Dedicated publisher of fiction, poetry and memoir
Snow has fallen on our land. The first snow of winter. The children rejoice, for finally they have the world outside as their playground. Though I delight in their play, my heart is heavy for I know that soon I must make my pilgrimage to Father Winter in the Highlands. Father Winter controls the weather... Continue Reading →
I'm taking a break from Slovene Cuisine this week to bring you my first ever 'Experiment in Taste.' I know that I have several sober-heroes amongst my regular readers, so I wanted to share with you the recipes I've been using to make my favourite traditional British Christmas bakes minus the alcohol. Alchohol-free Traditional Christmas... Continue Reading →
As we are locked down within our borough at present, I sometimes worry about these posts getting a bit monotonous. Thankfully the weather is providing variety as the landscape does not look set to change for weeks to come. I could write about places I've visited in the past, but I think this kind of... Continue Reading →
This week's challenge was to write a free verse poem, and, judging by the response, everyone who took part enjoyed setting their creative spirits free. I certainly enjoyed reading all of this week's entries, which though diverse in subject were united in the beauty of their poetic flow. Our judge for this week's challenge is... Continue Reading →
I'm honoured to have my work included in this beautiful publication from Dixie State University. 'Route 7 Review' is an annual literary journal including short fiction, non-fiction, poetry, visual art and current affairs. My non-fiction entry is included in the 'Current Events' section which contains writers' and artists' responses to the Covid crisis. I turned... Continue Reading →
Christmas 1990. The year I lost my mother.I was to spend it with my AuntieTo offer respite to my grieving fatherguarding against pain, unconsciously, I threwmyself into the wonder of ithardly being able to keep still Christmas night, sooff to Midnight Mass we wentto give poor old Saint Nick a chanceto visit.It isn't so much... Continue Reading →
Incensedby all the cruelties and confusion ofthe current year:The deaths and deprivation;sadness, isolation, fearI cultivate an inner light to sparka flame in mind;burn incenseat the high altar ofhuman kindness;sharewords with a worldin isolation, connectedas we have never been beforethis Advent-tideabandoningconsumerismhappily, I liverecapturing that spiritof thanksgiving, warmth and lightrecalled from childhood:heady, incense-scentedburning boldlyChristmas-candle-bright. Posting for Earthweal's... Continue Reading →
Reading what I have just written, I now believe that I’m a coward. ‘Let them shoot me,’ I thought as they marched me in, ‘I will not talk.’ But as soon as they showed me the knives, I crumbled. All my bravery evaporated like the breath of winter. One piece of paper, five names: the... Continue Reading →
Don has a touch of the Lockdown Blues this week, and it's sent him a little 'Whacky,' but it's also given him the chance to dream up some poetry in the shower, as you'll find out below. Priscilla (featured above) has donned her favourite shower cap in celebration. For more of Don's work (and more... Continue Reading →
Until very recently, the term 'under pressure' had meant something gruesomely literal to me. It is common practice within Lockdownia to 'press' miscreants with heavy stones laid upon the chest until they either confess their treacherous deeds, or give up the ghost. Under my rule, of course, such barbarism would not be tolerated. But the... Continue Reading →
Experiments in Fiction 