It’s hard to believe that it’s some nine years since the first of the so-called ‘Cornetto trilogy’ was released, with Shaun of the Dead providing a British take on the zombie genre. Some three years later, in 2007, Hot Fuzz did the honours with its combination of action movie heroism and Midsomer Murders ‘weird village’. […]
What do you do when your hero isn’t actually a hero?
Writing a hero can be a tricky business. You don’t want to run the risk of the ‘Luke Skywalker’ syndrome, where your hero is less interesting than your sidekick. But if your hero does morally questionable things, will the reader forgive him or her? The anti-hero is a fascinating form of protagonist, and can help […]
#FridayFlash – Water Witch
This flash concludes my loose Water Witch trilogy, inspired by the canals of Den Bosch. The preceding two stories are Watery Depths and In the Cellar Prison. * * * A full moon hangs in the sky above the walled town, and I curse her presence as I glide through the canals. I feel her […]
#FridayFlash – In the Cellar Prison
This week’s story isn’t really a follow on from last week, but it is related to Watery Depths in some ways. Enjoy! My name is Puella and I suspect that I shan’t be alive for much longer. They keep me in this dank cellar below the guildhall, and I hear water lapping against the wall […]
Do More by Being Busy
There is an axiom attributed to Lucille Ball that “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.” I can see the logic behind it – a busy person already has a To Do list, probably organised according to priority, and it’s a simple enough task to add another item. Give it […]
#FridayFlash – Watery depths
I tiptoe down the steps towards the arch in the wall, the stairs slick with wet leaves. A fine mist of rain clings to my hair and gown, yet I do not fear the moisture in the night air. Water is not my enemy. I stand on the edge of the step, clinging to the […]
