Lynne Hackles - Butterfly Writing

Welcome

Butterfly Writer is how Lynne Hackles describes herself because of the abundance of writing projects and genres she’s comfortable with.

Lynne Hackles - Non-Fiction

Writing from Life

This book will show you how your own personal experiences can provide you with an endless supply of ideas for your writing – whether fiction or non-fiction.

Lynne Hackles - Short Stories

Short Story Writing Competitions

Lynne Hackles cannot envisage a time when she won’t be writing short stories. Short stories are a big part of who she is as a Butterfly Writer…

Lynne Hackles - For Children

Racing Start

Joe Astley is thirteen, undersized and useless at football. His father, an ex-professional footballer, would like Joe to follow in his footsteps but Joe wants to become a racing cyclist. He needs to prove to his dad that he is good at cycling and, at the same time, defeat the school bully

Welcome

‘What do you do?’
‘I’m a writer.’
‘Will I have heard of you?’
‘Probably not.’
‘What sort of writing do you do?’
‘It’s easier to say what I don’t do. Poetry and pornography.’

I call myself a butterfly writer, because I flit from one thing to another. My husband, known to many as the LSO (Long Suffering One) says I also flit from one thing to another in the kitchen, and in the garden.

I have written advertisements in rhyme, greeting cards and comic strip stories (Bunty and Girl), newspaper articles and short stories for women’s magazines. I've contributed to a children’s book of humorous short stories, Don’t Make Me Laugh, and written one, Racing Start. I've also written three books about writing and been a ghostwriter. My first novel, Gail Lockwood and Her Imaginary Agony Aunt, was published in 2023 and I followed it with Dilys Lloyd's Dilemmas.

In the Shadow of the Red Queen

In the Shadow of the Red Queen" is an anthology featuring a collection of stories from various authors, including Lynne Hackles.

Lynne, known for her engaging storytelling and contributions to numerous anthologies, brings her unique voice to this compilation.

Her works often delve into themes of everyday life, relationships, and personal growth, resonating with readers through relatable characters and situations.

This anthology provides readers with a diverse range of narratives, showcasing Hackles's ability to craft compelling short stories alongside other accomplished writers including the well-known Teresa.

Both authors have contributed to anthologies and are active members of the writing community, sharing a passion for storytelling and a long-standing mutual friendship and respect.

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Gail Lockwood

and Her Imaginary Agony Aunt

Gail Lockwood and Her Imaginary Agony Aunt is a witty, warm tale of reinvention. Recently divorced, Gail finds guidance in her sharp-tongued imaginary agony aunt—her own inner voice. As she rebuilds her life, she learns it’s never too late to speak up and start over. Lynne Hackles offers a funny, heartfelt story about resilience and the power of self-conversation.

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Dilys Lloyd's Dilemmas

Dilys Lloyd’s life has always been a bit of a mess—but when her husband leaves and her daughter runs off to Australia with her best friend’s husband, things go from messy to chaotic.

Thankfully, best friend Gail is still by her side, and their cleaning business is thriving. As Gail juggles romance, family, and her spirited mother, Dilys starts to wonder if there’s more to life than dusting other people’s shelves.

Then Johnny Sparkle, the flirty window cleaner, appears with a twinkle in his eye and an unexpected proposition. But it’s a letter from Australia that really stirs things up—forcing Dilys to face her past and ask herself whether to move on or hold out hope for reconciliation.

Dilys Lloyd’s Dilemmas is a warm, witty tale of friendship, fresh starts, and finding happiness in the most surprising places.

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Ghost Writing

Ghost Writing by Lynne Hackles is a practical, inspiring guide for writers ready to earn by writing for others. From celebrities to everyday storytellers, ghostwriting lets you sharpen your craft behind the scenes. Learn how to launch your business, work with clients, and craft powerful stories in someone else’s voice. Whether you're chasing income or growth, this book shows how invisible authorship can become a fulfilling career.

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Handy Hints

For Writers

What a wonderful book this is-indispensable for any novice writer setting out on the professional route.

Even after years of writing professionally, I found the tips and guidance welcome and inspirational.

A must-read for aspiring authors, especially for procrastinating writers like me!
M J penny

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Writing from Life

Writing from Life is a warm, practical guide to turning personal experiences into publishable stories. With wit and insight, Lynne Hackles shows how everyday moments can inspire memoirs, articles, fiction, and more. Whether you're new or seasoned, this book helps you shape memories into compelling narratives and find markets for your work.

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“

Clearly written, with some simple exercises and great advice about 'writing what we know'. The author explains how one person's dreary day-to-day life can be of great interest to another person. She shows how we can write about the places where we live, the people we've met, our hobbies, and so much more.

There wasn't much in the book that was new to me, but it made an interesting read, and I would recommend this highly to anyone thinking of starting to write, and wondering where to get ideas from.

S. Fairhead
Goodreads

“

I bought this because I hoped it would be useful in giving me ideas for the creative writing classes I facilitate and it has been invaluable. I have often found members of the group have lots of personal experiences and memories on which to draw but somehow once written up they don't seem to go anywhere. This book shows how to tweak, lie, embellish, or otherwise twist the bones of memories into pieces of writing which may well be marketable either as non-fiction or fictionalised as short stories.
The book is well laid out and easy to follow. There are exercises and, perhaps most important of all, examples to illustrate the points she is making. For instance, someone had written a piece of memoir which, had it been embellished, could have become a publishable short story but the writer did not want to change any of the facts so it remained a piece of not very gripping memoir. I will use this book often.

Ms M Smith
Amazon

“

Very helpful and inspirational in that encourages the reader to get around to writing and stop procrastinating!

Sisi18

“

I love this author's writing. Her ability to make me laugh out loud yet also move me to tears makes her so readable. This follow-up to Gail Lockwood and Her Imaginary Agony Aunt (also a great read) has many of the same brilliant characters with the addition of Johnny Sparkle, Dilys's window cleaner, who doesn't only add a sparkle to her windows! A wonderful read, I found it unputdownable. I sincerely hope there will be a follow-up to the first two fabulous reads about Gail and Dilys.

Bookworm

“

A lovely bit of escapism. Single mum Dilys, with an estranged daughter and her own (and a friend's) business to run, has enough on her plate. But when a local window cleaner adds some 'Sparkle' into her life and her daughter turns up unannounced from Australia, its friends and especially cake and a cuppa help Dilys decide to confront her past and move forward. A heartwarming read about second chances and unexpected friendships.

Mrs C Rossiter

“

f you loved reading any of Lynne Hackles' magazine short stories, you'll love this. This collection of humorous characters, each with their own quirks, brings Gail and Her Imaginary Agony Aunt to life. I loved the witty comments, descriptions, and one-liners. Gail has a To-do list, her friends all have dreams and wishes too . . . will they ever achieve them? Well, I don't want to spoil it for you, but Lynne always produces satisfyingly good story endings. Can't wait for the next one!

S Whaley
Amazon

Lynne Hackles

Lynne Hackles

Welcome

Review

Lynne Hackles on Amazon

In the Shadow of the Red Queen

Gail Lockwood

Dilys Lloyd's Dilemmas

Review

Books on Amazon

Ghost Writing

Handy Hints

For Writers

Writing from Life

Review

What Readers Say...