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As we head into August and focus on our popular Prompted Stories challenge, we’re also excited for the rest of the year. We have no less than FOUR more submission opportunities before the end of 2026. Something for everyone, we hope. Here’s a summary of everything that’s coming so you can add us to your […]
When my mojo is fried, I go and play wheelchair rugby league. I train twice a week with matches at weekends. Smashing the heck out of other people really clears the head. I also find that some of my best story ideas come when I'm swimming,
Once I cawed back at a crow in a pattern. The crow repeated the pattern. It was amazing, but I've never been able to replicate it. The crow probably spread the word to ignore me.
I also keep a running list of pieces I love that have appeared in various journals so I can re-read them whenever I want to be inspired.
I’ve never liked the prescription to “kill your darlings,” at least the way I think it’s often interpreted—to cut anything not ‘necessary’ out of your story and focus only on driving the plot forward. Many times, I find the oddball detours and vivid, unexpected images more interesting than the plot.
Let yourself be truly weird and weirdly truthful.
I'm much more of an editor than a writer, as anyone who has read my rambling, dreary first drafts will agree. And I find editing is a good use of time when your creative muscles are exhausted.
I'm much more of an editor than a writer, as anyone who has read my rambling, dreary first drafts will agree. And I find editing is a good use of time when your creative muscles are exhausted.
I’m an eclectic reader and I’m always excited by beautiful language. I go through all sorts of reading phases. Anything from Westerns, Classics, Crime and Thrillers, the Booker nominees etc.
...having a little group of fellow writers who meet up a couple of times a week to write together. And if you end up doing like admin while everyone else is writing? Be kind to yourself and write something fabulous next time.
