Prediction Winner

A short and sweet announcement this week, which is hardly fitting for the stunning entries - and for that I apologise. But I've already explained myself so won't blather on about life's inconveniences; I'll just get on with it.

Honestly, what a shower of fairy-tale delight - ripped apart and studded with sharp and sparkling pins. Poor Cinders didn't stand a chance. I'm so glad.

My winner from last week's Prediction is Jenny Dreadful with Slim(e) wa(i)ste. This got right under my skin with its flashlight descriptions and deviant poses. Congratulations Jenny.

Runners-up are Aidan Fritz with The Time Traveler's Hawker - because I just love this whole bizarre (bazaar) concept of the mother equally spoiling and neglecting her child, and also because I want to see the movie. Also Pixie J. King with Glass Slipper because I had wondered what had happened to her dark world of fairy and here it is - slap, bang in front of us, damned well-written - and Theo is taking prisoners. Well done Aidan, well done Pixie.

Sleep or wake well everyone. A new Prediction challenge tomorrow.

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How to Write Horror article by Lily Childs

Read the full article How to Write Horror...

Background

When I was first approached by Annie Evett, Managing Editor at the excellent online writers' resource 'Write Anything' to write an article on how to write horror, my initial reaction was How? I just do it!

But when I sat and properly contemplated the question I realised that actually, there are of course skills involved in presenting a story that thrills and disturbs in equal measure. But it's a case of balance between method and flow, and ultimately the final edit.

As Write Anything's audience is already made up of aspiring or established writers I decided to present the article as generic advise for writers of all ages and levels of experience who are considering trying their hand at the horror genre.

I peppered it with my own methodology but as someone who dislikes rules would hope readers might consider my advice, but write as themselves - with their own voice.

If you would like to read How to Write Horror by Lily Childs I would welcome your comments.

Thank you, Annie for the invitation to contribute.

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Lily's Friday Prediction

I promise to get mine in early today - Prediction entry, that is. Because it is a gorgeous and inspiring sunny day in old Eastbourne town - and I have the day off.

Congrats to Messrs Fritz and Allinotte. Aidan's terrifying horror-fest Clown Hearse came in first past the post as winner of last week's Prediction challenge with Chris's lost Atlas the runner-up, in One More Time Gentlemen. Great flash - well done both.

I had to temper the words thrown up by the old book today, otherwise you'd have been challenged with gastropod, pneumatology and coprolite (which - as if you didn't know is fossilised excrement, so rather interesting actually.) Anyway, with the best will in the world and the talent you all share, I thought these were a bit OTT.

So I did it again. Today's three words are:

• Mongrel
• Cinderella
• Profit

Rules

The rules are: 100 words max flash fiction or poetry using all of the words above. Please add your entries in the Comments box below. You have all week until 9pm UK time on Thursday 31st March to enter.

Winner will be announced next Thursday or Friday. If you can, please tweet about your entry, using the #fridayflash hashtag, and blog if you feel like it.

Now, where did I leave that glass slipper...?

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Prediction Winner

Ooh la la. How on earth am I going to select a winner from last week? Or have I already chosen? Hmmnn - will you ever know?

My summaries are quick this night, for midnight beckons - and a rare day off to boot. So much to write, so much to read. Oh get on with it, you rambling haridan..

Who's first?

