short stories

What You Need to Know About Character Creation

April 18, 2025 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos

As I write a lot of flash fiction and short stories, I need to create a lot of characters. I do re-use some but not many compared to the numbers I’ve created in total. My characters often have one story in them, though occasionally one may play a “bit part” role in another tale.

For me, any good story of whatever length is all about what happens and, specifically, what happens to the lead character. I must know what happens to them. I must care about what happens too, even if they’re a villain and I am hoping their evil plans will fail. I also need to know whose story it is.

Tags: am reading, am writing, character attitudes, character creation, characterisation, creating characters, creative writing, dialogue, fiction, flash fiction, positive and negative sides to traits in characters, short stories, situations, what you need to know when creating characters

The Benefits of Writing Exercises

March 7, 2025 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Screenshots were taken by me, Allison Symes.

I’m regularly on both sides of the writing exercise equation as I do them often and set them too. I run a monthly flash fiction group on Zoom for the Association of Christian Writers which is great fun and I set exercises as part of the topic for the evening.

I also have been to many workshops and courses and continue to do so (especially The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick, which I’m looking forward to going to again this year). Inevitably writing exercises are set in these things.

There is a huge variety of writing exercises to try. I’ve developed some firm favourites which I often use to inspire ideas for stories I submit to places such as Friday Flash Fiction, where I have a 100 word story published most weeks.

Tags: am writing, building a writing track record, creative writing, developing as a writer, fiction, flash fiction, short stories, writing exercises

Author Interview: Introducing Gemma Owen-Kendall

January 24, 2025 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Lynsey Adams of Reading Between the Lines Book Vlog and Gemma Owen-Kendall for supplying author and book cover pics including from her launch for Red Daisy at The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick. Other images created in Book Brush using images from Lynsey, Gemma or Pixabay. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes, as were the photos of the grounds from The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick.

As you know, one of my highlights of my writing year is to go to The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick held at The Hayes in Derbyshire in August. As well as enjoying the fabulous workshops and courses (and having had the privilege of leading some there too), the other biggest joy is in getting to meet other authors.

Why? Because it is so liberating to share the joy of creative writing with others who “get it”. There is no need to explain why you write here. We just do and we share many tips and tales of our writing lives with each other during this event.

In 2024, Gemma Owen-Kendall got to launch her debut novel, Red Daisy, published by SpellBound Books, at The Writers’ Summer School in their wonderful Book Room.

Many congratulations, Gemma, on this and welcome to Chandler’s Ford Today. It is always a joy and privilege to discuss writing journeys with other authors here but before I put some questions to Gemma, please find below her author bio and a blurb for Red Daisy. This interview is part of a book blog tour organised by Lynsey Adams of Reading Between the Lines Book Vlog.

Tags: am writing, author interview, characters, creative writing, debut novel, editing, fairytales, fiction, flash fiction, Gemma Owen-Kendall, Innocent Times, marketing, novels, Red Daisy, short stories, SpellBound Books Limited, The Writers' Summer School - Swanwick, writing groups, writing journey

A Right Cozy Christmas Crime with Wendy H Jones – Author Interview

December 6, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Wendy H Jones and Lynsey Adams from Reading Between The Lines Book Vlog for supplying book cover and poster/promo pictures. Many thanks to the other authors in A Right Cozy Christmas Crime for supplying their author head shots. Screenshots taken by me, Allison Symes. Other images created in Book Brush using Pixabay images or those supplied by Wendy H Jones/Lynsey Adams.

One of the joys of the Christmas season is having extra reading time! Okay, you may have to wait until after the big day itself but isn’t having new books to enjoy something to relish for that period between Christmas and New Year? It is for me!

Also, as we all know, books are perfect presents and easy to wrap or put in festive gift bags. But, of course, the lead up to the season is the biggest in the publishing world because of this. What I like is amongst the many new novels, there are plenty of anthologies coming out too.

Tags: A Right Cozy Christmas Crime, Alex Greyson, author interview, book blog tour, cozy crime, crime stories, crime story anthology, Dianne Ascroft, Gillian Duff, Gulia Fancelli Clifford, Linda Mather, Malice Domestic, Marti M Mcnair, Melicity Pope, Pauline Tait, Reading Between The Lines Book Vlog, Scott and Lawson Publishing, Sheena Macleod, short stories, Sisters in Crime, Sophy Smythe, Stella Oni, Sue Cook, Wendy H Jones

Author Interview – Debz Hobbs-Wyatt – If Crows Could Talk – Part 2

November 1, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Debz Hobbs-Wyatt for supplying book cover and author pics. Some images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Some images are directly from Pixabay. Screenshots were also taken by me, Allison Symes.

Introduction – Part 2

It is a great pleasure to welcome Debz Hobbs-Wyatt back to Chandler’s Ford Today for Part 2 of an in-depth interview celebrating the launch of her new novel, If Crows Could Talk (Walela Books).

