Backstage Story, Part 1 – The Mask of Ophelia
The Mask of Ophelia The Mask of Ophelia is a short story set in the theatre, written at a time when I was writing a lot of stories and flash fiction and not so much poetry, believe it or not! Part 1 tells the Backstage Story, where Martha, (who has been cast as Ophelia), awaits…
Japanese Dragon – Flash Fiction
He has a gold smile and a bell at his throat. He guards me as I write. He was a present from Japan – a place I have never been to, never will go to. I am no traveller, yet, I am drawn to delicate portrayals of Japanese life: a bridge, a hut, bright flowers.
Flash Fiction: Owl Eyes
Owl eyes are the deepest. They draw you in, when you don’t want to be drawn. When you want to sit still and mind your own business, stay lost in your own thoughts. This owl was curious. I saw it in his red-rust flecks. He wasn’t about to blink. Then again, neither was I.
Halloween Short Story Extract
The road narrows and the fog hangs in, like dragon breath. We’re on a nameless diversion – no signposts, not even sun to mark the horizon. Houses float out, make themselves known against white. If people live here, it can’t be so desolate. It’s just the weather. But the road shudders its way into the…
Heart Strings Extract: Rewriting Christmas, a Festive Tale
In festive tale: ‘Rewriting Christmas’, a cynical writer (Bill) battles with his publisher and self appointed publicist Teri. Teri cracks the whip from behind a polished facade of vanilla lipgloss, spicy perfume and empty air kisses.