A Non-AI Story Writing Contest. Jane the Escapologist Dog. September in Bulgaria
Rayne Hall's Newsletter September 2024
A Competition for Real Writers who Don’t Need AI
I’ve decided to hold a story writing contest - a big one this time, with a cash prize of $200 - for stories written without the use of AI.
Details will be announced next month, but I want my newsletter readers to hear about it first, so you can start plotting.
The theme is ‘Extremely Cold Weather’. The stories can be of any length (100-15,000 words) and of any genre. If they have a ‘Gothic’ touch, I’ll also consider them for publication in my next Gothic story anthology which will have the same theme.
Important: to be eligible for this contest, you mustn’t use AI for any part of the creation: not for ideas prompts, not for writing, not for editing.
I hope many of you will enter, to show that in a world of AI fakes, there are still real writers who really write.
Naughty Jane, the Escapologist Dog
I needed to keep my dogs confined in the garden (American English: in the yard), but Jane always found a way out. Every day, she found a weakness in the fence - a hole here, a lose post there, an opportunity to tunnel underneath.
I hired a handyman to secure the fence. Jane watched him attentively and with pleasure - to her, this was a puzzle game, an intellectual challenge. She waited until he had finished working for the day, then found a new escape route out. Then she sat outside the fence, looking triumphant, her face annoucing: “I’ve won another round of this game. I’m the greatest escape artist since Harry Houdini. This is fun!”
It was fun (though costly fun), but then the success went to her head. Having outwitted the handyman and me every day, she decided she was superior to mere humans. Therefore, she reckoned she no longer needed to obey and to come when called. Instead, she disappeared for hours into the freedom of the unknown world.
I tried to talk sensibly with her. (She’s a hyper-intelligent dog who seems to understand English.) I explained the danger to her: there are bad people out there who seek to hurt dogs. I wanted to keep her safe and the worry was a strain for me. She listened and seemed to understand.
But when the fence was secured, so that there was no way through or under it, she discovered the sport of high-jumping, and was away again.
I told told her - not really meaning it, but with a straight face and matching voice - that I had enough. I no longer wanted her, but would cast her out, and replace her with a new, obedient dog. Her face looked worried, and that evening she didn’t escape.
The next day, my friend Jackie came to visit with her dog Pippi. Jane, who normally enjoys visits from other dogs, growled ferociously at Pippi. She thought her replacement had arrived!
This was three days ago. Jane has been on her best behaviour since then, always coming at once when I call, no more escape attempts, the very model of a well-behaved dog.
What do you think: will it last?
Golden September Days in Bulgaria
Septeber in Bulgaria is a wonderful month: the summer heat has gone, but the earth retains its warmth. The sky shines in a brilliant blue, with not a cloud in sight. A soft breeze caresses my bare arms.
Tall dry grasses sway gently in the light breeze. Young green grasses are growing beneath them. Rose hips glint scarlet in the sunshine, while firethorn berries glow like bundled orange lanterns. Shrubs and flowers bloom in golden yellow and soft pink.
Butterflies enjoy the nectar of the flowers. Some flutter above the blooms, others sit quietly drinking so I can observe the intricate patterns on theri spread wings.
Large metallic green beetles, related to the ancient Egyptian scarabs, fly past me and land on leaves. They shine so metallically that they look like creatures from a science fiction film.
Apples, pears,grapes, the last figs and plums are now ripe. This year has also gifted me a rich bounty of walnuts and almonds. I spread them on a table to dry them for the winter.
I am sitting on my wooden chair in the garden and writing a story. At my feet lie Chekhov, the fluffy black rescued cat, and Jane, the (currently well-behaved) German shepherd dog.
The neighbor's calf moos. In the distance, several excited dogs bark. From the nearby hill, the sound of many sheep bells can be heard as the shepherd drives his flock across the meadows.
Life is beautiful.
Since you can’t visit my garden in person, I’ve taken some pictures for you so you can enjoy a virtual visit:
I’m Hosting Give & Take Parties in my Garden
Twice a year, I invite people to come to my garden and bring everything they no longer need: leftover craft materials, surplus vegetables, clothes their children have outgrown, books they’ve read and have no space for, appliances they don’t use, plants they’ve raised from seeds or cuttings, and anything cluttering up their homes.
Everyone simply takes anything they fancy. There’s no swapping, no payment. Simply a help-yourself bonanza. It’s always a thrilling experience. All my guests find treasures and leave with delighted satisfaction.
This time, I got a sack of onions, authentic old pieces of Bulgarian hand-embroidery which I will incorporate into cushion covers, and empty wine bottles which I’m using for my eco-building project. One of my friends got (among other itmes) a stunning party dress for his daughter, another secured young fruit trees for her new orchard, a third discovered a delightful hippie bag.
The leftovers were taken by my friend Jackie who sells them at car boot sales (American English: flea markets) to raise funds for rescue dogs, so nothing is wasted.
