Guest Blogger: Dave Spart

The latest of ‘365 Days of Writing Prompts’ invites us to “write a post in the style of (or simply inspired by) a favourite author”. However, rather than lay ourselves open to charges of plagiarism (and, even worse, doubtless poorly-executed plagiarism at that) we decided instead on a departure from the normal diet of self-obsessed twaddle. So today for the first…

Lucky me

Today is my 40th wedding anniversary. So how appropriate that ‘365 Days of Writing Prompts’ should come up, on this particular date, with an invitation to “Describe what it feels like to…see a stunning piece of art”. I’m afraid I couldn’t even begin to describe what it feels like to see this stunning masterpiece of nature…

Not quite the style icon

For someone who goes out of his way to disavow any interest in ‘fashion’, the subject of clothing does seem to crop up quite often, albeit randomly, in this collection of ramblings. So perhaps it’s time to give the subject its own post, especially as the latest of ‘365 Days of Writing Prompts’ provides a…

Never knowingly overstated

Examine my sleeve as closely as you will: you’ll never find my heart on it. I’m not, by nature, particularly demonstrative. This doesn’t mean I lack feelings (far from it), simply that making a fuss – thereby, shock horror, drawing attention to myself – doesn’t come easily, and certainly not naturally. Now, I’m well aware that being low-key can sometimes…

I’d sooner read a good book..

Today, WordPress’ ‘365 Days of Writing Prompts’ seems to want me to attach some kind of cosmic significance to toys: “Toy story. What was your favourite plaything as a child? Do you see any connection between your life now and your favourite childhood toy?” My childhood wasn’t deprived in any way, and I always had plenty…

First world problems

Today, ‘365 Days of Writing Prompts’ wants to know: “What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?” Well, let’s get the pedantry out of the way first, shall we? By definition, a luxury is something you can live without: ‘a material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living…

Don’t ask, don’t tell

Being a proud possessor of the Y chromosome, I can only assume that this latest of ‘365 Days of Writing Prompts’ is one for the laydeeez: “Is it easy for you to ask for help when you need it, or do you prefer to rely only on yourself? Why?” Come on: I’m a bloke. Of course…

Fandango’s Flashback Friday 29 August 2025

Well, here we are at the end of August and self-doubt may be starting to creep into WordPress’ ‘365 Days of Writing Prompts’: “Are writing prompts a useful exercise, or do you find them to be too limiting and/or hokey?” Yes, I do find writing prompts useful as a supplement to my own sparse powers of imagination. However, I…