Writing Blog
Last chance to submit for the Writers Abroad anthology
I’ve already posted about the call for submissions for expat writers or former expat writers. The Writers Abroad anthology, Kaleidoscope, is accepting works of short fiction, flash fiction and poetry. But the deadline is looming for submissions. You have until Monday, 15 June to submit your work. So writers, get polishing work you’ve already done, or…
Read MoreCongratulations to Ali Smith – Bailey’s Prize 2015 winner
Congratulations to Ali Smith! Her novel How to Be Both was named as this year’s winner of the Bailey’s Prize. I’m always pleased to celebrate the Bailey’s Women’s Prize for Fiction (formerly the Orange Prize). I’ve already posted the 2015 short list on my site, and I don’t envy the judges for what must have been a…
Read MoreDoes absence make the heart grow fonder … for your own writing?
Usually when I finish work on a novel, I set it aside and work on something else. Since I also write short stories, I find this a nice way to break from my longer projects. Then, when I’ve had a little time to distance myself from my work, I return to my project and start…
Read MoreIt’s time to sign up for the 2015 Matera Women’s Fiction Festival
Yes, it’s that time of year again. Time to think about signing up for the Matera Women’s Fiction Festival (24-27 September 2015). Early bird rates are in effect until 30 June. Take a look at the registration page here. This festival, held in the beautiful southern Italian “cave town” of Matera (see my earlier posts…
Read MoreLondon’s calling … all lovers of short stories
There are many reasons to visit the cosmopolitan city of London. But for lovers of short stories, 18-21 June 2015 is an ideal time to make it there, since these are the dates for the London Short Story Festival. There will be lots of the big names in short stories attending, speaking about their craft…
Read MoreCore Attraction: Can an anti-nuclear activist and a nuclear power exec find true love?
I’ve never been an appreciative romance novel reader. Probably one of my problems with the genre is that the hurdles in place for the romantic couple always seem so flimsy, and I lose patience with the supposedly insurmountable obstacles dragged out painfully throughout an entire novel, with few other plot points of interest to grab my…
Read MoreBest websites for writers
Writer’s Digest came out with their annual list of the best web sites for writers. Many of my favorites made the list. Others I didn’t know of, but will have to explore. Here are some of the sites I enjoy that made this year’s list, and hope other writers will find useful: Nathan Bransford :…
Read MoreBailey’s Prize shortlist for 2015
The Bailey’s Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist is out. I love following the Bailey’s Prize (formerly the Orange prize). There has been some criticism that there is no longer any need for a separate prize for female authors, but if the final list of last year’s Booker prize (see my earlier post) is anything to go…
Read MoreSubmissions open soon to expat writers for Writers Abroad anthology 2015
Expat and former expat writers – mark your calendars. The Writers Abroad group, after a year’s hiatus, is opening up for submissions in May from writers who are currently living outside of their country of origin, or have lived abroad as expats in the past. Submissions are free, and authors can submit one from the…
Read MoreHappy as a clam reading on the white sand
Okay, this is completely unfair, but I write this post pre-holiday knowing it will be posted as I return home, happy, relaxed and well-read on gorgeous white sands looking like this. I love the beach, but I generally don’t do the lazy, beach resort kind of holiday. But this year, I really felt I needed…
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