This helps reduce waste, save money, support the local economy and protect the environment. Plus, it’s fun. Do you think you could organise something similar in your neighbourhood?
Writing Gothic Fiction: Learn to Thrill Your Readers with Passion and Suspense
Sulu the book-reading black cat recommends this book from the Writer’s Craft series.
Romantic and creepy, passionate and thrilling, Gothic fiction grabs readers and makes their hearts thud with excited suspense. This is the genre of dark secrets, forbidden loves and illicit passions, of ancient curses and evil crimes. Brooding heroes, wealthy eccentrics, obsessed scientists and corrupt priests come to live in these tales, often joined by a ghost, werewolf, vampire or supernatural hound.
Stories are set in gloomy old houses and spooky mansions. Picture wild, windswept landscapes, sombre clouds and torrential rain. Stolen jewels, vile murders, an unexpected inheritance, bigamy, madness, illicit love and dangerous inventions keep the readers glued to the pages.
Gothic is one of the oldest fiction genres, with classic masterpieces like Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, Dracula, Rebecca and The Fall of the House of Usher. In the 21st century, they are represented many Thrillers and Romance novels on current bestseller lists.
The most successful works of literature blend Gothic with other genres - especially Romance, Horror and Thriller - with the Gothic elements ratcheting up tension and enveloping the reader in suspense.
So you want to try your hand at writing a Gothic story? Maybe you have a draft novel in another genre that needs more passion and thrills? I'll be your guide, showing you step by step how to craft a Gothic tale.
This book is for experienced writers who want to add to their toolkit. If you're new to the craft of fiction writing, you can still enjoy this book and pick up useful techniques, but writers who've already mastered the basics of their craft will benefit most.
Are you ready to delve into the mystery and excitement of the Gothic tale? Let's open the portal the old mansion. Can you hear the hinges squeal? Duck under the cobwebs, and mind that trap door under your feet. Take a few steps on the threadbare crimson carpet while I light a candle to show you the way.
Available as an ebook and as a paperback. (Sulu prefers the paperback, because only printed books have the real-book smell he loves.)
Kitty Yura is Here
I’m writing this newsletter with my cat Uhura (Yura for short) snuggled on the desk between my arms. She purrs happily. Yura is another rescue cat - she adopted mee a few years ago by simply following me hone and moving in. The picture isn’t great because I just snapped it on my webcam in poor lightning, but you can see how contented and cute she looks.
Your Give and Take garden parties are ingenious. It's definately worth giving it some thought as to how they might work in my community. Jane sounds like such a scallywag! How does she get on with your cats?
If Jane is not yet three years old, don't expect her to listen or obey or behave. When she turns three, chances are she'll suddenly "get it". However, if you live in an area where dog theft is a thing (they are used in labs, BTW, so don't kid yourself they are going to a good home) and as economic hardship increases they could end up as supper (unlikely at this point). So it is important you keep her in. Then there are people who use poisons on troublesome dog and irresponsible drivers, etc. If she gets into stealing eggs or chickens or worse, you'll have a real problem.
NEVER use punishment. That is negative reinforcement. Get some treats and whenever you catch her doing what you want, reward her. This is the only way to train a dog. (You don't have to give an edible treat, although it's a lot easier through the stomach, but expressions of love will do.)
If you can, get some part of an electric fence, specifically made for pets or livestock. If the existing fence is not permeable to her now, a single line of electric about 4" above it will probably stop her escaping. To teach her the new system, put some meat on the fence so you know she gets at least one good shock. It has to be PULSING--not a steady charge. A steady charge will kill her. A pulsing charge will teach her to stay away from it. I use Premier Fencing-- https://www.premier1supplies.com/c/fencing/ --but I'm sure you can find something cheaper and closer. You only need one line of electric in this case.
You can also try electrical gizmos that run on solar and are very cheap--when the line of light is broke (by someone going where they should not) an alarm and red light go off. A dog will quickly learn not to go there. Another thing I have used is put an electric gizmo on the collar--they are key finder aids, actually. When you want to find her, you push your key fob and a buzzer and light goes off. Dogs don't like that much (and you can identify where she is). The only downside is dangling in water when she drinks will disable it and eventually ruin it. I live in the country and had a Pyrenees that would travel a quarter mile and two neighbors were problematic: One is hostile and mentally ill and the other poisoned one of my dogs for barking as she walked by (which she did bristling with paranoia, apparent rage, and a challenging stare).
It's not cool if she doesn't obey you. But it's easier to train her if she thinks you and she are on the same team, working together, thereby using your bond in a positive manner.
Don't let her travel on her own. There are many ways she can be hurt if she gets used to that. I have three large dogs, all of whom could get out if they really put their mind to it. But bonding keeps them home. And the youngest has responded very well to treats. She thought it was very funny to watch me chasing her when trying to bring her in at 2 a.m. in the rain.
And if you think your dog is an escape artist, you should get some goats. (But with your garden I do not recommend it. Your flowers would likely kill them!)