Month: December 2012

The Limits of Cheese

John Barlow
Author John Barlow

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks up to my eyeballs in cheese and honey. Not quite literally, but there was a point when I had to requisition a shelf in my neighbour’s fridge to accommodate all the samples I had acquired.

I recently got two commissions at the same time, both with the same tightish deadline: an article on cheese and another on honey. The publication I write for has recently succumbed to the effects of the global downturn, and freelancers like me are feeling the pinch. Eighteen months ago it was 4000 words and take your time, John, we reserved the flight and hotel. This time it was 1500 words and buy your own sandwiches. Continue reading “The Limits of Cheese”

Sneak Peek: The Black Elf of Seaward Isle

Today we have a sneak peek from author Joni Parker’s epic fantasy novel: The Black Elf of Seaward Isle.

Seaward Isle, a place lost in time and space, has become a land where Elves, Dwarves and mortal time travelers mingle in a world filled with pirates, political intrigue and magic. Their fates rest in the hands on one young woman, the orphan Lady Alexin. Born of a mortal man, Count Dumwalt and his wife, the Titan/Elf, Alex finds that only she has the power to save them all.

The Black Elf of Seaward Isle is available from Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

And now, an excerpt from The Black Elf of Seaward Isle… Continue reading “Sneak Peek: The Black Elf of Seaward Isle”

Merry Christmas!

Photo by Jim Devitt

I’ll leave you with a few thoughts from some famous and not-so-famous people to think about this holiday season.

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas – Calvin Coolidge

Christmas gift suggestion: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, an example. To yourself, respect – Oren Arnold Continue reading “Merry Christmas!”

Flash Fiction Challenge: Under the Tree

Photo by K.S. Brooks

Do you remember the excitement of Christmas morning when you were a kid? Tell us a story about your favorite childhood Christmas present.

In 250 words or less, tell us 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 Daylight Time on Tuesday, December 25th, 2012.

On Wednesday morning, we will open voting to the public with an online poll for the best writing entry accompanying the photo. Voting will be open until 5:00 PM Thursday.

On Friday morning, the winner will be recognized as we post the winning entry along with the picture as a feature. Best of luck to you all in your writing!

Entries only in the comment section. Other comments will be deleted.