Short Fiction

Ten Year Celebration

gwencron

Welcome to our TEN YEAR CELEBRATION. We reckoned that merited capitals. And no, we are not shouting. Or maybe we are in that excited child-like type of way but less annoying.

We will have our usual bits and pieces and something that let’s us give a nod to Leila.

You see throughout this posting we will have ‘Ten Tens For Ten Years’ – These will be ten lists that we thought would be of some interest.

Before we do that ,we have one of our regular yearly features that let’s for argument sake call ‘Usual Yearly Spiels’ – Yep, I know, fucking inventive!!

I would say that I have the honour of going first but that’s not quite true, it just means that I was first to type this section – HAH! We never need to put much thought into our pecking order, we are just happy that what we want to do gets done!

Hugh’s Spiel.

I was going to continue with the idea of a list and mention the positives and negatives of the last ten years but decided against that as it would have fucked up our ten lists to ten and a self-indulgent eleventh!

What I would like to say is that I believe for everyone, a span of ten years incorporates a lot of change. Some good, some horrible, some staid. I suppose all we can do is hope that it sort of evens itself out.

There are aspects of my life that have evolved into things that I hate. I wish I could change them, but there is no way that I can, so like so many things in life, I just need to find a way of getting my head around them.

The things that I have enjoyed are mostly to do with the site. It has given me focus, stability, a lot of laughs, purpose and three wonderful friends, two of who I’m in contact with daily.

Here’s a wee bit of transparency, we have a thread in the working cog of our system called, ‘Just wanted to share’ and that’s the best therapy and most supportive and reliable place for me to go. We can vent, cry and more often than not, laugh when we either post or support each other. To be honest, most of those entries have nothing to do with any writing. But here’s the thing, it’s all because of the site and what we have that instigated the thread. In fact when I look back, the initial posting actually gave me a story!!

I don’t want to make this too long although I could sing all your praises for thousands of words.

All I really want to say to each and every one of you is, you have all made my life happier and a helluva lot more interesting.

I’ve read exceptional stories and been involved in a very small way to showcase you wonderful folks’ brilliant work!!

You are all writers of the highest standard and you put to shame most of those main stream published folks.

I thank each and everyone of you for the last ten years!!

On this night, every time I have a drink, I will make a toast to each of you, a story, a line, an image, a title until I can’t lift my glass, then I’ll have some actual toast and start again!!

And the last words have to go to Diane, Leila and Nik. (And Gwen – She is always included in my positives!)

Much love, respect and appreciation to all of you. My life is more bearable because of you. You all make me a better person.

Hugh

…

Here we have one of those aforementioned lists. This one is for the Most Read Stories On The Site.

1. ‘So Many Girls In Leotards’ – Clarise Gamblin
2. ‘Amy’ – Darren Nuzzo and Toddy Smith
3. Satan’s Monologue – Jeff Barker
4. Elves (Contains Sexual Content) – Fred Foote
5. Guns – Sean Patrick Campbell
6. Affinity – Hugh Cron
7. More Ice Cream – Yash Seyedbagheri
8. Aphrodite And Thanatos – Fred Foote
9. Daddy’s Girl – Hugh Cron
10. Xavier P. Xavier – Adam West

If these have all been sought out due to folks wanting to read a story – Thanks so much.

But when I look at the titles, I wonder if there have been ulterior motives!

And if that is the case – Shame on you and your inability to search your porn more thoroughly!!!

And straight after the first, we have the second list!!

Ten Pivotal Moments.

This should be a list but Diane stated that it would be better if the lists were in single space. She told me how to do that but when I tried I ended up in double, double space. Systems don’t surprise me any more, I know they hate and want to ridicule me!!

I want to try and keep this short but I’ve said fuck all seventy words in!!

I’m sure Diane will know this better than me but for number

1. We all ‘met’ on the site called ‘Shortbread’ Diane, Adam and Nik were there when I found it, don’t know who was there first?
(I’m not sure who was there first but I did find a blog – didn’t know it existed. It shows that I was there from 2011 and Adam was definitely there in 2012 If anyone is interested the blog is still on line. Not being added to any more but you can see what we are referring to when we talk about it https://shortbreadstories.wordpress.com/about/ ) – Diane

…Leila, were you ever aware of that site?? (Yes, I was, but only shortly after it ended, which sent me to LS–Leila)

2. We all wrote and commented and I think that was what bonded us.

3. Tobias turned up. What an amazing ESL writer he was. To be fair he has fucked it for all the ESL writers as his bench mark is exceptional. His dry and very clever humour was also as apparent as his writing brain.

4. ‘Shortbread’ turned to shit as they published everything – Yep, that is good for your ego but it means nothing and they couldn’t handle the influx.

5. Adam asked us if we would give our own site a go. As an aside, I can’t tell you how much I felt honoured to be asked. I had read all of their work and didn’t think I was worthy!!

6. Literally Stories was formed!!

7. Initially we struggled – By Fuck did we struggle!! We were having to put up our own stories whilst hoping for interest in the site.

8. We eventually got interest in the site but sadly, life had affected, as it does three of our initial five and they moved on. Myself (Hugh) and Diane worked for a year ourselves but it was getting a bit mad. We must have been doing forty hours plus on the site and that is just a tad too much.

9. Leila was the easiest ‘Pivotal Moment’! She had more or less kept the Sunday Rewind going all by herself, she commented and by fuck was she one of the most inventive writers we had. Now that ain’t a small statement when we have the likes of Marco and Dave Henson on our books!! We were delighted when she agreed to join us!!!

