This is one of the most difficult stories I've every tried to write. I don't think I've managed to pull it off, and I doubt that I ever will, but I still like it.

Another mind bender. This one is the result of a vivid, movie-like dream I had (possibly it's a mistake to put your dreams into words).

It's extremely confusing if you're not paying attention (and maybe even if you are), which is very likely its fatal flaw.

Let me know if you like it...

Content warning:Death, drugs, and other nasty stuff. Maybe some swearing.

Black Velvet

I wrote this as an exercise with the Lawson writing group "Wicked Ink". The brief was to write a story with the words: Kuwait, fire, mortar, um and maybe some other words that I can't remember...

SOUVENIRS

Okay, this is more like the edgy reality-benders that I usually write. Not sure if it works as I'd intended, and no longer inspired to try to make it better.

If you're not familiar with my normal work, be warned that this is not fluff and bubbles like the other stories I've posted here so far. Plenty of people "get" my writing, but just as many are left feeling confused and wondering what was going on. Welcome to my world...

Anyway here it is...

Um, this one should probably come with a content warning. Some mild language, and deals with themes of the darker side of humanity.

Submitted for the same short story competition as "Butterfly Kiss, Old Leather and Cicada Shells". 800 word limit; must include a stranger, ice, and an animal.

This story, like the previous one is much softer than the stories I normally write.

THE WEDDING GUEST

How the stranger came to be there, no one knew.

The groom’s mother worried, but her husband, a gracious and prudent man, said another guest would not matter. A waiter brought a plate, cutlery, and a napkin.

The stranger ate a modest amount, drank little, smiled at many, but spoke to few.

Submitted for a short story competition. 800 word limit; must include a stranger, ice, and an animal.

Not my usual style, but I rather like this one.

A Butterfly Kiss, Old Leather and Cicada Shells

“It’s alright, don’t worry about it.”

The man looked up. His face was creased by character and sun. The relaxed brim of his hat partly shadowed his hazel eyes, which were level with my breasts. He knelt on the lawn, hands cupping nuggets of ice as gently as eggs.

“I’m sorry,” his voice as robust as he was lean, “I didn’t see it.”

This is one of my favourite stories. I submitted it to the 2007 Radio National Radio Story competition, but didn't get placed.

I do however perform this story as a spoken word piece at arty parties where you're expected to get up and sing or play the guitar. As I do neither of those passably, I opt for the telling of a simple tale...

MYTHOLOGY OF AN ARRIVAL

Here it is then, look how small it seems.

At the end of May 2007 I became convinced that I needed to gain some credibility by being published.

So began a mad period of polishing, writing and sending out short stories to literary competions and publications across the country.

By mid July I had submitted 10 stories to 6 different publications/groups. To date I have sent out an additional two and will send out another three by the end of August.

But the reality is that I'm not a short story writer. It is a distinct form that I haven't mastered.