![]() ![]() The Pretender – A tale with a twist and intrigue, which was ‘highly commended’ in the Twisted Stringybark competition.The Last of the Shower – A quirky and nostalgic punk looks to wake his dead bandmate: HISSAC Highlands and Islands Short Story Association Competition has ‘The Last of the Shower” on their site (which won the2011 Award).A runner up in the Limnisa/Bluethumbnail Competition: Ha-Ha – A blackly comic story, with a twist.The interest is flattering and I’m happy to list the following sites where a couple of pieces of my work have been published, following a win/placement: Speaking of Stories… I recently received a mail from a friend who asked me what the easiest way was to read my stories on line. Well done, Michael, you’re an inspiration to all of us! Very much looking forward to reading my copy (on order). ![]() I mention Apocalypse Cow not only as a congratulatory plug for a well deserving author but because it is reassuring to know that a nice, down-to-earth, hard-working, good guy like Michael gets to see his work published by a mainstream publishing house. His novel went on to win the Terry Pratchett prize last yeear. Apocalypse Cow is a wirk by Glaswegian writer Michael Logan, who served his apprenticeship as a creative writer via a writing group in Budapest (my old home). I was thinking of this point this week when a friend of mine saw his debut novel published. They give time to their craft, acquiring it, polishing it, perfecting it. By that, I mean they are disciplined and they write on a regular basis. The single trait they all have in common is that they write. In other words, writers are normal people and as different from each other and varied as regular people are. Although writers can be drug addicts and alcoholics just like members of any other profession – they can also be tee-total, health nuts or just very ordinary people living on your street who do regular things like shop at Tesco’s or Walmart and go to the pub/club on Friday night. Writing is a craft, a skill anyone can acquire through practice. The truth, at least concerning the vast majority of writers (and all creative artists), is more mundane. Others perceive a “writer” as “mad” and “misunderstood” artist who lives on the edge of life, burdened by their aforementioned genius and often turning to drink and drugs for both inspiration and solace. Some see a “writer” as a genius whose works astonish and awe the world. The word “writer” often carries weighty connotations. ![]()
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