10. And the last pivotal moment is more than one. What has made this site is all of you who write, read and comment. We wouldn’t be the same without the legend that is Tom Sheehan, the comments from Steven, Paul, Doug, Dale and Dave. We wouldn’t have the writers we have without Diane’s eye for detail, Leila’s enthusiasm for the writers and all of your continual input! Number ten in this wee spiel will always be number one!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

…And here we have one of our usual features and that is the round up of last week’s stories.

As always our initial comments follow.

First up we had our first new writer, David Hutto with his story, ‘A Sharp Knife for Cutting Limes’ – We welcome David to the site.

‘This puts me in mind of the Johnny Cash song, ‘Highway Patrolman.’

‘It had a very satisfying ending’

‘David shows excellent control in his story telling.’

Next up is a true gentleman and a very active commentator and essayist on the site, Dale Williams Barrigar with ‘The Ghost Of Van Gogh’

‘As Dale shows in all his writing, this has skill and an intelligence that holds the interest of the reader.’

‘An excellent mix of artistic ideas and outlooks.’

‘I loved the thoughts on inspiration.’

JH Siegal broke the back of the week on Wednesday with his third outing which was entitled, ‘ Warmth.’

‘The images are well done.’

‘I guess it’s all about devotion and birth.’

‘Good on JH for getting a Science Fiction through.

What more can we say about our wonderful Tom Sheehan? Plenty. Tom appeared for the 224th time with ‘The Three Fishermen.‘ Tom’s masterly technique and heart have made him a legendary figure who is still at it in his 97th year, and first published with us as a lad of 87. This should remind all that it is never too late or too soon to get on with it. And though it has been said before it bears repeating in case anyone thinks there is favouritism at work, though Tom has all those stories there are even more that we rejected for many different reasons and like the professional gentleman he is he took all of those with the same good grace as he did his acceptances.

We finished off the week with Tarri Driver’s ‘Sin Eater.’

We extend the same welcome to Tarri and we hope to see much more of both newbies work!

‘This does make a point.’

‘I can see how a person would be worn down.’

‘Well thought out.’

That’s us folks, another superb week for one and all!!!

…

Leila’s spiel

I’ve been looking for a place to squeeze myself in like another doomed soul on a city bus. Been looking since early summer–it’s getting late, so I think this little opening will do fine.

Anyway, the traditional tenth anniversary wedding gift is tin or aluminum. That means, in the technical sense, tinned sardines and canned beer would be appropriate presents. I am a big fan of both items, but for married folks, I imagine giving such is the same as saying “the thrill is gone.” (Oddly, turquoise is for the eleventh–provided you get past the sardines and beer).

Still, the thrill is far from gone at LS. As long as people seek venues of creative self expression, such organizations will exist, even when segue-challenged Editors like this one goes from subject to subject as quietly as a Seagull for an errant French fry

Ten years ago, Diane, Hugh, Nik, Adam and Tobias started this thing up, probably hoping to survive week to week let alone with an eye aimed at ten years. And I think that no one will disagree when I heap special praise and affection on Diane and Hugh for being here every day for ten years. That is perhaps the greatest achievement in this project.

Nothing we do is difficult in itself save for rejections; yet the vast array of repetitive tasks necessary to run a daily is often stultifying. It takes dedication to go on when every morning is a rainy Tuesday of the soul and all you want from life is comfortable shoes, but Amazon doesn’t stock those in your size.

They do it on purpose.

Because Jeffy is a rich dick.

Regardless, the beat goes on and once in a great while the band strikes up your tune. Then all is as right in your world, and for a week or so thereafter people will remember your name and smile at you as though they mean it. And although dismal reality will inevitably come slinking back from its weekend in Vegas, you will have had a moment in the spotlight–despite the possible risk of causing people to begin expecting more from you than you are comfortable giving. Such is the task of our site. It gives people a shot at the spotlight and a chance to prove that they are more than an organism that can solve a CAPTCHA riddle.

There are too many of you to thank yet not quite enough to cover any silly omission. Yet at this late date, I feel that relative newcomers Mick Bloor, Dale Williams Barrigar, Gerald Coleman and Christopher Ananias rate special mention as ones who have added greatly to the present and future of the site. And to everyone out there who in some way participates in LS, may some of the special praise for Diane, Hugh as well as that for Nik, Adam and Tobias shine on you.

Leila

And here’s another list.

We are here for a few reasons. 1) we really enjoy short fiction. 2) we enjoy helping writers seeing their work published in some small way because we remember the thrill – we still enjoy the thrill of an acceptance. 3) We enjoy the company.

So, why would we be sad? Well, we are only human and now and then things are submitted that just make us sigh and reach for the whisky or the whiskey or whatever else is at hand.

These are not complaints so much as pleas. We spent time writing our submissions guidelines and we update them as necessary and they are for everyone’s benefit, so here are a couple of pointers.

Ten things about submissions that make us sad:

1. Writers who haven’t taken the time to look at the submissions guidelines.
2. Writers who haven’t had a look at some of the stories we have on the site – It shows.
3. Writers who don’t take the time to write a nice brief note but simply throw a story attachment at us. It’s a bit rude, isn’t it?
4. Writers who submit the story as part of the email body (this comes back to not reading the guidelines).
5. Writer’s who don’t acknowledge comments – If someone has read your work and taken the time to reach out, you should at least say thank you. Just good manners.
6. Writer’s who throw their toys out of the pram when we have made the decision to reject the work. We don’t like doing it but it’s very poor etiquette to have a wee paddy. Dignity – that’s the key.
7. Writers who mix hard returns, indents, tabs etc.. Setting up the stories is a time-consuming exercise and when every line has to be reformatted, it really, really empties the whisky bottle. We understand that we have writers with a wide range of skills, but actually the layout on the site is fairly simple. Single spacing, No indents and no aggresive use of the space bar to format the text. This is not only us but WordPress throws a wobbler if there is all sorts of odd code in there and we want the stories to look as good as possible. 
8. Writers who write more for proclamation than story telling.
9. Those who write to spout their own intolerance.
10. This is a sensitive one but folks, we can spot it – Those who write for more of a self-reaction in the trouser department than a reader’s happiness.

