This week in retrospect

Several funny things have happened since I last blogged. I was headhunted for a job with 'foreign travel opportunities' (this is funny because I have to be put in an arm lock to be persuaded to leave the house most days, what with wanting to write and all). I was solicited by a TV company who'd found this blog and wanted to me to mention their new crime series (more on this in a moment), funny because who knew this blogging lark put it about so much? I was inspired by this news story to write a satirical flash about science. I was given an extension on the state of (blissful) ignorance that precedes the rejection of a novel by an agent, owing to deadlines and holidays. Not really funny but better than getting the punch in the gut right now. I was disappointed by Hugh Bonneville's character in TV series, Hunter, having been promised a stoic, quiet and detached man only to get the usual office stomper who shouts at his team to 'Get results!' Still, Janet McTeer made a ballsy change to the usual petite blonde they like to team up with these chaps. Oh and the latest Bond rocked. No gadgets. No quips. Rooftop chase in Siena. Loved it.

So, what have you all been up to, I wonder?

Pumpkin

This new writing magazine has my flash, The Spirit Level, in its first issue. Inspired by a news story from last year. Also a great flash by Frances Gapper called Calypso.

The Short Review

The January issue of The Short Review is now live, and looks like perfect reading. The editor, Tania Hershman, has once again brought together a great mix of reviews and interviews. Who can resist reading about a Bucket of Frogs, or Barnacle Love, or Wifeshopping? There's something daring, off-the-wall about short stories. Less rules, more fun.

Starting over

I know it's traditional to begin the New Year on January 1st, but having been sick as a snuff movie this week I've decided that for me it's starting January 12th. That's when I will begin writing the next crime novel. I wrote the preface and opening pages some time ago but this is a fresh start. I'm excited, I must admit. Buzzed, in fact. Not that this week was a complete write-off. I did finish a short story today, and entered it in a couple of contests. I also entered a couple of others things in a couple of other contests. But the Novel's the Thing. And it's to the Novel I am turning my attention, as of next week.

The Battered Suitcase

This venue has the best name. My first time in the Suitcase, with a flash called A Bright Burning. Elsewhere in the same issue you'll find humour, poetry and artwork, including some stunning photographs by Amy Strycula.

There's more to life than books you know

But not much more. Follow the link to find photos of the world's sexiest libraries. Hardback, softback, marbled endpapers. Can't you just smell that cloth binding? It's enough to make a girl weak at the knees (and hands).

Happy New Year!

Every Day Fiction has published my story, The View from Olympus, in the New Year's Day slot. Please do pop along and read, and comment, if you have the time. Thank you!