HappyLDNPress Author Stories

Short Story called A Diwali Tale by Barbara Pearman 

Diwali is a five day festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.

Barbara was one of our winners in Hi2020 new writer's opportunity to shine.

Here are a few words from Barbara

Is it really that long!  A lot has happened since then.  You may remember I sent you a chapter of a novel I was writing. Well lockdown provided me with the perfect opportunity to really get stuck in in a big way and in February this year my novel Once Upon A Time In Kazimierz was published by Troubador Publishing. It was an enormous amount of work (well not work actually as I loved every minute of it!) and the book is now on sale with Troubador and online at WHSmith, Foyles, Waterstones, Amazon and many others too numerous to mention. I was recently interviewed on Wycombe Sound Radio and I’m hoping to promote the book in Poland. It was inspired by a visit to Krakow a few years ago but the idea had lain fermenting on my bookshelf since then. Some of the short pieces I wrote with my writing class were the catalyst for the story in the end and gradually the characters and a theme were born out of not very much. In fact it was a copy of a restaurant menu that started it all.I must say that winning the short story competition’s romance section was a real boost to my confidence and no doubt I wouldn’t have attempted to write longer if it hadn’t been for that.

London Book Fair 2022 : Talk with Dutch poet Arnold Jansen op de Haar

We are delighted to bring you a little tast from the famous London Book Fair 2022. After 2 years pawing the ground in the hope that covide restrictions would come to an end. We had the priveldge of covering some of the many events. 

I’m the Refrain of Other People’s Lives. Join Arnold Jansen op de Haar for an eclectic reading from his translated poems about his life and society. He will also take you on a tour of highlights in a thousand years of Dutch poetry based on poets featured in 100 Dutch-Language Poems – From the Medieval Period to the Present Day, winner of the Oxford-Weidenfeld Translation Prize. A whirlwind performance (1000 years in 30 Minutes) of Dutch poetry in translation.

"Arnold was born in 1962 in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

In 2021, his much anticipated, new novel Schurft will be published in Dutch.

London Book Fair 2022: Talks about Cover Design -the highs and lows of working with authors

Jack Smyth and Nico Taylor will be curating a new book cover themed event at the London Book Fair.
Using real-life case studies across a variety of publishers they’ll look at various aspects of the cover design process: from briefing forms to the cover meeting, the pressures of designing a bestseller to what makes something ‘good’, and much more.

The event will be inclusive and is aimed at all who are interested in the cover design process; from editor’s looking to brief their latest acquisitions, authors hoping to gain behind-the-scenes insight or generally, anybody who wants an insight into how book covers are created. There might be a small element of interaction involved too.

Amatullah Padghawala is an Indian literary junkie with a head in the clouds imagination. She enjoys penning supernatural stories but doesn't hesitate to try her hands on contemporary fiction. She has composed mystery fiction stories as well, since the genre deeply interests her. Overall, she is fascinated by the world of fiction and can't wait to explore the remaining types- science fiction and historical fiction. Currently, she is penning her very own book with a unique concept called- The Incarnated Angel wherein an angel incarnates as a human to impart divine wisdom. Sounds incredibly imaginative, doesn't it? In short, she is a passionate writer, soon to be an author, who loves to think out of the box without adhering to the conventional style of writing. Let us hope that the uniqueness of her content strikes an emotional chord with us!

......................

We have just released a Killer... story

Sarah Em is a twenty-nine year old teacher and writer. By day she juggles 9-10 year olds and classroom management and by night (or evening at least, she's not much of a night owl) she writes crime-fiction or non-fic think pieces on mental health and current affairs and is an advocate for tackling difficult topics and breaking down outdated taboos. When she's not writing, Sarah is a keen runner, reader and researcher (predominately of pirates, she once wrote 12,000 words all about them - ask her if you have a free four hours). 

Happy London Press interview Andrew Segal to talk about his adventures that influenced his new series of rime Thriller novels.

Andrew is our best-selling author, whose chilling novels have an exciting and different crime-thriller voice. He has introduced a relevant, choice for his central character – Tammy Pierre from The Caribbean.

Many of our readers have commented that they really enjoy Andrew’s believable worlds and complex plots that have them guessing until the end.

Previously, Andrew has written a large collection of short stories each with a subtle twist. We have published the first of four collections of these stories – “I’m a Gigolo” – and later this year we will be releasing the second in the series, “I’m a Contract Killer”.

However, our author’s main love is for the full length novel and we have now published three of his crime thrillers, with more to come.

Andrew became inspired to create his hero, as an avant garde Private Investigator, Tammy Pierre, for his new series of crime novels.

In 2020, Happy London Press first introduced her in The Lyme Regis Murders featuring Tammy uncovering the dark and traumatic murder of three children in a British seaside town.

But as Andrew develops his central character, so do the plots. In his latest book, The Black Candle Killings, we encounter dark magic from Trinidad, within which Tammy gets herself entangled.

Let us now hear from Andrew, to tell us more about it....

WIN A COPY OF THE BLACK CANDLE KILLINGS

All you have to do is share this Podcast link and the most proven shares by the end of 31st August  Midnight 2021 will win a personally signed hard back copy of The Black Candle Killings AND The Lyme Regis Murders.

Email HappyLDNPress@gmail.com with you proof  - it could be screen-grabs or confirmation. 

Limited time only - Free Delivery by Amazon

The Relaxing Guitar Bros talk about making music

Two brothers from Hampshire and the Isle Of Wight who have spent all the winter lockdown writing and recording together to bring you our original relaxing guitar music, played to soothe the soul and ease your mind. Being musicians from a young age we both were eager to give something back and help in whichever way we could during this difficult time, we hope our music can be used to ease people's minds and make them feel calm and chilled. Our music can be used for meditation, study, prayer, and relaxation. Sit back, relax, unwind, and enjoy the music. Why not subscribe to our YouTube channel, we deliver the best original relaxing guitar music to your ears every week and are regularly writing and composing.

