs. Image via Pixabay

Learn a lot from author interviews be they in print or online. Image via Pixabay.

The Word Fairy

May 3, 2018May 3, 2018Leave a comment

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So if the word fairy turned up and granted you three wishes but they had to be related to writing in some way, what would you ask for? My choices would be:-

1. To never run out of ideas that will work!
2. To edit perfectly in one big edit. (Fat chance but just think of the time saved!).
3. To always be proud of what I have published.

Funnily enough, I don’t think I would ask for everything of mine to be automatically published. The quality has to be there and you as the writer should be proud of what you’ve written long after you’ve moved on to other writing projects.

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Editing – the crucial part to getting a story right. Image via Pixabay.

What wonderful worlds we can creat! Image via Pixabay.

No room for gobbledygook here. Image via Pixabay.

Books are the keys to knowledge. Image via Pixabay

Nice selection of books here! Image via Pixabay

Love this image! Image via Pixabay

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Many thanks to all who commented or liked my post yesterday on the three wishes I would go for if the word fairy turned up.

So turning this idea on its head, what three things related to writing would you ask the word fairy to take and dump somewhere inaccessible with no chance of said items ever coming back? (Naturally no pollution would be caused).

My choices would be:-

1. Amazon saying your book is temporarily out of stock when it is easily available. Grrr…

2. All snobbery relating to genre fiction.

3. All snobbery relating to the independent press.

Now before you say, hang on, Allison is published by the independent press and her stories would count as genre fiction, yes, yes I know. It just gives me added reason to dump these things! I am not pretending to be unbiased here (just as well really).

So what would you choose? (We’ll assume nasty reviews that are clearly having a go at the author rather than trying to be objective about the book have already been dumped by the word fairy. She’s good about things like that or will be when I’ve had a word in her ear…).

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My Chandler’s Ford Today this week is a review of the latest production by The Chameleons. This was a set of three plays, all different in mood and setting, called an April Trio of Plays. More tomorrow but it was intriguing to see three different stories performed.

Contrasts in mood can also work well in stories generally, of course. If there could be said to be a golden rule, it is that there has to be at least one good reason for the mood to be shown. Mind, there has to be at least one good reason for any character to be in a story. If they are not contributing, out they go!

Even in the heart of a city, books can provide escapism. Image via Pixabay.

A beautiful home for lovely books. Image via Pixabay.

Let those ideas flow! Image via Pixabay,

What writing triggers will help you create your new worlds? Image via Pixabay

This was part of the pub decor at the place where Bridge House had their event. Very apt! Image by Allison Symes

Is the truth welcome in your fictional world? How does your community react to it?. Image via Pixabay.

Getting the word out! Image via Pixabay

Let the writing flow and if music can help it along even better! Image via Pixabay

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The delights of short fiction
Are in all of the friction
Contained in fewer words
That please us writing nerds
Who want to have a ball
With their tales and, in all,
Show cynics it can be done
In 100 words – it’s fun!

Allison Symes – 1st May 2018

For all you fellow drabblers out there! (Who did come up with the terms for flash fiction categories? Above all, why?! I still don’t see how 100-word stories could be called drabbles. What is the link there? If anyone knows, please let me know. Mind, I feel more sorry for the 50-word writers. To be a dribbler doesn’t sound right, does it? You just want to reach for some tissue…).

Books – love them, don’t mind the format. Image via Pixabay

The writer’s basic toolkit – image via Pixabay

The tools of the scrivener’s trade. We’ve come on a bit since then! Image via Pixabay

Good advice – and it applies to our characters too. Image via Pixabay

The wonderful world of stories. Image via Pixabay

I’m not arguing with this one! Image via Pixabay.

Flash fiction for impact. Image via Pixabay

What is your story? Image via Pixabay

Never give up, work hard, be disciplined… all valuable traits for success, whether you’re a tennis player, a writer or a character in a story! Image via Pixabay.

Beautiful books. Image via Pixabay.

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Am delighted to say I am one of the authors chosen to appear in the Waterloo Festival anthology. Am gutted I can’t get to the launch event in June due to a much looked forward to holiday! Murphy’s Law for writers strikes again… ah well.

Timing being “off” sometimes is just one of those things that happens to most writers at some point. Sometimes a story can be rejected not because there’s anything particularly wrong with it, but because the editor has chosen another on a similar topic so doesn’t want two close together like that. So definitely time to see if you can find another home for your story then.

