Knicks

Do write another blog, Richard!

Yes, the Cloud had the benefit of the Writers’ Workshop behind it. Not only did people find it from WW Courses, but from other services. I found the Cloud when I bought an editorial review. Then, it had things like the ‘Getting Published’ day in London and the ‘Festival of Writing’ in York.

Goes some way to…[Read more]

I’m in the same position as I was in last year: the Den is normally the only place I interact with anybody on-line, so I would be very sad to see it go. I’m a bit more up-beat about it, though, because since the ‘members’ side-bar on the home page has been changed from ‘most recent’ to ‘most active’ (good idea) it shows that quite a few people do…[Read more]

I too echo Kate; I was trying to remember how the Cloud functioned in terms of activity; hadn’t considered the influx of new members. finding their confidence to participate.

And, yes, yes, the annual challenge and also to a blog about e,g, fiction (I was wondering last week about what makes ‘Good Writing’?) And at least the Activity column shows…[Read more]

I really enjoy the annual short story challenge, and I try to participate in the odd monthly competition. My SE group has also used the Den as a lifeboat. So I’d hate to see it go and lose contact with some talented people.

I think one of the differences from the more active Word Cloud, is there was a constant flow of fresh blood funnelled via…[Read more]

@Alex, thank you! I was impressed with the subtle nightmarishness of Abbie’s  situation.

I had a look at our profile options a while back but I couldn’t see how it’s supposed to work. You can add information about yourself, but it doesn’t show up when your profile is viewed (which is a bit pointless). I’ll take another look at it.

@Sandra, great story. I enjoyed the specific details which immersed me in the story.  For what it’s worth, I have a copy of Anna Karenina for over 10 years and never finished it.

@Knicks, I enjoyed this prompt.

@ Knicks Cheers, me dear. Looking forward to reading entries, your as well as many others

Just a thought, and maybe not entirely welcome, but would not the opportunity for members to expand their  profiles, just a little, be more welcoming? Give newbies the opportunity to read, make contact and say (for example “I’m interested in that too”

btw I’ve posted July’s comp but don’t know if the link will  function as hoped. If not can y…[Read more]

My participation is very sporadic, although I do actually pop in here most days and read what’s been written. I’m glad it can continue, at least for now. I would miss it if it went.

Darn it! Sorry Knicks. It’s a great theme and I meant to have a go, but things just got away from me this month 🙁

The Last Resort of the Coward

Of all the days today could be, it had to choose July 28.

Abbie flung the tiger-orange chunks of squash into the rusty stock pot. Her tangled turmoil of hair, too grey for someone so young, squeezed under the itchy hairnet.

She zapped the lemon-scented spray to wrestle the stench of rotten cabbage.  Thank goodness…[Read more]

Read, enjoyed and commented, but comment didn’t appear. I thought it very well captured the claustrophobia of village life. I haven’t got into the habit of submitting any of my stories; just  self-published a collection so as not to lose them.

How long have you got?  btw, I re-read your story for ‘Bump in the night’ yesterday, and was much impressed , all over again. Good stuff.

Know what you mean about ‘just nice’. Sarah Winman’s ‘Still life’ had that effect – a thoroughly ‘feel good’ effect, in part for location. Which is no bad thing, since I do re-read for comfort. And also find that writing that takes my breath away one day, might not  have the same effect on another.  No wonder this writing lark is so hard!