Pick of the day
The Road and the Sky
Posted by catherine poarch on Fri, 05 Dec 2025
The crow flew down to the top of the fence
and wiped its beak with a slow…snick…snack
Its feathers were perfect,
umbrella black.
What was it thinking, that wisely old crow?
The world went thundering, hurtling by.
But his were the trees and his was the sky.
Stood on the corners of fairy circles,
traveller ponies were back in town,
with shaggy heads up
Read moreStory of the week
Papa’s Got a Brand New Chainsaw
Posted by Turlough on Mon, 01 Dec 2025
The usual rigmarole. Half a month (this bit being the first half of November) described using precisely one hundred words per day.Read morePoem of the week
Happiness Of Anticipating Inspiration
Posted by skinner_jennifer on Thu, 04 Dec 2025
Encounters attained are all different,
Thoughts upon this day swiftly alter;
Linking to what lies beyond.
Flickers ephemeral – never repetitive,
Keeps the poet contained In wonder...
Like morning billows concealing
Blink of sun's rays, then suddenly
Disbanding,
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Features
Story and Poem of the Week and Inspiration Point
Posted by airyfairy
December certainly seems to be bringing out the creativity in ABC Talers! There's been some wonderful stuff on the site this week.
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Xion Island Zero by Katherine Black - Out Now!
I'm very pleased to announce that Katherine Black (our very own Sooz Simpson) has just published Xion Island Zero, the sixth in her Inspector Nash series.
Here's a review by celticman and a link to buy:
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Story and Poem of the Month
Our Story and Poem of the Month for October, very kindly chosen by Jane Hyphen:
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The Paper Over The Cracks by Ewan Lawrie
I'm very pleased to announce that Ewan Lawrie's third poetry collection is now available. Here's what he says:
Read moreWant to join ABCTales?
We've had to suspend the automatic joining facility for a while so if you would like to join us please email
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Posting From Your Android Phone - Fixed!
Some of you have been having issues with posting your work using an android phone. Ewan and John our techie have been working really hard to fix this.
Read moreBee's Journey
Picks of the Month
Early Lateness
Posted by Turlough on Sun, 26 Oct 2025
If I could turn back time, I’d write a song about it.
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Please Follow My Instructions ( For This You Will Need a Blood Orange)
Posted by VeraClark on Mon, 06 Oct 2025
i)
There is a blood orange on the table but it is not for eating. Citrus sinensis.
Blood oranges are the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation.
Your mother – before her heart stopped - stored blood oranges in the fridge. Liked them with a chill. She would use her broad thumb to gently apply pressure to the thick skin to puncture it down to the fruit.
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