Am very pleased to see there are so many more flash story competitions around these days so hopefully that gives us all more scope to find what suits our writing best. Good luck!

Gill James talks with Dawn Knox and I at a networking event held by Bridge House Publishing last December. Am glad to report Dawn will also be in the Waterloo Festival Anthology. Image from Paula Readman and thanks to her for permission to use it.

So much history here, so many stories here. Image via Pexels.

What a beautiful home for books. Image via Pixabay

Books are a fantastic form of escapism. Image via Pixabay

Paula Readman, Dawn Knox and I at the recent Bridge House celebration event. Many thanks to Paula for the image. Also Paula is another winning entry for the Waterloo Festival.

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

My own library is not on this scale but isn’t this a fabulous place? Image via Pixabay (of Leeds Castle).

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Of all the sayings that flash fiction justifies, less is more is probably the best one!

You can only use the most important details in a story. I often don’t name a character either but write in the first person. (I tend not to use that at all for longer short fiction).

You have to get to the point of the story quickly (or if writing a twist ending, everything must be seen to build up to that point. There must be a sense of “movement” in the story getting your readers to where you want them to be).

Heading to the light. Image via Pixabay.

From Light to Dark and Back Again perhaps? Image via Pixabay (and so beautiful)

Beautiful light. Image via Pixabay.

The world is shrinking thanks to technology. Image via Pixabay.

The classic start to a fairytale. Image via Pixabay.

The wonderful world of stories. Image via Pixabay

Goodreads Author Programme – Blog

One Book To Rule Them All?

A good writing diet includes plenty of reading, in and out of the genre you focus on, and should include non-fiction too.

Why? Because ideas for stories spark from all over the place and by reading widely, you are effectively casting your net further. You are giving yourself more opportunities to be inspired. What’s not to like about that?

It is also a good idea to read contemporary as well as classic fiction. Again you are mixing up your reading and, especially if you’re a writer seeking publication, it does make enormous sense to support the industry you are trying to join by reading some of the books that come out of it!

I also think it a good idea to mix things up still further when reading fiction by reading novels, short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. I love reading things I know I couldn’t write myself because the joy of being creative in writing is enjoying the creativity of others. After all, what inspired you to write? Almost certainly something you’ve read.

REAL WRITING POST - Let your characters live

Books should keep you gripped and that is down to the characters. Image via Pixabay

Or you could just ask a few simple questions - image via Pixabay

Or you could ask some simple questions! Image via Pixabay.

Nobody gets their ideas spot on immediately, image via Pixabay

Nobody gets their ideas right first go. Image via Pixabay.

My stories are in The Best of Cafelit 4, 5 and now 6 and also by Bridge House Publishing (Alternative Renditions). My first collection From Light to Dark and Back Again is published by Chapeltown Books.

Where my stories are in print. Image by Allison Symes

The best advice for any writer - image via Pixabay

And prepare well!

Writing in many forms… Image via Pixabay

Images from the magical world… Image via Pixabay

LIGHT BULB and OTHER MOMENTS

April 24, 2018Leave a comment

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It was another get some writing done on the train day on Saturday. Managed to draft most of my next Chandler’s Ford Today post and two new flash fiction stories. On the way back, feeling more than a tad tired, I managed to get some editing done. So pleased with what I achieved!

Let the train take the strain? Yes!

No room for gobbledygook here. Image via Pixabay.

I don’t understand those who dislike books, in whatever format. Image via Pixabay.

Signing books for a friend. Image by Adrian Symes

Let the creative process flow! Image via Pixabay

What are the changes your characters seek to make? Are you showing your characters doing this rather than telling us? Image via Pixabay.

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My CFT post later this week will reference one of my favourite series of books when I was growing up – the Famous Five by Enid Blyton. I never really read any of the Secret Seven and as for Noddy, the less said the better. (In fairness, by the time I discovered Enid’s works, I was way beyond the age range for him!).

Much as I enjoyed the Five’s adventures, I never really did “get” their love of ginger beer. Oh well. I collected the books as the local independent newsagent got them in regularly, which was fab. Back then, most newsagents had a reasonably sized books section (and it wasn’t just W.H. Smiths or Menzies either). I do miss that.

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The lightbulb moment in any story for me is when I have to find out what happens to the main character in it. Then you know you’re hooked! Doesn’t matter what the length of the story is but the characters have to interest you enough to keep you reading.

