N.O.A. Rawle: Through the Eyes of a Stranger

' Wrapped In Chains ' is the second story I've written from a dream. (The first will be published early in 2016 in the Reflections Fox Pocket anthology from Fox Spirit Books.) The story doesn't have much to do with the dream (which was quite boring as dreams go) but the song does! I woke up with this refrain in my head and thought it must be some old pop song that I'd forgotten but when I Googled it there was nothing to be found so it became the inspiration for this dark little tale instead!

Did you ever get told that 'Those who can do and those who can't teach'? I heard it a lot when I was in my late teens and it's kind of haunted me since then and even more so since I took up teaching a few decades ago! It always wound me up because there are so many brilliant teachers out there who devote their lives to chivvying reluctant youths through a very limiting and limited education system, trying to get them to see that they are super creative individuals who are bursting with potential if they can only learn to channel that energy in the right direction. There are also so many kids who struggle with the system's clear biases and rebel and lose out just because they can't be judged by the standards through which 'education' operates. 'Those Who Can, Do' (101 version) describes the awful (possible) consequences of when this system fails not only the student but the teachers too. There is a longer version in which it is clearer that...

Today sees "Santa Workshop" up on 101 Short Stories - I love this site - they like my work! The story behind this one came around Christmas time of course, although it's theme is timeless. Christmas gets lost in shopping fever and gift giving is a capitalist's dream. It's also a time when everyone suddenly gets charitable and donates to the cause of their choice. This set me thinking about someone who wanted to donate more than their cash. This year, my Children reached the stage where they are beginning to question the existence of Santa too. These things combined put me in mind of perhaps, a retired gentleman who wishes to relieve the suffering of child labour in sweatshops. Now what if he, running on the premise that Santa is a good guy and that all children love Santa, cultivated his look to resemble Santa? He'd have in mind those Christmas card images of Santa bouncing kiddies on his knee, no doubt. There are children who have know idea who Sa...

Here's a quick read for you on 101 Word Stories, Dirt Won't Hurt.  Share it with your friends! It's one of those stories that came in a flash (pun intended). But it's true. I woke up at about 3am with that well-worn phrase that all mums use, rolling around in my head and the story flowed straight out after! In a few minutes I had it down on paper. Of course, there was a little tweaking to get it exactly 101 words! I've had more than one suggestion that I expand this but where to go? Positive, hybrid super human? Or negative, end-of-humanity? Perhaps something else entirely...

I'm pleased to report two items of good news: First, I got an email to say that one of my flash fiction pieces "Dirt Won't Hurt" will be published on the  101 word short story  site next week. This is part of a competition voted in 'shares' on Facebook and 'tweets' on Twitter so be sure I will be getting in touch about that when I know more! Secondly, I am up for Author of the Month again (!) over on The Noble Artist's site. There are excerpts  from my story and those of some other top stories by Angel M. and Roh Seymour on Facebook. Don't forget that the "Once Bitten" anthology is out on April 11th from KnightWatch Press !   Busy, busy, busy!  

I happened upon an article in The Stranger  while perusing the Web a few days ago. If you are a writer, you know the one; it has caused scandalised reactions from the writing community. It amounts to little more than outright insults dressed up as 'home truths' for a career in writing but it's one hell of a marketing ploy. I too, like those who are not so fortunate or lucky to have the time or money to devote every moment of my life to writing, also got more than a little riled at the position of Mr Boudinot, ex MFA tutor. That said, every free second I do have goes in that direction. If I were to do as he advised my family would starve. His comments are not only ageist  but also anti-family, I was going to write sexist but there are many dads out there who write and whose financial input is earned from jobs other than writing and is required to keep the family going. I think the majority of writers write not with the idea of fame at the forefront...

 ...the competition organiser, the publisher and the artist who inspired this story. I would not have this award if it were not for him! (Wipes tear, exits stage left.) Read "The Night Before" here  and like Jamie Noble a.k.a. The Noble Artist on Facebook !