Author: sharitarussell

Consider the internet search history of a writer - we look up some very peculiar things. My recent forays have been in travel during the time of the Roman Empire. In my current-work-in-progress my protagonist travels from Alexandria to Jerusalem in 1BC. How long did it take and how much did it cost to travel … Continue reading Sailing to Ierusalem →

My submission for Round 2 of the NYCMidnight short story competition. The criteria this round - fairytale genre, theme of utopia and a park ranger character.Enjoy! SYNOPSIS: Sometimes you have to do the right thing and not worry if it upsets the status quo. "The lights on the northern perimeter are playing up again." The … Continue reading Paperwork →

Written for the NYCMidnight Short Story Competition 2019 Round One. Got me through to Round Two. Writing criteria: 8 days, 2500 words, fantasy genre, theme is a blood feud, incoporate a bartender character.Enjoy. Bram spotted the twinkling lights of the tavern as he galloped along the road to Highcastle. A solitary beacon on the misty … Continue reading The Pluck’d Duck →

Writing a novel is a tedious process. There's not much to report on a daily basis. I could tell you about the commas I added, then deleted, the verbs I strengthened, the adjectives I agonised over... my labours are akin to watching paint dry. Sometimes a little instant gratification is needed. Enter, the short story. … Continue reading The Year of the Short Story →

The heavens opened in Brisbane this afternoon after months of drought. Is it coincidence that today is the Ides of March (the midpoint of the month), a day sacred to the Roman god Jupiter, god of sky and thunder? The Ides of March is best known for Julius Caesar's assassination in 44BC. and Shakespeare's famous … Continue reading The Ides of March →

Byron Bay is an idyllic escape along the east coast of Australia. The sign as you enter the town says "Cheer up, slow down and chill out" and that is my intent. I got lucky with my choice of accommodation - the Byron Cove is an oasis of calm in an oasis of calm. There … Continue reading Blogging from Byron →