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25/8/2012

You may think that my photography skills are in sharp decline when you look at this photo. Point camera or phone in general direction and click. Isn't that how it goes?

I was in the British Museum, about to go into the fantastic Shakespeare: staging the world exhibition (if you're in London, do go) when my eye was caught by what was going on above me. The window cleaners had come. The Great Court has a stunning glass roof and the four little insects you can see are actually four humans with brooms. A closer look will reveal that they are each roped to the side. It's a long way to the marble floor beneath.
Such a technical and engineering marvel and yet elbow grease is required to keep it clean. Imagine how it would look without the efforts of those four.

What has this got to do with writing? No, it isn't a plea to keep your writing clean, although I'm already wearying of the present obsession with erotica, but I would like to make a plea for paying attention to detail.

I've had a lot of entries for the Flash competition which is pleasing. I hope they will keep on coming but please read the conditions. I want everyone to have a chance but quite a few stories are either too long or have arrived as attachments. Details matter. There are so many things we have to check in the writing but don't forget those that come afterwards. Only a week until the closing date! Go HERE

If you have a longer story you wish to write or you feel more comfortable with a few more words, the short story course is now booking. Go HERE

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Flash Writing

9/8/2012

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I hope you are all busy plotting your flash fiction entries for the competition. It's only 250 words. How hard can it be? Err...

Earlier this evening, Exeter writer, Dan Knibb sent me a link to this very excellent article in the Guardian on how to write flash fiction. I love the last paragraph where he talks about chipping a story sculpture out of a lump of stone. Food for thought! My experience says that if you're not careful the sculpture can turn into something very abstract indeed. But hey...it might be beautiful anyway.

The closing date is 31st August and it's free entry. Go on - you never know! It's not me judging, so even if you think I won't like it, that doesn't mean to say it won't win. Go HERE for rules.

I've put a Paypal button up for the short story course in the autumn now. It's in a new venue and on a Thursday evening. Go HERE for more info.

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Authors aloud

3/8/2012

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It's been a very busy week but I can report that the scariest event went swimmingly. On Wednesday I chaired the event on the poster here. I must say that all three entertaining and knowledgable authors made my job a breeze. The audience asked lots of questions too and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy. I think everyone enjoyed it and learnt a great deal. Thanks to the Library for being so welcoming.

I have secured new premises for my autumn short story course. The reading room at the Devon and Exeter Institution in Cathedral Yard will prove to be a very inspiring venue, I'm quite sure. I'll put up a booking button soon. I do hope to see old and new faces.

In the meantime, don't forget the Flash competition closes at the end of this month. You won't win if you don't enter! Go HERE

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Flash Writing

Authors aloud

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