Have a great day and be blessed!

The Relaxing Guitar Bros. x

Author Conversation : John Lugo-Trebble  Short story writer

Talking about writing his latest story Sing! - Now available on the www.HappyStoryStore.com

Calls of Nature; four exquisite poems by Alan Rayner

The new era we are travelling into with the covid lockdowns is a time to reflect on the wondrous life around us that can spiritually heal us. 

Here Alan reads 4 of his beautiful poems that highlights nature's calm.

About Alan

I am an evolutionary ecologist, writer and artist. I was born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1950 and gained BA and PhD degrees at King’s College, Cambridge in 1972 and 1975. I was a Reader in Biology at the University of Bath from 1985 to 2011 and have published numerous papers and books, the latter including, most recently, 'The Origin of Life Patterns in the Natural Inclusion of Space in Flux’. I was President of the British Mycological Society in 1998 and of Bath Natural History Society from 2012 - 2018. Since 2000, I have been pioneering understanding of 'natural inclusion', the receptive-responsive evolutionary relationship between space and energy in all material form.

Happy London Press : Sharing the experience of talented authors

Welcome to 2021 - inspiring poems by Sara Chwialkowska.

Sara is a young poet - whose work takes an insightful look into mindfulness.

My name is Sara and I am an English university student, I love writing poetry and short stories to express myself. My end goal is to become a published author, but in the meantime I'm working as well as studying, and I hope my Instagram page and blog for HerInkStains continue to grow :)

Enjoy ("!")

Happy London Press : Sharing the experience of talented authors

The absolute show stopper winner of the Hi2020 Short Story Competition.

Thousands of stories entered from all over the United Kingdom from which 35 pre-judges and 5 Top Their Judges read, debated and chose this fabulous short story by new writer Kayleigh Maddocks.

 This Show stopper winning storey  along with 19 excellent short stories are published in a gorgeous coffee table art book with 25 artworks by award winning artists Clare newton FRSA.

Limited Edition Artbook and stories

To purchase this beautiful gift book - hop on over to 

Atonement Camp for Unrepentant Homophobes by Evan J. Corbin

Atonement Camp for Unrepentant Homophobes follows the journey of Rick Harris, a closeted, self-hating, homophobic preacher who's sent to a camp run by drag queens for the incurably homophobic.  Along his journey, Rick meets new friends who help him find his way out of the closet, but they soon discover the camp may hold its own secrets.  A plot to discredit a newly-discovered, ancient Biblical text affirming God's love for all mankind, gay people included, begins to take form.  Can Rick confront his dogged hypocrisies and take up the struggle to thwart the conspiracy before it's too late?

Evan resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Atonement Camp for Unrepentant Homophobes is his first novel.  Evan practises law by profession and enjoys the company of his friends when he isn't writing.  He endlessly enjoys having thoughtful discussions that arise from his work with readers who reach out.

Available on Amazon USA - Please leave comments and share on Good Reads too

Happy London Press : Sharing the experience of talented authors

Lock Down Diaries; Masks by Kristina Pakhomenko

My name is Kristina. I’ve spent more than twenty years in professional sport before I understood that I had passion for completely different things. Very interested in conspiracy theories, yoga, esoterics and spiritual practices. Coincidences are not coincidences and within ourselves we project what we further see in reality. All my intentions are revolved around understanding more of how the thoughts work. All my thoughts are about where they come from and what was the cause. Amazing things happen when we change our conditioned perception of the world and who we are. We just need to wake up.

With love, K.

Dear Publisher "Shark Attack!" by Peter la Trobe

Welcome to our first in the new series of blog posts, written by a wonderful mix of published authors, renown writers and worldly bloggers.

What’s in a name?

Every writer, and every wannabe writer, has been here, or hereabouts: you’ve spent hours drafting and redrafting your story. Your Mum has heard the various versions so many times that she gets a strange look in her eye when you say – listen to this, what do you think of it now?

Lockdown diaries Episode 5 Meaning of Choice by Kristina Pakhomenko

My name is Kristina. I’ve spent more than twenty years in professional sport before I understood that I had passion for completely different things. Very interested in conspiracy theories, yoga, esoterics and spiritual practices. Coincidences are not coincidences and within ourselves we project what we further see in reality. All my intentions are revolved around understanding more of how the thoughts work. All my thoughts are about where they come from and what was the cause. Amazing things happen when we change our conditioned perception of the world and who we are. We just need to wake up.

With love, K.

Lockdown diaries series 2 by Akshitha

I am Akshitha an app developer and very passionate  about writing and love travelling and get lost in the beauty of nature. I love spending time with friends and hanging out.My 3 am friends are my greatest strength and we always stand for each other. I write what i feel and what i learn from the situations.

I want to spread more  awarness about mental health among people. So i have started a page on instagram to connect with people.

Maid Maleen by Brandi Gang

Hello, my name is Brandi Gann, 

I have always loved telling a good tale. My goal as a storyteller is comparable to those storytellers of old. You know, the ones in front of a campfire spinning tales and magic alike. Each part of importance emphasized by a burst of flame or powerful silence. I want to tell stories like that. Stories of hope, of love, and of the magic the two of those can create. As you can probably tell, I tend to write fantasy and romance. This piece is the first chapter of my work in progress "The Sun, The Moon, and a Thousand Furs" a fairytale retelling of "The Coat of a Thousand Furs " by the Brother's Grim. Though my story starts in a similar way, the infusion of magic and fate spins this tale on its head. I have always loved this story as a child, even though it's themes start a bit dark. Our heroine Alys, learns to fight against her childhood traumas and learns to love again. "Maid Malene" is also a retelling that is of the same vein. It's theme being that Love Conquers All. I hope you enjoy it!