Part 1 from last week covered Debz’s writing journey and wonderful advice regarding agents and the writing life. She also discussed the small presses (both of us are connected to Bridge House Publishing). Link at the bottom of this section of the interview if you missed Part 1. Whatever stage of the writing life you find yourself at now, do check both parts of this interview out. Debz has shared lots of wonderful tips.

Tags: author interview, author library visits, Bridge House Publishing, Debz Hobbs-Wyatt, editing, If Crows Could Talk, marketing, novels, short stories, storytelling, supporting libraries, Walela Books

Author Interview: Debz Hobbs-Wyatt – If Crows Could Talk – Part 1

October 25, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Debz Hobbs-Wyatt for supplying book cover and author pics. Some images from a Bridge House Publishing event supplied by Paula Readman and me. Screenshots were also taken by me, Allison Symes.

It is a joy to welcome Debz Hobbs-Wyatt to Chandler’s Ford Today. I’ve known Debz for some time thanks to our mutual connections with Bridge House Publishing.

I’ve been on one side of the fence here, having had several stories in various BHP anthologies over the years. Debz has been on the other side of the fence with BHP founder, Gill James, and the two continue to work closely together. Indeed, I’m looking forward to meeting up again with Debz and Gill at the Bridge House Publishing Celebration Event in December.

Tags: author interview, Bridge House Publishing, characters, Debz Hobbs-Wyatt, Gill James, If Crows Could Talk, marketing, novels, resting your writing, short stories, the indie press, Walela Books, writing advice, writing journey, writing what you love

New Year, New Writing Format for Val Penny

January 12, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Writers often mix up their writing formats. It keeps us versatile and is fun. It is fabulous for readers too.

One author who has done this again recently is Scottish crime writer, Val Penny, who is best known for her DCI Hunter Wilson series (also called the Edinburgh Crime Mysteries). Her latest book, Hunter’s Christmas and Other Stories, is Val’s first collection of short stories. It stars her lead character but also others, including characters new to Val herself.

Tags: am reading, am writing, changing writing format, Hunter's Christmas and Other Stories, new short story collection, novels, publication news, short stories, Spellbound Books, Val Penny

Author Interview: Richard Hardie – Remember, Remember

February 10, 2023 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credits:-

A huge thank you to Richard Hardie for supplying author, location, and book cover shots (and one of the author’s assistant – Oscar!). Other images created by Allison Symes in Book Brush using Pixabay photos or taken as screenshots by her or are directly from Pixabay. One shot of Richard at a previous speaking engagement was taken by Allison at The Hiltonbury Farmhouse.

It is with pleasure I share the news Richard Hardie, author of Leap of Faith and Trouble With Swords, will be releasing his third book in his Temporal Detective Agency series. The third book is called Remember, Remember for reasons that will become apparent when you read it! Richard is also planning to release his fourth book soon too. This will be a collection of short stories linked to his Temporal Detective Agency.

Definitely time for another CFT interview then!

Tags: author news, book launch, fiction, Leap of Faith, local author, marketing, Remember Remember, Richard Hardie, short stories, Trouble With Swords, writing tips, YA novels

Author Interview: June Webber – Publication: Never Too Late

January 20, 2023 By Allison Symes 4 Comments

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to June Webber for supplying author pictures and book cover photos. The Best of CafeLit 11 images come from Bridge House Publishing so many thanks to them for those. Images from The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick were taken by me, Allison Symes. Other images created in Book Brush using Pixabay images (with one image directly from Pixabay).

It is with great pleasure I welcome friend and fellow Swanwicker, June Webber, to Chandler’s Ford Today. June and I first met at The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick back in 2016 when I was a “white badger” (first time attendee). June, Val Penny, and I regularly meet up on Zoom.

Tags: am reading, am writing, author interview, creativity, fiction, June Webber, publication, short stories, Swanwick Writers' Summer School, The Best of CafeLit 11

Crossing Paths with Jenny Sanders – Flash Fiction, Devotionals, and Short Stories- Part 2

November 25, 2022 By Allison Symes 4 Comments

Image Credits: Many thanks to Jenny Sanders for author and book cover pics. Other images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Some images directly from Pixabay.

It was a joy to welcome Jenny Sanders to Chandler’s Ford Today last week. She and I have crossed paths many times thanks to our connections via the Association of Christian Writers, online magazine Mom’s Favorite Reads, and flash fiction.

This week, Jenny tells us more about her writing journey, including how she discovered flash fiction, and shares her thoughts on the most challenging aspects of creating a story or an article. Plenty to learn from here so, once more, over to Jenny.

Tags: am reading, am writing, children's stories, creative writing, devotional writing, flash fiction, humorous writing, Jenny Sanders, Mom's Favorite Reads, non-fiction, short form writing, short stories, teaching creative writing, writing advice, writing journey

Short Form Writing

August 12, 2022 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credit: Most images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos, some directly from Pixabay.