…

…And here is another regular feature that needs no explaining.

I give you TEN (How coincidental) of the best lines that stood out for us this year. A huge congratulations to all who are mentioned!!!

‘Like all cats, Boots is fully conscious and critical of others even when sleeping.’
(My Fair Juan Gee Starring Boots The Impailer – Leila)

‘The list was her treadmill for life, never changing, a shield against a part of her never trusted.’
(The Vase – Dennis Kohler)

‘Language changes and adapts through natural need rather than enforced alteration.’
(Sunday Whoever – Marco Etheridge.)

‘Since that involved gain without effort, it appealed to his feline sensibilities.’
(Fairtale Of Saragun Springs – Leila)

‘She had found the sweet joy of meaningless in life.’
(The Designated Shepherd – Leila)

‘I took long walks into the insomniacs night.’
(A Starless Street Corner – Christopher J. Ananias)

‘Today was a great day Ellie, we just wasted it on each other.’
(Thomas Hayden – The Last Good Day)

‘But since nobody who meant anything said jackshit to the contrary, it didn’t matter.’
(Mannish – Leila)

‘She was a country song given life.’
(Mannish – Leila)

‘There comes a moment early on in every relationship that tells of the future.’
(Mannish – Leila)

…

And the lists keep coming!!!!!!!!!

TEN FOLKS WHO HELP MAKE (MADE) THE SITE.

Another list!!

This time, what we have done is, taken ten people whose contributions, in whatever way have made us truly thankful. (I’m cheating a bit here as there are more mentioned but I found it impossible to filter this down!!)

We could write a spiel of a thousand words on each of them but we have went the other way. We decided to try to think of only one word. This was difficult, really difficult!!

Actually impossible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And as I said, we’re going to bend the ten!

First off we want to call this the

‘Tom Sheehan’ Legendary Ten’

– We need to give a nod to the man who has epitomised this site. He is a legend.

And we would love to give an example of what we were going for and that example would be the amazing writer that is Fred Foote, he is perceptive and fearless with his perception, but that is more than one word!! Another person who needs mentioning is Adam West – We wouldn’t have a site if it hadn’t been for his idea. But we normally try and ignore any of our own input, so we will leave him as a mention and not a person who is in the list!!

So…

In no particular order:

Dave Henson – Imaginative.
Doug Hawley – Unique.
Mick Bloor – Intertwining.
Harrison Kim – Deep.
Paul Kimm – Thoughtful.
Mason Yates – Tenacious.
June Griffin – Supportive.
Alex Sinclair – Harrowing.
Steven French – Insightful.
Marco Etheridge – Clever.

To be honest, we reckon that most of those words apply to all of you! (Dale and Gerry – A separate mention to you both!!)

***

And here’s another list folks, this is a quick one.

This is a list of the Words That We Hate To See In A Story – We have our reasons.

It’s not an automatic red card if you use any of these but you will be up against it!!!

In no particular order:

1. Wordlessly.
2. Panties.
3. Stoic.
4. Smelt.
5. Buds.
6. Atop.
7. Emanating
8. Padded (when referring to walking anywhere and especially from the bedroom)
9. Poo
10. Influencer

***

Diane’s Speil

I’m no spring chicken – I’m not even a summer chicken and if I were an autumn chicken, I’d be at the back end when the leaves are no long a gorgeous golden gown spread across the treetops but rather a wet mulch that piles up against the walls and tries to slide old ladies into hip replacement territory. Having said that, and as I’ve said before in various places, I have written since I was very young. But, I have learned so much in the last ten years from the wonderful writers we have met here on Literally Stories it’s quite humbling. There are so many wonderful voices, so much talent and so many passionate people turning out brilliant prose and weaving wonderful tales that it does actually boggle the mind. So, thank you for the lessons from all of you. Even those people who we haven’t yet had the privilege to publish have taught me something. Maybe it’s tenacity and self belief, maybe it’s professionalism in the face of disappointment, or maybe it’s simply that everyone has something to offer and they simply need to find the right outlet.

I now see clearly that it’s wrong to try to tell someone how to write when that opinion is based on personal taste, because something that doesn’t appeal to one person will be fascinating or enlightening or amusing to many others. I think that is something many keyboard warriors could do well to learn.

I have, at times, been overwhelmed by the amount of work we do on the site. I have been upset by comments now and then; I have been frustrated by the technology. All of this but my life has been hugely enriched by knowing Hugh and Leila – and in the past Adam and Tobias and lovely Nik and all of you who come back day after day to read and comment and who send us your work and afford us the huge compliment of letting us handle it here in LS Towers – yes it’s a real place but – moat, dragons, hornets, piranha fish, sharks – you really don’t want to try it – trust me.

It’s been a lot of work for ten years and who knows how long we can go on – piles of mushy leaves have a use by date! But thank you, while we are here, please keep submitting and visiting and being our friends. – dd

***

The construction of the following list threatened to cost many lives and to spread insanity throughout the LS realm. It is a shifting thing that changes second to second mainly due to there being at least fifty tales worthy of the top ten slot.

