Tag: writing

Posted on

2023: Snapshots of my year (Part2)

April

New growth

The coming of Spring is always a joy – the variety of colours in the new leaves, and the blossoms. This is the acer in our garden.

In writing: Back to serious work on the next round of edits of my circus novel.

May

Laying in supplies for the Coronation

I’m not an ardent Royalist, by any means, but the coronation of King Charles was such a significant moment in our history, we had to watch it on TV. The music and the ceremonial were both extraordinary. We raised a glass!

In writing: Finished work on Draft 2 of my novel. And was delighted to have my short story , Spawn, published in Fictive Dream, an online magazine which I greatly respect.

June

St Antonin

Back to the English Bookshop in South-West France for a week, this time with my friend Katsy and also husband Oliver.

In writing: What writing?

Part 3 follows on 24 December

Posted on

2023: Snapshots of my year (Part 1)

I post a photograph every day on https://www.blipfoto.com/Cathaber. It’s a wonderful visual diary. So here are some highlights of the year which is drawing to a close

January

Chinatown

First time in London for over 3 years. And met up with my very good friend Katsy for her birthday lunch.

In writing: I began reading entries for the Cheshire Novel Prize, something that would take up more and more of my time over the following months. It taught me a lot.

February

Coming round the mountain

Walking has been a very important part of my life this year. Here, with the Abergavenny Women’s Walking Group on Table Mountain. Also, longer and shorter walks with one or two friends.

Venice

Had to put in an extra photo to remember a very special trip with OB to Venice, a magical city.

In writing: Talked to a local WI about writing, but didn’t do much of it!

March

A new novella

Between the Virgin and the Sea. Published in Novella Express #3 by Leamington Books in Edinburgh.

In (new) writing: Started work on a substantial short story for the first time in ages.

Part 2 follows on 22nd December

Posted on

Words can trip you up, or fail you

Lately, they’ve simply been eluding me. I had nothing to say. At least, nothing to commit to the page.

So I did some other things, mainly a big walking challenge.

People say we get writer’s block because of fear – of failure, of success, perhaps just of being accountable. For we must stand by our words, I do believe that.

I used to like writing very short work, was a regular contributor to Short, Fast & Deadly. So I tried writing a few micros again, and something shifted. Perhaps I just got out of my own way.

I’ve started a new story. And this week I’m back to editing my novel.

Plus, there’s something else to tell you about. Soon. Be patient.

One step at a time

Posted on

Author interview: Mandira Pattnaik – preview

The Indian author Mandira Pattnaik’s novella-in-flash Where We Set Our Easel is published on 23rd May.

I talked to her about her book and her writing life.

As a taster here’s what she has to say about time:

Time is eternal and at the same time slippery — this is part of our ancient Indian texts and philosophy.

Come back on Friday, 19th May, and read our full conversation, including how that notion of time informed Mandira’s approach to writing a novella-in-flash, and how the picture below comes into her book.

Café Terrace at Night by Vincent Van Gogh

Posted on

Writing competition – Final results

Winner

David Abbott, for The Next Good Joy That Mary Had

Runner-up

Dudley Martin, for Spoor

Also shortlisted

Catherine Edmunds, for Winter Needs Watching

Darren Gillen, for Spider, Spider

Carolyn Stockdale, for Chapter 39

Special mention

Samuel Dodson, for The taste of champagne

Lucy Kaur, for The Illustrator

Sarah McPherson, for Ice Age

The runner-up’s story will be published on Saturday, 18th February,

The winner’s story will be published on Sunday, 19th February.

MANY CONGRATULATIONS ALL!