On Meg Tilly, Early Trauma and the Rise of the Fragmented Memoir

Re-blogging for the interesting observations about fragmented writing but also because I want to know more about this film. Anyone heard of it? In our Craft Section this month, Sonja Livingston explores the link between trauma and fragmented memoirs, and that unlikeliest of literary pioneers,…On Meg Tilly, Early Trauma and the Rise of the Fragmented … Continue reading On Meg Tilly, Early Trauma and the Rise of the Fragmented Memoir →

All’s Well That Ends Well

Flash memoir is much more difficult than “only 750 words” suggests. As readers, we see finished pieces. Work that’s had a writing buddy or teacher or…All’s Well That Ends Well

Yes, Virginia, There Is A Sh*tty First Draft

Interviewing an author for the Brevity Podcast, I ask how his book is coming along. He says it’s terrible. He has no idea how he’ll make his way …Yes, Virginia, There Is A Sh*tty First Draft

Should You Quit Writing?

A writer asked me: Have you ever in your work as the Unkind Editor told someone they should quit writing? Which may be another way of asking if you …Should You Quit Writing?

Beyond Act One: Why We Need More Stories about Older Women —

I’m re-blogging this because … well, look at my photo. Of course I’m interested. I don’t feel sidelined as I get older, but then I never thought I was mainstream, or that mainstream was a desirable option. But I am definitely in favour of strong female protagonists, regardless of age. And I am definitely, definitely … Continue reading Beyond Act One: Why We Need More Stories about Older Women — →

Review: Leaving Blackwood

By Khaiah Thomson I was given a copy of Leaving Blackwood by the publishers in exchange for an independent review. The Blackwood trilogy is a Young Adult supernatural fiction series. Back in the mists of time I reviewed Welcome to Blackwood, and now Leaving Blackwood is out and my goodness, it was worth the wait. … Continue reading Review: Leaving Blackwood →

Poem: On the number three bus

I wrote this in lockdown 2020 specifically for 1000 Monkeys, a local poetry group. The poem rhymes more than I normally do because I suspected that Janice, who runs 1000 Monkeys, would like it. She didn’t put it in the newsletter, but she put the one I wrote after this one, which is on here … Continue reading Poem: On the number three bus →

Poem: Did I write this?

Looking through my phone’s notes and found this poem. Did I write it? Why else would it be on my phone? It’s from February 2020. Usually I note the writer if I save something. This is a strange sensation. I quite like it. How odd. Maybe it isn’t mine. I’ve googled the first line and … Continue reading Poem: Did I write this? →

Reblog: Whither the Plain Female Protagonist? On “Great Beauty” in Literature

Why am I re-blogging this? I was a plain female protagonist in my own early life and I searched for plain woman heroes who were at the centre of things. Jo March in Little Women, Jane Eyre. They still got the man, which seemed to be the prize to aspire to, albeit not the MAIN … Continue reading Reblog: Whither the Plain Female Protagonist? On “Great Beauty” in Literature →

2021: Walking the writer’s walk, an update

Last year I wrote a summary of my experience of sending work out to be judged and found wanting. Here’s an update 14 months on … I didn’t send much off in 2021. I was too busy reading and writing for the MA (and still being found wanting - justifiably). However, I did send off … Continue reading 2021: Walking the writer’s walk, an update →