In the spirit of self-care, and therefore with only the mildest of apologies to any devoted blog readers, in recent weeks I’ve been prioritising actual writing (of new creative work) over what we might uncharitably call pretend writing (such as this blog). I’ve still got a novel to finish, a novel which was supposed to have been finished by 2nd November, and then “for sure” by 30th November, and then “hopefully this side of Christmas”, and now, firmly, definitely, categorically, on or before 30th January (2025, that is.)
In the equal spirit of hypocrisy and of being in the fortunate position to make/break my own rules, I did find time to write (and FINISH) a small new piece of work, just in time to submit it for National Literacy Trust‘s 2024 Haunted Birmingham campaign.
The brief — write a spooky story set somewhere in Birmingham. So I did.
What I’ve come up with is the product of two days of work — I couldn’t justify spending any longer on it than that, while Obsolete Constellations is still languishing in an incomplete state. But I felt really strongly that I had to submit something. If I don’t make the effort to take part when someone else is running an anthology callout, why should I expect anyone to do the same for me?
I’m thrilled to report that NLT has received more than 200 submissions this year, and today they’re having a launch event at the Library of Birmingham. To coincide with that, I’ve decided to share my spooky story on this site for anyone who might be interested in reading it. It’s set in Moseley Park and Pool, a stone’s throw from where I live, and in its own modest way, I’m feeling rather proud of it.
I did what I set out to do, and I finished it.
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Even better, if you’re able to get into Moseley Park, find the very spot which inspired the story, and read it there.
If anything bobs up out of the water, though, I am not to blame.
Here you go, then — a link to the full text of The Tell-Tale Carp — and happy Christmas!