The ten we have chosen are top shelf at any rate. They are presented in alphabetical order by the surname of the author, because selecting ten was dangerous enough. 

It stinks to omit some fine works that are equally worthy; many other pieces by Harrison Kim, Ashlie Allen, Marco Etheridge, Doug Hawley, Cathy Adams, Loisa Owen, Jane Dougherty and Jane Houghton are just as deserving. And omission from the list does not detract from their quality.

Still, there isn’t a loser on the list we have come up with–and have since avoided as though it were ticking.
Enjoy:

TEN OF THE BEST STORIES ON THE SITE

1. Kiin Kiin Kiin – David Agyei-Yeboah.
2. Black Oranges – Freshta
3. Raising Tat – Fred Foote
4. Unanimous – June Griffin
5. A Very Bad Santa – Dave Henson
6. Cherries – L’Erin Ogle
7. Watching It Move – Alex Reid
8. Also Henry – Tom Sheehan
9. Trailer Parks And Sagebrush – Rachel Sievers
10. Child Of Smoke – Alex Sinclair

***

This particular Top Ten is Editors’ Favourites Of Stories By The Editors Themselves. Is this self indulgent? Hell no. We didn’t vote for ourselves, but for our colleagues in this list. Although it is rewarding and worthwhile, running a daily website for ten years (My humble help has been available for only a touch over three) is not what I would call a self indulgent sort of thing.  

It is easy to see why most sites fold quickly; producing a fiction publication is definitely easier to imagine than to do. It takes a special sort of masochist to involve him/herself in such an endeavour–one that is often comparable to slapping yourself in the face with a dead Cod (based on a Diane saying). And although it may be tough for some to swallow, our works face even greater scrutiny than do those of regular submitters. We go through the same submission process and though it gets easier to win as time goes on, we do not allow each other to publish anything that doesn’t meet the standard.
What follows is a list of those published items written by Editors that we particularly like and feel worthy of further mention.
Leila.

Hugh’s Editor’s story list (In no particular order)

1 – ‘The Adamant Carbonisation Of Henry Spillar’ – Nik
2 – ‘Stumpy’ – Diane
3 – ‘Pie Eyed Peety The PDQ Pilsner Pigeon’ – Leila

Diane’s Editor’s story list

4 – The Swans by Hugh 
5 -Through Amazed Eyes by Leila 
6 – Reinventing Amy by Nik 

Suggestion for the last opening has to be (For the title alone!!):
7-‘The Dreampurple Light’ – Leila. (That should have been in front of Peety but he quoted Belushi!!!!!’)

Leila says (although the titles are writ from memory)
8- Four Bars-Hugh
9- Through the Curtain-Diane
10- A Stormcrow Christmas-Nik

***

Site images:

I can’t remember now whose idea it was to have a new image for each story. We knew we wanted them for each management page, but then the idea grew. I don’t honestly know how much attention they garner. I mean, with a book cover, you might be drawn to it when you see it in a shop and then look at it on the shelf, but how much do you actually think about it when you are reading the story? Not that much, probably. However, it has become so much a part of the story set up that I can’t imagine not doing it now.

It is one reason we pay to keep the site going. We have a lot of images, author images, management page images and then the story headers and so we buy extra storage. Is it worth it?–yes, I think so.

Finding the images can be a very mixed experience. Sometimes a story tells you as you read it what the image needs to be. They are obvious. Sometimes, and this applies to a lot of Hugh’s Saturday posts, I think–what the bejassus am I going to put on that! The ones that are obvious are sometimes the most difficult, believe it or not. For example, I might think–’ah yes that needs a really naff looking donkey’ Of course people don’t take pictures of naff looking donkeys they take cute donkeys and I am not exaggerating when I say I can then spend hours looking for a naff looking donkey. Yes, I’m a bit OCD. We can’t afford to pay for image licences and so we use mostly Pixabay, which is a really wonderful resource or Wiki commons – I make a small donation to both those sites now and then just to ease my conscience. Sometimes we are lucky, and we have a picture we have taken ourselves that fits. My mum’s horrible Covid era funeral is a great picture because it looks a bit spooky. She wouldn’t mind. Mostly I think it’s because of the way the funeral director looks like someone from a horror film. He was actually very nice.

If a writer has an image that they want, for whatever reason, to have included in the post, we are always up for that provided it does not breech any copyright. It’s best if it fits in the banner, but if not, we can accommodate that by putting it on the story page and using a generic banner.

I wish I’d realised early on how important labelling them was–sorry Leila! But I never imagined we’d have so many. There might even be a naff looking donkey in there somewhere! Sometimes I curse them but all told I think they are an enhancement.

Anyway, in-keeping with the post here is our list of favourites among the hundreds.

Diane’s
The winking ginger cat
The floating globes
The sleeping man with half a face.
Leila’s
Deer lurking in woods
The one used in “The Questing Knight” by Mick
Siamese Cat (“BTI”)
Hugh’s
“Eye with teeth”
Pygmy Goats
Boxer dog on the rug
Face with a zip on it.

and just to prove it can be done.

Image: A naff donkey laying on its back.
dd

***

Ten Of The Most Memorable Lines Of All Time.

Just as the header states – These are the lines we want to showcase that have been published each of the years that we have done this.
Not much of a spiel here, we didn’t want to water down any enjoyment of these absolute belters!!
This list was a very difficult one. We all agreed with each others choices and we all agreed that any of the omissions should have been included!

