Nothing wrong with using cliches… they’re popular for a reason. It’s overuse that’s the problem, really.

I don’t think that I’m likely to fall into a situation where I think that the cliche is an original phrase that I came up with, because when I come up with a phrase that is original, I like to make sure that it really is original, so I scour…[Read more]

Thanks, @theo. Have you ever been challenged to start a story without knowing how it’s going to end? That would definitely be a way of testing your creative chops.

Good luck, @feio. Looking forward to the story…

Two ways, @feio:

1. Assume they want criticism. The vast majority of people who submit stories do so because they do want honest feedback. On the rare occasion that you criticise someone and they react negatively, well, just remember to avoid their stories in future.

2. Watch how people respond to criticism by others. Are they open and…[Read more]

@feio, there’s no reason why the site cannot have multiple purposes. People (like myself) read stories and let the writers know what they like/don’t like. Other people read the stories purely for enjoyment.

But really,, it’s up to you what you want to get out of the site. If you want to improve your writing, your best bet is to send a PM to…[Read more]

I’ve been disappointed by epic films in the past (Pompeii, Immortals), so I guess I should stay away from this. But the critics seem to feel that it’s not too bad…

Sorry, I just saw the answer to #1 (Out of the blue).

Nice story, @omoniyi-adeshola. I love it when bullies get their comeuppance.

So what’s your new phrase, then?

Two questions, @topazo:

1. What was the phrase for this story?

2. What is the phrase for the next story?

And what is your own phrase, @omoniyi-adeshola?

Let’s keep this going; the short paragraphs submitted here can give one ideas for longer stories.

Very funny submission, @dees-hive. For this, I give you 20 points.

OK, here’s “Done and Dusted”:

Ekaete looked again at her work with some anxiety. She really needed to leave this weekend to see her ailing father; after the last phone call she had got from home, she was not even sure if he would be alive by the time she got back. But her ever…[Read more]

Huh, @dees-hive. You should first make your story, then submit your phrase.

But I like your phrase, so I’ll have a go:

“The sound of sawing woke the carpenter’s son from his reverie; he had been dreaming again about the high life in air-conditioned cars, luxury hotels and gated mansions, a world away from the dust and grime of his father’s…[Read more]