Anniversary

This story was announced today as Highly Commended in the NZSA Northern Branch Short Story Competition. We had to write on the theme of Loss. The story actually constitutes just one part of a larger work (more to come on that), but was originally based on my experience of miscarriage. I press my hands deeper…

Advertisement

Quick Tips #11: Pantsing vs. Plotting: which is better?

A panster tends to write their way into a story, without planning the plot in advance. A plotter does the opposite. They like to plan, then write to that plan. Neither method is better or worse; both have their benefits and pitfalls. Pantsing can open writers up to a wild creativity that advance plotting might…

Covet

I wrote this story ten years ago. It was runner-up in the Reader's Digest 100-word story competition 2013. It has exactly 100 words. Covet You stand in the corner, silent. Your legs, your arms, your back all curve luxuriously, stealing space. You are taunting me. Teasing me. Come. Closer. Caress. Covet. I circle you, regarding…

Quick Tips #10: What writing advice should I listen to?

I was given an invaluable piece of writing advice some time ago that was infinitely more helpful than any “how-to” article or writing course. Back then, I was at a point where writing was becoming more of a pressure than a pleasure; something to work at rather than simply...enjoy. I believed I had to write every day…