– ‘You cannot effectively describe an emotion until the emotion has ceased.’ (The Inescapable Touch Of Sunset – Leila) 
– ‘What is a sin if God himself didn’t see it?’ (The Hive – Rania Hella)
– ‘The return of memory is far more painful than the loss of it.’ ( Architects Of Their Own – Marco Etheridge )
– ‘When do the temptations within a man overcome his better angels?’ (Unprecedented – Adam Kluger)
– ‘He confused not wanting to live with wanting to die.’ – (Gameday With My Gran – Shawn Nocher)
– “Gordon Ramsey says you should leave the skins on but the fella’s a foul-mouthed twat who doesn’t know his head from his bollocks.” – (Jane Houghton – Frank)
– “Take that you ketchuppy Feckwit!” – (A Dose of the Glitters – Cataldo Carroll)
– My boss leaned back in his chair and gave me a blank, wordless stare. Not an unreasonable response to “I think the binturong ate my condom.” – (The Bintruong Blues – Ann Marie Potter, )
– ‘There are some lives that don’t begin in earnest until they are almost over’ – (Friday – Jane Dougherty )
– ‘“The cancer done got you, boy. Got you good from asshole to elbows. Not much we can do, but wave to you as you go.” -(The Goodbye Blues – Frederick K Foote,) 

***

And now:

Ten ways to end this post!
…Nine were rejected!

1.) A Giant Explosion (too violent)
2.) An Exploding Giant (too messy)
3.) A Cyber Anniversary Cake (too fattening)
4.) A complete transcript of all the nasty things we have said behind closed doors over the years (too suicidal)
5.) Identify as a different site.
6.) Spend a year changing the content to appease the sensitives.
7.) Sing Auld Lang Syne.
8.) Have a group hug.
9.) Open a support group for all those who have been affected.

And so were left with number 10.) –

Well, that’s it. We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at LS warts and all and now onward and upward. 

Hugh, Leila and Diane

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Published by gwencron

75 thoughts on “Ten Year Celebration”

    1. Hi Leila,

      I promise to sober up….Sometime!!!

      Maybe seven days in when I’m working!!!

      Fuck work – Who gives a shit if you need to think!

      ….Oh Wait a minute!!!! They don’t think you should be able to think!!!

      AHHHHH – Depending on who you choose – Serial Killing has it’s benefits!!!!!!!

      Thanks so much!!!

      Hugh

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      Reply

  2. Happy Birthday Literally. I’m honoured to be mentioned not once but twice here. Thanks for giving me the room I needed to grow into the monster I am today. This site feels like home for me. Happy returns and best of luck to all of my fellow writers on here.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Alex,

      Thanks for the thanks!

      And simply put – You put the brilliance into the darkness!

      You are a superb writer who can articulate what so many can’t understand!

      Keep going my man! You should get there!!!

      Honestly said – You are one of those writers who I have been privileged to find

      All the very best.

      Hugh

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      Reply

  3. I’m new to this community but I really love it. When I get bored at work (frequently) I just hop on here for some inspiration and entertainment and I’m never disappointed. My story got some great comments and it made me want to keep writing more, so thank you to everyone.

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    2. Hi Alex,

      Never get excited at work – That is only for sycophants and wankers…Both the same really!

      Keep writing, no matter what….That’s what it’s all about!!!

      Acceptions / Rejections – Are only a matter of opinion. Enjoy the writing and then, nothing else really, matters!!! (Was that no a Metallica (SP??) song??)

      All the very best my fine friend.

      Hugh

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. Thank you and happy birthday Literally. Honoured so very much to have not one but two mentions. Happy returns and best of luck to all of the writers and readers who make this site so special.

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    Reply

    1. Hi Diane,

      Not much to say here bar I did get pished on Talisker. Well that, Champagne (Another story) Drambuie, Lager, Whyte And MacKay, Guinness, Martell and Chablis!

      Oh. I think I had a coffee!!!

      Jesus Fuck!!! I must be on this planet for a reason as I haven’t killed myself yet!!!!!

      Hugh

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  6. A fantastic post and wholly suitable for your 10th Anniversary I can only imagine how much work has gone into sustaining a literary journal for 10 years. And how much work went into this post. I appreciate the lists … and that you included the banner images. They add to each post. Thanks for including my story The Real Bad Snowman on your list. I’m honored to have one chosen and glad it was this one in particular.

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    2. Hi Dave,

      You more than deserve anything that we can throw your way.

      I bow down to your imagination!!! That is something that will always overwhelm me.

      I’ve mentioned this before, you, Leila and Marco have the most brilliant writing brains I have ever come across!!! It has been an absolute honour and pleasure to be on the same site as you all. I honestly do feel humble!!!

      All the very best my fine friend.

      Hugh

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Hi Doug
      The best place to rock, for me, was at the Rocker Tavern in Port Angeles circa 1982. Live rock from 50’s thru current at that time seven nights a week. Quarter schooners on Tuesday. Best bar fight I ever saw happened there.
      Leila

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      1. Two places I’d like to go to Washington again – Olympic Penninsula and San Juan Islands. There is an expensive Road Scholar tour of the San Juans, but maybe editor and I could just take some ferry rides. Getting back to the penninsula would just be a drive. Maybe 2025.

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    2. Doug
      As Samuel Johnson said, What man is there anywhere who doesn’t wish for himself at least another year? May it be ten instead! (minimum)…..
      Sincerely,
      Dale

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    3. Hi Doug,

      Even a small comment from you makes me smile!!!

      ‘I promise that my next postings piece of music will be dedicated to you. (I think it’s 1950’s and just heard it a few weeks back and it blew me away!!!!)

      Hope all is well with you and yours my fine friend.

