Xander Michael

Just realised, quite a few of my Challenge stories are written in first person present. I think to give myself an extra treat!!Would definitely deny they are static!

Brief, and not necessarily well-thought out reply, (nor am I 100% I’ve got the terminology right), but Elly Griffith’s ‘Ruth Galloway ‘ series is told in present tense, with sentences/Pov  as “Ruth watches as C and C get into the Rolls” (second person??) Every time I start a new one I think “Oh no, forgot how much I dislike this” then very…[Read more]

<p style=”text-align: center;”>THE LIBRARIAN</p>
“Come here.”

Mayrie tensed at the grave, inscrutable timbre of his voice. Some would call it a salt-of-the-earth voice but she was under no illusion about the nature of the man seated before her. The slight narrowing of her eyes all but said, if it’s just the same to you Guv, I think I’d rather…[Read more]

Thank you for this Richard, on the strength of which I’ve just recommended it to my daughter.

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]

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

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

Gorgeous prompt is gorgeous. Chomping at the bit for this one 🥰✨

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]

Ath, it’s okay! And you can still have a go, lols. The thread not going nowhere 😊

Alright. Down to the stuff and business. With only two entries, both of which are incredibly well-penned and definitely get to the heart of their most singular matters, this was not an easy choice.

However, I’m going to give this win to @sandradavies, for leaving…[Read more]

I agree that, as a place where we can meet to chat (ever so sporadically) and have monthly (great for writing practice) and especially annual competitions, it would be absolutely sad to see The Den dissolve due to the lack of activity. I don’t think the work anyone has put in should go to waste.

The implemented suggestions have been fun,…[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!

A quick glance at p.82, and I suspect it was the  brutal blowjob (but more subtly described). I am aware of a degree of wariness with each book of hers I buy but she always does it for me in the end. I am also very aware (in a science-minded family) I lack analytical skills, so can’t always justify my reasons to like or dislike (and hence am crap…[Read more]

He can also be stomach-turning gruesome!

Same here, with stories, although ‘Butcher’s perfume’ in ‘The Beautiful Indifference’ blew me away.

Have you discovered Benjamin Myers?* I’ve just finished his ‘Male Tears’ which is short stories and much less impactful (to me) than his novels.

*not at the Festival!