NEWS
FEBRUARY 2022
It's almost time for the Farnham Literary Festival and this year two of my ex students are featuring on the events list. If you have time, please do go and see Susanne Goldring and Helen Matthews in conversation about their publications. March 6th, 4pm at the Oxfam book shop. Details here
JANUARY 2022
I'm delighted to start the year off with news of the publishing success of two talented students who have been coming to me for a while - Richard (Thurs afternoon) and Kari (Thurs morning). Huge congratulations to them both for completing their books and getting them out into the world. Some of you have heard excerpts during the last few terms and will have already got your hands on a copy, but if you haven't, I urge you to do so: Pilgrim by Kari Gillespie and a Razor's Edge by Richard Wright.
I've organised an evening with them both to celebrate and discuss their journey to publication, on Tuesday, March 1st, 7pm at the Bel and Dragon in Churt.
I’ll be doing a Q&A with both Richard and Kari, and there’ll be lots of opportunity to ask questions about the perils and pitfalls of publishing on Amazon. I think you’ll find it very useful, whatever stage you are in the writing process.
SEPTEMBER 2021
I've had a busy three months working with Thameside and Pentonville Prisons on a series of 'Fact to Fiction' workshops. During the pandemic prisoners have been in their cells 23.5 hours per day. I've been astounded by the quality of writing coming from the inmates and the richness of their stories. Watch this space for more news on their creations. Read more about the current situation in prisons here: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54607813
JUNE 2021
I'm delighted to announce the final winner of the recording artist competition of the Chichester Short Story Competition. We felt absolutely privileged to read such diverse, imaginative and surprising stories. Every story had its own music and there was so much to admire, not just in terms of the story being told, but in the development and depth of characters and the beauty and polish of sentences. The winning story stood out for both judges. As did the winning voice artist – for the quality of recording, energy, intro music, and originality of voice. It is with great pleasure that we invite you to listen to ‘Vector’. Written by Tracy Fells, read, recorded and produced by Max Pearson. Listen to it here: https://www.thestoryplayer.com/university-of-chichester-audio-short-story-competition-2021/
MAY 2021
Apologies for silence over lockdown. I've still been writing and teaching, but am working on my novel rather than short stories at the moment. I'm still running all my weekly courses via Zoom, and am doing physical one-to-one tuition. The upside of lockdown is that we all have more time to write!
I've also been busy organising the recording of the winner of this year's Mogford Prize. Congratulations to Finlay Taylor for his fabulous story 'Madame Blini's Disdain'. You can listen to it on the audio short story platform The Story Player.
I've now taken over The Story Player and am currently working with prisons and universities to encourage new writing talent.
The inaugural University of Chichester Audio Short Story Competition was judged over lockdown and we announced the winning story - a tense, evocative piece written by Tracy Fells. We are now in the process of judging the next stage of the competition - finding a voice artist to record the story.
JUNE
Huge congratulations are due to ten of my students who made the long list of this year's Farnham Flash Fiction competition. I went to the prize giving ceremony last night and was so proud to see that almost half the finalists were my students. It was fabulous listening to everyone read their story - such an eclectic mix of talent. Congrats to: Lisa Daly, Julie Evans, Alan Goodchild, Dee Holmes, Poppy Newton, David Rowlandson, Len Davis, Charles Warren, Susan Corfield, and Katrina Dennison. Lisa Daly won the Farnham section and Julie Evans came third over all.
APRIL
Hurrah, thanks so much for voting! High Spirits has won this year's Saboteur Awards! Absolutely delighted! The Saboteur Awards have been described in 'The Independent' as the 'ankle-biter' of the literary world. They have been running for nine years, and celebrate the UK's small press publishers. Thanks again to Karen and Jonathon who did such a fabulous job of editing the collection.
Have really enjoyed recording the winning story of this year's Mogford Food and Drink Prize for The Story Player. It's a tense, evocative piece that fully deserved to win the £10,000 prize: Corvadae by Elisabeth Ingram Wallace. Read by Sara Wilson-Soppitt. You can listen to it here. Once again had a superb evening at the prize giving ceremony at The Old Bank Hotel. Jeremy Mogford was as generous a host as ever - fizz, canapés, dinner... Had dinner with the short-listers and and this year's judges, and with the lovely Mary Berry who judged last year's competition.
