No, not the weather – that’s decided to stop being calm and mild, as it was for our Christmas trip in the campervan, and to behave more as we’d expect for this time of year. Perfect staying in and reading weather!
Getting Warmer is the title of my short story in the January 2025 issue of Take A Break’s Fiction Feast.
I haven’t had a story in Take a Break’s Fiction Feast in a while, so I’m very pleased to have two in the current (October) issue.
The titles they’ve been given might make it tricky to guess what they’re about. Does it help at all if I mention werewolves?
No, I’m not issuing an ultimatum – that’s the title of my story in the current issue of Ireland’s Own. (You won’t tell them that despite my name, and the fact I spent my honeymoon there, I’m not really Irish, will you?)
As the strapline suggests, this story is about two strong-willed characters. It’s also about a mother-in-law who likes to get her own way, and is perhaps even a bit stubborn. Of course it’s entirely fictional and has absolutely no basis in reality whatsoever.
On an unrelated note, I find that writing can be a very cathartic process.
My story Stop Thief, which is in the current issue of Take a Break’s Fiction Feast is based on a true story. At least, it’s based on a true story to the extent that many historical films and TV programmes seem to be – extremely loosely!
I once worked somewhere which had security on the entrance/exit. One day a random* search revealed a member of staff had stolen some toilet rolls. It wasn’t even good stuff, but that awful tracing paper type stuff. They got the sack.
This was thirty years. Nothing I’ve ever witnessed is safe from being turned into a story!
Naturally I’m pleased the story has been published. Fortunately one of the illustrations provides a suggestion of how to celebrate.
*We were told it was random, but I’m not sure. Almost every random search seemed to reveal someone was up to no good, so I expect there were a few tip offs.
I have a story in the current My Weekly Special. Isn’t that a fun illustration?
Of course I’m very pleased to have a story published, but it’s actually something in another issue which has really made me happy. A reader has written in to say that a different story of mine, published in My Weekly fairly recently was ‘fantastic’ and ‘brought a lump to my throat and was such a feel good story’.
It’s wonderful to know that my short stories have had the desired effect!
The story referred to is about the relationships between cousins and the grandmother they share. If you like feel good family stories you might be interested in one of my collections of 24 short stories on this theme. There are 5 books in total, including this one.
I’ve just discovered that I had a story in last week’s issue of My Weekly. I did know it was going to be published, just not exactly when.
The story is called ‘Making Your Mind Up’. I confess
I asked ‘my’ editor at The People’s Friend which story lengths and subjects are most in demand. He says it’s ‘the usual culprits’ by which he means 2000 and 3000 word stories as these are always in demand. Also, stories set around events and holidays – Christmas, Advent, Bonfire Night, Easter, Valentine’s etc are appreciated.
The cover featured is an old one – but as it has me name on the front, I like to make sure it’s seen!
I have a story in the latest issue of The People’s Friend – and according to their Twitter account, it’s brilliant!
Lovely to see I’m issue buddies with some virtual writing friends too!
I’m very pleased to have my short story Dizzy in the latest issue of Ireland’s Own. There will also be two of mine in the July issue of Take A Break’s Fiction Feast, which will be out tomorrow.
If you prefer a longer read, you might like to know my two romance novels Firestarter and A Year And A Day are both reduced to 99p (or 99c) for the next couple of day.
I have a story in the current issue of The Weekly News. Sadly the