Just in time for Halloween! Oh, wait! Halloween has come and gone. But fear not, because I have something special that will thrill and chill you—an intriguing tale set against the romantic backdrop of springtime in Paris, France!
Introducing “Springtime in Paris,” a captivating story featured on Marsha Ingrao’s blog as part of her successful Story Chat feature. This isn’t just any story; I’ve been told it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that has generated vibrant engagement from readers who couldn’t get enough of its enigmatic charm! After pouring my heart and soul into this short story for six long months, I hope you will agree that I crafted a narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Will you unravel the mysteries intertwined with the beauty of Paris in spring? If you’re longing for a literary escape to this enchanting city, while the rest of the northern hemisphere is in autumn, click the link below. Can it really be spring in Paris when it’s autumn in London, New York and Munich?
I’m eager to hear your thoughts! Although comments are closed here, feel free to share your reflections and feedback on the original post so they can be included with all the other comments.
So, pack your virtual bags and embark on this unforgettable journey to Paris—don’t forget to bring me back some coffee and croissants, and maybe a little souvenir of the Eiffel Tower. Dive in and enjoy your literary getaway!
Feature image created using WordPress AI image creator.
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I’m excited to share that I have published a new post on Marsha Ingrao’s blog, Always Write, dedicated to the captivating art of flash fiction!
If you’re a writer looking to sharpen your skills or a reader eager to explore new narrative forms, this piece offers valuable tips to help you craft compelling stories in a brief format.
But that’s not all! To test your newfound knowledge, I invite you to take part in a creative flash fiction challenge: Write a complete flash fiction story in just 101 words based on the image I have used as the featured image on this post. The image also features in the post.
Whether you’re an experienced author or just starting out, this is an excellent opportunity to unleash your imagination. Jump in, write away, and let’s see what wonderful stories we can create together!
Check out the post on Marsha’s blog for all the details.
Click the image or link below to be taken straight to the post.
If you have any comments or questions, please leave them on the post on Marsha’s blog, as I am closing comments here to ensure all comments and questions are in one place where everyone can see them.
Have fun with the challenge. Happy writing.
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You may have noticed that I published fewer posts than I usually do this month and wondered why. I wanted to see if this affected the number of views my blog gets. And guess what? It did.
However, you would be mistaken if you think my blog received fewer views due to the reduction in the number of published posts. Perhaps a discussion for another day as to why?
I’ll just mention that you don’t need to burden yourself with the notion that you must publish blog posts every day to achieve good viewing figures. Overdoing it only results in blogging burnout and, ultimately, the abandonment of your blog.
In the meantime, here is your opportunity to catch up on my three blog posts published in January 2025.
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Would you like to participate in a vibrant online programme that encourages interaction among authors, bloggers, writers, and readers? This post offers comprehensive details and an invitation to join.
Hugh’s Views and News is at the heart of fascinating conversations and engagement. Have you participated in the debates and discussions? If not, why not join in and share your thoughts with us?
Comments are closed here. Please leave any new comments on the original posts.
“Would you like to write a short story that I can publish on my blog?”
Those were the words of Marsha Ingrao, a writer and blogger who blogs at Always Write, who went on to create something special with the story I submitted.
The story, The People Under the Stairs, received many comments, many of which led to discussions. It was like sitting in a book club discussing the book everyone had read that month.
Three years later, Story Chat is a big success. Two books containing the stories for it have been published, and a third book is in the pipeline.
What is Story Chat?
Story Chat is more than a book club or writing or reading challenge. It is a unique and proven online program that encourages interaction between authors and readers. It’s part writers’ group, part beta readers, part fun fiction, and, best of all, pure enjoyment.
I give all the credit to Marsha, who had the idea. Although I contributed some input, Marsha worked hard to make Story Chat successful.
Story Chat Vol II is available on Amazon.
Story Chat—Vol. II, the 2024 compilation, was expertly edited by Colleen Cheseboro. As I reflect on the pages of the book, I feel a sense of happiness and pride in having contributed to both it and the Story Chat—Vol. I book.
This second book features a varied collection of original short stories by 20 authors from around the globe. While most stories are dramas suitable for all ages, from children to older adults, this collection includes science fiction and comedy. Additionally, two non-fiction articles (one of which I penned) discussing the writing process are included. All selections are family-friendly, even though the topics cater to adult readers.
Once you begin reading Story Chat, you won’t be able to put it down.
The book features realistic fiction, surprises, and open-ended stories. Halloween vampire horror tales may make you laugh and reflect on how you can find humour in them. Travelling to an alternate universe – familiar to some – will keep you entertained. You might discover yourself stepping into one or two other universes that are so bizarre you won’t know how to respond to them. My story, ‘The Watcher,’ which centres on a walk in the fog, is one of those peculiar tales.
The characters will move you to tears as they courageously reach for love or confront tragedies you wish no one had to endure. You will chuckle at the older couple deliberating whether to book the adventure of a nudist cruise. You will root for a mother and her autistic child as they overcome challenges. One story will evoke memories of Toy Story or The Velveteen Rabbit. Another feature is an epic children’s poem with illustrations crafted from fondant by the talented author and her son.
