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Prolixic, my mistake. I've realised my own printer is Epson Stylus Photo R300 and thought it was a laser as its print quality is first class (you need to ensure correct settings for b&w normal paper as opposed to colour/ photographic paper). This inkjet's a winner, portable, cost effective...

Hey Cathy, I killed off a minor character once and got outrage (editors mostly) because the particular character was highly likeable. As you wish readers to identify with the characters, a death can be difficult to swallow. But sometimes, heros must die if you must have a twist. Also...

Prolixic, you got a mouthful of questions there! It may surprise you but once I flesh out a skeleton idea into a novel, it's a flimsy little novella of about 35,000 words or less! Word count comes from sub-plots and additional writing/ revision to the first draft. Take time to sharpen...

Hi Michigan, Why not file them as discrete ideas that can be fleshed into stories in time? It might also help to keep a file of phrases, words that grab your attention or occur out of the blue; you'll be amazed how many a story arises from small, insignificant skeletons. I guess other than...

I dare say it's quite some piece for one afternoon's streak. Takes me ages and rewrites to get anywhere. Your rewrite with 'new eyes' will be something to look out for. I'm nourishing Lolita like tit bits off a chocolate. That's where I want to be. Finish this baby, Stewart.

Ell: 'Aww, CRAP!' is absolutely fab. Self-indulgent but by god, fab. Posting update shortly. If I added more action/ reaction to Sherry, however, it would border on melodrama, methinks. Occlith: Now there's a thought. Was a bit dim (a bit romantic, maybe) to have her stroll in a...

Ever tried Palatino, Xeon? It's a lovely font, easy on the eye.

Best advice I've had in years. Guess you been there, done there, gone that? Noted your writing in the showcase. Keep it up!

That's deep. thanks Stewart. What's outwith writing?

Nessa lee, You have less than a paragraph for the reader to love or hate or build curiosity for your book. That whole preamble elicits 'Please!' I would find a way to cleverly weave it into the middle text - only if necessary to the plot. My beginning would probably be your next...

If you're in between books, one shortly being released (written a year ago) - and you're a short story and novel writer - and are churning NO new works, just cleaning up, revising unpublished works, distantly toying with possible ideas for something new but the mood's just not there... Is this...

Definitely cover 1. Looks interesting. What's the book about? Who's your publisher?

A bit heavy for a short story; would help to understand the intended audience. But parts stood out for me:

SillyWabbit, it's a powerful theme. Yet somehow, something didn't touch. But, it's your story.

Hey watercrystal, First and last two paragraphs are very beautiful; you got the bones there: I saw I was dead, locked in a black box, descending into infinity... A wail of wind, a wetly wind. And a red apple on the grave stone.

Beautiful prose Great development from the original poem. Vivid. Well done. Circle of Life could be a heading or One Rainy Day.

Great thought, Nighthawk. It probably would end better without the last two sentences; ... and closed his eyes reads tighter. El Diablo was a stab I couldn't resist - indulging my whim. Naughty. Guess what? Off it goes!

Criticism of one's work can be a hard pill to swallow, especially if it's not well put, and if you've spent good sweat on it. It helps to filter observations and take what helps you. Trash the rest, saying I don't give a stuff; I'll develop my own style. I'm good... Sometimes looking at what...

... the septic-tank overflowing, so...

Looked for you on showcase so I could see your work. Zip. How come?