Kate Hudson

Captive No More

Immovable behind a wide table, the five children sat strangely motionless. From tallest on the right to smallest on the left, they patiently faced an audience seated on ten rows of scarlet-topped hotel ballroom chairs.

The tallest child spoke first. “My name is One,” he said quietly, but loud enough. “I am the oldest. I am…[Read more]

Patience undoubtedly a virtue (308 words)

In the same way that Christmas cards seem each year to embrace a different theme – last year it was robins, the year before gold-embossed letters and musical notes – this year’s trend in ‘In sympathy’ cards appeared to be fallen leaves. Drifts of them, beneath trees, along kerb edges, gold and yellow sc…[Read more]

Steps of passing ghosts

‘Trees are at their best when they’re turned into timber,’ said Norman as he picked the large golden leaf from his decking, crushing it in his hand. He had searched for ages to find this house with no trees in sight. There had been a spruce in the garden when he moved in, that the previous owner said had been a Chris…[Read more]

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

Well done, John. And thanks Ath!

Excellent entries and an excellent winner! Congratulations John and thank you Ath for the competition.

Well done, John, and the Honourables, and thanks Ath for the prompting of a memory.

Oops! Sorry all – got my days mixed up, but anyway, super quality this month.

Sandra – Time to play
Yes! That’s exactly the feeling: that unexpected memory. There’s a lot in these few words. Oddly enough I was thinking about the ‘play’ that’s so often missing from writing, quite recently. So easy to assume that a reverential approach will produc…[Read more]

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.

You certainly had a lot of ups and downs but congratulations for sticking with it all the way. I am so looking forward to reading it and have just pre-ordered it.

Well the story of the book is seriously interesting, so I can hardly wait to get my copy.
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Incredible! Fifteen year olds in charge! Great blog.

Her Granny’s face beamed through the steam rising from the jug that she clutched to her chest as though it was a precious jewel.

‘Surprise,’ she said.

Lily looked carefully at her. What could it be? Her plate was complete; a piece of white fish at the top; sweet corn balanced on the left; and mashed potato carefully piled to one side. She’d…[Read more]