MARCH
So pleased to be invited to Gillian Thompson's launch of her fabulous historical novel 'The Ocean's Between Us'. It's a really poignant and evocative story. She is another one of our MA students at Chichester who has gone on to achieve publishing success. I loved workshopping with her and I absolutely recommend the book. You can read about it here
FEB
Had a fabulous evening at Waterstones Piccadilly for the launch of High Spirits. A marvellously bibulous and bookish event with some amazing contemporary writers. We all read a short excerpt from our stories. It really is a stunning collection and I'm very honoured to have my story, 'Tasting Notes', included. If you like stories and booze, this one's for you... You can buy it here
JAN 2019
Don't know where the year's gone. Have been busy teaching and redrafting my novel. Have really missed writing short stories, and that instant validation of something crafted and completed, rather than the baggy eternity of the novel. New Year's resolution to complete 'the novel' and to allow myself the odd foray into a short story. Have loved judging the Ink Tears Prize again this year. Such a high standard again and so difficult to choose a winner.
OCT
If you're an early planner, and are already looking for Christmas presents, then can I suggest a copy of 'High Spirits'? It's a new anthology of drinking stories that will be launched next month. It's already had some fabulous reviews. Here's the blurb:
Drinking stories are told by drunks, or about drunks; they are told in pubs, or set in pubs. They are stories where people drink, and stories which somehow induce a sense of drunkenness in readers and listeners. Anton Chekhov may or may not have drunkenly compared the experience of reading a short story to downing a shot of vodka, and F. Scott Fitzgerald claimed that a good short story could “be written on a bottle.” Here is a collection of contemporary short stories written on and about bottles – stories about the comedies, tragedies, pleasures, pains and horrors of alcohol – all of which can be downed like (and perhaps with) a glass of vodka.
I'm so pleased to have my story, 'Tasting Notes', included in the collection. I'm alongside a host of fab writers: Judith Allnatt, Jenn Ashworth, Desmond Barry, Laurie Cusack, Louis de Bernières, Jane Feaver, Cathy Galvin, Alison Moore, Kate North, Bethan Roberts, Jane Roberts, Hannah Stevens, Michael Stewart, David Swann, and Sue Wilsea.
You can order your copy here. And you can come and raise a glass with us at the launch party at Waterstones Piccadilly, in February. Book your tickets here.
SEPT
Delighted to have one of my stories (previously shortlisted for the Royal Academy Pin Drop Award) published in the very gorgeous and glossy Yes & No Magazine. They've been collaborating with Simon Oldfield and the RA team. I'm hugely grateful to them all. It's illustrated by the fab Princess Julia. You can order a copy here.
JULY
I've been teaching more over the last few months and in between have been holed up finishing PhD edits, and redrafting my novel. Delighted Southampton Uni have finally approved minor edits and I'm now formally Dr Whipman. Hurrah! No excuse not to finish the novel now...But must admit am missing writing my short stories.
FEBRUARY
I've been invited to run a book club at my local pub, Bel and the Dragon. If you're in Surrey, then please come and join us. It' a fab pub, with great food. I'm leading the discussion; it'll be informal, but we'll actually be talking about the book! In most book clubs I've been to, the book conversation doesn't last long... We start on Tuesday March 13th, and the book is Hagseed by Margaret Atwood. The evening's £20, which includes supper and a glass of wine. Details here
JANUARY
Hurrah! Have finally had my viva and passed my PhD. Am working on some minor edits over the next three months, but there's no excuse not to get on with the novel alongside that...
I ran a short story masterclass for the students at Godalming Sixth Form College before Christmas. A really talented and enthusiastic group. The English Dept organised a short story competition which I've been judging. The stories were an absolute pleasure to read and I'm looking forward to presenting the prize this week. Was tricky selecting a winner as the standard was so high.
DECEMBER
Still don't seem to be doing much of my own writing... However, I'm very much enjoying being on the judging panel for the Ink Tears Short Story Prize again. Am reading some excellent entries - a real diverse mix of realism, fantasy, uncanny etc. And in between am prepping for my PhD viva in January. Once that's over I can get back to the novel.
