Author Archives: Author

Want a fun writing prompt? Find out what inspired this piece of satire on my substack. A flat-pack proposal The cost of living has arisen so dramatically, that people in Britain are no longer able to afford to buy a house to live in. But yet, their Amazon Prime accounts bring in a phenomenal amountContinue reading “Writing prompt – write your own modest proposal”

Can fun and comfort co-exist? Last weekend, Mike and I were umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to go into Oxford at 5.00am to take part in the Oxford May Day celebrations.  5 am? you say! 😱 Yes – 5 AM. On a Saturday. Cue small violin. On the 1st May, Oxford gathers around one ofContinue reading “May-day May-day!”

A lesson from Peter Pan Coming to you from Neverland… Never grow up. When I grew up, I forgot how to have fun. It’s true. A real boohoo tragedy. I spent years trying to have fun with painting occasionally, or doing the odd craft. But I always stopped or ruined it for myself because inContinue reading “Making fun of writing – follow me on substack”

We are thrilled to launch the first Oxford Flash Fiction anthology 2021 this month, and you are invited! Celebrate with us for an evening of readings, prizes and more, with past judges, and the authors themselves. 23 April 2022 5 pm RSVP for a link to the launch Authors Cornerlis Affre, Gayathiri Dhevi Appathurai, HollyContinue reading “Sticks and Stones: Oxford Flash Fiction Anthology launch – 23 April, 5 pm”

This week, we announced the winners of the Oxford Flash Fiction Prize 2022. You can read their wonderful stories below. As Director of the Prize, I cannot thank everyone enough for their hard work. From the readers and our critique team to the judges, the Prize is growing fast and I’m incredibly proud of it.Continue reading “Oxford Flash Fiction Prize 2022”

I’m thrilled to be a judge for the wonderful Reflex Fiction. A wonderful competition and independent publisher. Can’t wait to read all the stories. Deadline is coming up!