When you’re devising a timeline for your historical crime novel but you need to do your sums to work out who’s supposed to be doing what and when. #amwriting #amwritingcrime #cannaespellnumbers
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A bicycle named ‘Gladys’
More novel research. This interesting lady is Frances Willard. She's learning how to ride her bike ‘Gladys’ in 1895, aged 53. From her book ‘A Wheel Within A Wheel’. #gaunyerselfrances
‘Stories From Home’ Anthology
Absolutely delighted to have a wee flash fiction piece on the French Revolution included in this wonderful anthology edited by Dr Hayleigh Barclay and Dr Sylvia Hehir. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stories-Home-anthology-stories-poems-ebook/dp/B0896W21V3 All proceeds from 'Stories From Home' will go to The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC), a charity dedicated to 'the mental, physical and financial wellbeing' of the UK's … Continue reading ‘Stories From Home’ Anthology
History of the Glasgow Herald – Novel Research
Soooo, this little beauty arrived today. And that's my afternoon research sorted then. #feetup#coffeetime☕️❤️ #VileDeeds
‘Afore the Mast’ – Northwords Now, Issue 39
A huge thank you to Northwords Now for publishing my dark folklore piece about the reality of changelings. My contributor copies arrived today and I can't stop grinning. Thank you! My story is inspired by Robert Rendall's poem 'Saut i’ the bluid’, and is available to read here. #happywriter
APR Submission Time
Currently sacrificing my 10,000 word APR submission to the Old Gods. That's how it's done, isn't it? That's how you progress to the next year of the MFA? #amwriting #crimefiction #historicalcrime #viledeeds #amediting #murderpen First four chapters of #VileDeeds
First Steps into Novel Writing
This picture represents my first steps in progressing from writing short stories to tackling longer fiction. I mean, the longest piece I’ve ever written in one story world is 5,000 words. So, to have over 13,000 proper, crafted words, it's an absolute bloody joy. Yes, I know many of you reading this will have written … Continue reading First Steps into Novel Writing
Crumbs!
I like to judge the productivity of my writing day by the amount of biscuit crumbs on my jumper. This has been a VERY productive day. #amwriting
‘Sound of an Iceberg’ New Writing Scotland No.37
Absolutely delighted that 'Thrum', my wee Imprint Award story about my first miscarriage, has found its forever print home at New Writing Scotland 37. Look at all these amazing writers and that cover too! A big thank you to editors Susie Maguire and Samuel Tongue for including my work. 'Sound of An Iceberg' is available … Continue reading ‘Sound of an Iceberg’ New Writing Scotland No.37
On Embracing Rejection
A well-known and high profile creative writing competition is announced today. Now, I know my story will not be long-listed. My publishing credits are few and relatively recent. I still have much to learn about the craft and I have a fair distance to travel yet. But still, I've discovered this little kernel of hope … Continue reading On Embracing Rejection