Kate

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]

And thank you Ath for setting the competition and giving us all helpful feedback. Apologies for not mentioning this before.

Well, there’s a pleasant surprise for a Sunday morning! Thanks, Ath, and thank you fellow Denizens.
I’ll ponder a new prompt and put it up later today.

Well done, John. And thanks Ath!

Well done, John, and well deserved. And to everyone else too. I’m glad I didn’t have to judge between such good entries.

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]

*John, sorry!

Thank you Jon!

498 words including title

Photographs

Kirsty wasn’t interested in the marriage album but there was a folder of other wedding photos. She tipped the glossy prints out over the kitchen table: all those relatives and friends, held in their best outfits for decades.

It was fine to look at them now. The old emotions didn’t snag any longer. Her…[Read more]

Fascinating tale, Philippa, well done for sticking it out to a triumphant end. Looking forward to reading the book.

I couldn’t do this idea justice. The right person could really build the tension and explore the changing relationships of the three characters as the story builds. Interesting project for someone, but not me.

Ooo, it’s a bit like an updated spin on Dead Calm!

BTW – don’t assume you won’t write this idea. I almost gave an idea once… but then realised actually I wanted to write it myself!

Aw, you star, Jane!!! Thank you so much!! It really means a lot
BTW You are in the acknowledgements 🙂
xx

Hi Athelstone! And thanks.
Yes, I’m currently planning a launch party for February (whoop!). It will likely be in Lincoln, and you will all be welcome! Details to follow once I’ve sorted them out…