northie

This is your felicity with words again, dugh. Observations from you, drought, @Jaro_423 (for the first book) and @Will Hawkins (the same), amongst so many others are both informative and humbling in equal measure. That my simple story should strike chords like this is a revelation.

This made for an interesting read (a news article can be found here). My local city is experiencing an increase in homelessness. The reasons are many: lack of affordable housing stock; mental health issues; addiction issues; LGBTQ factors; and of course unemployment. We don't have this. The main obstacle for some is the fact that all applications for the combined Universal Credit must be handled online. Those with literacy and other issues are consequently disadvantaged. As I said to @dughlas, I learn a lot from comments.

One the things I enjoy most about posting this story is the responses I get from readers. I learn so much. Thank you for this, dugh. No. I suppose he has nothing to judge it against. In his mind, it's just him having done something right for once in his life. I don't imagine he's one for watching true life TV. As Claire herself recognises, she deals in broad swathes of the community. Generality against specific. Then she comes up against Eric: as you say, he's got himself through life. He barely has a bank account; no debit or credit card. He's been in employment all his working life. There's adjustment needed on both sides, I think. I'm not sure Eric knows anything much of the modern rural unemployed, or those who only have seasonal work. Their encounter has left them both with things to think about.

Don't you find that? I know I do.

He doesn't know what to make of her, certainly. But I'm not sure 'overwhelmed' is the right characterisation. As far as the video request goes, that's reasonable, if completely out of left field.

I think it does. Committed, visionary people are always going to be in there, putting their points forward.

Hmm... possibly. But people dependent on raising funds from external sources are never going to be shrinking violets.

Sitting at Andy's kitchen table, Eric was pleased with himself. He managed to eat most of his portion of Andy's fish stew. Only a few of the tiger prawns remained. The taste of them was odd – unpleasant, to his mind. The others round the table ate them with gusto. It took all sorts. Andy and Adam helped themselves to seconds. The woman sitting opposite him, Claire, had also finished, though her plate was clear. “Eric?” It was Andy. He was looking hopefully at the remaining, abandoned pra

Rereading this for the first time since it appeared, I'm reminded how much thought went into creating this world Loy and Kee inhabit. It is a real dystopia; one which everyone should not wish for. I cared about Loy and when the end of the story comes, it feels right. (Even though the crossing of timelines is a no-no ). Your stories never fail to hold my attention (head and heart) and this one lived up to the billing.

Yes, it was a sad read, but there was also a feeling a relief that both men agreed it was over. That ought to allow for a civilised spilt, rather than an ongoing fight, or either man feeling abandoned. It happens, and I do prefer some of my reading to reflect real life. Thanks for this, Cole.

I failed dismally at reading all the offerings for the last antho. Must see if I can get some at least ticked off before the next lot arrives.

There's plenty of them around when it comes to the internet: things they'd never think of doing in real life are suddenly OK online. Would Geoff ever resort to violence? As with anyone, I suspect it would depend on circumstances.

Yes, indeed. Or maybe, Geoff'll find himself putting on a bit of a sprint towards the end?

I think it'll only be for the first time. Assuming everything, goes OK, he should get better the next time he has to get himself packed.

What is it with people not liking Stuart? He doesn't strike me as someone who would take any pleasure in wandering around a farmer's market though. Or an abbey.

Yep. Whereas someone boring you to death in person with their life-story can be forgotten rapidly, they don't seem to realise the internet is by and large permanent. And anyone can see it, act on it, save it ...

Fairly early on in the first volume, I had them doing so. My editor put me right in short order. He was right (as he usually is ). An English rural town such as Hexham is quite conservative - not hostile, or red-necked necessarily, just not as hip as big cities. Their home town, I see as being larger, more urban, but that brings with it a wider mix of population, not all of whom are culturally wired to accept difference.

Yes, after a difficult couple of months, it's good to see them really relaxing. Ignoring what I write? How dare you? Stuart would be most upset.

On that Saturday morning, Stuart lay in bed rereading a direct message he received overnight. This time he was able to study it, rather than squinting at the notification as he had done in the dim light of the cab home. Even pissed, he knew it was good news, and it looked even better in the curtained morning light. The guy, Wes, swallowed the bait without a murmur. Stuart shook his head. On the pretext of being an old friend wishing to surprise Tony at home, the other guy supplied as much inform

You remind of my childhood in rural Northumberland when both nuthatches and greater spotted woodpeckers were part of my bird a la carte. Mine is on my phone and includes sound files as well as everything else. It doesn't stop the author describing the calls though. Which is just as well - I'd hate to lose such wonderful onomatapoeia which appears so often in these wonderful offerings.

Your bird table sounds so exotic compared to mine, though we both have goldfinches (assuming they're the same on both sides of the pond). Certainly nothing ground-nesting - they'd never survive the cats and urban foxes.

Me too. Even starlings darting around the pavement near the bus shelter in the city centre grab my attention. To turn twitcher's notes into poetry is such a wonderful idea, and only one you could bring off. I'm sure you could find something appropriate for the story heading...

Yes, but not the sort I'm talking about. I thought there were cultural and terminology problems. What you're describing we'd see as slicing sausage: salami, bratwurst, etc to be found in the deli section. Sausages UK style have to be cooked - they're closer to frankfurters, but not. This link is for a niche company, but it gives you the idea.

I wonder if sausages are more a UK thing? In the last 15 years or so, there's been a distinct trend for sausages made using proper pork (and other meats like venision), reflecting regional flavours and recipes. Yes, it perfectly possible to buy rubbish; but even good quality supermarket sausages are relatively cheap.

You've been a stout defender of Deborah Turner ever since she first appeared. As you say, people who take an acute interest in what's going on in their neighbourhood, are the ones most likely to notice when something goes amiss. I suppose it's whether the people on the other end of the metaphorical binoculars appreciate it.