The book is so much fun. Yet, it can be educational, especially for writers who constantly work to improve their craft. Each story has discussion questions you can use if you belong to a book club or writing group.
All of us, known as Story Chatters, hope this book will impact your lives.
You can purchase the Story Chat Vol II by following these links. Amazon.uk and Amazon.com
Six Reasons to Own This Book
Great reading when relaxing on holiday.
Introduce the Story Chat concept to your friends as a coffee table book.
A book for writing groups or book clubs to improve members’ writing.
Stories in the book are no longer available to read online.
A birthday or any time of the year gift for friends that read.
You’ll be supporting a growing number of blogging authors and writers to publish next year.
Story Chat Vol: I
Don’t forget to also take a look at Story Chat Vol: I, which includes stories from 14 international authors.
I have two stories in this book – ‘The People Under The Stairs’ and ‘Puddles,’ both of which will take you on a journey to the edge of your imagination.
Do I have any favourite stories in the books?
Yes, but I’m not going to share them with you. Every story has a reason why it’s in the book, and behind every story is a talented author and writer who has poured their heart and soul into crafting each word.
It is not merely about telling a tale; it’s about the intricate web of ideas, emotions, and experiences that culminate in a narrative that resonates with readers on various levels.
Each author draws from a well of inspiration, life experiences, and unique perspectives, making the stories not just entertainment but also a means of connection, reflection, and understanding of our world.
We’re seeking writers, authors, and bloggers to contribute stories to Story Chat 2025, which is currently underway on Marsha’s Blog. For full details, please visit Marsha’s blog.
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The first time I got my first short story collection edited, I was a nervous wreck.
I needn’t have been because having a fresh pair of eyes helped take my stories to a new level – a level that would have taken me many years to have reached, if at all.
Do you fear feedback?
Before publishing my second collection of short stories, I asked several friends to read my stories first and give me feedback. Then, I sent the book off for editing.
Of course, I didn’t take all the advice of my editor or those who read my stories before publication, but I’d often meet them halfway.
The initial editing process provided reassurance about receiving feedback. However, the subsequent editing rounds, along with feedback from beta readers, amplified this confidence. The fear of criticism no longer holds me back. What’s there to be afraid of? There’s nothing to fear. After all, why write if nobody will read it?
How To Treat Poor Feedback
A negative review or feedback may initially shake you, but it must never deter you from pursuing your writing. Constructive criticism, even if negative, has the potential to enhance the quality of your stories and writing, so don’t ignore it.
Of course, feedback comes in various shapes and sizes. Feedback such as ‘great story’ doesn’t hold much weight, making me question the purpose of such comments. I would much rather receive good, honest, constructive feedback than be told that my story was simply great.
Like boiled eggs and soldiers, writing and feedback come hand-in-hand. But where is this all going?
How Story Chat Started
In 2020, writer and blogger Marsha Ingrao asked me to write a story for Story Chat, a new feature she was in the process of creating where anyone can submit a story, anyone can read it, and anyone can give honest feedback about it. I jumped at the chance.
Fast forward to 2024, and Marsha’s blog’s Story Chat feature has achieved remarkable success. With over 20 authors and writers actively participating, a book highlighting the first two years of stories, along with reader feedback, has been published.
Story Chat – Online Literary Conversations
What’s Inside The Book?
The plethora of 22 stories encompasses a wide array of genres, each captivating in its own right.
What truly captivates me is the unwavering dedication of all the authors who not only poured their hearts into their stories but also embraced the invaluable feedback they received. It’s incredible how the majority of the feedback proved to be beneficial, guiding the authors towards refining their narratives. Ultimately, the decision to undertake a rewrite lay solely in the hands of the author, a testament to their artistic autonomy.
Not only do I have two stories in the Story Chat book, but I also have a few favourites in the book.
Did I Have A Favourite Story From The Book?
All the stories are immensely enjoyable and entertaining, but there’s one that truly captured my heart – ‘Dress for a Princess‘ by Wendy Fletcher. It’s an absolute gem of a story that had me on the edge of my seat, gasping for breath as I reached its spectacular ending. This is precisely what I crave in stories – an unexpected, brilliant twist that leaves me in awe.
Wendy Fletcher’s ability to weave such a captivating tale is a true testament to the power of storytelling. Wendy’s story is a prime example of the magic that unfolds within the world of short story literature, where authors can transport readers to captivating realms filled with intrigue and wonder in so few words.
All of the authors whose stories feature in the Story Chat – Online Literary Conversations book are prime examples of taking readers on entertaining journies that stay with you for a long time. They are also masters of short story writing.
Why not take a chance with Story Chat? Purchase the book or contact Marsha to contribute a story for the feature.
Do you enjoy reading or writing short stories? What advice can you give writers thinking of writing short stories? Is short story writing something you’re thinking about doing? Do you have any questions about ‘Story Chat’ or writing short stories? Leave them in the comments section.
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