Plots in themselves aren’t enough. They have to be driven by the right characters. It is possible to have a wonderful plot let down by characters that simply don’t hold the readers’ attention. Get the characters right and the plot will come from them. Why? Because the right characters will find themselves in conflict(s)(they’ll be unable to help themselves!) with something or someone and that’s where the story really lies.

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Hope to submit some more flash fiction stories during the week. Very pleased to be making progress on what I hope will in time become my third book. Train journeys are great for drafting stories. I’m usually far too tired when I get back to do much writing done then, as I normally would, so not only do I feel like I’ve made progress, I feel as if I’ve made the most of the time available to me. I always like that.

I did wonder when I got the smartphone how I would get on with a stylus for writing. No problems! Just hope I don’t lose the thing…!

Technology has helped short story writers. Image via Pixabay

Like being able to store so many books! Image via Pexels

Let the writing flow and if music can help it along even better! Image via Pixabay

You can’t beat the trusty notebook and pen for interview notes. Image via Pixabay.

Books are wonderful – whether in print or electronic, whether as audio stories or told by a storyteller. Image via Pixabay.

Stories reflect all sorts of moods. There is a story to suit everyone out there! Image via Pixabay.

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

Such a familiar look. Image via Pixabay.

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I love that moment when I’m drafting a new flash story when you can feel the tale “coming together” and you know exactly how it will end.

I outline my stories but deliberately don’t set everything down to the “nth” degree as there has to be room for the old creative juices to flourish and “do their stuff”. But when you’ve written the ending that comes to you and you look back at the piece and think “yes, that works”, that is a good feeling.

It’s an even better one if you need a bit of encouragement to keep going. It reassures you that you are coming up with the ideas. So keep going!

Books should show you other worlds. Image via Pixabay.

Work and the muse will come. Don’t wait for it to show up first! Image via Pixabay

Books invite you into their world. Image via Pixabay.

Even in the heart of a city, books can provide escapism. Image via Pixabay.

Well, let’s do so by writing lots of stories! Image via Pixabay.

The basic necessities of the writer’s life!

What fictional world have you created? What ways and rules have you set for your characters? Image via Pixabay.

Where good ideas start… but good ideas need refining and editing, Image via Pixabay

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Flash fiction can be a great mood reflector (of the main character that is!). I know I wouldn’t want to read page after page of a character’s introspection but a brief flash story showing what a character is feeling and why is fine.

Of course, there is nothing to stop you then expanding that idea out and having a standard length short story which shows how the character got into that state (and ideally out of it again if the state is not a good one. I feel a good story of this kind has to have some sort of hope within it. This is why I personally can’t get on with “misery stories”. There has to be something uplifting, even if at the end of the story, the character has just found what they think may be a way out a dismal situation).

Of course, flash, like any story, can reveal something of the author too so you may want to watch what you write!

Can’t beat a good book or several. Image via Pixabay.

Books should show you other worlds. Image via Pixabay.

A beautiful home for lovely books. Image via Pixabay.

Love this image! Image via Pixabay

The wonderful world of writing should include non-fiction, which benefits from creative techniques too. Image via Pixabay.

Use personal reviews to help you generate character and story outlines. Image via Pixabay.

Notes are essential for an talk.

Reviews can have global reach. Most impact I think can often be local to the writer.

Books can make you lose time but what a way to lose it! Music can do the same. Image via Pixabay

This statue reminds me of myself when I was a lot younger. Okay I wasn’t made of stone (I’m still not!) but I did always have my head in a book. (And do so as often as I can now!). Image via Pixabay.

Never give up, work hard, be disciplined… all valuable traits for success, whether you’re a tennis player, a writer or a character in a story! Image via Pixabay.

Says it all really. Image via Pixabay. And am glad to say my poorly border collie, Mabel, has very much been showing this spirit.

MAKING TIME AND WRITING CONFERENCES

April 16, 2018Leave a comment

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Why is it you never have as much time as you’d like for reading and/or writing? Time flies when I write, it drags when I’m doing the housework! There’s probably some natural law about this somewhere…

It’s important then to make the most of the time you do have. Never despise the fact you might only write or read for 15 minutes a day because those pockets of time mount up. At the of a week, you would have had 105 minutes (1 hour, 45 minutes) and you can complete a short story, some flash fiction etc.

