Stuff that’s fiction
Apply the word ‘photographer’ to writing fiction, and many listeners think of ‘war’ right away. If you’re over sixty, you’ll have more than a ninety per cent chance of thinking war correspondent. I say this because my first test readers assumed the same. They were surprised (or disappointed) to find out that my story had […]
Stories About Photographers: Is ‘War Correspondent’ The Only Option? Read More »
Chapter 12 juxtaposes the public discovery of Sandra’s body with Mitchell’s cold detachment and the private escalation of his marriage with Samantha toward its darkest turn. The opening scene sets the contrast starkly: the news of Sandra’s corpse on Scarborough beach plays out as domestic background noise. Mitchell, unfazed, butters toast with Vegemite while Samantha
Between Glass and Keel Read More »
This chapter represents a brutal climax in Sandra’s arc, blending seduction, spectacle, and violence in Mitchell’s meticulously orchestrated world. Sandra appears at the yacht club transformed, her red hair styled into glamorous waves, her outfit evoking a vintage pin-up star. This performance of confidence masks fragility, but Mitchell instantly seizes on it, directing the dynamics
The Glamorous Arrival Read More »
Sam and Mitchell visit the opulent Snow residence, contrasting their modest lives with Felicity and Hayden’s extravagance. The evening reveals simmering marital tensions as Felicity’s allure captivates Mitchell, highlighting Sam’s insecurities. The chapter culminates with Felicity inviting Mitchell onto her yacht, hinting at betrayal and destabilizing their relationships.
Seduction and Insecurity at a Luxurious Dinner Party Read More »
Mitchell and Sam prepare dinner while debating the value of consulting Dr Snow about their fertility. Their domestic tension exposes deeper cracks in their marriage. Later, Mitchell confides in Tony, revealing disturbing stories of sexual manipulation, necro-erotic encounters, and resentment toward Sam. The chapter intertwines banality with escalating psychological darkness. The chapter begins in the
Pizza and Power Plays Read More »
Chapter 2 examines the contrast between two couples: the affectionate marriage of Anneke and David, and the strained relationship of Sam and Mitchell. Through dialogue, it reveals Sam’s deception about her asexuality and Mitchell’s fabricated infertility, highlighting the destructive effects of unspoken truths and the contrast between openness and silence in relationships.
Secrets and Lies: The Contrast of Two Marriages Read More »
We like to think of ourselves as civilised beings. We dress well, shake hands, drive cars in orderly lanes, and follow the rules that make society tick. But beneath the pressed shirts and polite smiles lies something older—instinct. It waits, crouched in the shadows of our minds, reminding us that civilisation is not a natural
Instinct vs. Civility: The Thin Line That Breaks Us (or makes us) Read More »
Pseudo-biographical abuse narratives have become popular of late. For some, there’s nothing more tantalising than digesting a real-life story about a victim who has suffered in the worst kinds of ways. Sexual, psychological and physical abuse, paedophilia, sadism and self-harm — are just a few of the topics covered in what’s been coined as misery
I Love Misery Literature Read More »
The content explores the intricacies of a silent agreement in a relationship, highlighting how unspoken pacts lead to avoidance and emotional distance. This fragile understanding allows both parties to coexist superficially while ignoring underlying issues. Ultimately, the silence becomes a burden, revealing the inevitability of confrontation when secrets can’t be contained.
The Silent Agreement Read More »
Every crime scene tells a story. That’s what I learned early on — not from any police procedural or forensic handbook, but from living inside one. No flashing lights, no yellow tape, no neat chalk outlines. Just the quiet aftermath of something unspoken, unseen, but deeply felt. Our home was the crime scene. Our marriage
The Marriage as a Crime Scene Read More »