The Sun the Moon and a Thousand furs by Brandi Gann

My name is Brandi Gann and I have always loved telling a good tale. My goal as a storyteller is comparable to those storytellers of old. You know, the ones in front of a campfire spinning tales and magic alike. Each part of importance emphasized by a burst of flame or powerful silence. I want to tell stories like that. Stories of hope, of love, and of the magic the two of those can create. As you can probably tell, I tend to write fantasy and romance. This piece is the first chapter of my work in progress "The Sun, The Moon, and a Thousand Furs" a fairytale retelling of "The Coat of a Thousand Furs " by the Brother's Grim. Though my story starts in a similar way, the infusion of magic and fate spins this tale on its head. I have always loved this story as a child, even though it's themes start a bit dark. Our heroine Alys, learns to fight against her childhood traumas and learns to love again. Something I feel like many of us can relate too. I hope you enjoy it!

Lockdown diaries episode 3 by Chameleon in High Heels ; Change is coming

Carola (AKA Chameleon in Heels) is a teacher, mother of two humans and a puppy, lover of high heels and clothes by day and a passionate and fierce writer any other time of her waking life.  She is curious about humans, their emotions, what motivates them and makes them tick.  She loves learning and investigating, digging into sensitive and emotional topics, always keen to understand every side of a story.  Five years ago, after becoming a mother for the first time, she re-discovered her love for writing and penned her first book – which is still waiting to be edited.  After the birth of her second child, she felt that writing a regular blog would fit in better with her busy and ever-changing life, and so Chameleon in High Heels was born.  In this blog, she explores everyday struggles, funny anecdotes and issues arising in society and the world.

The start of Lockdown therefore led to the natural decision to start The Lockdown Diaries as part of her blog, documenting the ups and downs, trials and tribulations, joys and anxieties of this unexpected and unprecedented event in the history of the 21st century.  Carola talks candidly about silver linings and the excitement of spending more time with her loved ones, but also acknowledges that her fears and worries in life are magnified by isolation.  By opening up to others, she sparked conversations about challenges other people face and has incorporated these into her work.  The collaboration with Happy London Press was a natural decision, sharing snippets from the diaries with our lovely listeners.

instagram@chameleoninhighheels

HAPPY LONDON PRESS

Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening -

Happy London Press  encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories  - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published.

Lockdown diaries episode 2 by Chameleon in High Heels : Fear of going out

Carola (AKA Chameleon in Heels) is a teacher, mother of two humans and a puppy, lover of high heels and clothes by day and a passionate and fierce writer any other time of her waking life.  She is curious about humans, their emotions, what motivates them and makes them tick.  She loves learning and investigating, digging into sensitive and emotional topics, always keen to understand every side of a story.  Five years ago, after becoming a mother for the first time, she re-discovered her love for writing and penned her first book – which is still waiting to be edited.  After the birth of her second child, she felt that writing a regular blog would fit in better with her busy and ever-changing life, and so Chameleon in High Heels was born.  In this blog, she explores everyday struggles, funny anecdotes and issues arising in society and the world.

The start of Lockdown therefore led to the natural decision to start The Lockdown Diaries as part of her blog, documenting the ups and downs, trials and tribulations, joys and anxieties of this unexpected and unprecedented event in the history of the 21st century.  Carola talks candidly about silver linings and the excitement of spending more time with her loved ones, but also acknowledges that her fears and worries in life are magnified by isolation.  By opening up to others, she sparked conversations about challenges other people face and has incorporated these into her work.  The collaboration with Happy London Press was a natural decision, sharing snippets from the diaries with our lovely listeners.

instagram@chameleoninhighheels

HAPPY LONDON PRESS

Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening -

Happy London Press  encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories  - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published.

Lockdown diaries episode 1 by Chameleon in High Heels : The front door closes

Carola (AKA Chameleon in Heels) is a teacher, mother of two humans and a puppy, lover of high heels and clothes by day and a passionate and fierce writer any other time of her waking life.  She is curious about humans, their emotions, what motivates them and makes them tick.  She loves learning and investigating, digging into sensitive and emotional topics, always keen to understand every side of a story.  Five years ago, after becoming a mother for the first time, she re-discovered her love for writing and penned her first book – which is still waiting to be edited.  After the birth of her second child, she felt that writing a regular blog would fit in better with her busy and ever-changing life, and so Chameleon in High Heels was born.  In this blog, she explores everyday struggles, funny anecdotes and issues arising in society and the world.

The start of Lockdown therefore led to the natural decision to start The Lockdown Diaries as part of her blog, documenting the ups and downs, trials and tribulations, joys and anxieties of this unexpected and unprecedented event in the history of the 21st century.  Carola talks candidly about silver linings and the excitement of spending more time with her loved ones, but also acknowledges that her fears and worries in life are magnified by isolation.  By opening up to others, she sparked conversations about challenges other people face and has incorporated these into her work.  The collaboration with Happy London Press was a natural decision, sharing snippets from the diaries with our lovely listeners.

Happy London Press Podcast 6:  Wellness Week : Nurture Mind, Nourish body by Kate Bishop

The last in the series:

The state of mind, during this Coronavirus lock down ,can cause immense stress at home. The secret to overcoming problems is by moving your body, eating well and drinking plenty of water.

Kate's last podcast is on how to keep healthy, happy and sane whilst working from home especially amidst a pandemic.

Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown.

Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2-  Winding down and switching off at the end of the day.

Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you"

HAPPY LONDON PRESS

Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening -

Happy London Press  encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories  - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published.

Happy London Press Podcast 5:  Wellness Week : Virtual Friends beats loneliness by Kate Bishop

We all feel lonely from time to time. Feelings of loneliness are personal, so everyone's experience of loneliness will be different.

And living and working alone can feel especially isolating,

Kate gives us some tips on how to remain connected during lockdown; even though we are physically distancing we can still be social.

Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown.

Today's topic is about making a routine for yourself and something that you can stick to.

Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2-  Winding down and switching off at the end of the day.

Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you"

HAPPY LONDON PRESS

Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening -

Happy London Press  encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories  - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published.

Happy London Press Podcast 3:  Wellness Week : Motivation not Procrastination by Kate Bishop

Without an office full of staff and managers - it can be hard to self motivate. Wanting to do something and motivating yourself to actually do it are two different things.

