Tony Lyttle

Thanks, @JaneShuff

I made the long list for the Ink Tears Short Story Competition 2018.

Oh, wow, Philippa! What a journey! And you are still standing – and your book is going to be in the world. It’s so brilliant to read all of this – the lows and the highs. Thank you so much for posting. And a great big huge Well done! You did it!

Brilliant – thanks John and well done Jonathan, a tour-de-force of purple prose

Philippa, huge congratulations. I was riding the roller coaster with you. I know it was a long journey and a heck of a ride but to read it…not sure I could do it. Maybe thirty years ago.
I agree with you, writing can be damn terrifying. I often wonder why I put myself through it.
I wish you success and look forward to seeing your book on the…[Read more]

The results are in!

Jonathan: A really clever piece of writing, wry observation. Excellent.

Libby: A pleasing little tale, well written and with a message. Good job.

Daedalus: Hugely enjoyable and accomplished description of life with a new puppy and the utter contentment that comes with its unreserved adoration. Liked it a lot.

So, eenie,…[Read more]

I look forward to reading that a Denizen wins the comp!
Sad I missed it.

I think you’re right to be absolutely honest and not gloss over the difficulties and how emotionally taxing success can be. As writers we need to hear it and be under no illusions (and I think it would be nice if readers were a bit more aware of that too – a fellow writer and illustrator tells me his daughter’s friends refuse to accept that’s what…[Read more]

Wow, what a ride! Really illuminating blog. This stuff is difficult, isn’t it? Sounds as though you made absolutely the right choice. Heart/gut has to inform head in these circumstances. Loved reading about it, looking forward to the next stage

Well done to the three of you! I’ll give these tales due consideration during the day and post the result by this evening.

Ahead

I cannot look ahead.

There is no ahead. There is only now, and I can’t handle it. He is tearing up the carpet. Chomping the furniture. Treating my arm as a chew toy.

And he’s there. Always. Always having to be watched. Placated. Fed. I am tiptoeing around the edge of my own life. If I slip I will fall off.

Virtually the only place tha…[Read more]

Well done, Philippa – just brilliant news.

Congratulations, Phillipa. I’ve loved your short stories so I’ll look forward to your book release 😊

Well done! Having read a fair few of your short stories, I must say I’m really looking forward to reading this.
I also echo what Richard said about your perceptive and constructive comments. Always so generous with your help and expertise, Philippa.
Congratulations!

Well done Philippa!

Superb news Philippa, and no more than a writer of your calibre deserves. It’s really heartening to see Denizens getting good deals. Delighted for you, and can’t wait to see the final result