Onstage Story, Part 2 – The Mask of Ophelia
“Now.” The word signals the start of the rescue operation. Leonardo swoops on the foundation, measuring out the exact amount required for each cheek and for Martha’s high forehead. He dots, blends and expands, taking the reddish hue from her skin, replacing it with a pale sheen: the mask of Ophelia.
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…
Old and Free: Flash Fiction
Her song finds the spiders each morning, moves along the webs until they quaver. It doesn’t occur to her to dust or hoover the creatures away. They are hers. She admires their composition. Legs, a bare tremble. Heads, like black tears.
Heart Strings Extract for Valentines Day
I decided to post this romantic extract from my short story collection: Heart Strings, in honour of Valentines Day. ‘Teachers in Love’ is a love story (obviously) and the one part of the collection which fits that genre completely.
Story Wise Creative Writing Workshop
The Story Wise Creative Writing Workshop is back! This time, taking place in Clonmel and Dungarvan, offering people the chance to learn to write a short story in a day!
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.
Heart Strings Extract: The Move
‘The Move’ is about a bitter rivalry, brewing between two residents in a small Irish Town. Having lived in London for ten years, Tina has returned home to live in a remote cottage, left to her by a great Aunt.
Heart Strings Extract: Roadtrip
This Romantic Adventure completely reflects my love of the beach. I grew up near the sea and would often head down to the water’s edge when I needed some thinking time. ‘Roadtrip’ is about taking that time out with a best friend and discovering that the relationship may be deeper than first thought.
Heart Strings Extract: Magic and the Modern Witch
Magic and the Modern Witch was inspired by childhood memories of ‘Clyne Gardens’ a park situated just minutes from my home. My elder sister used to make up stories about the various buildings within the park.