Allison Symes's Blog
December 6, 2025
Meeting Up With Other Authors
Meeting up with other authors at various events is one of the joys of the writing life and one I greatly appreciate.
It is lovely talking about stories and writing with those who understand why you have the drive to write at all.
Other authors are also fabulously supportive given we all have to market our own books. Most of us would far rather be writing.
Naturally a huge attraction at these events are the book rooms and book tables. Always a joy to buy books from writers I know and am always pleased to add more to my shelves.
If you can support author events, please do. Every writer I know will be pleased to see you. That goes for me too!
Happy reading!
It is lovely talking about stories and writing with those who understand why you have the drive to write at all.
Other authors are also fabulously supportive given we all have to market our own books. Most of us would far rather be writing.
Naturally a huge attraction at these events are the book rooms and book tables. Always a joy to buy books from writers I know and am always pleased to add more to my shelves.
If you can support author events, please do. Every writer I know will be pleased to see you. That goes for me too!
Happy reading!
November 29, 2025
Themed Anthologies
I love anthologies.
Okay, I’m biased because I have short stories and/or flash fiction in many of them over many years. My latest, The Family Legend, is in the recently published Magi (Bridge House Publishing).
But I love anthologies because they’re not only great to write for, they are wonderful to read. You get to read the styles of many different authors.
I always find it fascinating to read how many writers come up with so many different takes on the same theme (and practically every anthology does have a set theme).
I find anthologies useful for discovering authors new to me. If I like their short work, I’m highly likely to love their longer tomes.
Also, naturally at this time of year as we think of Christmas presents, they can be great gifts for the readers in your life, especially if you don’t know what they’ve got already in terms of novels etc.
They’re also superb ways of supporting many authors in one go too.
Why not give them a try? You are bound to find many with themes which appeal.
Okay, I’m biased because I have short stories and/or flash fiction in many of them over many years. My latest, The Family Legend, is in the recently published Magi (Bridge House Publishing).
But I love anthologies because they’re not only great to write for, they are wonderful to read. You get to read the styles of many different authors.
I always find it fascinating to read how many writers come up with so many different takes on the same theme (and practically every anthology does have a set theme).
I find anthologies useful for discovering authors new to me. If I like their short work, I’m highly likely to love their longer tomes.
Also, naturally at this time of year as we think of Christmas presents, they can be great gifts for the readers in your life, especially if you don’t know what they’ve got already in terms of novels etc.
They’re also superb ways of supporting many authors in one go too.
Why not give them a try? You are bound to find many with themes which appeal.
November 22, 2025
The Perfect Read
Provocative title for this post? Maybe? Is there really such a thing as The Perfect Read?
I think there can be but it depends on what you like to read and your mood as you read it.
For example, I will often read something by P.G. Wodehouse in the darker months because I want something lighter to cheer me. It always does and so, whatever I choose by him here, it will be the perfect read.
When I’m reading an author new to me, having been captivated by their blurb, book cover etc, I simply want the book to deliver on its premise. As long as it does that, it will be a perfect read for me.
What I don’t want is to have expectations set up and then not delivered on unless there is a superb twist or something like that, which I always love because I never mind when an author wrong foots me like that.
What I don’t want is a promising book but the author wrong foots me by delivering something which comes across to me as dull. (Mansfield Park by Jane Austen does this for me I’m afraid but I do love her other works).
The perfect read, in a more general sense, always occurs for me when I can get behind the characters, whether I’m rooting for them to succeed or fail. (There is nothing quite so satisfying as booing a good villain, even if I only do so metaphorically!).
I think there can be but it depends on what you like to read and your mood as you read it.
For example, I will often read something by P.G. Wodehouse in the darker months because I want something lighter to cheer me. It always does and so, whatever I choose by him here, it will be the perfect read.
When I’m reading an author new to me, having been captivated by their blurb, book cover etc, I simply want the book to deliver on its premise. As long as it does that, it will be a perfect read for me.