NOVEMBER
A rather long break as I've been concentrating on my PhD thesis. Finally submitted it! Hurrah! 77,000 words and five years later... Haven't had much time for my own writing, but my students have been doing amazingly well. Richard Buxton from the Chichester MA launched his debut historical novel, Whirligig, to much critical acclaim. Helen Matthews, from my Thursday class, launched her debut novel, After Leaving the Village, and is currently embarked on a series of book signings across the country. Two of my students from my Thursday evening class have reached the final three in the Farnham short story prize, judged by author Claire Fuller. Ex MA student and poet, Hannah Brockbank has had numerous poems published and has just launched her poetry pamphlet Bloodlines, and Raine Geoghegan has had a number of her poems published in literary journals. Now I just need to prep for my viva and continue editing the novel...
JULY
Utterly thrilled that Llama Sutra has won the Rubery Book Award short story category! Ink Tears are offering a £7 discount to celebrate. You just need to use the code RUBERY at the check out.
I've had a really interesting couple of weeks working as Director of Studies for the 360 Chinese summer camp. Great to be involved with younger children (and such an enthusiastic TEFL team) and astounding to see such creativity despite limitations of language.
JUNE
Just heard I've been shortlisted for the Royal Academy Pin Drop Award. Utterly amazed and delighted to have made it two years running. The lovely Joanna Campbell is on the shortlist too! Very much looking forward to going up to the RA on the 23rd. Penelope Wilton will be reading the winning story. It's a fab venue and a wonderful literary evening. Tickets available here.
MAY
I had an interview this month with the lovely Katy Wimhurst from TSS Publishing this month. Asking lots of searching questions about the genesis of Llama Sutra and the short story form. If you have the inclination you can read it here.
Absolutely honoured to be long-listed for the Royal Academy Pin Drop Award! I made the shortlist last year, and am so pleased to be in the running again. And fab to see that fellow Ink Tears writer, Joanna Campbell, is on the longlist too. Fingers crossed for us both for the next stage.
Had an excellent evening with Ivana and Mandy from Brooklands Radio. I was interviewed as part of their 'Just Women' chat show. Very grateful to have been invited to chat about all things writing and Llama Sutra. You can listen again on Thursday 11th May at 8pm, or to the podcast here.
APR
I had an interview with the fabulous Donna Freed from 'Radio Gorgeous' last month. Despite her excellent, and very friendly questions, I manage to make rather a hash of it. Clearly this radio-interview lark is an acquired art; I think I prefer the safety of the page. Henceforth, I am banning the word 'absolutely' from my vocabulary. If you want to listen, here's the link, but you were warned...
MAR
The brilliantly talented Elena Bowes from '26' interviewed me this month. You can read it here. She's also written about Llama Sutra in her blog here.
If you'd like a taster of my book, the title story, Llama Sutra, is back on Radio 4 again on Tuesday 28th March at 11am. Read by the amazing Camilla Marie Beeput. Details here.
Thrilled to hear that Llama Sutra has been long listed for the Edge Hill Prize. It’s the UK’s only prestigious literary prize for short story collections. I’ve got through to the last twenty with some brilliant ‘mainstream’ writers including Mark Hadden, David Lodge, Penelope Lively, Susan Hill and Helen Oyeyemi! Am terribly excited. Also so pleased that another 'Ink Tears' author, Joanna Campbell has made the longlist with her fabulous book 'When Planets Slip their Tracks.' And heart-warming to see several independent publishers on the list. So often these prizes just go to the giants.
Relieved and absolutely delighted to read my first full review of Llama Sutra. It was posted on Thresholds website yesterday. Am so pleased writer, Tracy Fells, enjoyed my collection, and had the time and energy to write a review for Thresholds. Thank you! You can read it here.
A huge thank-you to the utterly brilliant staff of Sandhurst Library. They were kind enough to invite me along to read and to do a Q&A. They worked so hard to set up the evening and make it a success. It was a privilege to meet them and their members and I enjoyed every minute.
Had a fabulous evening reading from Llama Sutra at Kingston University alongside Galley Beggar Press founder Sam Jordison. Massive thanks to David Rogers for inviting me.
FEB
It's my book launch at Waterstones in Guildford this month. Would love everyone to come along and join me on Weds, 22nd at 7pm. Free entry, and I'm taking a vast supply of plonk and crisps, so please brave the winter chill and come and listen to a tale from Llama Sutra and join in with a Q&A about the resurgence of the short story.
On the 28th Feb I'll be in Sandhurst library. Never been there before, but they kindly invited me to come along and talk a bit about Llama Sutra and getting published. Again, free entry.