      Hugh

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  9. Happy Ten Years of Being Literally Stories.
    Here’s the difference. The images work because they seek the heart of the story. The comments do too, even more so.
    I belong to a great workshop. It is painful. Writing is a nasty grind & criticism often scalding. They will ignore what works to reveal the flaw. It’s why I do it. When I started leaving comments on LS, I noticed how YOU do it.
    How Leila always used the writer’s name. How Hugh ended with a comradely salutation. How everyone treated each day’s writer as a winner, because for that day they were the published author. And if you noticed what made the story unique, or them special, you not only told them, you told everyone who read the post. And it’s no lie!
    It’s the best critique you’ll ever get. Or give. — Gerry

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    1. Thank you Gerry
      I used to submit and get the feeling that I was abandoning a child. Many sites claim that they are overwhelmed. But really, isn’t that the idea? I figure if I am involved I will remain polite to people. I once was told that the purpose of manners is acknowledge the existence of other people.
      Thank you and I truly appreciate you.
      Leila

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      1. Leila,
        I so appreciate you.
        Some of us from our WordSmitten Workshop are headed to the AWP conference [Authors, Writers, Publishers?] in you zone of the world — L.A. It’s sometime in the Spring. Are you going? I need an incentive.
        Gerry

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    2. Hi Gerry,

      You raise a cracking question that some twat has emphasised in a negative way before.

      You see, we ain’t saying that we see all and know all but for a story to be published it has to get through us first. We are three very different people. Our reading is also very different. Our preferences are different, our styles are different, our outlook is different. The only thing that we agree on is if we see a story of interest and quality. That is why we get on so well and we are able to do this.

      If we were all the same – It wouldn’t work. I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn when I say that the most interesting conversations we have is when we are miles apart on a story – The poor person who has the deciding vote simply still goes with their gut and that has worked for us time after time!!

      For ten years this has been a blast. Writers come and go as do those who comment. We understand that as life gets in the way of everything. But for as long as we can – We are a Literally Light-House for those who want to have a look.

      Thanks so much my fine friend.

      Your comments mean so much!!

      Hugh

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      1. Hugh
        You guys have something that is sadly lacking in other journals, reviews, etc. A heart and a head is relatively unique, but your enterprise has a spleen and a stomach and other stuff too. Like it’s human!
        Gerry

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for your typically kind response, Leila! Always REALLY appreciated.
        I wanted to follow up Gerry’s comment about the headers. A while back you published a story of mine (The Disappearance’) about an elderly Dutch gynaecologist who vanished from a Scottish island. The header was a picture of some harvested leeks, contributing hugely to the mysteriousness of the vanishing – the leeks finally making their appearance in the last paragraph. I felt that the header really MADE the story – a brilliant choice. Thanks dd

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      3. I am so glad that you approved of the header – I remember that story and those leeks! As I said in the post sometimes the choice of header is easy – finding it not so much.

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    2. Hi Mick,

      You enhance the site.

      Your enthusiasm is infectious, your writing is superb and your support is much appreciated!!!

      Stay happy, healthy and inspired my fine friend.

      Hugh

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  11. Dear Hugh, Diane, and Leila,
    Hi! I can’t say THANK YOU enough for all you do in keeping this site going…Wittgenstein said the deepest things CANNOT be expressed in words (only hinted at, perhaps), and that’s kind of the way I feel about this site. Thanks for sharing a behind-the-scenes look at some of the things that go on.
    HUGH: thanks for your beautiful description of the positive ways the site has impacted your life. You have a great spirit! And are a great example, and an inspiration!
    DIANE: along with everything else, THANKS for the images, I appreciate them no end and feel they are a great aspect of the site…the donkey reminds me of Boo as he tends to sleep in that position quite frequently, often in the tub where Huskies love to sleep! THANKS for dedicating yourself to the site along with all of your great novel-writing! Thank you!
    LEILA: You are a GREAT AMERICAN WRITER! If there’s another living fiction writer in America right now who can compete with you, I do not know about them. That includes Stephen King, who I totally admire…but your work will ultimately be more lasting than his. (Your work is deeper and more literary, and indeed, even Shakespearean, as I love pointing out because it’s so true, and I defy anyone to contradict me on this after they’ve read you! Because I can explain it to them (I always had a feeling there was a great writer like you out there somewhere)).
    I wrote three novels that I tried to publish in what turned out to be a kind of war with academic publishers and New York agents who I made contact with via graduate writing programs…a decade-long project that “failed” (but I learned an awful lot). Then I spent years writing poetry which I never tried to publish, except for three chapbooks that are only in print versions, not on the internet at all (on purpose; I got my first cell phone in 2020. I’ve never been on Facebook, Twitter, etc., not even once).
    When I decided to try and publish a few things on the internet, it took me a couple of YEARS to find LS, although a few of my things appeared here and there in other places. After finding LS, six of my stories were rejected until the seventh submission was accepted on Bloomsday, Sunday, and Father’s Day, 2024, six weeks after I had a stroke at 57 after a writing (and other things) binge (fine now, at least on that score). I kept submitting for two reasons: one, I could tell the site was all about the writing and the quality and had something special about it; and two, each rejection I received came with a brief, but original and encouraging, note from an editor.
    Ever since I discovered it, I could tell there was/is something special about LS. I do not believe there’s anything around that can compete with this in terms of quality, spirit, and something indefinable which brings me back to the philosopher Wittgenstein again…there’s something deeply HUMAN, and intelligent, and understanding with a capital U, about LS that outshines any other site I know of, by far. And the true consistency and commitment required to make that possible are beyond admirable in, as Dylan has it, “a world full of lies.” (Synchronistically, Dylan just played the final concert of his Rough and Rowdy Ways 2021-2024 tour, with 0 further dates listed on his website, yet neither has he announced any end either. The last song was “Every Grain of Sand,” and if there was a dry eye in the house after he finished it they have hearts made of stone.)
    As I once said to myself in a little poem I called “To Muse”: “I stood, on ten benzos again / watching the / prairie stream. / Words, or pebbles placed / in the correct arrangement / can change / ALL THINGS.”
    In his day, they called Charles Bukowski “The King of the Littles,” meaning the little magazines, because that was where he published, from the beginning of his career to the end. If Chinaski, aka Bukowski, is looking down on this from somewhere I know he totally approves…If Flannery O’Connor, Virginia Woolf, or Carson McCullers returned right now, this is where she would appear. That goes for H.P. Lovecraft, too, S. King’s self-proclaimed favorite writer…
    Sincerely,
    Dale

