Getting away from it all

We're still on our adventures, still having a great time. The pictures are recent views from the mobile writing retreat. I post these daily on Facebook and Bluesky

Magazine news

Thanks to Fiona for the news that Freya at Aquila is looking for short stories (1,000 to 3,000 words) suitable for children 8-13. They're also looking for puzzle writers and historians. 'Basic rate is £150 for 700 words. For non-fiction, send a short paragraph about you with your ideas and a couple of examples of published work. For fiction, send completed short stories. In both instances, email Freya: editor@aquila.co.uk.'

Free to enter writing competitions

Have you written at least one book (fiction, non fiction or poetry) and feel that having time away in an Airbnb property (or more than one) might help you write the next? If so, explain that in Hay Festival's room to write competition and win £1,500 worth of vouchers.

Thanks to Fiona for this competition from The Scottish Wildlife Trust. They want up to 1,000 words in any form, on the theme of changing seasons and Scotland's wildlife and wild places. There's an interesting array of prizes on offer for the winner - plus a couple of small runner up prizes.

Thanks to Alyson for this 6 word competition, with a $100 prize. Hmmm, maybe I do have time to write a whole story after all.

No prize!

We've been doing a lot of travelling over the last week, both in the van on foot. The weather has been (mostly) fabulous and we've taken a great many photos – quite a few work ones for Gary, lots of flowers, and some random scenery. I've even managed some writing!

Free to enter writing competitions

Croydon writers have a monthly 'writer of the month' competition for short stories and poetry. "There is no prize except the satisfaction of having put out some good writing!"

Here's a poetry competition, which will be judged by Aly Rhodes (actually there is a prize for this one - a book token.) Aly says, Obviously it helps if the entrant has visited or knows Saltaire but also though it's not compulsory. If the entrant does win or is a runner up there is a presentation/open mic evening to attend - so travel distance will be a factor.

My news

I've finished the first draft of book 4 in my Little Mallow cosy mystery series! It doesn't have a confirmed title yet, but the first word is likely to be distracting or distracted. That's appropriate in lots of ways, not all of them related to the plot.

If you'd like to know where those steps lead, and join me in a virtual climb, take a look at my website post here.