fransico alice

Thanks @seagreen, this is all great. I’ll have a think about the save the cat moment and ramp up the fear a bit as a few people have mentioned that. I’ll weed out some of the description as well.

Re the being in the character’s head, and the explanations like ‘standing next to me’, I think you’ve cut to the heart of my question re YA vs MG…[Read more]

Thanks @bella – it was fun to write.

Perfect @squidge, that’s great to know it’s about right. I was worrying it was a bit densely packed but maybe I just have to be careful of too heavy descriptions. I shall tweak as suggested.

Congratulations, John. I loved your yo-yo story. And thanks for organising, Ath.

First day

The first day of school was always like this – nervous parents clutching little ones’ hands, milling in a crowd of growing frenzy. The sooner they were decoupled and the parents moved firmly on their way, the better it would be for everyone. But first reassurance was needed.

I moved through the group, cutting apron strings when no one…[Read more]

What a great crucible of an idea. I can see it as a film too.

Here is the link to the Corrugated Sky Urban Fantasy book my short story Changing Gabe is included in. Some of you will have come across it in Athelstone’s Room with a View writing challenge at the beginning of the year.

The theme for the anthology was Sass and Magic. If that tickles your fancy, I hope you will go and take a look.

It feels a bit…[Read more]

Fabulous Elle – well done.

‘Step do Grave’ was definitely after the distillery! 🙂

Thanks everyone. I’m still floating around in the clouds. Hopefully at the end of the month I will be able to put up a link so you can take a look. 🙂

What a fun idea. Who’d have thought there were so many weird and wonderful names for beige. I shall get my thinking cap on.

Thanks everyone for taking part. These were all such great pieces its been incredibly hard to decide on a winner, so a few brief thoughts on them:

Baz – This one gave me a real prickle. Loved the feel those open ended questions gave it, and the ending is as if you’re slamming a door.

John – Bravo. Love the message in the last line of the first…[Read more]

I’ve read them all and am completely stumped as to which to choose. Will have to sleep on it. Being as I’m having so much trouble, I am open to bribes… 😬

A last reminder to anyone who wants to take part.

One week left to get your comp entry in!