Books – love them, don’t mind the format. Image via Pixabay

REAL WRITING POST - Books take us to the heights

Great characters = great books. Image via Pixabay.

Books should keep you gripped and that is down to the characters. Image via Pixabay

A huge but lovely library. Image via Pexels

Even in the heart of a big city, books are a great form of escape - image via Pixabay

Books are a fantasic form of escapism. Image via Pixabay

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What do I like most about going to writing conferences? Difficult to say but I love the interaction with other writers and it is always good to know it’s not just you that’s faced rejections countless times. Also great to be able to celebrate any good publishing news with others and for them to do the same back. It is vital, I think, to know others do know the same frustrations with writing you feel and experience the same joys with it too.

Naturally, there is what you learn from the courses too, but I think you can’t beat the “buzz” of inspiration that comes from these things. You go home again looking forward to drafting out those new thoughts and ideas that came to you, maybe even try a new style of writing. The encouragement that comes from a good writing conference is invaluable for those times when writing doesn’t come easily or for whatever other reason, you’re not able to write as much as you’d like to.

A beautiful home for lovely books. Image via Pixabay.

Great way to relax. Now where are those biscuits? Image via Pixabay

Love this image! Image via Pixabay

The joy of writing. Image via Pixabay.

Some of the books I’ve appeared in and FLTDBA of course. Image by Allison Symes

Books can make you lose time but what a way to lose it! Music can do the same. Image via Pixabay

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Will be off out on the train again this coming weekend so am automatically seeing it as “draft some more flash fiction stories” time! The great thing about writing is you are never short of things to create, edit, edit again, submit, receive rejections on, submit, receive acceptances on etc.

I must try and get some more work off to competitions this year. I have been shortlisted in a couple, which always gives me a buzz, but need to get back to this again. One great thing about competitions is having different themes to work to – I never mind a set theme. The challenge there is in coming up with something which meets the criteria but is engaging and different enough to hook the judge. (If you’ve hooked them, you’ve hooked potential readers).

Golden rules of competitions?

1. Make sure it is a genuine competition. Check out the background of it first.

2. Assuming it is a genuine competition, follow the rules. Stories ARE dismissed if rules are broken. (To do otherwise isn’t fair on other entrants who have stuck to them).

Oh and if you’re entering writing competitions, have fun, good luck and remember if nothing happens this time, you have still written a story that may suit a publication elsewhere. Waste nothing (but be prepared to rewrite).

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One of the great things about flash fiction is that a few telling details can conjure up a whole world very quickly. It really is a question of feeding your reader the right information so they put two and two together. (Sometimes of course you throw in the odd red herring!).

The Truth in FLTDBA is a good example of the right detail being a pivotal part of the story. I don’t directly tell you this is an aliens from another world story. I tell you the name of the spaceship the alien flies in and you take the rest from there.

Some very strange creatures are in books. Image via Pixabay

What new worlds and scenes will books show you? Image via Pixabay

The wonderful world of stories. Image via Pixabay

Time to have another home perhaps? Good stories to be had here! Image via Pixabay

Let your stories have impact. Image via Pixabay

Use flash fiction techniques to help you develop other forms of writing so you grow as a writer. Image via Pixabay

Fantasy may look at other worlds but often reflects on our own. Time is different too. Music can interpret worlds too. Think of classic film scores like that for The Lord of the Rings. Image via Pixabay.

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I use a variety of methods to generate stories including setting myself an opening line and taking the tale from there. I sometimes set myself a closing line and work out the story from a “backwards” point of view. Agatha Christie did this too.

What I’ve not done, and I guess I should give it a go at some point, is set myself an “in the middle” line and work either side of it! I do know of one competition a year at least that does set a middle line like that and I should imagine it’s an interesting challenge.

I’ve been brainstorming ideas for a third flash fiction collection and some of the lines I’ve come up with I will definitely save as closing lines. I’ll have a go at setting one or two as middle lines and see how I do!

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Flash fiction can be used to reflect moods (your own and that of your characters). My story, They Don’t Understand, is an example of that. It is a poignant piece about an older man looking back at the life shared with his wife. I would also describe this as a character sketch.

I do sometimes write pieces that would never make a standard length short story (1500 words or so) but make ideal reflections on character (circa 100 to 300 words) and make an interesting sideline to my “standard” flash fiction stories.