• Jenny's modern magic, perfect murder immediately throws us through her extraordinary sad doorway where the soul of the house is older than the story itself.
• Mimi takes us into the horrors of war with a satisfactory twist in The Other Option.
• Ellie returned to knock us out with her sci-fi killer Gravity (Pt II). Helward is king.
• Little, little words and tiny verses; Susan's poetry ties up Fox, Middle and Surrender in the tightest Tanka.
• I gave the beautiful fox back her grace against the wicked hunt in Her Grace, then Lure left a lover in a spectral no-man's land.
• Sandra despairs of the norm, transfixed - if momentarily by the sheer beauty of Mr Fox in Traditional for May 1st.
• Nightmares - over and over -  with Aidan's Clown Hearse. Intensity and bigotted undercurrent fuel this well-observed piece.
• Rebecca (rightly) exposes the tragic experimentation on one species of a race in Tamability, or: The Wild Dreams of Itself, then Mona Lisa - from the same pen - sucks the soul from this cold fox before she flies away.
• Melenka reveals a cautious yet tender love affair twixt animal and humankind (only just) in Transition. Twist and twist again - Crashing the Party dances out desire, in whatever guise is required.
• Tribal assault overwhelms Ragemore's hero/heroine who shares a unique sense of apartness with wise fox in Cast Out.
• The mythical Atlas is brought down to a salacious earth where he sits, lost, bewildered in Chris Allinotte's One more time, Gentlemen. Then we have the cheeky and acerbic observation of a life baited by technology in the hellish poem Tech Support.
• A rage of emotions, bewildered by fear and toppled by abject horror slips down AJ's foxhole in the intense Sacrifice.
• William Davoll has revenge on his mind, and Darla's out to steal if for him without a care in Darla's Wicked Game.
• Such tragedy of a life self-taken, Antonia's Suicide sees a desperate outlook overwhelmed, cold... sad...gone...
• Asuqi shares death with a harbinger through the birchwood in Winter Hunt followed by a complete contrast - a woman who loves from afar yet give herself without care (or self-respect) in Obtainable.
• Anthony turns our heads with his poetic twists and fleshy colours in the strange and haunting My Wet Infection.
• John tears our souls apart, plunging our sinuous spirits into a well of emotion before splitting them away as disparate twins in Madame Fox.
• Steve's Crossing fights with our childhood dreams; makes us question intent in this dancing prose piece.

I am struck by the reverance everyone has for the beautiful fox. Don't think me pretentious but I can't help the shaman in me - we and fox have always shared an affinity. I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Straight to it. My winner this week is Aidan Fritz with the terrifying Clown Hearse. As if it wasn't even brilliantly written in the first place I urge you to google 'Westboro(ugh) Church' and then decide whether fact is not more horrific than fiction. Brilliant Aidan, congratulations.

My runner-up is Chris Allinotte with his first piece, One More Time Gentlemen because I loved the concept of a mythical hero lost in a world of urban debauchery. Well done Chris.

I must slumber, lest the morning brings light - and only the darkness will do. Sweet dreams - a demain mes amis.

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Nominated for the 2011 Spinetingler Award: Best Short Story on the Web

I just popped on to Twitter on my lunch break only to find my murderous tale Carpaccio, which was published on Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers last year has been nominated for the 2011 Spinetingler Award for Best Short Story on the Web.

This nomination comes from the highly respected Spinetingler Magazine, so to say I'm honoured is an understatement.

There are ten nominees, I know several of the extraordinary authors and look forward to reading their stories as well as those of the authors who are new to me. Best of luck to all, and congratulations on being nominated.

Voting begins next week - I'll post an update when I know more.

• Read the 2011 Spinetingler Award: Best Short Story on the Web Nominees announcement
• Read Carpaccio by Lily Childs

Thank you!

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Madness In March - and Living In A Box

Mr Chris Allinotte, of Toronto begs your company at his table of fictional delights. For during this week where Winter prepares to give way to the bliss of Spring, screams of frenzied hysteria wreak through his palette, coupled with sighs of despair and delirium smiles.

I am, of course, referring to The Leaky Pencil, where Chris is hosting a whole week of guest writes in the theme of Madness in March.

It's a privilege to have my story 'Living In A Box' as the final piece in the showcase. Do pop over and take a peek...

My story is amongst dynamite company; each and every one worth a read:

• Paranoia by Laurita Miller
• Blister Pack by Richard Godwin
• Mad Dash by Angel Zapata
• The Giver, The Taker, The Monster by Benjamin Sobieck
• Heart Shaped Hammer by Sean Patrick Reardon
• Still Alive by Erin Cole
• Living In A Box by Lily Childs

This is a great idea. Thank you so much, Chris. I'd love to see it become an annual event. And having hosted February Femmes Fatales, I know just how much work it entails - great job!

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Lily's Friday Prediction

Woop, woop - Rebecca Bohn sure gave us a thorough seeing-to with her wonderful judging for last week's Prediction. Bet she hasn't taken those boots off yet. Thank you, Rebecca for such a great job.

Many congratulations to A.J. Humpage for winning with the stunning The Road to Kigali. Ally's style of writing is an inspiration, as is she - a mentor and guide with 20 years in the writing game - do take a look at her All Write - Fiction Advice blog.

Well done to Aidan as runner-up with the dignified Kazuhiro's Dragons and to everyone who entered last week. A truly outstanding collection.

