I’ve put one of my short stories on the downloads page of the blog. Called ‘Outside’, it’s just over 5,000 words long and, like the novel (but not all my writing!) set in Manchester. Anyone who knows the city may have fun identifying the places the subject of the story passes on her journey, though bear in mind some may have changed, as I wrote it a few years ago. I hope to download more creative writing soon.

Talking of Manchester, I went back for a visit at the weekend (I’m living in South Wales at the moment). I had a good walk around and visited some of my favourite places, such as the art gallery. I was a bit upset to see that the central library refurbishment has extended to the destruction of the peace garden. If there is one thing Manchester lacks, it’s parks. The peace garden may have been very small, but it was one of the few green spaces left in the city. Perhaps it’s going to be rebuilt, but there was a road roller compacting a bed of hard-core over the entire area, so it doesn’t look promising. It’s looks like it’s Piccadilly Gardens all over again. I don’t understand how the Council can get away with such acts of vandalism!  The continuing recession/downturn (continuing everywhere but London, at least) has meant that many of the large building projects seem to still be on hold. In some respects, I think that may be a good thing, if it limits the excesses of the developers. I’m not sure when the library will be finished, but I hope it’s going to be worth it.