What I don’t want is to have expectations set up and then not delivered on unless there is a superb twist or something like that, which I always love because I never mind when an author wrong foots me like that.
What I don’t want is a promising book but the author wrong foots me by delivering something which comes across to me as dull. (Mansfield Park by Jane Austen does this for me I’m afraid but I do love her other works).
The perfect read, in a more general sense, always occurs for me when I can get behind the characters, whether I’m rooting for them to succeed or fail. (There is nothing quite so satisfying as booing a good villain, even if I only do so metaphorically!).
November 15, 2025
Collections Acrostic
C = Collections (short stories and flash fiction) are wonderful ways to try out works by authors new to you.
O = Original stories, often on a theme, inspire so many ideas and make for a truly entertaining read.
L = Lively imaginations at work in collections to make the most of the theme.
L = Love collections for giving authors a voice and also some at least are used to raise money for charity.
E = Enter the worlds of story collections and meet many different characters.
C = Characters which grip you and often short stories and flash fiction make more of an impact because of their brevity.
T = Tension and drama aplenty in the short forms and collections bring so many of them together in one easy format.
I = Imagination let loose for readers to enjoy.
O = Options for collections usually include paperback and ebook so there will be something to suit you.
N = Nothing ventured, nothing gained - why not try story collections as gifts?
S = Story collections are perfect for dipping into when you don’t have as much time as you’d like for reading.
Go on, give them a go! You are bound to find topics and themes to suit.
O = Original stories, often on a theme, inspire so many ideas and make for a truly entertaining read.
L = Lively imaginations at work in collections to make the most of the theme.
L = Love collections for giving authors a voice and also some at least are used to raise money for charity.
E = Enter the worlds of story collections and meet many different characters.
C = Characters which grip you and often short stories and flash fiction make more of an impact because of their brevity.
T = Tension and drama aplenty in the short forms and collections bring so many of them together in one easy format.
I = Imagination let loose for readers to enjoy.
O = Options for collections usually include paperback and ebook so there will be something to suit you.
N = Nothing ventured, nothing gained - why not try story collections as gifts?
S = Story collections are perfect for dipping into when you don’t have as much time as you’d like for reading.
Go on, give them a go! You are bound to find topics and themes to suit.
November 8, 2025
Book Memories
One of the pleasures of books is as well as giving you stories and non-fiction to enjoy, they can also conjure up good memories for you.
Many of my books on my shelves are written by author friends and every time I see the books I remember the story and where and whom I got the book from!
I also inherited books from my much read late mother and her Dickens leather bound set always make me think of her when I see them.
When I read the classic fairytales, I am taken back to childhood memories of reading these for myself and, even further back, when my mum read the stories to me.
I think this is why physical books will always be around. They can give you tangible memories in the way a Kindle cannot, though that does have its uses.
I use mine to discover authors new to me, for example, and it is great for holidays/being away etc. Physical books can be heavy to cart around but I would never be without them.
With my own flash fiction collections, the memories of having my work accepted will always be very special. Having some input into the covers is another special memory.
I also remember when I first read certain books which are firm favourites of mine.
Books are truly wonderful things.
Many of my books on my shelves are written by author friends and every time I see the books I remember the story and where and whom I got the book from!
I also inherited books from my much read late mother and her Dickens leather bound set always make me think of her when I see them.
When I read the classic fairytales, I am taken back to childhood memories of reading these for myself and, even further back, when my mum read the stories to me.
I think this is why physical books will always be around. They can give you tangible memories in the way a Kindle cannot, though that does have its uses.
I use mine to discover authors new to me, for example, and it is great for holidays/being away etc. Physical books can be heavy to cart around but I would never be without them.
With my own flash fiction collections, the memories of having my work accepted will always be very special. Having some input into the covers is another special memory.
I also remember when I first read certain books which are firm favourites of mine.