So, what's the difference between those who never reach their goals,

Kate explains about her techniques and tools to aid you to keep focused, work productively and get stuff done!

Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown.

Today's topic is about making a routine for yourself and something that you can stick to.

Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2-  Winding down and switching off at the end of the day.

Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you"

HAPPY LONDON PRESS

Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening -

Happy London Press  encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories  - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published.

Happy London Press Podcast 3:  Wellness Week : Your Space, your Office by Kate Bishop

Working from home can be highly productive, but it can also go badly wrong. Without a proper office space, a prioritised schedule, and on-the-spot supervision, it's all too easy to be distracted, and to get very little done

Kate explains the importance of creating your ideal working environment whether that be in your home office or on your kitchen table.

Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown.

Today's topic is about making a routine for yourself and something that you can stick to.

Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2-  Winding down and switching off at the end of the day.

Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you"

HAPPY LONDON PRESS

Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening -

Happy London Press  encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories  - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published.

Happy London Press Podcast 2:  Wellness Week : Winding down, Switch off by Kate Bishop

Struggling to switch off from work? Follow this advice to help you relax, reset and rest.

The days are long - there seems to be no beginning or ending. So when it's time for bed, one's mind can still be buzzing. ..Things not done... too many things still to do. Thoughts turn into worries and a circle that can stop one from sleeping. A the lack of sleep will prevent one from being productive the next day.

Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown.

Today's topic is about making a routine for yourself and something that you can stick to.

Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2-  Winding down and switching off at the end of the day.

Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you"

HAPPY LONDON PRESS

Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening -

Happy London Press  encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories  - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published.

Happy London Press Podcast 1:  Wellness Week : Encourage Routine, Nurture Yourself by Kate Bishop

Techniques to help you create your ideal working from home routine and how to stick to it.  Routine is an important part of our mental survival. it helps to get tasks completed, it provides focus for our wellbeing – and supports those we live with. 

Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown.

Today's topic is about making a routine for yourself and something that you can stick to.

Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2-  Winding down and switching off at the end of the day.

Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you"

HAPPY LONDON PRESS 

Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening -

Happy London Press  encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories  - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published.

Hi2020 Radio Show 2 - Helping you write a great story to enter Hi2020

Peter la Trobe

A writers workshop on writing short stories

Peter la Trobe, Harlow Writers Workshop

"For a reader, the magic of a short story is – its shortness. They are read settling down to sleep, on the journey to work or as a distraction in the dentist’s waiting room – because they’re short. A good story is the one that you put down thinking ‘What a shame that’s over!’ It’s plunged you into a vivid world from the start and held your interest until the final full stop."

Hi2020 Radio Show 1 - Helping you write a great story to enter Hi2020

Wycombe Sound 106.6fm and happy London Press are running a weekly radio show - every Wednesday 2pm -3pm. 

To help you write a great short story - so that you can enter the Hi2020 short story competition - 

Hi2020 Mini Course 3: What makes for an attractive style?

Written and narrated by France Ellul.  Writer's coach and English Teacher

Podcast Two in the Mini course series:

Next Week we will be launching a Digital BOOKAZINE all about how to write short stories - its packed full of helpful tips - From how to discover characters, planning for a Climax, what makes good writing sense and sooo much more .

Hello everyone. My name is France Ellul.

I teach a creative writing course consisting of a series of hands-on workshops. These have been focused initially on short-story writing and I’ve been asked to put together three podcasts summarising some of the material I’ve used.

This Podcast Three, is the final of a series, designed to help aspiring writers understand some of the skills involved in writing fiction, in this case, short stories.

It includes the final four of ten “Tips on Creative Writing”. In addition, it considers the question: “What makes for an attractive style?” This includes: figurative language; imagery; dead metaphors; techniques; as well as a light-hearted look at nominative determinism.

In the third and final podcast of this series, I’ll share the remaining four “Tips on Creative Writing” as well as contemplating further aspects of the art of story writing.

Hurry: Get writing your short story Now !!! - and register for your Discount 60% discount

Short Story: A touch of purple narrated and read by Ida Williams

Late one night a little girl awakes to find her mother mending a special garment. Coloured an exclusive and expensive shade. One meant only for the most important person in the land.

Historical roots:  Purple has historically been an exclusive colour, often expensive and associated with royalty. During the reign of Elizabeth 1st it was decreed that no one other than the royal family could wear the shade. This story explores those elements from the point of view of a little girl.

About the author: Ida Williams is a freelance writer. She works mostly in the misty realm of historical fiction, sometimes wandering around Victorian London or listening to jazz in a 1950s New York Cafe.

Hi2020 Mini Course 2: Why write a story?

Written and narrated by France Ellul.  Writer's coach and English Teacher

Podcast Two in the Mini course series:

.

Hello everyone. My name is France Ellul. 

I teach a creative writing course consisting of a series of hands-on workshops. These have been focused initially on short-story writing and I’ve been asked to put together three podcasts summarising some of the material I’ve used.

This is the second of three podcasts in which I share hints and tips for writing short stories. You will hear two other voices besides mine: one belongs to Clare Newton, the other to Annie Parker. Both are also writers and artists.

In the first podcast, I dealt with the question: what is a story? In this podcast, I shall ask the question: why write a story?

In Podcast: 2, I share the next three of my ten “Tips on Creative Writing”. These are:

In the third and final podcast of this series, I’ll share the remaining four “Tips on Creative Writing” as well as contemplating further aspects of the art of story writing.

Hurry: Get writing your short story Now !!! - and register for your Discount 60% discount 

Hi2020 Tip 2 : Write a Catchy First Paragraph

Read to you by Kate Bishop.

We have some excellent advice from Jerz  Setonhill and Henneke

In today’s fast-moving world, the first sentence of your narrative should catch your reader’s attention with the unusual, the unexpected, an action, or a conflict

Begin with tension and immediacy. Remember that short stories need to start close to their end.