Back to today. My fingers are lingering over the old book - what will it reveal?

• Fox
• Middle
• Surrender

Rules

The rules are: 100 words max flash fiction or poetry using all of the words above. Please add your entries in the Comments box below. You have all week until 9pm UK time on Thursday 24th March to enter.

Winner will be announced next Thursday or Friday. If you can, please tweet about your entry, using the #fridayflash hashtag, and blog if you feel like it.

Come play with my pages - you have a blank canvas.

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Prediction Winner

Oh wow - you lovely people have certainly squeezed your writing juices out this week. And whilst I've been madly scrubbing and repairing my old house all day today, the marvellous Rebecca Bohn has been judging your masterpieces from afar. I'll say no more and hand over to Rebecca...

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Lily gave us three words, and what my fellow Predictioneers did with them overwhelmed me. This must rank as one of the best weeks I’ve seen, and I honestly began to fret on Tuesday when I realized that I would actually have to choose just one. But choose one I must, and so, judging boots on, I begin:

Mimimanderly’s emotionally charged tale of a goodbye, “No Place Like Home,” dropped a house on us and ruefully winked while doing it.

Melenka wrought shiveringly-good suspense in “Centennial,” making us into the cheering crowd and begging to know: What will be unlocked?

Lily’s “Provision” was naughty and exciting, blurring the line between woman and monster and creating art out of priapism.

Aidan F wrought gorgeousness out of tragedy, soaring above the realm of fantasy with a delicate touch in “Kazuhiro’s Dragons.”

Antonia Woodville brought us classic horror courtesy of the ever-divine Bela Lugosi with “The Vampire’s Quest,” feeding us her special brand of… sustenance.

David Barber delights with his dialogue-only piece, “The Two Blokes,” a couple of guys who I’d really like to have a beer with. I’d even buy!

AJ Humpage brought us along on “The Road to Kigali,” searing heartbreaking images onto our retinas in a reminder that horror exists everywhere, even in those places we seldom think about.

Chris Allinotte turned just-another-day-on-the-job into a crime story of gory genius in “Guts, No Glory.” Chris, we’re not sick of the weird ones yet!

John Xero let us get a glimpse of the start of something epic in “Entombed,” his devilish invention freeing itself (at our expense?), and he used the word “penumbral”!

My “Warble” wondered at the origins of song, and dug at an answer.

Sandra Davies showed us the subtle side of horror, creeping at our subconscious much like her heroine’s first tremulous fears in “Early One Morning.”

Angel Zapata’s Vicki has had enough in this home-grown horror story, “Slur,” a lesson for many: hide the key or combination to the gun safe.

Jenny Dreadful hunts vampires without a cliché in sight in the taut “Anything resembling a bath would have stymied me.” And reminded me to floss.

Asuqi was generous, granting us twice the A.S. this week; was it the extra words she gave herself? One isn’t sure, but in her first piece, “Paradise Lost,” she blends dream and reality in a Gaugin of words as birds fly from her prose, and in “I Can Bring Nothing,” her protagonist drinks jasmine tea while draped in the memories of those who have gone before.

Lissa introduced us to Clever, all arrogance (deserved? We must know!) and slickness as he disturbed a raven-haired beauty in her boudoir. My own throat tightened at the thrill of her words.

William Davoll’s suspenseful “After the plague Part II” pits witchcraft against spirits harboring the evilest of intents, and despite the outcome, leaves behind a sense of profound unease.

I cannot begin to say how difficult a task it was to choose a winner. I truly adored each piece, my heart racing at times with the images you created and the beauty of your prose. In the end, though, I found I could not shake the shadowy horror of AJ Humpage’s “The Road to Kigali.” I felt intense discomfort while reading, to the point of tears, and was also deeply moved. Thank you, AJ, for sharing your talent. My runner-up is Aidan Fritz with “Kazuhiro’s Dragons.” I admired the way he used tragedy as inspiration in a way that felt organic and respectful; I’m not sure I could do the same.

Thank you, Lily, for giving me the opportunity to stride about the place in my judging boots. It was too much fun, and my riding crop hasn’t had this much of a workout in ages.

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And thank you, Rebecca for your excellent and insightful judging. I'm sure we all appreciate it. Congratulations to Ally Humpage, and well done to Aidan.

