Month: April 2012

Anthems for Authors – Don’t Mean Nothin’

Being an author can make for a lonely life. Other than each other, many times we have no one to encourage or praise us – or even validate our existence. So when I hear a song about the struggles of being a writer, I like it – a lot. In this case, I think Richard Marx’s song could apply to anyone in the arts.

My favorite lines from this song are: “take a good look around and you’ll find, people trying to mess with your mind.” I love the defiant attitude. It’s something, as writers, we can all use. And now, Don’t Mean Nothin’ by Richard Marx.

Week 15 Flash Fiction Competition: Last Call

Photo by K.S. Brooks

It was the last hour of the last shift for Mike. Thirty years with the department. After today, he and Sheila sell the house and retire to Boca.

It was almost over. When the call came in, the shift commander tried to wave Mike off, but he would have none of it. He went. He always went.

In 250 words or less, tell me a story incorporating the elements in the picture. The 250 word limit will be strictly enforced.

Please keep language and subject matter to a PG-13 level.

Use the comment section below to submit your entry. Entries will be accepted until 5:00 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, April 10th, 2012. Continue reading “Week 15 Flash Fiction Competition: Last Call”

Spotlight on…The Home Team

Reviewer Cathy Speight

I suddenly realised that I had overlooked what was right under my nose. It probably hasn’t escaped your notice that the auspicious IU team is made up of (apart from me, of course) an amazing group of talented, brilliant, funny, witty, and charming authors. With regret, I haven’t had time – yet – to sample all of these authors’ work. Clever and gifted as our Evil Mastermind is, he has yet to invent the 40-hour day. Come on, Stephen Hise, pull your finger out and get on with it – I need more reading hours.

So far, I have had the pleasure of reading books by three of our wonderful resident authors: Stephen Hise, Valerie Douglas, and Rosanne Dingli. Three outstanding authors, three very enjoyable books. Continue reading “Spotlight on…The Home Team”

Weaving a Tale – by Kristina Jackson

Author Kristina Jackson

The casual observer looking in on me today will see me at my desk, my favourite red and white spotted mug steaming away near my right hand. Open on my desk is my jigsaw board, with a Wasgij in process. This is not the scene normally associated with a writer.

My laptop is resting, open, on a box to the side of me. Its innocent looking screen asleep for now …

What I am doing here is weaving the story. Once I have the fabric made it gets laid down within my latest work. This may seem like a waste of time, no not at all. It might not be everyone’s method, but it works for me, along with knitting. Continue reading “Weaving a Tale – by Kristina Jackson”