Since my last post, a publisher nominated me for the pushcart prize, I’ve had stories published in Allas, Hemmets, My Weekly, two in The People’s Friend specials (and had another accepted) won a writing competition, and created another short story collection. Slightly Spooky Stories IV will be released on 21st October. The ebook is available to pre order now, and a paperback will follow soon.

Sometimes it feels as though I do nothing but brag when I talk about my writing here, or on social media – but then if I’m not proud of any success what would be the point in writing, editing and submitting?

And anyway, I don’t just brag – sometimes you get a sales pitch too!

Ghosts, sixth sense and things not of this world aren’t always scary, though they can be. Some help or warn, frighten or comfort those who perceive them. Others are here for their own purposes, waiting for a chance to move on. We might see, hear or feel them, perhaps they’ll only reach us through our subconscious.

Are ghosts memories and echoes of the past, contacts from another time and place, or figments of our imagination? Whether you believe in them or not, ghosts, spirits and mysterious spooking happenings all provide stories. This collection contains 24 of them.

That’s quite enough about me for now! If you’d like to try submitting stories to magazines, or entering free writing competitions yourself, then you may find my writers’ blog useful.

You can read my story, Iceberg, here.

I planned to release a couple more short story collections this autumn and early winter. Realising I might be busy then, I thought I’d better make a start now. The ebook version of Coffee & Cake, which will be released in early December (as a paperback and ebook) is already on ‘pre order’.

Here’s the blurb – We eat and drink for more than mere survival. Food comforts and reassures, connects us with others. A mug of coffee wakes us up in the morning. A cup of tea can

Continue reading

I’m gradually building up a database of guidelines and other information useful to those who write for women’s magazines – which can all be found under the ‘Woman’s Magazine’ tab on this site. For even more information on the subject, visit the Womagwriter blog.

Here are the latest guidelines for Woman’s Way,

Continue reading

Here are the latest official guidelines for writing a My Weekly Pocket Novel.

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’ve been for a virtual tea and chat!

Dressed To Impress is the latest of my themed short story collections. As you may have guessed, the 24 stories are connected by clothing. Previous collections have been about gardening, family, love, jobs, time, words or

Continue reading

I’m in the process of setting up a newsletter, to inform readers about what I’m currently working on, new books, special offers, and all kinds of writing related stuff. If you’d like to be on the mailing list, you can

Continue reading