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    1. Hi Dale
      You exemplify what a great teacher should be. You are obviously knowledgeable but that is made wonderful by your sincerity and energy. There are a lot of smart people around who do not try as hard as they should. They could learn from you.
      Say hey to Boo and take care!
      Leila

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      1. Leila
        In the gnostic text “The Gospel According to Mary Magdalene,” JC tells the tale of the eleven lepers who were healed. All of them were glad and brought new positive energy out into the world because of the healing. Only one returned to thank the healer.
        I recently finished perusing one of your short stories wherein you resurrect Dr. Hunter S. Thompson in the beginning of it. It was truly one continuous LOL from beginning to end, the wildly intelligent, not the cheap kind!
        Dale

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Leila
        I would say HST is rolling over in his grave right about now if I didn’t know he saw all this coming very accurately at least fifty years ago and more. Some of his 1980s notes are the perfect thing to peruse, especially as that is the era in which SO MUCH of what we have now really started in earnest, not least the removal of the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, leading very, very directly to none other than Fox “News;” and the elevation of materialism and monetary worship right down to the level of the Golden Calf which Moses ordered his people to boil down and GET RID OF! – immediately…
        It’s one reason I keep re-listening to “Jokerman” and “License to Kill” by Dylan from his 1983 album INFIDELS right about now. Dylan doesn’t have to say anything about this any more; we know what he thinks, at least about this…
        Thanks again!
        Dale
        PS,
        Everyone on Planet Earth should re-read Bob Dylan and re-listen to Hunter S. Thompson…they are both telling us things we need to know.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Dale,

      Don’t know who Wittgenstein was but I will bomb him (??) out with a quote from one of the great Scottish Philosophers – Gregor Fisher as Rab C. Nesbitt – Don’t bother with the last series as it is awful!!! (Check him out – Coarse, crude, nasty, sarcastic – But I reckon you would get him as there is a helluva lot more there than is ever seen!!!!)

      Anyhoo – What I’m coming to is when Rab’s wife asks him if she looks alright (Getting ready for a wedding – I think??)and he stated, ‘You look better than that…’You look no baad’ Scottish people take the understated and sarcasm to another level so this was a huge compliment!!!

      Thank you for the kind comments and I can’t thank you enough for what you do for the site.

      It really does piss me off when certain folks can’t even say a simple ‘Thanks’ Don’t know where manners went – I think they fucked off when mobile phones arrived!!!

      All the very best my fine friend. You make me a better person!!!

      Hugh

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      1. Hugh
        Thanks for the recommendation, will definitely check it out…
        And THANKS again for co-creating this site and keeping it going all these years…an OASIS or ISLAND of great stories and commentary on a desert-like, or ocean-like internet full of (among other things) gray nothingness, utter bullshit, total lies, foolishness, repetition, repetition, and more bullshit…This site is a great creation and has brought joy and encouragement to many! as it continues to do…
        Sincerely,
        Dale

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Steven,

      It has been a pleasure reading your work and your comments.

      You enhance the site and hopefully folks will have read and taken your comments as much of a positive as they are!!

      All the very best my fine friend.

      Hugh

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  13. Happy anniversary Literally Stories! Curating great work over a decade is no small feat. And many thanks for accepting and including my work in one of your lists. Thank you for making space for BIPOC writers like me.

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    2. Hi David,

      You are a gentleman, a wonderful writer and more than welcome!!

      Hope you have more for us very soon.

      All the very best my fine friend.

      Hugh

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    2. Hi Rachel,

      It is a pleasure to see you here.

      Your work is astounding and I wish you every success.

      Keep writing, keep sending and keep your fingers crossed. Unfortunately that last one has sod all to do with talent or anything that is deserved!!!

      Stay in touch!

      Hugh

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  15. Quite simply, LS is the most exhilarating site there is! Every story survives repeated readings. Every week brings fresh discovery – & as I only discovered the site 4 months ago that’s yet made for an awful lot of fine discoveries. I’d now add to any list of favourite writers: Leila Allison, Dale Williams Barrigar, Alex Sinclair . . . Will be on the lookout too for any stories by J.D. Clapp, Lee Conrad, Savannah Oldham, Michael Bloor, Landon Galliott . . . There’ll be others.
    Congratulations on the TEN YEARS.
    Massive thanks to the editors.
    Geraint

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    1. Honestly
      I always look forward to what you have to say, and I always re-read it. You’ve got an iconic way of expressing original thoughts. Looking forward to more!
      Sincerely,
      Dale

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    3. Hi Geraint,

      I’m so happy to be included in something that is exhilarating! I’ve been married too long for that word to ever be mentioned!!!

      I did read one of the best lines ever that stated, ‘Please let me be half the man that my dog believes me to be.’

      Unfortunately, I have two cats so we all know that line is very much redundant!!!!

