I've taken this next task from the website of Writing Events Bath - it's a sort of competition, which could result in publication in an anthology, so if you want you can enter it - the link is here. (Naturally, you don't have to enter the competition, but I thought the exercise was quite a fun idea.)

NB It should be no more than 600 words.

Below is a list of a dozen words. Write your story incorporating at least 5 of the words in any way you like. Please give your story a catchy title and submit it by email as an attachment (sorry, no hard copies) by December 2nd. The plan is to publish 100 copies and price them at £5 which includes post and packing as well as a donation to one of our favourite charities, Young Carers. (Google to find out more about them)

Please note this project is suitable for beginners and experienced writers and our mission is to keep your creativity flowing during lockdown.

A couple of tips: Avoid cliches, check spelling and word count and try for a story arc.

Here is the list of words – remember to use a minimum of 5:

Bluebottle, Clock, Fur, Lavender, Train, Ella Fitzgerald, Nylon shirt, High heels,

Seaweed, Turpentine, Burnt Toast, Bonfire