elou carroll

Hello again, friends. It has been approximately one month and thirteen days since my last update. We’re getting into a more almost-monthly schedule of updates at the moment, it seems. How lovely. I have a couple of things to share, announce, and what-have-you.

Firstly, I handed in my very first solicited story last week. Very exciting. The project has been announced and there is a cover—but I’m going to talk more about it nearer the time. I know, I’m a tease. This week, I also received an exciting reprint-related email, and I’m absolutely fizzing to talk about it, but alas, I cannot. I know. I am still a tease.

Secondly, I am almost halfway through my final edits on the novel. Soon, I will bully a couple of unfortunate souls (read: lovely, kind, wonderful writing friends) into reading it, and then—then—it’s to the query trenches for me while I tentatively begin writing book 2. Did I mention it’s a duology? No? It’s a duology. I’ve also foolishly, recklessly signed myself up (attempt to) to write a novella in July alongside a bunch of writing friends. July, which is often my busiest month, because I am glutton for punishment, apparently. It was a moment of “Sure, why not?”-ism that I may come to regret. We shall see.

Now, onto the actual purpose of this post. Yesterday was National Flash Fiction Day! Every year, FlashFlood publishes a bucket-load (understatement of the year) of excellent flash fiction to mark the occasion. This year, that included a sad little story about grief and sweets by yours truly…

When the arrivals board blinks out again, Audra is still eating pear drops. She lets them melt on her tongue, the sugary coating smoothing, the way Lola liked—likes—to. Pear drops are Lola’s favourite.

You can read the rest, for free, here!

In other news, a very exciting project has recently been teased over on the former big blue bird app. I can’t wait to tell you more about this one, edited by the ever-fantastic TJ Price, but I will because (say it with me, now): I am very much still a tease.

Cross the threshold with us, November 2024. We’ll be waiting.