Books are truly wonderful things.
November 1, 2025
The Love of Books and Why It Matters
One of my most frustrating moments as a writer and reader came at a Book Fair I had a table at some years ago.
The Book Fair was wonderful, I loved being with fellow writers and joy of joys, I sold books. So what was frustrating?
Simply it was when I overhead someone go past by my table and saying very loudly “I don’t like books”.
I had to bite my tongue because the obvious retort to that was “why are you here then” but I figured that retort wouldn’t help.
The comment saddened me too,. What was behind the dislike? Problems with reading? Or simply they hadn’t found a genre (ore more) of books which appealed to them? Or did they simply think reading wasn’t for them?
One challenge all writers face now is having to compete with other forms of entertainment Now I love books, I love music, I love films, and have no problem in enjoying all of these things but is it me or do people these days feel they have to stick to one creative thing they like and no more?
I am also conscious all writers owe a huge debt to those writing for children of all ages. If you can get a child hooked on to books early in life, they are likely to keep the habit of reading for pleasure going and that is what the love of books matters.
No love of books and you miss out on so many wonderful stories because they’re not all made into films! Even when they are, why not check out the original book anyway?
I do hope the forthcoming festive season will lead to more books being bought for all ages and this Christmas someone will get to discover the love of reading for the first time. I do think that is such a special moment.
The Book Fair was wonderful, I loved being with fellow writers and joy of joys, I sold books. So what was frustrating?
Simply it was when I overhead someone go past by my table and saying very loudly “I don’t like books”.
I had to bite my tongue because the obvious retort to that was “why are you here then” but I figured that retort wouldn’t help.
The comment saddened me too,. What was behind the dislike? Problems with reading? Or simply they hadn’t found a genre (ore more) of books which appealed to them? Or did they simply think reading wasn’t for them?
One challenge all writers face now is having to compete with other forms of entertainment Now I love books, I love music, I love films, and have no problem in enjoying all of these things but is it me or do people these days feel they have to stick to one creative thing they like and no more?
I am also conscious all writers owe a huge debt to those writing for children of all ages. If you can get a child hooked on to books early in life, they are likely to keep the habit of reading for pleasure going and that is what the love of books matters.
No love of books and you miss out on so many wonderful stories because they’re not all made into films! Even when they are, why not check out the original book anyway?
I do hope the forthcoming festive season will lead to more books being bought for all ages and this Christmas someone will get to discover the love of reading for the first time. I do think that is such a special moment.
October 25, 2025
Books When Out And About
Now confession time. When out and about on the train, I tend to get some writing done, rather than read.
This week's post was written on my train to London for a writing event.
Do you read on the train? Do you prefer books, including books and audio, or magazines?
When I do read on the train, I tend to read magazines (easily portable and not heavy) or, on my return journey, I will start reading those books I bought at the writing event. Well, that is almost obligatory, yes?!
Do you like any train related stories?
One of my favourite books from Agatha Christie is her Murder on the Orient Express. That, and her The ABC Murders, are her best Poirot tales, I think. For her Miss Marple works, the 4.50 From Paddington and Nemesis, are the best for me.
This week's post was written on my train to London for a writing event.
Do you read on the train? Do you prefer books, including books and audio, or magazines?
When I do read on the train, I tend to read magazines (easily portable and not heavy) or, on my return journey, I will start reading those books I bought at the writing event. Well, that is almost obligatory, yes?!
Do you like any train related stories?
One of my favourite books from Agatha Christie is her Murder on the Orient Express. That, and her The ABC Murders, are her best Poirot tales, I think. For her Miss Marple works, the 4.50 From Paddington and Nemesis, are the best for me.
October 18, 2025
Story Acrostic
Haven’t written an acrostic for a while. Hope you enjoy this one.
S =Stories spring surprises with characters who keep you gripped.
T = Tall tales, flash fiction, short stories, novels, novellas - there is something for everyone across so many genres.
