They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. She knew that. But when faced with such a scene, how was it possible not to judge, to draw conclusions? They tell men to look at the mother before marrying the daughter; perhaps, they should tell women to examine their betrothed’s bachelor pad before taking … Continue reading “Wallpaper (2)” – 100-word challenge
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“Thirteen Reasons Why”
I have just finished reading "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher. I have to say that for the first time in a long time, I have come across a book that begs to be read in a single sitting. Where it would be fitting, indeed, in the context of the story, to do so; it … Continue reading “Thirteen Reasons Why”
“The Tobacconist”
I have just finished reading Robert Seethaler's excellent little novel, "The Tobacconist". Highly recommended. Reading
Minor trumpet blowing…
A couple of months ago I entered a poetry competition, and the results are just out. There were a total of 1,305 entries - and I was 'long listed'! I didn't make it to the short- or prize-list - and to be honest, I didn't expect to - but I'm pleased to have made it … Continue reading Minor trumpet blowing…
Anything’s possible?
At my local Writers' Group, we were given the challenge of producing a story that had to contain the following six words: rules, postman, lamb, cripple, shotgun and sixpence. To make it harder, I thought I would try and do so within the constraints of 100 words. Here's the super-short story output (99 words): When … Continue reading Anything’s possible?
“Wallpaper (1)” – 100-word challenge
Everything in the room was geometric, straight. The wallpaper, a blur of triangles - white, three shades of grey, and amber - set the tone. Close up, the shapes were hypnotic, but as a backdrop they became a blend that accented the sharp, minimal, functional Ikea furniture (all in white, grey and black). There were … Continue reading “Wallpaper (1)” – 100-word challenge
Out of the woods…
At the beginning of the year I tried to articulate my goals for 2017, including the things I intended to be working on [see the various pages in the 'Work in Progress' section of this site]. One of the major items was the rather fetchingly titled project, "2017 - H1"; essentially a selection of work I may … Continue reading Out of the woods…
“All That Man Is”
Just finished the 2016 Booker-shortlisted work by David Szalay. I have to say that I'm not sure the people who made all the effusive comments on the front/back cover have actually read it: for a start it's a collection of short stories, not a novel... A small number of the stories are impeccably written, and … Continue reading “All That Man Is”
“The Blackwood Convention” – 100-word challenge
One of their guiding principles was that they would refrain from being too formal: “it will constrain us”, they said. That they started doing particular things in particular ways was probably inevitable, however. Although George was no longer with them, they still followed the approach he had introduced when it came to discussing their work. … Continue reading “The Blackwood Convention” – 100-word challenge
“Carbon Dating” – 100-word challenge
This one is a little different. It was written as part of an exercise undertaken during a workshop at the weekend. The original is 224 words long, and I wanted to see if I could crunch it into 100 words - and what the effect of doing so would be. I also include the original for … Continue reading “Carbon Dating” – 100-word challenge
Ian Gouge - Writer 