A couple of weeks ago, my writing group gave ourselves a collective week off and, instead of putting our latest 2,000-odd words up for feedback, we tuned in to the 2020 Tolkien Lecture from Pembroke College at Oxford. It was a great presentation, a flowing, ninety minute conversation between six highly regarded authors and an …
He knew his smile was not going to be well received but couldn't help its spread. She'd been wanting to kiss him. He was right. At the sight of the smile, her eyes opened wide, realising what she'd said, what she'd admitted. "No. Don't you dare be smug. You are not allowed to be smug." …
The woman laughed, "Oh I do like an eager apprentice. Not that I've ever had one before mind you, greenwitches are a little few and far between." "How did you become one then?" "Thankfully there was a greenwitch available to me as I am to you." Millie started and blushed, "I haven't even introduced myself." …
I've been watching another YouTube video on writing, specifically on the five main mistakes made by 'amateur' writers, also known as aspiring writers. I'm not sure which is less depressing. The first one listed was Point of View, or rather the constantly changing nature of point of view in some early stage stories. I've slipped …
Anaria smiled gratefully at the burly forester, it was nice to not be seen as the one at fault for a change. Still, old habits run deep and she stepped in to defend her father, "Sebastian is a toad, but I'm afraid it was my behaviour that goaded father. I was very rude to a …
Sariya smiled encouragingly at them and poked Marcus. "What?" "It would be nice to introduce us." He grumbled but obeyed, presenting Sariya as his 'honoured guest from the far lands'. Sariya knew enough about the world's geography to be amused at her origins being placed in the area of their maps generally tagged with 'here …
They left the city, heading north to Sophia's childhood home. The journey could be completed in a day, but they'd left late and both had no wish to discover the effects of Sophia's dress on her mother and father. So, after a night at a quiet wayside inn, Sophia caused a mild sensation in the …
Paul got in touch with Lexi the next day, letting her know what was expected to be published and arranging an appointment to go through the photos with her to create a shortlist for Mrs Gresham’s approval. Lexi relayed the information to the rest of the family, and Ally braced herself for questions as the …
A glum face appeared at the Lost and Found counter. "I don't suppose you've had a heart handed in?" "As in a heart heart?" "Yes, I lost it on the train yesterday. This woman got on and smiled at me when she sat down. We both read our books and then, when she got off …
Alec gave an internal sigh of relief as the towers of Lilyfeld Hall came into view over the trees. In hindsight (always helpful), he should have had it out with Mellisande before they left her father's keep. The events of the past two days had made any sort of conversation impossible, let alone one likely …
