A simple anecdote of a story, intended for the women’s magazine market. I regret to say it was not accepted.

There beside a pile of slightly chipped plates and a cruet set was Bill Haley. It was the first in a deep pile of old LPs stacked vertically in a cardboard box at the edge of the car boot sale table...

A story of 1,400 words about love lost and, perhaps, regained.

A very short story of a teenage girl’s public humiliation with a guitar.

Here is a ghost story of 1,900 words. One has to suspend disbelief, sit back and enjoy the fantasy. At least, that’s the intention.

A very short story attempting a light touch to one of the consequences of 19th century colonialism. The story was published in the Mayfield and District U3A anthology celebrating its 10th anniversary.

A very short story describing one woman’s discovery of herself and the realisation that her marriage should never have begun.

A story about the great plague that occurred in the 17th century.  It is told in the form of a diary written by a young girl. 1,300 words.

A longer story of 4,500 words about the trials of being a fostered child and a foster parent. I have been neither so the detail is invented. To all those who have experience of either role, apologies for any errors.    

A story of 1,500 words about the complications of suicide particularly when two have the same intention at the same time and place. A piece of black humour perhaps

A story designed for the women’s magazine market. It was never submitted due to its length (2,500 words). Women’s magazines have very specific requirements as to length, style and content.

A story about a grumpy old man and his realisation that being difficult is not always a good idea. 1200 words.   

A writing competition some years ago, challenged competitors to complete a published first half of a story from one of a number of famous writers. I chose Alexi Sayle. Following my efforts, I lost Mr Sayle’s first half and had to write my own. This story is thus my own work but thanks is due to Alexi Sayle for the title and initial idea. 1,800 words.

A 1,000 word light hearted science fantasy.

This 1,000 word story is structured according to women’s magazine specifications and was published by one of the high street publications. It is one of my early attempts to write from the first person, female perspective. 

Another story written for the women’s magazine market. This 1,400 word piece concerns the frustration in bringing up two young boys. It is written from the first person, female perspective. 

Suppose someone you love is kidnapped but that someone is terminally ill. How much effort would you put into paying the ransom? And if you insist it would make no difference, what if the person kidnapped would rather die now than later in pain? 1,200 words.

This is a story of 1,500 words about memories and how we live on in the minds of others. 

A story of 1,800 words that reflects my last day at boarding school and provides a good indication of my unhappiness. 

A story of 1,300 words describing an old man’s need to be remembered after his death. I imagine it applies to us all.