JAN
Another interesting month attempting to promote Llama Sutra! Have to thank Woman's Own Magazine for their full page feature. A few years ago I won their annual short story prize. Kate Atkinson won the same prize many years ago, and says that was the start of her publishing career... I live in hope...
Sadly I've not had time to write anything creative yet this year; I've been busy working and concentrating on the PhD. Also have spent some very enjoyable hours reading the entries for the Ink Tears Prize - amazing standard! Longlist will be out in Feb.
Had a fab evening at Bel and the Dragon in Churt. 'A Literary Supper'! It was really nice to sit with a group of readers and writers, discussing books and eating delicious food and quaffing wine.
DEC
I had a very interesting afternoon with Surrey Radio (Dec 13th 2.45pm) chatting with the lovely Allison Ferns about Llama Sutra, Lit Live, and my writing classes. I think this radio lark must be an acquired skill. I wasn't given questions in advance, but I prepped by googling 'tips for broadcasting on radio': 'speak loudly', 'smile continuously', be 'upbeat'. Listening back to my high pitched ramblings, the overall effect is one of hysteria rather than buoyancy... Also, in a desperate attempt not to blaspheme or swear, the strangest language popped out. I said 'darn'!! Not related to needle and thread. Darn? Dear God! I've never used that word in my life. I also managed to say 'spunk'... And Allison compared my sensual literary gems to 'Fifty Shades'! Hours of editing and honing and layering in metaphor and symbolism... Anyway, if you really want to, you can listen to my interview here.
Please come along to our official Ink Tears Book Launch on December 9th in Covent Garden. Joanna Campbell will be launching her brilliant collection, When Planets Slip Their Tracks, too. There'll be free wine and nibbles, and some entertaining readings from me and Jo and our fab MC, Agnes Meadows. 7.30 at the Sun Pub on Drury Lane.
Huge thank you to The Haslemere Book Shop and Waterstones in Farnham for hosting this month's book signing events. We had an amazing turn out in Farnham, and Pip at Waterstones had to run to Starbucks to borrow extra chairs to accommodate the crowd. We spent a couple of hours drinking wine and (as well as plugging Llama Sutra) discussing the resurgence of the short story and our favourite short story collections and why they work so well for book clubs.
NOV
Thank you so much to the organisers of the Write Idea Festival in Tower Hamlets. I had a fabulous day running a creative writing workshop and signing Llama Sutra. My first official book signing! It was a fabulous atmosphere and superbly organised.
Thanks also to Sara-Mae and Anthony Howcroft from Ink Tears, and everyone who came to my book launch at home on the 19th. There was fizz, llamas and cup-cakes!
SEPT
I'm delighted to be appearing at this year's Write Idea Festival. I'll be reading from my debut collection and leading a writing workshop. Saturday November 12th. Free Entry! Book your tickets here.
After several tedious delays Llama Sutra is finally at the printers! Launch date now planned for mid October. Watch this space... In the meantime, you can read a little more about it the collection in my interview with Leslie Tate here.
MAY
Just heard that Silent as Storks has made the final six in the Royal Academy Pin Drop Short Story Award. Utterly thrilled as I'm amongst some brilliant writers: Catherine MacNamara, Barney Walsh, Cathy Thomas, Claire Fuller, and Kirstin Zhang.
You can now read my poem, Summer Day 1992, on Popshot's website here.
Absolutely delighted to hear that my story, Silent as Storks, has made the final twenty in the RA and Pin Drop Short Story Award. The winner will be read by Juliet Stevenson on June 24th at the Royal Academy of Arts.
APRIL
All a bit hectic on the personal front, and seem to have spent any spare time on 'the novel' and my thesis, so have had no time to work on short stories and submitting. However, have at least been longlisted for the Exeter. Again, one of those stories I wrote years ago and which has been shortlisted and longlisted but never made the final cut. And of course every time it comes back I duly edit and hone. It's morphed into something very different from the original. Never sure whether that's a good or a bad thing. Anyway, fingers crossed for the shortlist.
MARCH
Hurrah! My short story 'African Grey' made it to the prestigious Fish short list! Only got long-listed last year, so really pleased. There are some excellent writers on the long and short lists, including Tracy Fells, who's a regular reader at Frensham Lit Live.
Thrilled that my story, Clipping Kiki, has won first prize in the Artificium Short Story Award. Artificium is a new independent publishing outfit in London, and I'm really looking forward to seeing my story in the next issue.
Delighted to be on the judging panel (with Karen Stevens and Emma-Jane Hughes) for the Worthing WOW Literary Festival Short Story Competition. Entry is free, deadline May 1st. Details here.
Chuffed to hear Jacob Denno, from the excellent Popshot Magazine has accepted my poem, Summer '92 for publication.
Had an amazing 'photo shoot' for my book jacket with the absolutely fabulous Iain Philpott. I'd been asked by the publishers to provide a 'proper', 'professional' photo, and was, to be honest, dreading it. (Why in God's name do we have to resort to this kind of PR/marketing crap? Surely we just need to snug up in our garret and write?) Anyway, in spite of all my fears, it was actually vaguely enjoyable. A large glass of wine helped. And Iain and his gorgeous wife, Lara, were incredibly patient. They made me laugh, blasted me with a hair dryer to get the windblown look, and even got the dog to behave. Okay, so I don't quite look like those women on Iain's website, but somehow he's managed to defy the old silk purse/sow's ear adage. I don't think I look too bad...
FEBRUARY 2016
Immensely happy to hear that my short story collection, Llama Sutra, is very shortly going to print. It's been a heck of a long wait!! For your invite to the launch parties in London and Lingwood sign up here.
JANUARY 2016
Very pleased to hear my short story, Pangolin, will be included in the next Rattle Tales anthology.
Despite organising our Frensham Lit Live Night for 'Blue Monday', and on one of the coldest nights of the year, we had a superb evening. David and Sally at The Holly Bush had stoked up the fire, turned down the lights and stocked up the cellar. Our readers - who came from as far as Chichester and Worthing - entertained us with an eclectic mix of poetry and prose, and poignancy and humour, that made us laugh and cry. Sadly I've been foolish enough to attempt a 'dry January' so was nursing an extraordinarily dull slim line tonic, but I was pleased to see that most of the audience were taking advantage of the local ales and superb wine list. It was a fabulous evening and a great way to escape the grim chill of Blue (and dry!) Monday. A massive thank you to everyone who turned up to listen, and to all our readers: Len Davis, Sarah Van Den Broek, Roy Woodard, Hannah Brockbank, Rosemary Wisbey, Katrina Dennisson, Tracy Fells, Alan and Amanda Macland, and Richard Hawtree.
DECEMBER 2015
Thrilled to hear my story, Dissolving, has won this year's Prolitzer Prize. Last year I came second (to the fab Ken Elkes), so was amazed to hear I'd been shunted up to first place this year. I was particularly pleased as this year's judge was the brilliant Jaki McCarrick. You can read her report here. The story, along with the other finalists is in issue 18 of Prole Magazine.
NOVEMBER 2015
Delighted to hear my story, Cultural Exchange, has been shortlisted for this year's HG Wells Prize. I came first last year, so it's very unlikely I'll be able to do it again... But whatever the outcome I'll be reading my story with the other short listers in Folkestone on November 28th.
OCTOBER 2015
Have had a stressful few months on the home front, and haven't done any writing at all, so was extra pleased to hear that my fantasy story 'Another Skin' has been shortlisted for the Luna Press Short Story Contest. It was one of those stories that I thought might be difficult to place: surreal and over 6000 words, so tricky in length and style. I'm delighted it will have a home in the Luna Press anthology. Also very pleased to hear that another story has been highly commended in the Ilkley Literary Festivalshort story prize.
SEPTEMBER 2015
After weeks of deliberation, the design for the jacket of my forthcoming collection, Llama Sutra, has finally been chosen. Thanks to all those who voted for it. You can see it here.
Had a marvellous evening listening to the prose and poetry readers at this month's FRENSHAM LIT LIVE NIGHT. See the Events page for further details.
Delighted to hear my story, Sharp as Sherbert Lemons, has been awarded first prize in the Ifanca Hélène James Short Story Prize. Really pleased as I was up against some strong competition. The other short listers were: Ann Clifford, Andrea Wotherspoon, Lucy Donald, Gemma Bowker, Tim Robson, Richard Buxton, Mark Gillespie, Bruce Harris and Sue Dickson. You can read my story here.
