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Athelstone replied to the topic Monthly Competition: June 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 9 months ago
Midsummer Magic
Frankie wiggles his shoulders in a figure of eight and exhales. He flicks his hat back and mops his brow with a handkerchief. Then he loosens his tie another quarter inch and Matzo slaps his hand down on the table, making all three of us jump.
“For Christ’s sake, Frankie. Yeah – it’s hot. I’m hot. Eddie’s hot. It’s the longest…[Read more]
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Athelstone posted an update 5 years, 10 months ago
Disaster has struck. Mrs Athelstone has confirmed that she will still buy me a valentine, wish me a Happy Birthday, and give me a bottle of wine. BUT, she bought me a Nintendo Switch with some games and my daughter added even more games. I may never write again!
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:O
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I had that particular birthday on the day my daughter got married in Scotland. The attending piper was prevailed upon to play a certain tune…
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Nothing of such significance happened on my birthday, unless you count the assault on my writing with the gift of a Nintendo Switch and a pile of games. In fact, I’d forgotten it even was my birthday and I was busy making plans to do things around the house until my daughter pointed out that Mrs Ath had invited the in-laws round for afternoon fizz…[Read more]
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Not quite as thought-provoking, I contend, as the birthday I had a month ago. I have reached my three-score-and-ten, and am now officially An Old Man.
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Well, many happy returns. Definitely a landmark – positively biblical.
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Athelstone replied to the topic Where to start? in the forum
A place for Stupid Questoins 5 years, 10 months agoShowing and telling is a tricky one and there are many situations where telling something is 100% right and others where showing is 100% right. The reverse is also true.
Jake was acting suspiciously when I met him at the cafe. He looked cagey and only told me about Jane when he was sure nobody else could hear him.
Jake sidled through the cafe…[Read more]
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Athelstone joined the group
A place for Stupid Questions 5 years, 10 months ago -
Athelstone replied to the topic That old enemy, Perfectionism in the forum The Writers' Lifeboat 5 years, 10 months ago
Am I allowed to agree with all of you? When a writer like Stephen King just says something and it works, it’s because he is utterly confident with his voice. I’m not his biggest fan, but I have read a lot of his work and I do appreciate the extraordinary flow of his prose. I’m willing to bet he’s not on the heavy side when he edits.
I’m terrible.…[Read more]
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Athelstone posted an update 5 years, 10 months ago
Brilliant “webinar” by @philippaeast tonight. Really interesting insight into the her road to publication. Certainly had me thinking about what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong.
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Athelstone replied to the topic Fantasy Anthology in the forum Podium 5 years, 10 months ago
Huzzah, Kate! I shall keep my eyes open for it.
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Athelstone replied to the topic Tilda and the Mines of Pergatt in the forum Podium 5 years, 10 months ago
I’m SOOOOO late in saying a huge “WELL DONE”. I’ve bought the Kindle edition and hopefully I can get a signed paperback in future – even if I have to wait until York next year.
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Athelstone started the topic Sorry not sorry in the forum Blogs 5 years, 11 months ago
This link is to a marvellous but heart-breaking blog by our very own @KazG. Maybe wait a bit before reading if your blood pressure is high right now.
Linked with permission.
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Unbelievable! Well done Kaz for highlighting this.
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It IS unbelievable 🙁 Thanks Kate.
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And also Ath, for sharing it.
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Athelstone replied to the topic Richard's Literary Byways: Arthur Machen and the Angels of Mons in the forum Blogs 5 years, 11 months ago
Excellent blog, Richard. I fear my “to be read” list has acquired some new items.
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Athelstone replied to the topic Monthly comp – April 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 11 months ago
Loved the entries this time round. Very well done Libby. Raine, great topic. Came so close to telling you about my green rug, but it wasn’t to be.
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Can’t imagine you with green hair, Ath.
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Never been green – although it suffered a great deal of henna back in the 70s. These days I’m approaching the age where hair-loss is expected, if Paul McCartney is to be believed, so maybe a rug is on the cards. Or my head.
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Athelstone replied to the topic Chasing the Dream in the forum Blogs 5 years, 12 months ago
I don’t remember this blog in detail, but I do remember thinking what a lucky individual you were to find such a wonderful spot.
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Athelstone posted an update 6 years ago
So, the Festival of Writing will move from York to the Internet this year.
It also seems that what for many is a big attraction, the meeting with…[Read more]
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For me it works, big time. The up-front cost is way less (especially for members) so paying extra for a one to one session is not an issue as far as I am concerned. And it (presumably) keeps the headline price down for those who may not have anything to present to a one to one but simply want to learn.
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That’s a good point. To be honest, I don’t imagine they had much choice and the reduced price is welcome. Plus they promise a session with Neil Gaiman. But never mind that: PHILIPPA EAST in June and AMANDA BERRIMAN in August!!!
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I saw this too – wondered whether to sign up this time.
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I’m not going to rush into it, but it might have some interesting bits – along with those I mentioned earlier 🙂
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I’m thinking about it too although our broadband connection may not be upto it. I’ve told my SE course group about our internet troubles several times recently. I’m becoming a broadband bore. Anyway, a stand-alone 121 therefore might suit me well if I choose to go for one.
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Hello everyone! I’m venturing back into the online writing world, having spent most of my time on Twitter. I see some of you there but not everyone, so this is a means to reconnect. @libby, internect connexions are such a pain. Instead of locking down in our country house where we have oodles of space and nature all around, we stayed in Paris…[Read more]
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Hello @giselle. Lockdown has certainly shown up with extra emphasis the significance of tech in our lives, and especially how its failings can disrupt us. I don’t do social media and live a fairly low-tech life, but making online connections has become vital and so frustrating when they don’t work 🙂
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Seagreen replied to the topic March competition in the forum Monthly Competition 6 years ago
Congratulations, Raine, and thanks, John. Glad poor Henry lightened your day. I have absolutely no idea where he came from, but he was a timely visitor 🙂
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Athelstone replied to the topic March competition in the forum Monthly Competition 6 years ago
Well done, Raine! Thanks for the comp, John.
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Seagreen replied to the topic March competition in the forum Monthly Competition 6 years ago
UNTITLED (395 WORDS)
Rheology: the study of the deformation and flow of matter.
Henry considered himself an expert in such matters. Lying on his back on the grass, unable to move, he was suitably impressed by whoever had applied the sky for this particular assessment. It was, he knew, the most perfect finish he’d ever seen. A solid block of c…[Read more]
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Seagreen replied to the topic My ride so far on the rollercoaster that is publishing in the forum Blogs 6 years, 1 month ago
Absolutely brilliant news! So pleased for you 🙂
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Seagreen replied to the topic Short story in Barren magazine in the forum Podium 6 years, 1 month ago
I honestly thought I’d responded to this…
Great story, Daeds. One that sticks around after reading. -
Athelstone replied to the topic March competition in the forum Monthly Competition 6 years, 1 month ago
Oh yes, under 400 words
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Athelstone replied to the topic March competition in the forum Monthly Competition 6 years, 1 month ago
The Spring Has Sprung
‘The birdies is upon the wing, but that’s absurd.’
Tom was on his hundredth rendition of the poem when I clutched his hand and pointed to the merry-go-round.
‘Look, Tom. Your Uncle Fred and I used to play on that when we were your age. Do you want a go?’
He pulled himself free and ran to it with excited bouncing s…[Read more]
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