See you tomorrow for a brand new Prediction. A very goodnight to you all.

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Ides, Apostles and M-M-M-Madness

Knowing full well today heralds the Ides of March, I opened my curtains determined to not be superstitious only to see a single magpie sitting on the chimney of the empty house opposite. I have lived here for 11 years and have never seen a magpie in my street. I ignored the flutters in my heart and doffed my imaginary hat to say 'Good Morning' to the bird. As I did - it stepped to one side to reveal another - its partner in crime perhaps - standing directly behind it. I whispered a greeting to the pair of them and they flew away, in opposite directions.

So, dismissing augury and deciding that one bad Ides over a couple of millennia isn't too bad (anyway 'Ides' simply means 'the 15th' in a calendar we no longer use OR the full moon) I am pragmatically forgetting Caesar and concentrating on the positive.

Apostle Rising

As if the title of the book wasn't good enough, it happens to be written by the mighty Richard Godwin - an author so articulate and engaging I feel like the girl at the back of the classroom in the white pointy hat - D - scrawled across its glaring surface.

My copy of Apostle Rising arrived last week. I can't wait to read DCI Frank Castle's investigation into a copycat-killer. Or is it? Castle is convinced he had the right man first-time around - even though he was never caught. With cults, sacrifice and ritual involving high-profile victims this book promises to be the very devil of a read.

• Apostle Rising on Amazon
• Apostle Rising video intro on YouTube

Madness in March

Over at Chris Allinotte's Leaky Pencil he is hosting a week of fiction that examines insanity, Madness In March. Think asylums and psychopaths; fear and hysteria.

Our aforementioned friend Richard Godwin's Blister Pack has already provoked a fascinating debate into the difference between madness and mental illness. Laurita Miller opened the show with a touch of Paranoia, and today sees author, poet and 5x5 Editor Angel Zapata considering a Mad Dash.

Go see - linger a while, but make sure you've got a key to get out.

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New York - can you help?

I've been researching my family history for 14 years and love nothing better than getting my hands filthy in graveyards and rummaging around archive offices in parish records, wills, land records and quarter sessions.

However, a strain of my family is from the good old US of A, and boy - are they giving me gip. Probably once a year I get a tiny new clue, and today I've come across another one. You see, I know my ancestor - Parden Harvey was born (1811ish) and married (1836ish) somewhere in New York and his first two children were born there - but so far Ancestry and Family Search haven't thrown up any BMD records AT ALL! Aaaargh.

Last month I discovered Parden's eldest daughter Jane was born in Essex, NY in 1837. (Essex town, Essex County???).

Today I found a second marriage for his second child John, which gives his birthplace - but the life of me I can't read the handwriting (below). I have had no opportunity to visit New York so this means nothing to me. Can anyone help?

Thank you - anyone who is able to help.

Kisses.

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Repetitive Strain Ramble

Have you noticed that you tend to revisit ideas in your writing? Maybe it's a similar theme or particular words. Is this a good or bad thing? Some and some, methinks

I know, without a doubt that I have an obsession with fabric. It makes sense - I studied fashion design in the 80s but didn't like the bitchy or practical side so ended up making my own ball-gowns, costumes and tutus to wear to the pub. I've been making costumes for decades now. Love a ribboned, bony corset - easy-peasy.

There's a mercer in London's Berwick Street called Borovicks where I bought the taffeta for my four bridesmaids' dresses - I'd roll around in fabric in its thin corridors if only they'd let me.

Demons

Since I started writing in earnest, a sense of the demon has frequently manifested itself. I can observe this from afar, detached - and am enjoying the eruptions. May they continue - although I have felt compelled to dole out some conditions.

I've never forgotten an evil blighter that plagued me in the 1990s. He called himself 'Malcolm' as if that wasn''t earthly and tawdry enough - he/it was a nasty beast that used to descend my staircase and laugh right in my face. I learned to push him back; you can do it with your eyes you know. But - you do have to give as good as you get, 'cos they're feisty buggers.

Lovely Words

So. Words - I've done this before on The Feardom, but I'm asking again, What do you like? For me its fleshy words:

• flesh
• pulpous
• fat
• pale
• gorge
• skin etc

Reality

Today's observation is that people can surprise you. I met the world's most natural father today. Big love to him.

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Lily's Friday Prediction

Can't concentrate on reality today. There's writing to be done and I can't stop thinking about it. Just picked out this week's three words and I'm flying already.