      I’d also throw in Fred Foote, L’Erin Ogle, Ashleigh Allen, Nik Eveligh, Dave Loudin, Nyx Bean (Spoeelling may be a bit oiff!!!) all off the top of my head.

      Just have a look through – I think the writers we have are amazing!!!

      Thanks so much for your input and kind comments!!!

      Hugh

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  16. Happy tenth LS! Thank you for what you do! And for including me in a list. I feel honored to be a part of it. I’ve read some fine stories on here, and everyone is great!
    Christopher

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  17. What a fantastic post! So many brilliant memories and as always I’m in awe of the amount of work you three legends continue to put in to keep LS thriving. Thank you for kindly picking out a few of my old tales – I’m truly honoured to get a mention alongside so many wonderful writers.

    Being able to play a role in LS in the early days is something I’m very proud of, but it pales into insignificance against the joy it’s given me to make some lifelong friends who I’ve never met.

    Happy 10th Birthday LS – I shall raise a glass to all the writers who grace the site with their imagination and camaraderie, to Adam and Tobbe my fellow lapsed editors, but more than anything to you – Leila, Diane and Hugh – thank you for all that you do. Much love to you all x

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    1. How lovely to see you here Nik. Who would ever have imagined we would still be pegging away after ten years. So much has happened and so much of it is wonderful. I hope you and your lovely family are well and happy. dd

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    2. Hi Nik,

      It was a pleasure to see your name here!!

      I have half an email for you – Can’t get by life or generally pishedness or depression to get the other half finished!!!

      I promise I will! HAH!!! I’ll probably bore the nipple ends off of you!!!!!

      It was a pleasure to see you mentioned on this posting. I still say to anyone who is reading this, checkout your work – You are a man who has no actual genre and I love that!! I know that you wondered if you should concentrate on any one specific but with the body of work that you have, the eclectics (That is probably not a word!!!) is something to behold!!!

      Get that pen out!! Enhance and move Henry into novel length and start writing again!! Only you and Leila have a run of acceptances. You need to try and catch her,

      …But to be fair, I think, 130 or so is a belter of a target!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Stay happy and healthy – You and your lovely family my fine friend.

      Hugh

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  18. Dear Hugh, Diane, Leila, Nik, and the whole LS crew of writers,
    First, a huge Happy Anniversary shout-out. W00T!
    Second, thank all of you for the hard work and dedication you pour into the Literally Stories site. The work shines through, bright and clear, every day.
    Lastly, I am honored and humbled to be included in such illustrious company.
    From The East Coast of Taiwan,
    Marco

    Liked by 1 person

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    2. Hi Marco,

      You don’t need to thank us, your work speaks for itself.

      You have one of the most brilliant ‘writing’ brains that I have ever come across and I am jealous of your abilities.

      It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you and I hope you have more stories for us very soon.

      Look after you and yours!!!

      Hugh

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  19. I’m happy to feel part of the most recent 20% of Literally Stories’ 10 years of life. This is great place, with welcoming, smart, warm people and it’s a pleasure to be a small part of. Happy Birthday!

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    2. Hi Paul,

      It’s us who should be thanking you!!

      You are more than part of this site and it is always a pleasure to see your name.

      I hope that you continue to have fun and your comments and encouragement are very much appreciated!!!

      All the very best my fine friend.

      Hugh

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  20. Sorry I’m a bit late to the party but … Big fat CONGRATULATIONS Literally Stories!!

    You really are a wonderful lot and everything you do is really appreciated.

    I’ll never (never ever) forget the feeling when you accepted my first story – the first story I’d had accepted anywhere – I floated for weeks (and cried!).  It wasn’t just that you liked my story – it was (IS!!) such a privilege to be invited to join such an amazing trio and all your other brilliant writers. 

    It sounds odd, but I’ve even (somewhat) enjoyed your rejections.  You were so very kind and what I learnt was invaluable – your advice often rings in my head as I’m editing my first future best-seller … yeah – gotta dream big!

    So, THANK YOU again & CHEERS to the next ten!!

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    1. Hi Karen,

      I may be being unkind but those of us who are in that generation of mobiles, twitter, snapchat and all that other shite may not realise that an acceptance (One by snail-mail, fuck that, traditional mail was the best ever!!!) So many folks get an immediate response now-a-days and probably get depressed if it is a bit scathing, we had to wait…And wait…And wait and then realise we were being either ignored or rejected!!!

      I still remember my first acceptance, it was a compilation of poetry that cost me a fortune for a copy but I have never been so proud as I was that day to see my words in print!!

      I’m so happy that you think on this place as a good thing, rejection or not!!!

      Thanks so much for stopping by!!!!!!!!!!!

      Hugh

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  21. Hi guys,

    To all of you.

    If I have missed anyone I apologise. Weirdly the site only lets two (??) comments per comment if you know what I mean so I’m sorry if I have missed anyone.

    A huge thanks to you all for being here, having a look, having a comment and the sodding talent that all you writers have is humbling.

    This site has stopped me doing some silly things. (I stay sober every now and again!!!) It gives me a purpose. It gives me a reason to get up of a morning. (A bit like the fiends (Cats)) It’s weird to think that so many folks from all walks of life and from so many countries know myself, Diane and Leila’s name, I like that! I truly hope that you all take inspiration and go on to better things / more success and inspiration due to this site.

    Just remember one thing – We are only a platform – It isn’t us, it’s all you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thanks again guys – It’s been an absolute pleasure!!

    Hugh

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    1. Hi Mr Gil!!!

      It’s great to see you here.

      Thanks for the congratulations. It is much appreciated!!!

      All the very best my fine friend.

      Hugh

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