LIKE RAYMOND CARVER AND ANNIE PROULX!!!

My story, 'Barken Mad Sometimes', has just been posted on HISSAC's site and Clio Gray has said some more kind things about the story and the writing: Comparing it to Carver and Proulx. It's not enough that you win their competition, and they send you a very flattering e-mail to tell you, and then follow with a pretty certificate that says more nice things about your writing, and with a big fat cheque - not enough all that, but they then post up your story and say publicly some wonderful things about your writing.

Thanks to Clio Gray

A Win at HISSAC

HISSAC (Highlands and Islands Short Story Award Competition 2008) sent me word, some much hoped for news:

'I am absolutely delighted to let you know that 'BARKEN, MAD SOMETIMES' has won first prize in this year's Annual Highlands and Islands Short Story competition.

It is a brilliant story, and was so from beginning to end, and had all the judges entranced. It fought off stiff competition, but there was little quibbling at the final judges' meeting, and the decision was unanimous.'

Thanks to Vanessa Gebbie who was midwife to this story.

Two Girls What I KNow

Check out ECLECTICA and read two poems by the wonderful Vanessa Gebbie 'Ice Cream' and 'On The Coal Tip'... fabulous.

And on the same site a short story by Chelsey Flood... 'So Small and So Far Away'... a neat wee flash with some strong emotional kicks.

And I've worked with both these girls!

Well done both.