There's still a place for writing directly to paper. Image via Pixabay

NEWS WORTHY – AND TEN WRITING TIPS

March 19, 2017Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

In News Worthy I look at what counts as news both for your characters and the world in which they live. I ask what would make the news and whether there is any control over what is reported as news. How do your characters react to news? Do they like the serious articles or prefer the more lighthearted items?

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Have managed to alter the spacing of images on my News page so that it looks a lot better. I’ve got images relating to my cyber launch in one row across the page rather than down it (as this was pushing the text out of sight and just didn’t look right. Not sure why it happened last night but all appears to be well now). My post is Ten Most Useful Writing Tips and I share some of the most useful advice I’ve been given or read in my time. Hope you find it useful.

CYBERLAUNCH NEWS

Glad to say that despite the details only going up very late last night, there have been acceptances and interest shown. Hope that continues. Am planning for the launch to be a lot of fun for all!

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I discuss just how boring riding an exercise bike is but it does have one huge advantage. I get to catch up with my reading!

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Where good ideas start…

Imagine the wealth of fairytales and other stories in here. Image via Pixabay.

DOWN TIME

March 13, 2017Leave a comment

DOWN TIME

In Down Time I look at the need to show how your characters relax. Nobody is “on” all the time and I think fiction should reflect that. Your characters need to eat, drink, sleep etc and I would argue down time in which to relax is crucial for mental and physical well being too. So how do your characters relax? How can you show this in your story (without slowing the plot up)? My thought here is a line or two at appropriate points in the tale to show what your characters are like outside of the “main action” is more than enough. Yet it will be these details, I feel, that will add depth to your characters and, as a result, to your stories.

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Remembering What Is Important is vital for us all. After all, it is why we commemorate Remembance Sunday, Veterans’ Day, Holocaust Day and so on. It is so important we don’t forget. So what would your characters want to commemorate? What rituals and customs would they follow? How are birthdays, weddings, births, deaths commemorated?

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As it is a short post tonight, I thought I would just copy it across here rather than use the link. What genres do you read? Have you tried new genres?

One of the great things about reading is that, at whatever time you like, you can try a genre new to you. I’m currently reading my first graphic novel and loving it. Hope to review this for Chandler’s Ford Today at a later date as it ties in with other posts I’ve written.

Have happily been catching up with Poetry, Please on Radio 4. Love the real mixture of work on here. Also, the programme shows up beautifully why reading work out loud (whatever you write) is such a good idea. You do pick up on rhythms and how dialogue sounds in a way you can’t do when just reading “internally”.

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

Whatever the format, you can’t beat a good book. Image via Pixabay.

Bookshops are vital to encourage literary - image via Pixabay.

TRUTH AND DISHONESTY

February 15, 2017Leave a comment

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

Truth and Dishonesty looks at how these traits show up in characters and asks what are the consequences of brute honesty from a character? Are there times when a “kind lie” is better?

THIS WORLD AND OTHERS

Favourite Books looks at what characters would read and why. Are books treasured in your fictional setting? What is the role of the storyteller in your setting?

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There have been some lovely reviews on Amazon for my debut flash fiction collection, From Light to Dark and Back Again. I thank those behind these and discuss reading habits.

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My debut flash fiction collection from Chapeltown Books

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?

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.

Fairies are definitely not twee and you do not want to come across one that has had a bad day due to Murphy's Law affecting her. She will take it out on s

MURPHY’S LAW FOR A FAIRY GODMOTHER

November 14, 2016Leave a comment

Sorry – shorter post tonight. Weebly are carrying out essential maintenance works so have only been able to update my Fairytales with Bite website. Still I hope you enjoy reading Murphy’s Law for a Fairy Godmother. I love writing posts like this.

FAIRYTALES WITH BITE

Murphy’s Law for a Fairy Godmother actually lists five laws. Can you add to this list?

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I discuss why writers get more joy from reading other people’s stories than anyone else on the planet. I discuss the “guess the influence” game and urge support for your local anthology writer(s). The fact I am an anthology writer has EVERY bearing on this!

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What is a fairy godmother supposed to do when she turns up to support a client and there isn’t a pumpkin in sight?! Fortunately NOT a problem here. Image via Pixabay.