At last... LEE HUGHES is officially back!!!

A long overdue 'n' welcome return to a dark fictional world like no other.  Lee's work has left a void in the online writing community.  If you've missed his mind-altering stories as much as I, then enjoy his raw talent again here.


To announce his comeback, he's also treated us to another cracker on his blog here.

Lee Hughes says, "Thanks"...

Lee has texted me with a heartfelt "Thanks" to all those of you who offered your support. Having now moved homes, he's sorted one of his 'issues', at least, and he hopes to be back on the net soon. I knew I could rely on you folks to help lift Lee's spirits, so hopefully we'll have him back in the near future.

LEE HUGHES, our friend... a rallying call...

I've been in constant contact with 'The Big Man from the Isle of Man', and have just come off the phone to him. In brief, he's had a shitty run of luck in his personal life and has a few very important things to sort out.

He knows I'm doing this post, but he doesn't know I'm asking for you all to leave a comment below to give him that boost he currently needs - maybe your favourite story of Lee's, a funny moment shared, or just some good wishes.

For my small part, on my new website, I've just resurrected one of my favourite stories penned by Lee, from the archives of Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers... you can read it, rate it and comment here.

I know our fantastic online writing community will show this talented writer, and friend, just how much we care, to hopefully accelerate that day when he'll be back with us all again.

Thanks in advance,
Col

Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers' closed for submissions, but the show still goes on...

Just a quickie to let you know that the award winning ezine I help run, with Matt Hilton and Lee Hughes, has closed for submissions until March 31st 2011. To read about a couple of changes to the site go here.

Proof of stamina...my crime novel... 'completed', at last.

After twenty years of spasmodically learning my craft, last Sunday - August 8th - saw a huge, psychological milestone reached for little old me... the completion of the crime novel, I'd tentatively started in early 2007. BUT, the 'journey' wasn't without its 'moments'... 89,300 words of sweat, tears, tantrums and turmoil!

A year later, I hit a brick wall, plot-wise, at 41,000 words. Dispirited, frustrated and doubting I had the stamina to write a novel, I left it for a while.

Around April 2008, I began a second novel that had been pecking to be created for months. It included many of the same characters as my first attempt, but was set some years later. My enthusiasm for this story was boundless... initially.

As the 41,000 word milestone loomed, I began to encounter similar problems... stamina and enthusiasm fading, as I struggled, 'head-poppingly', with plot... again!

In August 2008 my great friend, thriller writer Matt Hilton, suggested I start a blog, post some short stories - I had loads of ideas for them - and get some feedback. So I took an audibly deep breath and took Matt's advice, thinking, But I've only ever shown my writing to me pets n me mum before now...eeek! However, positive feedback spurred me on, keeping the dream alive. Maybe I could write, after all... but could I write a novel?

In a eureka moment, in early 2009 , I decided I could merge the two 'half-novels' together. This was very tricky, but I managed it... well, sort of. Chopping and cutting, re-writing and editing, until I had a mishmash of 70-odd thousand words... but, alas, it still wasn't right.

There was a point where, despite my tenacity and ambition - or because of it? - I had to pull away from it all, as it was becoming too much. But that's when you know who your friends are, right? Many offered encouragement and I'm truly thankful, but there were four in particular, who have been constant throughout, and had more faith in me than I probably had myself... my brother, Dek, Dave Barber, Lee Hughes and Matt Hilton - cheers, lads!

A couple of trusted friends gave me feedback, and liked it (but they would, I hear you say!). By this stage, my confidence was up, due to having successes with numerous short stories accepted for e-zines, plus a few online competition wins, and even bagging slots in three anthologies. However, two other factors, in keeping me upbeat and focussed, were crucial too. The growing success of Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers, whereby I read and edited many top notch stories, and had contact with some really talented writers. Plus, the online writers' group, Writers' News Talkback, where I found, not only encouragement in abundance, but also many genuine friends.
Obviously, the followers and commenters (except the Chinese porn trolls) on this blog have been a Godsend as well.

So, in summary, the writing community within the blogosphere kept me going, and pushed me that extra mile. Well, that, and the fact I'm a stubborn old git! :)

And so, I kept my head down, between work, the kids, and life, rattling the keyboard and, after much turmoil, the result is... proof, to myself more than anyone, that I do have the stamina to complete a novel.

This is sounding like an acceptance speech at the Oscars, and I've done nothing yet! But it's a really big deal, to me, getting to this point, after looking like it was impossible. I have high hopes for this book. I'd say it's a third draft, but in reality it's probably a sixth or seventh draft. No doubt, there'll be more tweaking to do in the future, too.

And, yes, someone is currently reading it... and it's not me mum! Can't say anything yet, in case it goes tits up, but watch this space...

Regards,
Col

Ps. I'm still undecided on the title, so feel free to vote on your favourite, top right.

Lee Hughes is back on the blog...

Arguably the best up 'n' coming writer the Isle of Man has to offer has resurrected his blog. In fact I can't think of another Manx writer so drop the aforementioned arguably. That makes Lee 'King of the Island' in my book! If you've missed his incomparable, often witty and invariably gruesome mix of crime 'n' horror writing, then I recommend you go take a look by clicking on the title of this post. Lee still has a website, too, where many of his fine stories live...here

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice

It's time for my next three selections of shorts from across the net that have caught my eye for one reason or another.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #4
THINE IS THE KINGDOM by Lee Hughes

Over at Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers is part ten of Lee's epic horror yarn ('horror?' you ask in horror - click the title of this post for my Choice criteria) with an ever-growing body count and tension to die for (he-he). Having read them all, I'm well n truly hooked. Here's the link to all ten if you prefer - The Osseus Box - but they all work well as cracking stand alone pieces.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #5
OLD AGE AND TREACHERY by Alan Griffiths

If you fancy some 'Brit Grit' gansta fun then look no further than Al's top tale over at the Flash Fiction Offensive. A fast flowing piece with lingo as good as it gets to more than satisfy all noir fans.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #6
FASHION VICTIM by Lily Childs

You want gore? You want imagery? You wanna see the last foray of a catwalk model with a troubled mind? Then check out this crime-cum-horror piece of flash at TKnC.
To learn more about what makes Lily tick click here.

Ps. The Brits have had a good run so far. Americans next!