Mystify your reader. Make the first sentence intriguing or somewhat open-ended

ENTER NOW HI2020.CO.UK SHORT STORY COMETITION FOR NEW WRITERS

If you are a budding writer who would love the chance to get their story published in a beautiful hardback book.

The Competition is open to unpublished writers who live in one of the three districts - LONDON - Buckinghamshire, - Hertfordshire,

If you have a hidden story within you but haven't yet had the inspiration to do anything about - here is your chance

Choose from one of the topics to inspire your creativity

Keep the word count between 1000 up to 1500 words and written in English.

Prize is for 20 Winners to get published

Hey if you sign up now you get a great early bird discount

SUBSCRIBE - AS WE WILL BE POSTING HELPFUL TIPS TO WRITING A BETTER STORY EACH WEEK

GOOD LUCK - YOU HAVE UNITL ...19th June 5pm. TO .Get your story in by.

Hi2020 Mini Course 1: How to make a short story special?

Written and narrated by France Ellul.  Writer's coach and English Teacher

Podcast One.

This podcast - the first of a series of three - is to help aspiring writers understand some of the skills involved in writing fiction, in this case, short stories. It includes the first three of ten “Tips on Creative Writing” as well as: 

Authorial Voice; Omniscient Narrator; First, Second and third Person narration; and SOC, Stream of Consciousness. 

France uses examples from two of his stories: ‘Seer’ and ‘Day’ to illustrate these guidelines. 

This podcast is called: Hi2020 Mini Course 1. How to make a short story special? We will be running lots more and if you watch this space - we are planning a weekly Radio evening from 7-8pm on 106.6 fm, with Wycombe Sound.

The Lyme Regis Murders - Chapter 2 read by the author Andrew Segal

THE LYME REGIS MURDERS
Andrew Segal
Happy London Press
342 pp
Easy Read / Who-Done-It

Can innocence ever be an incentive to murder?

A quiet seaside town is thrown into turmoil. Tammy Pierre, London based private investigator, accompanied by her sometime lover, Israeli art dealer and martial-arts coach, Dov Jordan, has just been brought close to tears by police photographs shown to her by an hysterical Eleanor Goldcrest, at the home of three innocent toddlers whose brutally murdered bodies have been found on the beach at Lyme Regis.

Wealthy financier, Eric Goldcrest, alarmed that his partner of three years, together with the local police has him nailed as guilty of murdering the children, now retains Tammy to prove his innocence and find the real culprit. But has his involvement in all this been misinterpreted?

In this investigation, with no apparant motive or forensic evidence, Tammy’s skills will be tested to the limit. In a twist that muddies the waters, Eric Goldcrest, laments that he’s simply never made it clear to Tammy about his position in the family and his relationship with the children, all of which have been assumed by the investigation.

Episode 2; The Mermaid Bride read by the author Alexander Ely

Believing their misadventures with mermaids is behind them, Neave looks forward to arriving in Plymouth and returning to normal life with her husband, Aiden. Only, Aiden's life is not as it seems, and her fight for him has just begun.

Alexandra Ely (pronounced e-lee) is a young adult novelist. Growing up in rural California she has been pursuing creative writing from a young age.  She credits much of her imagination to the childhood costumes and wide-open space she grew up with.

In collage, Alexandra emphasized creative writing in her BA degree and is currently writing her debut novel. Alexandra has a heart for young adults and hopes her stories will inspire her readers to live out their own grand adventures.

Writing adventure fiction, much of her work has a historical twist even her fantasy pieces. She especially enjoys historical dress and fashion having sewn historical costumes for a re-enactment site and as a hobby. You’ll find details of period clothing in all her writing.

Happily married for seven years, Alexandra and her husband are enjoying their baby’s first year. She looks forward to the new year juggling home life with the epic adventures her characters endure in the pages of her stories.

Hi2020 Short Story Competition - Writing Tip 1: What does your Protagonist want? 

Here are some Hints and tips on how to write a better short story  - make sure you stay tuned for the next instalment

Read to you by Nigel Troup

Writing short stories means beginning as close to the climax as possible as everything else is a distraction or waffle – remember you only have 1500 words to play with.

In A short story everything is condensed down to the absolute hub of the story – it conserves characters and scenes, by focusing on just one conflict which drives the story towards a sudden, unexpected revelation.

Reduce the back story to maybe one paragraph — your reader doesn’t need to know everything that you know about your characters.

Follow our podcasts or chat to us via Instagram - and Don't forget to Make sure you register for your entry - Hi2020.co.uk

ENTER NOW Hi2020.co.uk Short Story Competition for New Writers:

If you are a budding writer who would love the chance to get their story published in a beautiful hardback book.

The Competition is open to unpublished writers who live in one of the three districts - LONDON - Buckinghamshire, - Hertfordshire,

If you have a hidden story within you but haven't yet had the inspiration to do anything about - here is your chance

Choose from one of the topics to inspire your creativity

Keep the word count between 1000 up to 1500 words and written in English.

Prize is for 20 Winners to get published

Hey if you sign up now you get a great early bird discount

SUBSCRIBE - AS WE WILL BE POSTING HELPFUL TIPS TO WRITING A BETTER STORY EACH WEEK

GOOD LUCK - YOU HAVE UNITL ...19th June 5pm. TO .Get your story in by.

Wide Illumination Chapter 8 read by the author Tom Rubens

This work is a Contemporary Literature about a young student finding his first love affair

 Set in the mid-1960s, this second novel in the 'Illumination' trilogy shows its

central character, Richard Lane, studying at university, and fostering intellectual

friendships with some of his fellow male students. Also, during his first long summer

vacation, he visits Germany and meets a young German woman, Helga, with whom he

comes to share a deep and intimate understanding, as well as sexual pleasure. This sharing

is presented as especially interesting because, happening only two decades after the end of

World War Two, it shows the ability of young people, with their eager openness to

experience, to bridge different national and cultural backgrounds. Finally, the text moves

beyond Richard's university days to the world of work, and his first encounters in yet

another Continental country, Portugal, where a good deal of the final book in the trilogy will be set in.