I like character pieces as a good one will make you reflect on what the “star” has shared with you in the story and make you ponder as to whether you would do the same.

Good advice – and it applies to our characters too. Image via Pixabay

Not arguing with this! Image via Pixabay

Good advice. Image via Pixabay.

Or you could ask some simple questions! Image via Pixabay.

You can’t beat the trusty notebook and pen for interview notes. Image via Pixabay.

Stories reflect all sorts of moods. There is a story to suit everyone out there! Image via Pixabay.

Books are wonderful – whether in print or electronic, whether as audio stories or told by a storyteller. Image via Pixabay.

Goodreads Author Programme – Blog

I write flash fiction so my first priority is to tell an entertaining story yet keep the word count down.

One great way of doing this is to give the reader the information what they need to know, but no more than that. They are the ones who put two and two together. For example in one of my stories I mention the name of the spacecraft the alien narrator flies. It is all you need to know to get the gist of the story.

Great books across the genres have been doing this for years, long before flash came on to the scene (though I think flash, as a format, is the “flagbearer” for this now).

I love Agatha Christie, as I’ve mentioned before, for the puzzle element to her stories. I like authors who give me space to work things out (and later in the story I find out whether I was right with my conclusions or not). I also think those books are more memorable because you and me, as readers, are taking an active part in those books as we read them.

I also like P.G. Wodehouse for the details he seemingly without effort puts into his story. He sometimes refers to the meals being offered. I think that’s a great way to draw people into the story, it also gives an idea of the wealth and status of the characters.

Escape with a good book. Image via Pixabay.

Flash fiction for impact. Image via Pixabay

Let the writing flow and if music can help it along even better! Image via Pixabay

What is your story? Image via Pixabay

Two formats for reading and Chandler's Ford library stocks both. Image via Pixabay.

Two formats for reading – why limit yourself?

The virtual library. These days ebooks and emagazines are available at libraries. Chandler’s Ford library are running surgeries about them. Image via Pixabay.

DRAFTS, TLAs AND FAVOURITE GENRE

April 10, 2018Leave a comment

Facebook – General

Managed to draft a few flash fiction stories on my train journeys yesterday. Great use of time, made even better with my headphones plugged in so I can enjoy classical music while I write. She will indeed have music wherever she goes… unless the train goes into a tunnel of course!

I sometimes draft blog posts on this kind of trip too. This has come in extremely useful. It means I always have ideas drafted down I can refer back to and then flesh out when ready to do so. I did take my Kindle with me yesterday meaning to read as well but ran out of time. Still, I made up for that later…

It did strike me though, as I looked around the carriages to see practically all of us plugged into our phones, what a bizarre sight this could seem for an outsider looking in. All of us in our little virtual worlds, all with a kind of invisible barrier up around us. Hmm… I strongly suspect there’s some story ideas to be had from that image! Good luck…

Seen on a desk near you… image via Pixabay

The writer’s basic toolkit – image via Pixabay

Ebooks and print – both have their own frustrations when it comes to publishing. Image via Pixabay

Books are the keys to knowledge. Image via Pixabay

Time flies when reading or writing. Image via Pixabay

Let the creative process flow! Image via Pixabay

Many thanks to MIBI Gift Shop for stocking my book.

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.

Facebook – General

TLAs turn up everywhere. And it’s fine if you know what the three letter acronym is for. You can feel a bit of a twit if you don’t. Apparently, HFN means Happy for Now and HEA is Happy Ever After, both used in romantic fiction. I can’t think of any TLAs for flash fiction writers (do share if you know any but keep them clean!).

You could use TLAs as part of an outlining process for your characters.

ABB = Awkward but Brave
SBK = Stupid but Kind
NBT = Not (to) Be Trusted
DBD = Daring but Dim

Hmm… some interesting character possibilities there I think What TLAs would you use for your own characters and why?

Great characters = great books. Image via Pixabay.

Even in the heart of a city, books can provide escapism. Image via Pixabay.

“Real” books or Ebooks? See what Gail Aldwin thinks in my latest CFT post. Image via Pixabay

My first book! Am finishing off my second. Image by Allison Symes

Let the writing flow and if music can help it along even better! Image via Pixabay

There can be reality behind fairytales. Image via Pixabay (and image used as part of book trailer for From Light to Dark and Back Again)

What impact do your stories have on your readers? Image via Pixabay

Facebook – General

What is your favourite genre (whether writing or reading it) and can you sum this up in one line? Name an example.

