I travelled far and wide to find inspiration for Whimsy Fiction’s “Happy Travels” August writing competition, and with one final step, I hit submit! Thank you @whimsyfiction.bsky.social for another great competition!

During this cool wintery weekend, I was tempted to conceal myself under a blanket and binge Fletnix. But instead of mooning about, I chose to write my #NQWPrize story entry! Thank you, Ed and Amanda! #NotQuiteWritePrize #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

After a year of #365Days30Word Stories, I wasn’t sure I was up for any more stories, especially anything long! Luckily, Whimsy Fiction came along on 1 July, and I couldn’t resist my first 300-word whimsy! #whimsyfiction #amwriting #writingcommunity @whimsyfiction.bsky.social

Discouraged at first, I freaked out when I saw the #NotQuiteWritePrize prompts, then, thankfully, I got my groove on and bopped my way to a NQW submission! #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

They choose, acknowledging the warning of their host. It arrives vibrant, sweet, crunchy, sticky, succulent, thermally hot, and most importantly, mouth-blisteringly spicy. Injured but sated, they’ll return again (and again). #30Words365 #Sweet #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

Ratty thinks she makes great 3D-printer sh*t Literally creates a big pile of it. But Ratty’s triumph’s extinguished by ugly Crocs When Amanda’s mum 3D-prints a shoe that truly rocks. #30Words365 #Extinguish #WritingCommunity #AmWriting @akscotland.bsky.social

Imaginary friends… Eggplant tea… Fake slurps… Wooden biccies… Playacting nom-nomming… And yet… despite the make-believe tea-party interrupting her busy work schedule, Mum’s smile is genuine and her hug is real. #30Words365 #Smile #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

The scalding shower helps with composition, As I lather up my exfoliating mitten, For from the soapy scum, Creative ideas finally come, And another NQW flash-fiction entry has been written. #30Words365 #Scum #NotQuiteWritePrize #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

It floats through the air. It accumulates on surfaces, in corners, even the food (gross). Wagging his tail, shedding his fur is the gift of white Christmas to us all.   #30Words365 #Gift #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

Astoria checked herself in the mirror. Comfort and confidence were important when meeting new people, especially writers, yet her ensemble looked incomplete. Ah yes! She was missing her orange crocs. #30Words365 #Incomplete #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

Whoot whoot! I made the NQW Flash Fiction longlist (after many, many attempts!!!) I'm now even happier that I've bought an annual pass for NQW in 2026! #NotQuiteWritePrize #FlashFiction

Had to boot myself up the backside to get my entry in, but glad I made the effort! Thank you and mwah, goodbye to the anti-prompt! I’m sure I’ll miss the torture (well that’s what I’m telling myself anyway)... #NotQuiteWritePrize

Barbie helps Princess Leah alight from Peppa Pig’s convertible. Lego Harry Potter grins fixedly at his new bride. Sylvanian rabbit helps other toys sprinkle the happy couple with soon-to-be-banned-forever glitter. #30Words365 #Couple

It’s more steaming than sizzling, but at least an ink-spattered story has been dropped. And, if you crane your neck, you might see a ratty wreck jibbering in the corner. #30Words365 #Drop #NotQuiteWritePrize

Through sealed lips (to avoid being wiped out from the competition), I mutter that I've done it! I've not murdered my darlings, or have I? Only time will tell, approximately 5 weeks apparently... #NotQuiteWritePrize #WritingCommunity

Only a few days until the Manly Writers’ Festival. A few tickets are still available. I’m presenting a workshop and hosting a panel discussion—and I’m in the shade compared to the brilliant writers, creators and journalists taking part! #manlyWF25 #manlywritersfestival

The suspense is over, the price paid to those pesky kids for distracting me, and an @nycmidnight.bsky.social story has been submitted that gels all the criteria together (I hope). Mission accomplished! Hope other NYCmidnightwriters are going well! #nycmidnightwriters #MicrofictionChallenge100

I'm spilling the ink on how to get the most from working with a personal editor at #ManlyWF25 on 29 March! (...And I'm sharing my favourite time-saving, feedback-encouraging, idea-shaping templates with attendees...)

This week I'm busy putting the final touches to the workshop I'm presenting at #manlywritersfestival on 29 March. So, if you've ever wondered how working with a personal editor can get your manuscript ready for publication, do come along! See below for more info... 👇🧵

Phew, sweating here somewhat to get this month's FF entry done! Still, a valuable lesson on sticking with it, despite my thumping heart. I've submitted, so all done! Hope everyone else went well! #furiousfiction

What does “I haven’t been everywhere… but it’s on my list” mean to you? I'm hosting a travel writing panel discussion at the Manly Writers’ Festival 28-30 March on this very question and have been doing lots of preparation this week to ensure a fun and interesting session.

Can you write a story in 100 words? Join me in the @nycmidnight.bsky.social 100-word Microfiction Challenge on March 21st! Learn more at https://nycmidnight.com/100

"Murder in the Climate Assembly " reached its Kickstarter goal just days after launch. With only 10 days to go, extra funds raised will be used for a new Green Stories Competition—using fiction to engage in climate solutions.