One Year of Short Stories

My top five and yours. You can write a lot in twelve months.

Today marks one year since I started publishing my short stories on Substack. Over the last twelve months, I've written stories about love, loss, joy, jealousy and a handful of other emotions. Not all of my stories have been 'bangers', but there are a fair few that I'm still very proud of. Below are two charts: mine and yours. 

So what about year two? 

The next 12 months are going to be a whirlwind for me. First off, I'm on the brink of releasing my debut novel, Live, Remember, Forget: A story about memory. It's a story told from a dual point of view, exploring the first and last stages of life. They say, write what you know, and that's what I've done. Over the last decade, I've had the misfortune of watching my grandmothers suffer from dementia. These years have made me think about memories, life and our limited time. Live, Remember, Forget is a culmination of my thoughts and has been my way of coping with their demise. But more about that later. 

I also have another book ready to launch within the next year, a collection of short stories. For all of you subscribed right now, you'll get a paperback copy free of charge. Let's call it your reward for being an early bird supporter. It'll include all your favourites and some brand-new stuff as well. 

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One last thing before the charts…

Through some magical serendipity, my good friend Carmi Heyman is releasing her debut novel today! Thirteen is an unlucky number for some, but not us. If you're into suspense-filled psychological thrillers, her book 'The Last Time You Called', is one to put on your list. One of these days, I’ll persuade Carmi to write a story or two for Blank Pages.

Online counselling. It's all fun and games, until someone turns up dead. 

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The charts…

Your Top 5

Cigarettes and meat (08/02/2023)

“One of my favourite things about writing is that inspiration can hit you from everywhere. Most of the time it’s coerced out of its hiding place by hard work and consistency. But there are other times when someone brings you a plate of it. That’s what happened one morning in Antwerp. Thanks, Nathan.”

A Boy Developing (14/01/2023)

“Sometimes the best ideas are left behind in places we’ve long forgotten. The same is true for people too. More often than not, life is messy and impossible to decipher, even with all the training in the world. One day we wake up in one life, and then in the next step, we are walking through something entirely different.”

The Bus Stop (23/05/2023)

“Since I started to write fiction, I’ve always been fascinated with those ordinary staples in our world. The local watering hole, the pub, the bar, the café (depending on where you’re from), schools, roads, the waiting room, or in this case, the bus stop.”

The Morning Men (22/12/2022)

“In many ways, I don’t fulfil the stereotypes of a writer. I go to the gym, spend time with friends and occasionally choose a piece of trash tv over a book. On the other hand, I fulfil the stereotypes rather well. I listen to classical music and rarely leave the house without a pen. When I look at the world, my first thoughts are, how can I convey this view, feeling, smell etc. in words? But perhaps the most stereotypical thing I do is write in a café. It was in this café that I found this story, one early morning.”

Behind the Bar (14/09/2023)

“Financial instability is a good friend of freelance life. It's a reality that often pushes me into part-time café work. You might say grinding beans and taking orders is a step backwards for a university graduate, but that’s not necessarily the case. For me, I find being a barista compliments my writing life. Where else do you get to interact with so many different people, all with their own troubles, joys and stories. This week's short story is a homage to those faces I see day to day.”

My Top 5

The Bus Stop (23/05/2023)

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Our City of Secrets (09/03/2023)

“For the last few years, I’ve been a bit of a crab, swapping one home for another every year or so. And while that’s exciting and almost always interesting, it comes with limitations. Some things in life sit too high on the shelf for a newbie to reach. It’s why locals are always the best people to ask for recommendations. And it’s this distance which hides the subtle charms away from those who haven’t earned them. But ever since the end of 2020, I’ve been in one place, and these last few years of stability have given me time to spot some of my city’s little secrets.”

Fish, chips and a bowl of trifle (21/09/2023)

“Grief is as much a part of life as love and laughter. But that doesn’t make it any easier when it comes to stay for a week or two. This weeks story is dedicated to all the grandparents we’ve lost, will lose or never got the chance to meet.”

Kinder Surprise (17/08/2023)

“Unless you allow spontaneity to run your life, your days usually take on unique characteristics. Monday becomes the meeting day, Tuesday is yoga day, and Wednesday is nervous breakdown day. Or something to that effect. While our weekdays will differ considerably depending on our environment and/or work commitments, Sundays have a more universal character. Sundays are for sleep, strolls and now and again, surprises.”

Dandelion (12/10/2023)

“I’m not sure if this is universal... but when I was young, I was told if you made a wish before blowing the seeds off a dandelion, your wish would come true. For some reason, that came to mind this week. Two thousand words later, here we are.”

Did your favourite make into the charts? Comment below. Thanks again for supporting my work. I appreciate every read, comment, like, share, and especially the rare occasions when I get to speak with you in person.  

THANK YOU FOR ONE YEAR!