About the Author Tom Rubens

While a great deal of my energy has gone into teaching English Language and

Literature in further and higher education, I have remained continually interested in those

areas of private life which, for myself and of course for every other working person, lie

outside the pursuit of a professional career when that itself is not one of authorship. The

private terrain is, I have found, the most complex, so the most difficult to illuminate: and is

therefore the prime subject for personal writing, in whatever form that writing takes. For

me, the forms have been literature (fiction, poetry) and philosophy. The trilogy of novel I

have produced, of which Wide Illumination is the second text, indicate what I see as the

close linkage between literature and philosophy—with each focus, as it seeks to plumb the

depths, being supported by the other. This linkage becomes increasingly evident as Wide

Illumination proceeds on its way.

A True Story - Show me Heaven written and narrated by Donna Taylor

Headlines that rocked a county " MOTHER AND CHILDREN IN SEARCH FOR HOME" a mother of four was given temporary reprieve by reading Council last night after fears that she was to be made homeless.."

This is the tragic true story of Donna Taylor - This Newspaper cutting came after Donna's mother had to sleep in her little blue Austin 11 because the council had previously thrown her out of her mother's one-person flat.  Here the first chapter of Donna's pre-production book and do let us know your thoughts or if you could give Donna a review it really makes a difference.

Chapter one; The Snowdonia Killings written and narrated bySimon McCleave

A Snowdonia Murder Mystery Book 1

The Snowdonia Killings - Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter lives with the pain of her partner’s unsolved disappearance. Now pushing fifty, the veteran police officer trades in the crime-ridden streets of London for a more peaceful post in rural North Wales. But Ruth has barely settled in when the body of a woman is discovered… with strange symbols carved into her skin. Teaming up with an obstinate deputy, Ruth struggles to eliminate anyone from a long line of suspects. But she’s forced to tear up her shortlist when they discover another slain victim with the same cryptic markings…Can she solve the case before another savage murder?

I have loved crime and mystery stories since I was a kid. I worked my way through Enid Blyton's Secret Seven and Famous Five books, before graduating to Ian Fleming and Alistair Maclean. Even when I was writing television scripts I was drawn to write for crime series such as Silent Witness and The Bill. Writing my first crime novel just felt like a natural progression. Having moved from South London to North Wales, I wanted to write about a central character who was an outsider in such a beautiful and mystical part of the country. It's been very exciting having my first novel published and the sales, reviews and general reaction to the book in the last ten days has been amazing.

Simon McCleave was born in South London.

When leaving University, Simon worked in television and film development. He was a Script Editor at

the BBC, a producer at Channel 4 before working as a Story Analyst in Los Angeles. He worked on

films such as ‘The Full Monty’ and television series such as ‘Our Friends In The North’.

Simon then became a script writer for television and film. He wrote on series such as Silent Witness,

Murder In Suburbia, Teachers, Attachments, The Bill, Eastenders and many more. His film, ‘Out of

the Game’ for Channel 4 was critically acclaimed – ‘An unflinching portrayal of male friendship.’

(Time Out)

‘The Snowdonia Killings’ is his first novel.

The Mermaid Bride : Beautiful romantic story written and narrated by Alexandra Ely

An adventure fantasy short story about Neive, (pronounces nee-iv) a young woman who fights all odds in an epic search to save her husband from the slimy grips of a greedy mermaid. Her love will have to overcome more than fear, it will have to be the courage to do the impossible.

Alexandra Ely (pronounced e-lee) is a young adult novelist. Growing up in rural California she has been pursuing creative writing from a young age.  She credits much of her imagination to the childhood costumes and wide-open space she grew up with.

In collage, Alexandra emphasized creative writing in her BA degree and is currently writing her debut novel. Alexandra has a heart for young adults and hopes her stories will inspire her readers to live out their own grand adventures.

Writing adventure fiction, much of her work has a historical twist even her fantasy pieces. She especially enjoys historical dress and fashion having sewn historical costumes for a re-enactment site and as a hobby. You’ll find details of period clothing in all her writing.

Happily married for seven years, Alexandra and her husband are enjoying their baby’s first year. She looks forward to the new year juggling home life with the epic adventures her characters endure in the pages of her stories.

Return : Poem written and narrated by Dr Priya Dolma

Return :  a delicate and sensitive poem about heartbreak, when a long-term relationship stops working, but ignites so many emotions from within. The perfect ode to imperfect ends, few miscalculations, some grief and a lot of nostalgia. This is just one of many poems from a new book, called Ivory Gleam.

Priya's poetry has found home, among other places, in International Times, Urban Magazine, Artvilla, Headline Poetry, with work forthcoming in Tales of Reverie by Paragon Press.

Dr Priya Dolma Tamang is a medical graduate from the north-east Indian state of Sikkim. With her tribal Nepali roots and deeply seated Buddhist beliefs, culture and mindfulness have both been active themes in her writing. Her debut book, Ivory Gleam, was published by Leadstart Publishers, Mumbai, in 2018. 

Dr Priya Dolma

What will Heaven be Like? : Short Poem by Ian Sutherland Canada

There are those of us who believe in God and those of us that don’t. I am one of those that does.

And with that belief comes a belief in something called “Heaven”. There is some disagreement

about what and where Heaven is. From my readings I have concluded that Heaven is here on

Earth, following a moment of change, when all that is bad ceases to be and when all is forever

after good. This is my short poem about what this world, Heaven, will be like following the

moment of change.

We hope you enjoy and be inspired by this little poem by Mr. Sutherland

Ian is a lawyer in Toronto, Canada. He and his wife, Carol, have five wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren. 

Good Advice ; Action thriller Short story written and narrated by Ian J. Sutherland UK

The story is woven from many aspects of personal experience knowledge, but the result is pure fiction.