Congratulations to Rebecca Bohn for winning last week's Prediction challenge with the nostalgic Bears in Summer. Becky will have her judge's hat on this week (should that be wig?) to choose the winner from all the stunning entries you'll be throwing her way. :)

Well done too, to runners-up Jenny Dreadful with her untitled Vamp fest, and William Davoll for a haunting tale in After The Plague.

With no more ado, here are this week's three words:

• Lock
• Resemble
• Garland

Rules

The rules are: 100 words max flash fiction or poetry using all of the words above. Please add your entries in the Comments box below. You have all week until 9pm UK time on Thursday 17th March to enter.

Winner will be announced next Thursday or Friday. If you can, please tweet about your entry, using the #fridayflash hashtag, and blog if you feel like it.

Running off to scribble now. I'm addicted. I can control it... can't I?

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Prediction Winner

It's sublime time. And this week I've got to pick a winner who'll judge the Prediction challenge next week! How hard is that? I'll tell you, it's... hard.

I'm going to run through and summarise, trying not to gush at the loveliness bound within The Feardom:

• Ellie's victim comes with a sting in his tail, biting back at the courageous Tamara in Party of Souls.
• Rebecca's Bears in Summer roar through the mists of moonshine-come-good in this nostalgia trip. Whilst Cake slithers around our hungry mouths, moist and inticing us to eat.
• Asuqi gave another double delight, firstly with the wandering sickly sweetness of A Secret; and in complete contrast the snake man dangles his mistresses in the bizarro world that is Fake.
• AJ's Carpathia rescues more than just a Titanic victim; the grandaughter sheds a malificent burden in Come the Morning.
• My triple-generation death party has mothers and daughters clinging on in spiritual decadence, in Gone Girls.
• Aidan's two shysters are getting screwed when feral revenge blinks its glistening eyes in Party Foul.
• Mimi's Red Riding Hood of a grandmother sloughs her way through the party crowd in Talkin' About My Regeneration.
• Melenka's lost elder searches in spectral heat, nearly in vain until the babe cries with her eyes in Losing Her.
• Antonia's sorrow and loss pleads through Life Party, but comes with a warning.
• Chris's T'kalli winds her wily way through jungle darkness towards a hidden beast in To Avenge The Prey. With Easy Money his thieves take on more than they can chew when Tyler's Grandma lets rip.
• David has us fooled when a sneaky peak at a family party turns life on its head, in The Day I Found Out. In Boys Will Be Boys the classroom culprits bitch and compete, rascals in the making.
• Jenny Dreadful's party doll struts dismissive stuff before discarding her amuse geule; in her second untitled piece Jenny casts tremulous fingers towards loaded friendship.
• William's ghostly wraith weaves between her offspring, and theirs too. A family bereft in After The Plague. 

Oh beJesus - what to do? So much talent. (Takes a quick gulp of buttery Chardonnay).

My winner - and judge of next week's Friday Prediction is... Rebecca Bohn with Bears in Summer. It's a Stephen King of a thing, wistful yet tinged with a potential malice. Wonderful writing. Congratulations Rebecca! I shall be in touch ;)

Runners-up this week are newcomer Jenny Dreadful for her first, vampiric entry because I just LOVE that attitude, and William Davoll. After the Plague has stayed with me all evening; desperate and ethereal. Well done both.

Well, I'm exhausted but excitable now. Can't imagine going to bed for a few hours (but I'm all talk).

Catch you in the morrow for another Prediction challenge. Toodleoo.

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Catching Up

Hello. Long time no ramble on about meself much. So, now February Femmes Fatales has died down for this year (it is SO on for 2012!) I've been trying to get back into a writing schedule.

I've subbed three horror stories, an historical mystical poem and an article this month. From those, so far one story and the article 'How to Write Horror' have been accepted. More news on these later this month.

I have two interviews coming up - very humbled.

I've made a huge decision - novel-wise - to put Dispirited to bed for a while, for a whole load of different reasons. However, I have a much bigger novel idea to focus on. I have the concept, but need to do a fair amount of research. Very excited.

I'm also considering publishing an e-book collection of dark verse, illustrated by Laurence Ranger to sell on Kindle. What do you think...? Would you buy it?

