“This is a rubbish idea, Dad,” Michelle moans. I hear ‘rubbish’ and ‘Dad’. As ever. I thought this setting for social media posts to promote my guitar lessons was a cool spoof. But this is not a crossing of red dirt tracks in Mississippi, where blues legends might be made. We are standing under a … Read more
It’s a lush mess of dark-green, splattered over mossy gravestones. I jump from my van, sighing to see the mighty yew tree uprooted and split by last night’s gale. A fallen giant. Its limbs are still groaning from its fall, and the giving up of its secret. The woman in an anorak standing by it … Read more
You only know how good a product is when you have to use it in extreme circumstances. Most products you use straightaway, and you get some reassurance. Some…some, you hope never to have to use. It was ten years ago that I—or, I should say—the company of which I am the major shareholder—bought rubber-covered, steel-framed … Read more
Alice stepped on to the tube train. It was a new one. Without the usual jostling of people and fug of cigarette smoke, she noticed the varnished floors, stylish lights, grab handles and cushioned seating covered in brightly patterned fabric. At Embankment Station, she hurried up the steps into London’s dirty air. The late summer … Read more
Here I come! Floating down aimlessly. You think I’m a white blob because I’m touching other water crystals. Light reflects off us to make you think that. But we are all transparent, and all unique! It’s a miracle enough that we have formed this far south. The right combination of bitter cold and water vapour … Read more
This item was written for a writing workshop in Marlow library. We had a selection of photos to choose from. We had to choose three and weave them together into the opening of a novel. See if you can guess what my three photos were! : She had been dreading it. But she had promised, … Read more
We were mellow after our early evening drinks and light meal in the soft warmth of Sue’s sitting room. Everything about it cooed “cosy”. “Now, my darlings! I want to hear your resolutions!” it was like a brick shattering a stained-glass window. Chitter-chatter ceased, nervous glances were exchanged and mouths opened in dismay. Sue noted … Read more
In 2024, the Scottish Arts Trust started a category in their Flash Fiction awards called “True Flash” – for memoir or creative non-fiction. It was very appealing to try this. This is partly sharing personal experience, but also describing a common experience for the older female motorist. : It Comes to Us All “Excuse me. … Read more
The theme “Special Meal” did not initially appeal to me, as most of my meals are consumed on my feet, on the go and on my own. So, a flight of complete fantasy was required…at last – I was trying to write a happy ending! : SPECIAL MEAL He had been patient and she had … Read more