I trained as a scientist and then made a career delivering complex change in the City. Once I reached 50 I decided to challenge myself in new directions which have included standup comedy, photography and blacksmithing. I also started to blog professionally, before being tempted to try my hand at fiction.

Check our happy stories weekly gossip on our blog or other goodies

Little London Adventures and Cockney Curiosities by Clare Newton and Narrated by Kate Bishop.

Artist and photographer Clare Newton rediscovers and records the faint remnants of old London, only made visible when lit by a fleeting low winter's sun. These images are the conduits through time, analysing the sometimes uncomfortable balance between a struggling heritage to exist and the insatiable appetite of modern regeneration. But deep inside East London also lies a Victorian era. The mother of inventions, which not only stimulated change across the world then but even now their lingering artefacts and sayings effect us even in today's hi-tech social world.

Strange but true stories that explain how and where artefacts have come from. Including the roots of 'Sarcasm' or the colour purple, both invented in the east end. Or how Shoreditch got its name.

Luis de Góngora, in a portrait by Diego Velázquez. The man with a face stuck to his nose

Spanish Translation by Maria Carrera 

11 July 1561 – 24 May 1627) a Spanish Baroque lyric poet.

Kate Bishop is a performance coach specialising in confidence, career and wellbeing. Her training and background in acting and performing have shaped the way she works with clients to ensure they create and maintain their confidence and achieve their goals through interactive, fun and exhilarating coaching sessions, workshops and seminars.

A Major operation : Short Story written and narrated by Andrew Segal.

Hello, I thought I would share with you my pleasure in writing about romantic short stories. Here's something about the background to major operation.

I find the woman taking the lead, being the stronger of the two in a relationship. Perhaps that is a reflection of the women I’ve lived with, worked with and loved, myself. But occasionally my male lead takes over and proves he can shoulder responsibility too, be a shoulder to cry on, a prop just when his lover needs him most. As they say in France, “Vive la Difference,” and so it should be. We live in an enlightened age where the sexes are regarded and indeed treated equally. But that doesn’t mean we behave in the same way. Some people still show symptoms of the old established modes of character and behaviour. The “he” and “she” that make life so endlessly varied and interesting.

Extract from I am a Gigolo by Andrew Segal - collection of short stories to be launched spring 2020

Inspiration for writing: The Lyme Regis Murders

Crime thrillers look to present one with surprises. Could it be the

murderer? the victim? the setting? or the circumstances of the crime

that pique the interest and keep the fans glued? Readers want to be

puzzled, shocked, swept along and then reassured that from where

they are sitting or reading, their hero or heroine, has things under their

control, that in the end all will be well. After all, it’s how we want life

to be, isn’t it?

So, I decided I would use a safe and popular resort, that of Lyme

Regis, where I have holidayed on a number of occasions. In my

writing the rocks on the Jurassic beach proved a useful foil for any

contemplated murder. Thus we have a sleepy town with the

counterbalance of a series of horrific murders.

This book is my first foray into the world of crime fiction, and I’ve

discovered that drawing out and developing characters with both

human strengths and frailties has proved to be challenging, but in the

end rewarding too.

Worth noting, it is not simply the question of whom the guilty party

or parties is/are, it’s also a question of attributing reasons. If murder

were purely random it would hardly be a subject with motives to

ponder and debate. The Lyme Regis works on the mistaken prejudices

of people, leading the readers astray, before finally offering up the

guilty with motives.

Available on Amazon

Grumps & Sweeties; Children's Story Suitable for 3 year +

Written and Narrated by Ian Sutherland from Canada

Ian is a lawyer in Toronto, Canada. He and his wife, Carol, have five wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren.

About Grumps & Sweeties

What type of person do we want our child to grow up to be? This is a story about the most basic of choices that can make all the difference to a person’s happiness and personal development: the choice to be kind, even to those who are not kind to us.


Inspiration behind the story:

I was doing some philosophical writing one day and stopped when I was finished and thought to myself: “What an important idea that is. But almost no one is ever going to read this and be inspired by it. What can I do to give it some concrete effect?” Then it occurred to me I could take my ideas and express them through a children’s story. So, I immediately sat down and wrote “Grumps & Sweeties”, a story that gets across the incredible importance of kindness both to the individual and to those whose lives they touch.

Heaven Is . A short inspiring poem written and narrated by Ian Sutherland from Canada.

Ian is a lawyer in Toronto, Canada. He and his wife, Carol, have five wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren.

The poem was written during a reflective time, when Ian was trying to
understand the big picture in life.

Ian Sutherland, is a full time lawyer who writes in his rare quiet
moments to share his thoughts on the importance of kindness, love,
hope and respect for others. He and his wife, Carol, have five
wonderful children and four beautiful granddaughters.

We hope you enjoy and be inspired by this little poem by Mr. Sutherland

Stephen the Statue : Written and narrated by Andrew Segal

Children's short story; suitable for 3- 6yr old

It’s not always that easy to say where the inspiration for a story comes

from. In the children’s story, Roberto the Robot, I looked at the

fantasy of a machine with a mind and with feelings. The robot

connects with a little girl, and she with him. An innocent friendship

where the frail one is mentally the stronger. But where the physically

stronger, is also too gentle to hit back when he’s attacked by ‘bully

boys.’

I developed the idea further with Stephen the Statue, this time the

inanimate object, the statue, being the principal character. Here the

threat to be faced by Stephen, a hero from the past, is of oblivion,

something I’ve suggested the statue is aware of. In facing the

problem, where the statue can of course do nothing, he is rescued by a

wheelchair bound child who reminds the village of the heroism of

Stephen, insisting it mustn’t be forgotten.

A child who is facing a disability has something in common with the

statue, although the child, whilst seeing itself in the same situation as

the statue, is able to do something about it.

