Barbara

Barbara · Nov 10, 2021

A typical evening in my living room.
I'm lying on the floor, writing.
The cat is on the sofa, sleeping.
What's wrong with that picture?
Nothing. It's perfectly correct and how it should be.

Barbara · Aug 25, 2021

Me to Himself: I need to make my protagonist's life harder. You know, like, with bad stuff happening to her.
Himself: OK. (His interest never fails to amaze me) You do that.
Me: Yes, but how? Any ideas?
Himself: She could get an unexpected bill or a speeding fine.

Barbara · Aug 11, 2021

That moment, when you do a bullet point list of what happens in your novel, and you realise the entire first half of your plot is a runny, stinky excrement. ARRHRHRHH Where's that flush...

Barbara · Aug 1, 2021

Does anyone have any recommendations for a computer screen that minimises eyestrain? Have you used one? What are the up and down sides?

Barbara · Jul 7, 2021

(Much to my cat's bewilderment,) I've started to read my work out loud on a regular basis. Can highly recommend doing that. Or better get someone else to read it out loud, and watch them. If they struggle to read it, or trip over words, or frown, you know you have a week spot.

Barbara · Jul 7, 2021

I write at the bar in my kitchen/diner. The coffee machine is right by my side. Yesterday Himself put a wine rack on the wall just behind me. All I have to do now is swivel around and .. Alas I don't drink and write.

Barbara · Jun 27, 2021

Don't you just love it when you read something you've written and you have absolutely no clue what it actually means?

Barbara · Jun 15, 2021

Tune in this Friday for the grand finale of season one of Short Story Hunters. We're going out with a bang with stories by @James Marinero, and Nina, as well as an extract from @Rachel Caldecott-Thornton's fabulous novel, The Panopticon Experiment. Enjoy.

Barbara · May 31, 2021

Anyone fancy writing a 500 word short story about an explosion, or something that goes bang? It's for the last episode of season 1 of Short Story Hunters.

Barbara · May 27, 2021

Tomorrow's episode of Short Story Hunters features: David Lewis (Is that you, @DavidXLewis? I have a feeling it might be.), @Rachel Caldecott-Thornton and @Eva Ulian

Barbara · May 20, 2021

Episode 8 of Short Story Hunters is out tomorrow. We bring you a collection of stories about murderous intentions and other assassinations. Our featured authors are: @Jake E, Sinead Mallen, and @Matthew Snoding.

Barbara · May 19, 2021

Anyone fancy writing a 500 word piece (for Short Story Hunters) about being 'locked out'? We have 'locked up' and 'locked in' but could do with 'locked out'. Ideally by Saturday.

Barbara · May 17, 2021

Anyone fancy writing a 500 word romance for Short Story Hunters? We need one more story about relationships. Your prompt could be: 'her notebook'. Or 'he hoped the theatre tickets would win her heart'. Or 'poison'. Or anything, really.

Barbara · May 13, 2021

This Friday on Short Story Hunters: works by the fabulous @J Babo, the superb Stacey Noe, and the talented @SteveWhy. Our theme: returning to childhood homes.

Barbara · May 2, 2021

Started editing-tweaking-thinking-writing at 6 AM. Suddenly it was midday. Erm, how did that happen? Easy when you enjoy yourself. Will watch pop-us with blurry eyes

Steve C · Apr 23, 2021

Ignore that. Yes I am stupid but can see it now

Just listened to #3 - Great stuff

Steve C · Apr 23, 2021

Hi Barbara. Am I stupid or what? I can't find the podcasts, well the past ones. Where are they located?

Barbara · Apr 22, 2021

This week, on Short Story Hunters: @AnnieSummerlee, @Matthew Snoding and Sinead ... And brace yourselves for a real treat by Jonny. You will see a completely new side to him as a .... tune in to find out. Won't they @Jonny

Barbara · Apr 16, 2021

Anyone fancy having a go at writing a 500 word crime story to feature on Short Story Hunters? It would be fab to have a crime show. If so, here's your clue to help you find the submission's page: hunters – Litopia

Barbara · Apr 15, 2021

This week's episode of Short Story Hunters is out tomorrow, and features the fabulous @Galadriel as well as the superb @dave.crowther, and the 'garden-loving' Nina. Our theme: the culinary 'delights' of pets and other critters. So tune in for some light-hearted stories.

Barbara · Apr 9, 2021

Episode 2 of SSH is out and features the fabulously talented @Dean Baxter, the wonderfully talented @Hannah F and gloriously talented Geraldine @gbhunt. I hope you enjoy their stories. Great works, guys.

Barbara · Mar 30, 2021

First day this year to write in the garden. Lovely.

Barbara · Mar 18, 2021

I found a horse today. Fully saddled, and ready to go ... Poor thing (called Harry) was caked in mud and covered in cuts. Harry got spooked and threw the rider off. Luckily, the rider was found, but the poor thing got a ride in the ambulance.

Barbara · Feb 22, 2021

The more I learn about the craft of writing, the more insecure I seem to become about my work. The delete button is never far. Anyone else like that?- But thank God (Pete) this place exists to light the way and keep going.

Steve C · Feb 16, 2021

Try pulling the plug on the TV next time you eat an Easter egg. That way it can't see you.

Steve C · Feb 16, 2021

I'd cut back on the Easter eggs if I were you.

Barbara · Feb 15, 2021

This is creepy. My TV has started to record random shows. A notification has just popped up, saying it's now recoding a documentary about the areal views of LA. WHAT???

Steve C · Feb 14, 2021

Only thing wrong is the date. You are 6 or 7 weeks early!!

Barbara · Feb 11, 2021

I've just eaten the first chocolate Easter egg this year. Is that wrong?

Barbara · Feb 6, 2021

Spent the last 3 days writing a dark, intense, disturbing chapter. Now I need a holiday, cuddling fluffy kittens.