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Athelstone replied to the topic Monthly Competition: June 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 10 months ago
Congratulations, Squidge. Great story.
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Athelstone replied to the topic Monthly Competition: June 2020 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 years, 10 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, 11 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, 11 months ago -
Athelstone replied to the topic That old enemy, Perfectionism in the forum The Writers' Lifeboat 5 years, 11 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, 11 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, 11 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, 11 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, 12 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 6 years 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 6 years 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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Athelstone replied to the topic March competition in the forum Monthly Competition 6 years, 1 month ago
Well done, Raine! Thanks for the comp, John.
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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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Athelstone replied to the topic My ride so far on the rollercoaster that is publishing in the forum Blogs 6 years, 1 month ago
Wow, brilliant news, Elle. All I can say, apart from well done, is that with that much interest, your book must be top notch!
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Athelstone replied to the topic Good news this time – finally! in the forum Podium 6 years, 1 month ago
Aaaaggghhhhhh!! Brilliant. And it’s everything to do with your own talent and efforts and what you deserve.
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Thanks, Ath. Dare I say it was something I rushed off? Not sure why, but they seem to be the better of my short pieces. Perhaps because I didn’t examine it too much?