Creative Compositions and Contemplations

I thought with the lock-down I would have plenty of time for writing, but the weather was so good I have been gardening instead. I used to grow quite a few vegetables in my garden but have got out of the habit in recent years. I located all my old seed packets and most are out of date but they have two chances: to grow or not. I am hoping I can look forward to several types of beans (runners are my favourite), tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, garlic, spinach, leeks and celery - assuming they all come up and survive the slugs. So, although I am not writing, I am still being creative. With all the time spent out in the garden, I have only had time for editing a few stories I finished last week and  I have finally submitted to Black Hare Press for School's In - Summer Camp, and Envy - Privilege of Fame. I am still considering the end of my Banned story, I think there are a couple of weeks left to ponder. In the meantime, here is a Haiku for spring: Tiny leaves unfur...

I am proud to be included in two new anthologies from Black Hare Press. I have 4 drabbles in each of these two super new publications. Drabbles are complete stories written in exactly 100 words, and these two books are full of brilliantly crafted horror stories about the lengths people go to for love or what they could be driven to through hate. My first story accepted for publication was a Drabble and I really love this format. It fits in with my busy life, as I still work full time. I have also written stories in 10 words and 25 words for fun. This is a drabble that hasn't found a home yet. A New Beginning Erran woke; alarms were blaring. He was groggy and disorientated, but warm hands hastily helped him from the stasis unit. “How long?” he croaked through dry lips. It seemed mere moments. “Just over 4000 years,” said a Doctor handing him a beaker of viscous liquid. It tasted foul, but revived him. The ship shuddered and the lights dimmed momentarily. “We’r...

Nene Park has obviously suffered from the excess of rain recently. The lakes were much fuller and all the grass verges next to the paths were muddy and soft.  This area is usually just a large field. The water has become trapped and geese, gulls, ducks and moor hens have soon taken up residence. This is my Haiku for the day we enjoyed a walk taking in this view. Waters receded, Left muddy edges to paths, Water fowl delight

I had a lovely week end away at Ferry Meadows Caravan site, next to Nene Park, near Peterborough. There were lots of people and dogs enjoying the lovely weather and extensive grounds. My husband and I had several walks around different parts of the park while we were there. This is the largest of the lakes and took about an hour to walk around, stopping here and there to take photos and enjoy the scenery. We had intended to stop at the cafe at the marina for a cake and a cup of tea, but there was a long queue and it wasn't far back to the van, so we didn't bother. Apart from chilling out in our new caravan, I managed to get quite a bit of writing done, so I think I am now on track for all the projects I have on the go. Gill emailed me to let me know my story is scheduled for Cafelit on 14th March, so all in all it was a very good week end.