VeraClark's blog

As the light dims it feels natural to turn back to writing where summer's inspiration can be hammered in to something sensational. I look forward to seeing your creativity darken readers this month in all its rich shades. Remember to make full use of peer critiques to improve your work and also, please do share poetry monthly via social networking and word of mouth - not only for new participants but to encourage old friends to rejoin us. Satire...

Synaesthesia was the theme of your work last month and your poems emerged with similar considerations: social treatment of individuals with sensory differences. Take time to read how varied and imaginative the poetry was: Noo gave us history and the flavour of fireworks: http://www.abctales.com/story/noo/something-fireworks Linda tackled the reality of life with synaesthesia: http://www.abctales.com/story/linda-wigzell-cress/meltdown Philip took...

Many ABCTales members pledged for Jack O’Donnell’s debut novel ‘Lily Poole’ to be published by Unbound and now it’s a fabulous reality. Here are two great reviews from ABCTales Editors, Sooz and PhilipSidney to spur readers on: Philip Sidney, ABCTales: 'I read Jack O’Donnell’s haunting novel, Lily Poole some time ago and yet it stays with me like a memory from my own life; such is the intimacy of the writing. Lily Poole gets close to you, seeps...

I hope your summer’s full of sun and laughter. Thank you to Blackjack Davey for last month’s brief of enchantment, there were some traditional narratives and symbolic twists emerging in your pieces. This month, let's encourage even more collaboration! Encourage your fellow writers and friends to have a crack at our monthly briefs. Share them on social media. Here’s three magic poems from July: Heavenly imagery about a parent’s love: http://www...

Poetry-wise we saw a gallery of colourful artist-inspired pieces in June: a vibrant response. As I post this, I know all of us are thinking of Bee and her family. Bee’s contribution to ABCTales was immeasurable: her time for others, her consummate encouragement, that bold sense of humour that glimmered in all her work and feedback. First up this month is one of my favourite poems written by Bee: A sensual lullaby for grown-ups. Spirited and...

There was some great work on the site this week. However, Story of the Week had to go to Celticman for his beautifully crafted and devastating story 'Most folk called her pet'. Poem of the Week goes to Gabzgirl for 'Letters to Herself', a dreamy poem with a vivid depiction of the mind and all its vulnerability. Congratulations to both. http://www.abctales.com/story/celticman/most-folk-called-her-pet http://www.abctales.com/story/gabzgrl/letters-...

There was such a range of gorgeous surreal poetry in May! Elements of surprise were carefully weaved in to your slant and unexpected creations. Here’s a trio that shone: Three Shakespearian witches (or was it siblings?) A fiery, spitting paced piece: http://www.abctales.com/story/linda-wigzell-cress/blasted-heath-poetry-monthly A surreal wander through a dreamscape: http://www.abctales.com/story/pat-g/imperative-poetry-monthly The footprints of...

Prose-poetry went off like a box of premium fireworks this month. Some gorgeous work from all. Here’s three crackers LondonCalling’s hike explored the fickle circularities of love: http://www.abctales.com/story/londoncalling79/horizons-just-circle-poetry-monthly Bear’s inspirational dialect combined wit with birds, knickers and ‘oles: http://www.abctales.com/story/bear/truckles-owls-poetry-monthly-%E2%80%93-sort BJD did extraordinary things with...

This week I've chosen two pieces steeped in history, time and place. I'm sure you'll find them a rich, transporting read. Story of the Week goes to Markle for his stunning travel autobiography 'Wild Venice', full of detail and historical insight. Poem of the Week goes to Philip Sidney for 'Not a Shakespearian Sonnet' a delicate, beautifully written tribute to the great man himself. Congratulations to both. http://www.abctales.com/story/markle/...

This week’s picks stayed with me from the minute I read them. Both are stunningly constructed. Congratulations to Noo for her darkly woven prose-poem ‘My Reflection’ and Celticman for his richly impressionist fiction ‘Glitter.’ http://www.abctales.com/story/noo/my-reflection-poetry-monthly http://www.abctales.com/story/celticman/glitter This week’s IP is to write a story or poem inspired by a phrase you’ve found in some junk mail.