In the meantime, look out for Chris Allinotte's upcoming Madness in March over at The Leaky Pencil - starting on 13th March. Promises to be a "seriously unsettling" week - can't wait.

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Lily's Friday Prediction

An aside: I'm not a huge TV addict but have been glued to the screen for four excellent British dramas series these last six weeks. The spooky Marchlands, noir Mad Dogs, the third series of shape-shifting Being Human and - although some of the 'facts' leave a bit to be desired, the converted-asylum that is Bedlam.

Really pleased to see the dark side coming through again - reminds me of great shows when I was a kid - and that was a long time ago. Hope they reach our US/Canadian friends soon for their own enjoyment.

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Congratulations to Michael Solender, winner of last week's Prediction challenge with the fiery The Perfect Successor. Well done too to runners-up ravensways with Last One Chosen and Chris Allinotte with Waiting on Onuava.

And so to this week's challenge. To add to the pressure - whoever wins this week gets to judge next week's Prediction! Let's see what you can offer up on the The Feardom platter with the following:

• Party
• Grandmother
• Safe

Hmmmn... the old book's being less kind than usual. But it is what it is. Here are the rules:

Rules:

The rules are: 100 words max flash fiction or poetry using all of the words above. Please add your entries in the Comments box below. You have all week until 9pm UK time on Thursday 10th March to enter.

Winner will be announced next Thursday or Friday. If you can, please tweet about your entry, using the #fridayflash hashtag, and blog if you feel like it.

I feel challenged already. How about you?

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Prediction Winner

A basketcase of earthy bounty this week, my skin crawled with pleasure at your poetry and fiction you glorious writers, you.

Let's have a lookie-see to sum up:

• Michael thrust his way in with The Perfect Successor. Satan takes charge, flashing his serpent as he goes.
• Rebecca's Seed is all wistful, worrying wonder. Children and inheritance of manner and blood.
• Mimi's sacrificial lamb questions the people and faith as dubious rain begins to fall in Small Consolation.
• Aidan's playing an explosive game. Who is the winner, in Mr. Miners Lettuce in the Greenhouse with a Squib?
• The Horned One returns to slake his thirst of Melenka's fecund Pillar of the Community.
• Antonia's Dangerous Dabbling reveals far more than her character expected.
• The world has a sparkling parallel? A fantasy from the waste we make, in Asuqi's Magpies Lost.
• Revenge lies waiting in the arms of the Earth in my Dressing The Well.
• Ellie's pseudo-Messiah makes her mark whilst rejecting the masses in Second Coming.
• ravenways delivers finger food to the drooling Loup Garous in Last One Chosen, followed by her untitled poetry that sings of eternal spectral wanderings.
• Ally's Viet Cong girl submits unwillingly to a cruel platoon; twisted and tragic vengeance in A Songless Bird.
• Chris's Lawrence is asylum-bound when he meets the nubile Helena in the throbbing Waiting on Onuava.
• John's Acolyte obeys demands, utters spurious commandments and eats familial flesh.
• William's character is reeling with grief and regret, honouring the memory of the deceased in Squandered.
• Kim's Oasis leaves us gasping for resolution as his protagonist awaits the sword.
• Anthony is battle-weary but goes the final mile to survive in In Dark Trenches.

That this is hard to judge goes without saying, as always. And just to tell you know now - *next week's winner gets to do the judging!!!

The winner this week is Michael Solender with his gorgeously dark The Perfect Successor; one of the best last liners I've read for ages.

I could choose so many runners-up but it's down to two - ravenways Loup Garous on the make in Last One Chosen and Chris Allinotte's Waiting on Onuava. Both dangerous, both a wicked delight. Well done.

Back tomorrow for the next Prediction - and just a little extra pressure*. Bonne nuit.

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28 Days Later...

A big thank you to everyone who took part and so generously contributed their wonderfully dark fiction and poetry to the 2011 February Femmes Fatales showcase. You are extraordinary writers, each and every one.

I've added a permanent FFF page to the blog now, listing and linking all the authors and their entries. I also understand from the grapevine that several writers would like the opportunity to take part in a future FFF showcase, and so I've included details on how to contact me on the page. Yes, there will be a February Femmes Fatales 2012!

And now to catch up with the writing I had put to one side; I have competitions to enter, submissions to make and deadlines to meet. There's a new novel to plan and some other exciting projects I'm keeping to myself for the moment. I can't wait.

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