Ray Bradbury: A Miniature Tribute

I must have been channelling my hero Ray Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012 RIP) yesterday when I responded to an invitation on Twitter from Litro magazine to submit a 140 character maximum story to Tales On Tweet. My effort appears here on the @TalesOnTweet timeline (you may need to scroll down if other submissions have been added). *Cough* If you should feel inclined to RT or even fave my piece I would not be in the least offended.

If, as was the case with most of my family, you have not a clue what to make of my tale, this free Ray Bradbury classic story might give you hint. Beware, though, reading this could be the start of a lifelong Bradbury addiction. And, if you didn't already know, you'll learn the source of an expression you've heard many, many, times and almost certainly quoted yourself.

First Oscar's Oscars Hi Five of 2012

It's been a long time since I inflicted one of my Oscar's Oscars on some poor unsuspecting individual, but I feel a presentation coming on right now because this guy and his work are uniquely deserving of a good Hi Fiving.

So, without further ado (I've no idea what that means but it seems to be traditional at times like this):

Citation (my excuse for inflicting this humiliation): For outstanding contribution to the promotion of short story writing, and flash fiction in particular, by inaugurating and promoting (Inter)National Flash Fiction Day, the first Oscar's Oscar of 2012 goes to Calum Kerr. Yay! (excuse me).

In case you're a returning deep space traveller and have some excuse for remaining unaware of the full, and lasting, significance of Calum's project, you can read a summing up in his own words, here.

Well done that man!

Another Diamond Jubilee very soon?

The UK news is dominated this weekend by the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, which, to judge by the TV coverage of today's [sponsor's name I refuse to mention] Epsom Derby, is in danger of being subsumed beneath crass and unsubtle advertising. Queen Victoria would not have been amused.

That being the case, I think it's time I banged the drum for my 'home' writers' group, Verulam Writers' Circle, which is approaching its own 60th anniversary very soon.

Despite today's tacky, un-British showing, we Brits have many reasons to remain proud of the United Kingdom. I consider myself fortunate to have been born an Englishman, so I am a lucky man indeed to be a member of Verulam Writers' Circle too.

In case you're wondering what I'm so enthusiastic about, please have a little taster from the latest edition of the excellent Verulam Writers' Circle newsletter, Veracity.

Here's wishing friends in the UK and worldwide a relaxing and memorable weekend. Do watch the river pageant, the concert and the parades if you are able to, wherever you may be. If you can attend the live events - well, lucky you. They should be truly spectacular, and, I sincerely hope, less tainted by commercial bad taste than was the Epsom Derby.