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patsy

Based on a true story

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.

patsy

Wednesday word of the week – Craggy

A crag is a steep or rugged rock. Craggy can refer to a human face or the landscape and means rugged or rough textured. There are other versions of the word, for example in Scotland* the scenery got craggier as we approached the highlands, it was craggiest on Skye where the landscape is craggily magnificent.

Btw the pictures are all to illustrate craggy landscapes. It’s purely coincidental that the same photographer just happens to be in all of them not long after remarking on the size of my bum.

*yes I have been to Scotland. I have some pictures if you’d like to see them …

patsy

My Weekly made my day!

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.

patsy

Something new

I’ve created a short ebook, The Inside Scoop And Stories From Little Mallow, as a kind of introduction to my cosy mystery series (which I’ll be launching next year). This book isn’t for sale, but you can get a free copy by using the form below to sign up for my newsletter. If you’re on my mailing list already, you’ll have received an email with the download link yesterday.

patsy

Bargain book apparently

My short story collection Over The Garden Fence is currently reduced to 99p (99c) I’m not sure why it is. Quite possibly it’s something I set up a while ago and forgot about. There’s some non writing related stuff going on in my life right now and it’s taking up a lot of my time and attention.

patsy

Nearly topical

I’m very happy to have a couple of stories in the current (December) issue of Take A Break’s Fiction Feast.
One is set on bonfire night and the other during the summer. Initially I thought that was odd timing, but after having two named storms in quick succession I’ve changed my mind. With the dark nights, strong winds and seemingly endless rain, staying indoors reading cosy stories about fires and summer warmth makes perfect sense.