Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Buoyed by the recent publication of a feature I'd written for Britain's best-selling regional magazine, The Dalesman, I've spent a segment of this morning reaching out to editors of other UK publications - My aim to secure similar opportunities to air my literary wares. My email pitch (which I've included at the foot of this... Continue Reading →
According to the Sky News article click bait which's just uninvitedly popped onto my mobile device screen, Britain's most notorious conman Mark Acklom will shortly be afforded his release from prison. With my never ending desire to write whimsy, along with mischievousness borne from middle-aged cynicism, exposure to this bulletin heightened my exuberance levels to... Continue Reading →
Although I like to class myself as a reasonable wordsmith, locating the words to effectively express the emotions experienced when caring for someone with a vascular dementia diagnosis is a challenge. A literary impotence I've not previously experienced when broaching other detrital existential plot lines which've sullied my past decade. For instance, at no stage... Continue Reading →
Even though it's competing against a substantial sleep deprivation rap sheet of late, last night saw my worst nights kip for many a year. In fact, as I lay awake at 1.45am, yours truly concluded I don't think my slumber longevity has been this poor over a sustained period since working night shifts during the... Continue Reading →
Twenty years ago if confronted by troubling episodes yours truly oft sought solutions to these unwelcome life intrusions by posing the simple question "What would H from Steps do in this situation?" This strategy borne from witnessing H, one of the five singers from the pop band who brought us toe-tappers Stomp and Say You'll... Continue Reading →
As I commence this journal, I'm back in my 'go to' coffee house writing retreat at the White Rose Shopping Centre (WRSC), Leeds. Sat opposite on an adjacent table is a woman who I'd guess is a similar age to me (50's) with short blond hair. This lady whose face seems familiar, although I'm at... Continue Reading →
My rap sheet for absurd notions is a pretty lengthy tome. From faking Dan Brown's signature on the 'Da Vinci Code' book I bought my wife for her 40th birthday to falling asleep in a wardrobe after a prank misfired badly, the level of self-indulgent silliness I display is relatively high on the Vic Reeves... Continue Reading →
Yesterday evening I made the following satirical observation on one of my social media timelines:- "I've just read on Twitter that South Carolina senator, and person who can fit into very small cupboards, Lindsey Graham has contracted COVID-19.... Bearing in mind he's had his head stuck up Trump's ass for the past six months, this... Continue Reading →
During a quiet period yesterday, I pondered what'd constitute a good topic for a new writing project, along with what pen name I'd utilise should I wish to afford myself author anonymity. After deliberation, yours truly decided it might be fun to employ the pen name Goose Gingrich for my newly spawned idea of a... Continue Reading →