Mine is fantasy because, while taking you to other worlds, it can also shed light on this one. My example would be The Lord of The Rings. The traits of the main characters, for good or ill, can all be found on our own planet. The places such as The Shire or Mordor can be compared to places on earth (and this is made even easier thanks to the fantastic film version).

The battle between good and evil is something to be identified with too (though, from a fictional point of view, the very “best” villains don’t consider themselves villainous at all. They see themselves as having a just cause. They’re wrong and it’s up to the hero/heroine to prove them so). Can treachery be overcome (it so often isn’t in life)? Will justice be done (it so often isn’t in life!)? Fantasy then can be a vehicle for resolving injustices we know so often aren’t put right on our world.

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Facebook – From Light to Dark and Back Again

I enjoy a lot of flash fiction collections on my Kindle. It’s helped me widen my reading of contemporary fiction (which is no bad thing) and flash does read so easily on a screen.

It is a huge advantage to those who prefer technology to paper books. I hope it encourages those who wouldn’t pick up a paperback to discover reading electronically is absolutely fine and flash is such a great format for that.

I like downloading story magazines now too. I love magazines in any event but one problem is storage space for those ones you really do want to keep. No worries about that for e-magazines!

What an upgrade from Shakespeare’s quill! Image via Pixabay

Technology has helped short story writers. Image via Pixabay

Love ebooks. Image via Pexels

The perfect way to relax. All writers love to read. Image via Pixabay.

The wonderful world of writing should include non-fiction, which benefits from creative techniques too. Image via Pixabay.

The writer’s desk. What do you hope will emerge from yours this coming year? Image via Pixabay.

Reviews can have global reach. Most impact I think can often be local to the writer.

What are the changes your characters seek to make? Are you showing your characters doing this rather than telling us? 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.

Where almost all stories spring from these days. Image via Pixabay.

Facebook – From Light to Dark and Back Again

It’s difficult to say what I like best about writing flash. It is great when you have completed a piece, have edited it well, and after leaving it aside for a while, you come back to it and discover it is actually a good story! (One of the biggest enemies of all writers is the demon known as self doubt).

I like the process of writing the story out and then going back through it, removing what I realise I don’t need, and discovering it is a much stronger tale as a result. Of course, you don’t realise what is unnecessary material until you’ve completed the story, look again at what its theme is and then know what you have to take out, so the theme is not undermined.

What I do know for sure is there are no shortcuts and you have to persist, while learning from your mistakes too.

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Goodreads – Author Programme Blog

I’m a bit of a traditionalist in that my favourite place to read is in bed shortly before I head off to the land of Nod.

However, the Kindle has widened my choices of location when it comes to reading. I sometimes read from it on a train trip (unless I’m too busy writing something via my phone). I always read from it when I’m travelling up to Scotland for my annual holiday.

One of my favourite things about e-reading is I no longer have to worry about how many books I can take with me when I’m away. I can have loads! I do find I want to get back to paperbacks when I’ve “feasted” on the Kindle for a bit though. Not that this is a bad thing!

I must admit I do hope we get some good weather in the UK soon. It would be nice to be out in the garden again, with book or Kindle in hand, and a glass of something nice close by. I suspect I may have to wait to August for that!

This notice may make you smile though. Image via Pixabay.

Decisions, decisions and a not terribly helpful signpost. Image via Pixabay.

Great way to relax. Now where are those biscuits? Image via Pixabay

I read three stories from From Light to Dark and Back Again. Many thanks to Dawn Kentish Knox for the picture!

Paula Readman, Dawn Kentish Knox and I celebrate where our stories have appeared! Many thanks to Paula Readman for the picture.!

Reading out loud is a joy for writer and listener.

Well, why not? Image via Pixabay.

Escape with a good book, it’s good for you! Image via Pixabay

Never give up, work hard, be disciplined… all valuable traits for success, whether you’re a tennis player, a writer or a character in a story! Image via Pixabay.

The virtual library. These days ebooks and emagazines are available at libraries. Chandler’s Ford library are running surgeries about them. Image via Pixabay.