Clarissa the Clown ; Children's story written and narrated by Andrew Segal

As a kid I remember the first time I was taken to a circus. It was Bertram Mills. Well known as one of the pre-eminent of circuses of its day, and not without justification. There was the excitement and anticipation before we arrived, the bustle, the expectant crowds of children and adults. Then there were the animals, not as prevalent today as once. But we had horses, dogs, seals, elephants and most exciting of all, the lions and tigers. How could anyone be brave enough to get into a cage with those big cats? Their roars were terrifying, but exciting at the same time.

The whole event was almost overwhelming. Even today we see circuses with rings and tents bigger than anything we might have envisaged when I was a youngster. Indeed the visiting, Moscow State Circus with its vast trio of bright red tents should be enough to impress the most dour of critics.

But then, the thing we all waited for, was the clowns. The somersaults, the slapstick, buckets of paint, faces splashed with cream pies. They say, every comedian harbours a sadness in their life, a sadness that encourages then to make others laugh.

Clarissa dreams of flying on the trapeze, but lacks the confidence, insists her knees are too weak. But it’s just an excuse, and despite her nerves, when she overcomes her fear, and gives it a go she finds she can fly on the trapeze with the best of them. If we don’t give it a go, we’ll never know what we’re capable of.

Extract from Village People collection of short stories by Andrew Segal - to be launch later next year

Cuthbert the Colonel : Children's Story written and narrated by Andrew Segal

British soldiers, renowned for their courage and bravery, train under conditions of strict and uncompromising discipline. I recall an ex- soldier telling me that his NCO had screamed at the men till he was hoarse. But he got results. What was intriguing was that when the men were off duty, as it were, the same NCO chatted to them amicably about his wife and family. Once on duty again, he reverted to the alter ego. He was respected, admired and acknowledged as able to do anything he expected of his men.

Cuthbert is a recognisable British type. Furthermore, he sees it as necessary in an emergency situation to take the credit for the solution to the problem, even when he wasn’t actually responsible for that solution himself.

Well, we can’t let discipline slip, can we?

Extract from Village People collection of short stories by Andrew Segal - to be launch later next year

Roberta Robot : Children's story written and narrated by Andrew Segal

We live in an age of increasing, some would say encroaching, Artificial Intelligence.

How would it be, if say, a robot with intelligence was actually given the chance to express itself? What would it want to say? Whom would it wish to say it to? When would the opportunity arise?

Roberto the Robot expresses the thoughts that a robot with artificial intelligence, bordering on real intelligence, might think in given circumstances. He works hard and expects no reward. His maker, Bob, only sees him as a machine. Roberto reminds us that, ‘even cars and trains have secret brains, but cannot speak or tell.’ A fantasy. A what if, situation.

But when he’s bullied, a little girl comes to his aid, encourages him, reassures him and ultimately helps him to, ‘find his voice.’ They become friends and even when she moves away to a different school, the confidence she’s given him remains.

This is one of my favourite stories in rhyme as it shows the power of friendship and love in what is quite frankly, the most unexpected of situations.

Extract from Village People collection of short stories by Andrew Segal - to be launch later next year

Lavender Roses : Short Story written and narrated by Andrew Segal

was published in The Lady Magazine in April 2019.

I was just eight years old the first time I visited Paris, but even at that age something about the city was entrancing. Too early in life to see the romance of the place, but not too early to fail to appreciate the sounds and sights. The delicious food, and the way Parisians relished their meals. Vichy water, as in those days tap water wasn’t fit to drink. Hence the custom of drinking wine with every meal, at least for adults that is. Steaks, the like of which I’d never tasted in the UK. Crisp, golden colour chips. And, modest by today’s standards, the famous Folies Bergere. Today Paris still enchants, the Eiffel Tower standing proud and tall in the centre. My story encapsulates the feelings that the city engenders in a young loving couple, and the way in which aspects of their stay remain with them into old age.

Extract from I am a Contract Killer collection of short stories by Andrew Segal - to be launch letter this year

Fondest Love : Short Story written and narrated by Andrew Segal

Love stories take all sorts of formats, and thankfully in today’s world intolerance of the past is very much, just that; a thing of the past. And so we read with pleasure of love among those who are straight, or gay, perhaps bisexual and or now too, transsexual, without the bigotry and persecution that blighted so many relationships in years gone by.

Sometimes an event presaging a time of sadness and loss can be an inspiration for a love story. Again, our preconceptions of who is the strongest character in an affair can be misleading. In this story, the relationship is straight, and he feels he should be the leader. He’s an old fashioned macho man who hides his feelings. But is he really the stronger of the two, whatever he feels, or would like to believe his role is supposed to be in the arena of ‘Goodbye?’ Or is it she who is the one he unconsciously leans on?

But then we can introduce another element, another character, perhaps related in one way or another to the other two. A character who puts the whole of the first relationship into clear perspective.

Extract from I am a Gigolo by Andrew Segal - collection of short stories to be launched spring 2020

ANDREW CAN BE FOUND ON AMAZON

Sleight of hand written and narrated by Andrew Segal was published in The Lady Magazine in September 2019. 

I love magic, and once dreamed of being a magician myself, and joining The Magic Circle. But to be a magician requires a special temperament, together with the ability to stay absolutely cool, particularly if things start to go wrong, which in the world of illusion, they all too frequently do. A number of Houdini copyists lost their lives when trying to emulate his escapes from a sealed mail bag, in a chained wooden crate, thrown into the freezing Hudson river. They weren't as practiced or prepared, as he was. So they drowned, or else froze to death before they could be warmed after a rescue.

Having watched Cirque de Soleil on a number of occasions, I had also come to appreciate the skills of acrobats, taking on board the years, the practice and the strength required to engage in their kind of performances.

And so it was that I decided to write a love story combining all the above, particularly the possibility of a love interested connected to a disaster, a trick gone drastically wrong.

An incident involving a friend provided the starting point, and with my ideas in mind, I took it from there. The story encapsulates exactly what can happen when one engages, unwisely, in Sleight of Hand.

Extract from I am a Courtesan by Andrew Segal - collection of short stories to be launched spring 2020

ANDREW CAN BE FOUND ON AMAZON