I hadn’t set out to become a short form writer. I hadn’t heard of flash fiction when I started writing seriously for publication. The writing journey can be an odd one, taking you on all manner of twists and turns. Some turn out to be useful.

My first thought on knowing I wanted to write was to write novels. Now this does seem like I was trying to run before I could walk, but many people do this, they love the long form of writing and stay there.

[Read more…] about Short Form Writing

Tags: am reading, am writing, creative writing, creativity, flash fiction, long fiction, novels, short fiction, short stories

Part 3 – The Writing Game – and What to Watch For

August 7, 2020 By Allison Symes 6 Comments

For the final part of this series, I would like to say a big thank you to my wonderful guests for their excellent contributions. Please find the links to Part 1 and Part 2 here.

Writing is the fulfilment of many people’s dreams (and being published even more so) but, as with any other area of life, there are those prepared to make money out of your dreams and rip you off doing so. When you start out, it is knowing what to look out for that can be tricky. Also, where do you go for advice? (Answer: The Society of Authors, The Alliance of Independent Authors, and talk to other writers. Word does get out about scams and the like).

Scams happen in creative writing too, image via Pixabay

Tags: Association of Christian Writers, creative writing, crime writing, Jacci Gooding, Jennifer C Wilson, non-fiction, paranormal writing, scams, self publishing, short stories, Swanwick Writers' Summer School, tips, Val Penny, Wendy H Jones, writing advice

Part 2 – The Writing Game – and What to Watch For

July 31, 2020 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Welcome to Part 2 of my new series. You can find the link to Part 1 here. Writing colleagues and I share tips we hope will be useful ranging from contracts to marketing to even handling professional jealousy. There is much to learn from here!

Any industry attracts charlatans. Writing isn’t exempt. From copyright infringements to piracy, it pays to be aware of what can happen and where to go for advice. It is also useful to know what to avoid.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Tags: advice, Allison Symes, Amanda Baber, Bridge House Publishing, Cafelit, Chapeltown Books, creative writing, Dawn Kentish Knox, fantasy, flash fiction, Gill James, hints, humour, Paula C Readman, publishing, scams, short stories, tips

The Writing Game – and What to Watch For – Part 1

July 24, 2020 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

So much has changed in the industry since I started writing seriously. I’ve gone from using manual typewriters to laptops. I’ve gone from sending submissions in by snail mail to sending almost everything in by email. (There is still the occasional competition which prefers post but these are as common as the Dodo).

I don't miss typewriters either - I used an Olympia one and it weighed a ton - Pixabay — I don’t miss typewriters either – I used an Olympia one and it weighed a ton – Pixabay

In the joy of creativity, and unless you have decided to write solely for your own pleasure, which is fine, it is easy to forget writing is a business. As with any industry, there are charlatans out there.

It is only when you’ve been writing for a while, when you’ve had setbacks, you realise how much you don’t know. There are things I wish I’d been aware of when I started writing.

For this three part series, I share tips and contributions from writing colleagues. A big thank you to them for taking part in this series. We all hope you find it useful. There will be a brief bio for my colleagues plus links to their Amazon Author Central page and the like. Between us, we represent a very wide range of genres and experience in the industry.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Tags: advice, Alliance of Independent Authors, Authors Reach, books, Brenda Sedgwick, creative writing, flash fiction, Francesca Tyer, local authors, Maggie Farran, Richard Hardie, scams, short stories, Society of Authors, Teresa Bassett, writing advice, writing tips, YA novels

Celebrations, Crackers, Chapeltown, and Cafelit – London 2018

December 14, 2018 By Allison Symes 3 Comments

On 1st December, it was my great joy to travel to London once again to meet up with fellow Bridge House Publishing/Cafelit/Chapeltown Books authors at the annual celebration event. On the way up by train, I enjoyed my usual routine of writing stories on my phone app and getting quite a bit of work done by the time I got into Waterloo. [Read more…] about Celebrations, Crackers, Chapeltown, and Cafelit – London 2018

Tags: Allison Symes, anthologies, author event, book celebration, Bridge House Publishing, Cafelit, Chapeltown Books, creative writing, flash fiction, independent press, short stories

short stories

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos

Share this:

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Screenshots were taken by me, Allison Symes.

Share this:

Image Credits:-

Share this:

Image Credits:-

Share this:

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Debz Hobbs-Wyatt for supplying book cover and author pics. Some images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Some images are directly from Pixabay. Screenshots were also taken by me, Allison Symes.

Introduction – Part 2

Share this:

Image Credits:-

Many thanks to Debz Hobbs-Wyatt for supplying book cover and author pics. Some images from a Bridge House Publishing event supplied by Paula Readman and me. Screenshots were also taken by me, Allison Symes.

Share this:

Share this:

Image Credits:-

Share this:

Image Credits:-

Share this:

Image Credits: Many thanks to Jenny Sanders for author and book cover pics. Other images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Some images directly from Pixabay.

Share this:

Image Credit: Most images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos, some directly from Pixabay.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: