There Once Was a Woman…
‘There was once a woman who devoured stories. She read to enjoy; she read to escape the humdrum of her life.’ JANE HAYWARD weaves together a fairy tale and tells the story of a story.
The Short Story Day Trip
Author DOUG CRANDELL goes on a day trip and sets us a writing exercise.
A Question About – Story Commissions
‘To accept a short story commission, or not, that is the question.’ Writer VANESSA GEBBIE considers the pros and cons of short story commissions. Have you ever been commissioned to write a story? Leave a comment and tell us what do you think.
The Debate – Are Writing Courses Worth it?
The debate rumbles on: are creative writing courses worth it? Is ‘creative writing’ in fact something that can ever be ‘taught’? Are the available courses worth the money? GABRIELLE KIMM shares her views.
A Day Out at Bristol Literature Festival
‘I’ve got a confession to make. It’s quite a while since I’ve been a regular attendee of literary festivals.’ PAULINE MASUREL tells us why she stopped going to literary festivals, and how a new festival in Bristol convinced her to go again.
A Writer’s View
‘The short story is a glorious form that is evolving and changing before our very eyes; anything seems possible.’ Author JACKIE KAY shares her thoughts on the unique power of the short story.
We Recommend – Memory Wall by Anthony Doerr
“Here’s a caution to all short story writers: if the first story in your collection is too good, if it happens to actually be a masterpiece, watch out.” TANIA HERSHMAN, editor of THE SHORT REVIEW, looks at Anthony Doerr’s second collection of short stories.
Manchester Fiction Prize
In his closing remarks at the awards ceremony for the Manchester Fiction Prize, Nicholas Royle, the Chair of Judges, comments on the selection process and on recognising the winning stories.
Small Wonder 2011
Last weekend, KATHERINE ORR and ALISON MacLEOD went to the Small Wonder Short Story Festival at Charleston House in East Sussex. Read about the festival’s many lively readings and events, and about crossing paths with the Bloomsbury group.
The Twinkle in Edna’s Eye
MARY COSTELLO reveals her delight in seeing EDNA O’BRIEN win the Frank O’Connor Award on Sunday.