Likes, Dislikes and Using “Dead Time”

April 6, 2018Leave a comment

Facebook – General – and Chandler’s Ford Today

My latest CFT post is Part 4 of my 101 Things to Put into Room 101. I’m up to No. 60! Tonight’s “delights” to go into the vault of doom include rats, overpriced clothing for those of us with height issues (in either direction) and those people who dislike fake flowers. I bet they don’t suffer from hayfever!

My latest CFT post. Image via Pixabay

These clothes would swamp me. Image via Pixabay

Honest reviews, yes. Hatchet jobs, no. Image via Pixabay.

Hate badly designed car parks. Image via Pixabay

Have never understood the point of the clock changes twice a year. Can’t we just stick to one? Image via Pixabay.

Fake flowers are a boon to hayfever sufferers. Image via Pixabay.

Facebook – From Light to Dark and Back Again

Am planning to get on with some flash fiction writing whilst out and about on the train tomorrow. Great use of dead time and on my last trip out like this, I managed to write at least five stories (which are in the second collection I’ve submitted to Chapeltown Books). I can’t give you an exact number as I stopped counting after that.

One lovely thing about writing, regardless of genre or whether you write fiction, non-fiction or both, is you are never short of things to be getting on with while out and about on public transport! I also use dead time like this to draft future ideas for Chandler’s Ford Today and Association of Christian Writers’ blog posts.

Am I a convert to the smartphone? You bet! Picture below from one of my CFT posts from late last year but given the topic of this post, I thought it apt to use it again!

“Real” books or Ebooks? See what Gail Aldwin thinks in my latest CFT post. Image via Pixabay

The writer’s basic toolkit – image via Pixabay

Ebooks and print – both have their own frustrations when it comes to publishing. Image via Pixabay

Writing to screen. Am using smartphone more for this.

Sound advice. Image via Pixabay

It can take a lot of self-belief to be able to call yourself this at times. Image via Pixabay

Never give up, work hard, be disciplined… all valuable traits for success, whether you’re a tennis player, a writer or a character in a story! Image via Pixabay.

Well, what is it then? Image via Pixabay.

Fairytales with Bite – Character Likes and Dislikes

In my latest Chandler’s Ford Today post, I consign various items to Room 101. Amongst the items in Part 4 of my series are rats, people who dislike fake flowers, and overpriced clothing for those of us with height issues (in either direction. Am not unbiased here!).

I love fake flowers because (a) they are of a much higher quality than they once were and (b) I’m a hayfever sufferer! Thinking about this made me wonder about what quirky likes and dislikes your characters have. I’m thinking of those things that would really make them stand out to a reader. It is vital readers can tell characters apart and distinctive personality traits, likes and dislikes are great ways to achieve those necessary differences. We’re not all clones after all, so our characters mustn’t be either.

Think about also why your characters have their likes and dislikes. (Yes, people can and do have irrational likes and dislikes but, in fiction, you have got to convince the reader your characters are believable. I find having a good reason for them to be the way they are, which would include their tastes, is a surefire way of achieving believability).

Part 4 - I'm all for stopping spam, the electronic and the meat kinds

I loathe spam – the electronic or the meat kind! Image via Pixabay

Part 4 - Success is one thing but being famous for being famous is beyond me

Success but should it be because you’re famous for being famous? Image via Pixabay

Part 4- Ambition is not the same thing as talent or being famous on merit

Ambition is no substitute for genuine talent. Image via Pixabay.

This sums up humanity’s wastefulness. Image via Pixabay

This World and Others – Using “Dead Time”

Using “dead time” in a more efficient way so I can get more writing done is something I have improved on in the last six months or so. This is partly because I’ve finally got a smartphone (!) and I also use Evernote as an app to draft stories, articles etc when I’m out and about on train journeys etc.

The nice thing with this is not only do I get more work done, I haven’t got the distractions of all I have to do at home getting in the way. I can focus purely on writing for a while, which is bliss. One lovely thing about writing, which I touch on in a Facebook post tonight as well, is that whether you write fiction, non-fiction or both, there are always things to work on, edit or write!

On my last big train journey, I managed to write at least five flash fiction stories (I admit I gave up counting after that). So think about your pockets of time that can easily be lost. How could you use those? I remember being annoyed when I took my car in for service as I was happily drafting stories while waiting for that to be done. I was well into the writing zone when they told me the car was ready!

Main task for me now here is to submit more flash fiction to Cafelit as well as get on with ideas for my third book. My second book is in with Chapeltown Books now so fingers crossed!

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