For me, he's a bit and miss - but this one is a great big hit:

http://www.abctales.com/mcmanaman/your_portrait

but then again that's what ABCtales is for - trying stuff out and finding out what works and what doesn't.

http://www.abctales.com/node/544290

This is really great. In particular:

"By overstepping the line,
By maybe trying to hold your hand, sometime, in the near future."

So well phrased.

Ben

It isn't often that something comes to us so perfectly formed - but this is a delight:

http://www.abctales.com/tanis/a-typical_love_story

Same old thing but told so well this time - and with what is, to me, an original twist. Hurrah!

... i frequently imagine i would be better at running a coffee shop or bar than those who are already running them ...

of course i wouldn't ... i am lazy and disorganised ... and i don't much like people (customers) ... so in fact would be lousy ...

what do you think you could do better?

*Waves at everyone*

:-0)

I lke this very much. It's a wonderful - and disgusting - idea:

http://www.abctales.com/patrick_allard/smell

sytlistically it just meanders at the beginning a bit too much - but then again, it does have a good pace and maybe it's just right. Thoughts?

...Which piece of writing would you choose?

It's a big monster, as big as at least 20 double decker buses, all slimey and lothesome and it's making it's way across the world devouring anything that has been written down, printed, typed or otherwise shaped into words that can be read.

Slowly it's slobbering it's way through all of the libraries, all of the books shops and bookshelves, all of the archive, even through the gentlemen's periodicals stashed under beds and behind paint cans in sheds the world over.

Most writing tips start at the point at which you pick up a pen.

My question is: How do you convince yourself that now is the time to write? Writing tips are all well and good if you can actually get sat down and started.

Does anyone have any good techniques to get to that situation?

Does it involve timetables? Does it involve coffee? A brisk walk? A room of one's own?

Just how do you get your time to write and just how do you make sure you use it for writing?