Donald Fagen | Karavansara

Today’s challenge is writing a 5000-words horror story that’s due for submission by Monday. I have the story outlined, and I’ve set down the first 2000 words – which also means the story will probably be closer to 6000 than 5000 – but it’s OK, because the top hard limit is 10.000 words, so I’m fine.
And yes, I have been told that all this talking about word-count and required lengths and other “technicalities” detracts from True Art(R) and impoverishes my Muse(R), because imagination should be free-flowing and unbound.
I have been told that.
By people that never published a single line of work.

Incidentally, I believe that discipline and restraints help creativity.
So, on we go with my horror story, and as the two characters are about to face the monster and fight for their lives, I’m taking a pause for a cup of tea.

Continue reading →

Nothing particularly clever for this new episode of Radio Karavansara, only a roundup of Imaginary Girls – some of them, like Sara, have been with me since my days in high school, others, like Gosport Nancy, are recent acquaintances. One of them, Lola, caused me no end of problems with my friends in university (and today would probably get J.K. Rowling’s knickers in a twist), and as for Pandora, she is a character in a few of my stories.

And because I did not feel like causing any embarrassment for the ladies, I have refrained from adding my voice to the transmission. I am sure no one will miss it – me least of all.

Enjoy the show, let me know what you think of the girls if you feel like, and stay safe out there!