Hey Ben, So glad I popped in for a read (yep time to find distractions) and of course had to see if you were back on board. Beautifully crafted. Well done.

Hey Kim,
I’ve never been referred to as an odd cupcake but I think its a great compliment (as I’ve always thought of myself as a little too normal). Interesting comment – its tough to get the balance right between purity and craft. But no doubt there is something magical when the river flows freely and pure. Hope to tap that big time this year…[Read more]

Hey Seyi. Glad you enjoyed the ramble and that it may help keep your future travels firmly based on terra firma (not that I’ve ever cruised – maybe it’s brilliant). Thanks for reading this and others – I am planning on a break from 12ss to focus on a novel but no doubt be back some time. Good luck with your writing in 2020 and all the best for the…[Read more]

Hey Rachel, as always you are way too kind. I really wanted to go out with something quite a bit more impactful than this for my last (maybe 😉 piece. That said, yes it was great to find a way to Fiji and the Tongan Cannibal King in exile. And don’t worry, sure I’ll be around and might even send you some stuff through the year (when my authorial…[Read more]

Horror holiday tales are the best. Unfortunately, TripAdvisor spoils things these days – flattening out our experiences so you avoid the lows a little, but also may not stumble as readily upon those amazing surprises. Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting. You probably wont read me next year. Planning to focus on other writing for a bit but no…[Read more]

Oh – ok – you found it…seems like you actually read this first?
Anyway, thanks for your reading and comments – all the best for the festive season and good luck with your writing too.

Hey Paul – sorry for the belated response. Yeah she certainly didn’t hold back. Just a heads up – this wasn’t the final piece you read. Just the first draft. Think it got a little tighter, but dont feel obliged to hunt it down 🙂

Yeah I struggled (as always) for a title but went with a single word (as I like to do) that seemed the most apt…I believe it is rare for one to feel fully at ease in life – but when you do – people, places, experiences – cherish them and live in the moment. Then get ready for the next shift. I’m glad you enjoyed the read – thank you for commenting.

Hey Charles – thanks for reading – Yeah nah never been on a cruise and cant see it until I go to the Antarctic (coz its the only option). Have hired a campervan and ended up stuck in a flooded river (but that’s for another story!) Lots of detail to make up for a rudderless plot! Glad you enjoyed it tho. Cheers Adam

“Woven on the loom of life” – I love that. Thankyou. For me it’s what storytelling is, riffing of experiences we know (or know of) and can then apply imagination. I’m glad it came together for you and you enjoyed it as to be honest, it was a bit of a dogs breakfast earlier in the week. Thanks for reading and commenting. Cheers Adam

Yeah I struggled with a single minded story so kind of ended up being a bit of blend, working hardest to keep the thread and voice consistent. Was fun to write (and relive the moment in the Fijian hills where we stumbled in our hire car on this historic site – was something that really confronted us around how the world has changed. Hope the…[Read more]

Hey Rachel, out of pressure comes diamonds. Lovely story with your trademark twist executed impeccably again. The last paragraph of the first scene – perfect. And you know me – I’d love to see and feel and smell a little more of what is going on – just like that moment and a little less dialogue. Like when you take us right in close to the bindi…[Read more]

Hey Scott, that’s some recollection – the image of the shoes and broken glass is so powerful. You’re parents must have had some kind of night waiting. I did wonder if the piece could be strengthened by a few adjustments…I’d love to be thrown right into the concert experience to create some kind of energy and tension straight up in the work. I…[Read more]

As the husband of a librarian I had to laugh. I loved that she was part caricature, part super hero. You capture the atmosphere of the library so well – and I love that the opening sentence, long and meandering reflects so nicely its esteemed content. Well done. A fun read well crafted.

Great read Bob and feels fresh. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story of yours without laughing out loud. The reveal is great. You capture the two guys at the bar moment so clearly (and yep Bushmills is king!). Somehow I could feel the werewolf coming on quite early – not sure how you tweak it a little to keep that reveal back a little. If you…[Read more]

Yeah its funny isn’t it. Gestures can be intersting things to explore in writing – they can say a lot (or be overused I guess! Haha). Thanks for reading and commenting.

Thanks Peggy – glad it came together and went up a notch in its most recent draft. As always, thanks for your support and feedback.