There is nothing more disconcerting to an author than a blank sheet of paper.  How can such a simple little thing have the power to reduce us to tears of frustration.  There must be a way to beat the block!

Well, for me, a great way to get the creative juices flowing is to get three random words and create a story around them.  Its a great way to kick start your imagination, beating the dreaded block and strengthening your writing ‘muscles’. And it’s a lot of fun! 

​Everyone agrees that if you want your writing to improve you should write every day.  Even if it is just for 10 minutes, sit down and write.  Don’t put any pressure on yourself, you are not expected to write great fiction every day (or probably never if it's your first draft).  Just write.  Once you start, you’ll probably work on beyond the 10 minutes, but don’t put any pressure on yourself 

Here’s my effort for today. My three words are coincidence, reality and silk.

Paul froze, dread and fear grabbing him by the throat, seemingly squeezing the life from him.  He carefully turned the silk scarf over in his hands. Surely it was a coincidence?  There was no way the scarf could be here.  Not here of all places. He brought it to his nose, all connection to reality leaving him as he smelled the unmistakable scent of her.

Feel free to leave comments.  I think it's probably a bit predictable, very much in my style, but I'd love to hear what you think.  Or better still, go on and  have a go.  You can keep my story going, or write one yourself from the three words.  Or if you prefer generate three for yourself - there are plenty of free random word generators available on line.

Have fun, I'm excited to see your masterpieces!

Have a great day!

Audrey

Morning all, I’ve been doing a bit of work on the website.  I had hoped to have a big ‘Ta Da’ Launch, but things are taking a bit longer than expected.
So, to keep you going I thought I would give you a bit of Flash Fiction.  This brief for this was write a short story in 100 words or less.

There are two movies showing at the moment based on books I have particularly enjoyed.  I share below my thoughts – no spoilers.  I confess to not having read either book recently so this is my remembered feelings around the books.
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​Today officially marks the start of winter and it’s cold and wet.  The snow has disappeared so it must be a bit milder than it’s been, but give me dry and cold any day.
Any, enough of the weather, the end of the calendar year marks an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and plan for the future.
It’s been a momentous year for us.  We moved house last November (I know that was last year, but only just).  We’re now in a semi-rural hamlet of 12 homes and we’re enjoying the peace and tranquillity of country living.
At the end of April, I gave up paid employment and spent a few months enjoying the house and garden, but have now settled down to my new, third career as a freelance writer/copy-editor/proof-reader.  I am enjoying the work, and the freedom it gives me and no two days are ever the same.
So, what are the plans for 2016?  More to follow……

Thanks to those of who who have bought the book.  Sales in the uk have been steady if not spectacular and I have spent a couple of months in the top 10,000 ebooks.  Sadly, for me, sales have ground to a halt and I am in freefall- last time I checked, 35,000.  
Things are picking up in the USA though - when God closes a door, He opens a window.

Just back from a few days away and enjoying this great weather.  The sun is shining and I have the washing out, but it is cold - winter is on the way.

Heard an interesting debate on the radio this morning about at what age we become 'middle aged' - apparently the answer is 55.  I prefer to think that I will reach 'middle age' around 70!  The years are passing, but I still feel as if I am around 21.  I guess there will come a point when I have to get used to the fact that I am getting on.  Its true I have hit menopause and have a few more aches and pains than I used to have, but there is no way I am going to admit to hitting middle age, and I'm certainly not going to act my age.  At least not yet.  After all, you're only as old as you feel!
Have a happy Wednesday!