Author: Suzanne Conboy-Hill

poetry, writing7 Comments

Poetry mnemonics – singing up your iambics

Suzanne Conboy-Hill

I am just getting round to the idea that rhythm in prose is a thing and that poetry might hold some clues as to how best to apply it. The trouble is, iambic means nothing to me no matter how many times I look it up; trochaic – same thing, and don’t get me started on anapestic which I still think of as a kind of wallpaper. Whoever invented these monikers surely wanted to keep the whole business in-house like a kind of holy catechism that novitiates have to prove they have learned before being allowed to voice any opinion. … Continue reading Poetry mnemonics – singing up your iambics

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‘Emily Buckingham and the Major’s Madam’

Suzanne Conboy-Hill

Mrs Wilberforce, fending off the attentions of her visitor and bending forwards in an attempt to field the low grasps of his hands, while also pulling at the leg of her outfit, was reversing into the street, presenting a set of cheeks such as might be seen in an exotic zoo. 7269 words in the fine spirit of farce. ‘Emily Buckingham and the Major’s Madam‘, a paid download from Ether Books, September 2014. Continue reading ‘Emily Buckingham and the Major’s Madam’

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noir, social realism4 Comments

Indie Authors Linda MacDonald & Cathryn Grant

Suzanne Conboy-Hill

I am not really a reviewer so I am stopping short of calling this a book review – and in any case, it concerns five books at least so we’d be here all day. Instead, I’m going to just talk about two indie authors – one American, the other British – both of whom write about relationships in a way that takes the reader right inside the characters, following every introspective argument, uncertainty, dilemma, and impactful resolution. Beyond that, they are chalk and cheese. Cathryn Grant writes suburban noir and introduces me to people with whom I have nothing in … Continue reading Indie Authors Linda MacDonald & Cathryn Grant

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‘Dark brown voices, buttons and bows’ – Eight Days of Ether

Suzanne Conboy-Hill

Eight Days of Ether: every day a new theme and only 24 hours to submit. Day 8 – Song and Dance Dark brown voices, buttons and bows. We’re in Jackson, me and Jude, for the show. I have a two-day beard and my feet hurt like hell. I sling them up on the table and lean back. ‘Fancy boots,’ Jude nods at them. ‘Ain’t made for walkin’ though.’ He snickers and I give him a look that should tell him I ain’t happy, but he misses it and snickers some more. ‘Hey – don’t push me,’ I growl at him, … Continue reading ‘Dark brown voices, buttons and bows’ – Eight Days of Ether

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‘Daniel’s Level’ – Eight Days of Ether

Suzanne Conboy-Hill

Eight Days of Ether: every day a new theme and only 24 hours to submit. Day 7 – Family Daniel’s Level. ‘The army? Him?’ Jacqui is stunned. Sophie though, is intrigued. Steve doesn’t look army, he looks – gamey. A little bit sci fi but with some fancy reality underpinning it – the US army really has been recruiting via online video games (MMOGs[1]). Virtual reality is being used in all sorts of ways – including treating soldiers for PTSD, and training doctors and paramedics in both basic and emergency medicine[2]. Sadly, Ether Books is no longer with us so here’s … Continue reading ‘Daniel’s Level’ – Eight Days of Ether

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‘When you can’t go on’ – Eight Days of Ether

Suzanne Conboy-Hill

Eight Days of Ether: every day a new theme and only 24 hours to submit. Day 6 – Tragedy When you can’t go on. Awards ceremony. Posh frock; pale peach … A very cheap shot, this one! When the clear impetus was towards difficult human experiences, I only heard The Bee Gees[1]. It’s a 22 worder and, ladies, you’ll know what I’m saying! Here’s the link   [1] Tragedy – in case you’re so very, very young http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPcsMMEMbfw   Continue reading ‘When you can’t go on’ – Eight Days of Ether

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