First came those adverbs (courtesy, somehow, of me); then it was Lesley's Nonsense Challenge; now we have an Overload of the Senses, this time the brainchild of fantasy and sci-fi author Allen Ashley.

Like with all these writing challenges, it's yet another chance to break those so-called writing "rules", and is run by the inestimable and effervescent author Chris Fielden. This time, writers are invited to be as purple in their prose as they possibly can be. (If you want any proof as to the success of the project, just look at the cover of the resulting book...)

This time, all proceeds are going to the National Literacy Trust. With 100 tales from 100 authors, it's another fine purchase, and for a great cause too. Click on the page from Chris's website for the various links about where to buy.

(PS. My effort, entitled "A Tall Tale", is about an unexpected extra hit of caffeine one bleary-eyed morning. A quick confession: it is not completely inconceivable that buried within is a large kernel of truth.)

Chris Fielden's gloriously bonkers, not to mention highly irreverent, competition for humorous short stories has now revved its way into its 4th year. Since on the whole there is little opportunity to see comic writing acknowledged and rewarded in this way, it's great to see this competition going from strength to strength.

I was fortunate enough to win the inaugural To Hull and Back competition in 2014, with my story "How Not To Undertake an Effective Time-and-Motion Study". Part of my prize was to be immortalised on The Hog (i.e. Chris's motorbike), on the front cover of the resulting anthology. (I've been jumping through that ring of fire for four years now. I must be getting bow-legged... as well as a trifle warm...)

This year I was privileged to be asked to join the judging panel. To say it was a tough call was an understatement - the shortlist consists of twenty very good (and funny) stories. Congratulations to Crystal Jeans, the overall winner - enjoy joining a very select club of Hog-Riders!

The anthology for the 2017 competition is out now. It also features a story from each of the judges, including my quirky romantic offering "The Arrow of Cupid (Goes Twang)", which was published by Storgy earlier this year. Take a look at Chris's competition page for the various links on Amazon, to buy as a paperbook book, Kindle file, or PDF.