O = Originally stories were told in oral form but now we have print, audio, ebooks, which is all to the good, something for everyone again.
R = Re-reading favourites is always a joy, as is discovering new authors and new stories.
Y = Young or old or anywhere in between, there are stories for you.
Have a fantastic read!
S =Stories spring surprises with characters who keep you gripped.
T = Tall tales, flash fiction, short stories, novels, novellas - there is something for everyone across so many genres.
O = Originally stories were told in oral form but now we have print, audio, ebooks, which is all to the good, something for everyone again.
R = Re-reading favourites is always a joy, as is discovering new authors and new stories.
Y = Young or old or anywhere in between, there are stories for you.
Have a fantastic read!
October 11, 2025
Curling Up With A Good Book
One of the joys of the autumn and winter seasons is you get to have more opportunities to curl up with a good book., Okay, I do have to go out with the dog (which is fine) but when you have the chance to just grab a book and not go out in the cold and wet, you’re going to take it, yes?
As the nights draw in, I will often turn to my favourite forms of comfort reading, which is on the lighter side of fiction. There is enough “grim” going on in the world for real for me to want to read more of it in a book, I’m afraid.
Dystopian fiction has never been my thing and it certainly isn’t now. I’m all for books which address issues because they can meet so many needs. For one thing, they can draw attention to those issues and make people think about them.
But I will admit with not having as much reading time as I would like, I am going to focus on an entertaining read. That takes in many genres, funnily enough.
For me, one definition of a good book is it is one that takes my mind off things for a short while and with characters I can root for and come to care about.
As the nights draw in, I will often turn to my favourite forms of comfort reading, which is on the lighter side of fiction. There is enough “grim” going on in the world for real for me to want to read more of it in a book, I’m afraid.
Dystopian fiction has never been my thing and it certainly isn’t now. I’m all for books which address issues because they can meet so many needs. For one thing, they can draw attention to those issues and make people think about them.
But I will admit with not having as much reading time as I would like, I am going to focus on an entertaining read. That takes in many genres, funnily enough.
For me, one definition of a good book is it is one that takes my mind off things for a short while and with characters I can root for and come to care about.
October 4, 2025
Light and Dark in Fiction
I guess it’s appropriate we have light and dark in fiction given our stories reflect our human condition and there’s plenty of light and dark in that.
Indeed the thought of that inspired the stories in my first flash fiction collection and also gave me the title for it - From Light To Dark And Back Again.
I suppose light and dark in fiction also reflects reading moods. Certainly for me, when the seasons change and the darkness draws in ever earlier in the day, I want to read and write lighter material.
Not exactly raging against the dying of the light happening here but I am trying to make my journey towards that dying light more pleasant at least!
Can’t beat Wodehouse, Austen and Pratchett here (though the latter is remarkable in that there is darkness within Discworld but it is dealt with via humour, which to me makes the points being made much more effective).
I guess we do need a balance here though if I have to tip the scales somewhere, I would tip it in favour of light fiction. I learned long ago what looks easy to read isn’t necessarily easy to write, far from it.
Time to read some more amusing stories then!
Indeed the thought of that inspired the stories in my first flash fiction collection and also gave me the title for it - From Light To Dark And Back Again.
I suppose light and dark in fiction also reflects reading moods. Certainly for me, when the seasons change and the darkness draws in ever earlier in the day, I want to read and write lighter material.
Not exactly raging against the dying of the light happening here but I am trying to make my journey towards that dying light more pleasant at least!
Can’t beat Wodehouse, Austen and Pratchett here (though the latter is remarkable in that there is darkness within Discworld but it is dealt with via humour, which to me makes the points being made much more effective).
I guess we do need a balance here though if I have to tip the scales somewhere, I would tip it in favour of light fiction. I learned long ago what looks easy to read isn’t necessarily easy to write, far from it.
Time to read some more amusing stories then!
