The last couple of weeks have been a little quieter here than usual. A family emergency pulled me away for a short time, but I’m glad to say things have settled, and I’m back at my desk, fully focused on the work again.

During that pause, I came across The Letter Review short story competition on social media. I’d been developing an idea for a novella and already had the bare bones sketched out, so I shaped it into a standalone short story and submitted it under the title The Shape of Home. Whether it’s successful or not — and with so many wonderful writers entering, it’s perfectly understandable if it isn’t — the experience reminded me how satisfying it is to complete something shorter, something self‑contained, something that doesn’t require 50–80 thousand words to breathe.

If it doesn’t place, I’m considering creating a new page on the website dedicated to free short stories, so readers can enjoy these smaller pieces as they arrive. It was a pleasure to write, and I’d love to share more of them.

In a few days, the website will shift into its September theme — a new month, a new focus. Thank you, as always, for your patience and kindness.