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Turning Pages is a space dedicated to the art of storytelling, where every word counts and every narrative has its place.
I should have known this would happen. Just as I’m deep into my other projects—each at a critical stage—my brain has decided it’s the perfect time to start something new. The idea for a novella, The Right Her, has crept in, and now it’s taking up mental space when I should be focusing on finishing my existing stories.
As if I haven't set myself enough goals this year, I've decided to try my hand at writing some short stories. Not known for doing things by halves I've set my sights on the BBC National Short Story Award 2025. I'm assuming that it will open in January 2025 for submissions, so today I have been crafting my entry in readiness. I have my first draft under way and on the whole I'm please with how it's going. I have to start this early because knowing my flighty ADHD brain I'm sure to get distracted with other fleeting thoughts and distractions. If you are thinking of being creative why not start with some short stories ? or even Flash Fiction ? It's a great way to start - give it a try! Some Flash Fiction competitions have a maximum of 250 words. Telling a story in that few words would take real skill !
As I sit down to write today, my two elderly cats, Bonnie and Pinky, are curled up together, fast asleep in their favorite spot. They look so peaceful, I couldn’t resist taking a photo to share with you all. It's a rare moment of calm, as usually, these two are anything but quiet. At nearly 17 years old, they’ve earned the right to be demanding! Whether it’s asking for attention, food (again), or the perfect sunny spot to nap, Bonnie and Pinky certainly keep me on my toes.
When it comes to naming characters, I always try to find the right fit—something unique but not too unusual, and hopefully not a name I’ve overused (almost had too many Margarets at one point!). But as someone called Lorna, I’ve always felt like I belong to a pretty exclusive club. I mean, there aren’t that many of us, right?
Welcome to my blog! I’m excited—really excited—and I can’t wait to take you on this journey with me. Now, I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a huge fan of traveling in the physical sense (thank you, neurodivergence), but this metaphorical journey? This feels right. It feels like the start of something that I’ve been waiting for, the place I’m meant to be, where I can thrive and create—my happy place.
