Aspects of authors- Rick Haynes

I’m delighted to welcome my first guest to the aspects series – Rick  Haynes,  whose specialist subject is medieval fantasy. Over to you, Rick. What World Do You Want To Create? It all seems pretty easy, doesn’t it? You have all these ideas in your head racing around and around like eager puppies, but what …

Venus, Vs, and Books and winegums

How long is a story? Although there are guidelines, it varies by genre and even the experts don’t always agree. You might say 50,000 words or a certain number of pages, but then there are Drabbles, exactly 100 words excluding the title, ones using 33 words, and a myriad of other forms.   Add to …

Love Notes and illiteracy

The ability to read and write is often taken for granted, but have you ever stopped to consider what it must be like? Over the years I've know several people who for various reasons were illiterate, and it's helped me understand a little of the daily trials they face. Do you want to know which train …

Robot

I was trying to concentrate on proof reading my next book today when I was interrupted. At least it provided inspiration for this Drabble. (A short story of 100 words exactly.)   Definition of a Robot 'A person who works mechanically without original thought, especially one who responds  automatically to the commands of others.'   I love being a robot. Ring, ring. Pick up the phone, but say nothing. Silence, …

Poor mouse author

The perception of authors is that they must be rich if they can afford not to have a 'proper' job. 😀 The reality is that they enter short story competitions with the aim of winning a few pounds to help towards the cost of the next cartridge for the printer.  If there is an entry …

Aydin’s story

One of my tests as an author is to be given 5 Random words and have to write a short story including them.   Another is to write a Drabble- exactly 100 words excluding the title. A smarty-pants nephew thought he would make it impossible by challenging me to write a 5 random words Drabble. …

Authors versus characters

I'm not really a writer; my characters are! This was brought home to me recently when I was juggling various stories pending the release of my next book. Here's a quick Drabble (exactly 100 words) to prove the point. 😀 I had two short stories on the go at the same time; one a romance, …

Spiders and authors

With the house upside down because of building work it's hard to be able to concentrate on writing. That's when Drabbles come in handy- Short Fiction of exactly 100 words excluding the title. I gaze at the laptop, needing inspiration for my next blockbuster. My publisher is exerting pressure, telling me it needs to be …

Drabbles

As a writer I find Drabbles- short stories of exactly 100 words excluding the title- an excellent way of training myself to cut out unnecessary words in my novels. This is one I wrote yesterday, particularly relevant to my life at the moment- including the spiders taking over the asylum. Spiders and authors.  I gaze …