AUGUST 2015
Stumbled across this gorgeous picture by artist/illustrator Pajou Lin. It really cheered me up, and was inspired by my poem, Last Gift, in Popshot Magazine. However, generally, it's been a quiet summer on the publishing front, and one of longlists and shortlists but no placements. I had pieces longlisted for the Fish, and shortlisted for the Pulp Short Fiction Prize and the
JULY 2015
I've been a bit inactive on submitting/writing over the last few weeks. Been too busy making the final edits to my collection, Llama Sutra. It should be out with Ink Tears Press at the end of the year. Never thought it would be this difficult to order and select the stories. Think I'm finally there though... Watch this space...
JUNE 2015
The next Lit-Live event is almost upon us. I always feel there's almost an atavistic thrill about listening to a story teller. The hushed crowd, the rise and fall of the speaker’s voice, the journey from reality into a shared imagination. I get a pulse of expectation at these open mic nights, a tugging on the strands of my DNA. If it’s not a genetic echo from a distance past when history was passed on through oral traditions, then maybe it’s just a memory of my childhood, being read to sleep by my mum or dad. At some stage during the evening muscle memory takes over, and I find myself clasping the bowl of my glass in two hands, and when I take a sip I’m shocked to find Rioja flooding my taste buds instead of the malty sweetness of Ovaltine.
My last few open mic experiences have been in city centres in cellar bars or cosy book shops or tucked away in a Brixton side street. I love the closed world of poetry and prose, with the fug of wine and beer and the fire flickering in the corner and creamy candles oozing wax. My next open mic night, however, will be very different. June 22nd, a day away from the summer solstice. We’re in a pub, yes, but The Holly Bush is a country pub with wide French doors leading onto a hay-bale strewn terrace. Instead of shutting out the natural world, we’ll be letting the smells and sounds of the outdoors seep into the story room.
So I’m hoping the long, light evening will make it a lively event. After all, summer bed-time stories were never quite the same for me: going to sleep in the daylight felt like cheating. I was always wide awake. On June 22nd I think I’ll have to ditch the Rioja and go for a chilled white, maybe a flinty Chablis. A nice link to those Stone Age summer solstice gatherings where pagans told tales and their words spilled out with the last rays of the setting sun.
We have some very talented writers on the line-up, who will be reading a mix of poetry and flash fiction. All the booked slots have been filled, but there should be time for a couple of open mic slots at the end. So if anyone is keen to read, then just turn up on the night and come and find me. It’s free entry for readers and listeners.
Line up: Tracy Fells, Lewis Brander, Ruth Brandt, Denise Olley, Raine Geoghan, Len Davis, Susan Corfield, Amanda MacLand, Dave Weaver, Eve Hopkirk, Fabian Wood, Roy Woodard and Ruby Luckham.
MAY 2015
Spent a magical evening at Rattle Tales' Brighton Fringe event last night. I read alongside Dave Weaver, Marie Gethins, Justine Kilkerr, Bill Parslow, James Ellis, KP Parker Erinna Mettler and Joe Bedford. They were all fabulous, and I felt honoured to be included in the line-up. There was definitely a flora and fauna theme going on. The cellar bar resonated with tales of fur, feathers and flowers. There were some great performances: we had the sensual GRRRRR of a female wolf/woman cub, the aggressive BRRRR of a savage hedge-trimmer; there were flights of fancy and flights off piers, and a very cute pig at an airport!!! My ears are still ringing from the enthusiastic ratting from the packed audience. You can read the full review here.
I was interviewed this week by the lovely Hattie, at The Short Story - a great new online platform dedicated to the short story form. It's an excellent resource for short story writers, full of reviews, articles, and there's a regular competition. You can read my interview here.
Really pleased to hear that my story, Peacock Girl, has been chosen by the Rattle Tales team for their Brighton Fringe Festival event. I'll be reading my story at the Brunswick, in Hove, on May 21st. Tickets available here.
APRIL 2015
I've booked the venue for our next LIT-LIVE NIGHT. It's the Holly Bush Pub in Frensham. Monday, June 22nd. 7.30 - 10pm. FREE ENTRY for readers and voyeurs... Open Mic slots are already filling up fast, so contact me if you'd like to book a slot...
Just heard that one of my private students, Luke Melia, has been shortlisted for the prestigious White Review Short Story Prize. Huge congratulations are in order. It's a hard-hitting and atmospheric tale about Tiananmen Square, and is well deserving of its shortlisting. Details here.
MARCH 2015
Seems to be a month of longlisting... I'm on the Fish longlist today. Very pleased to see that Stephanie Norgate and Tracy Fells - fellow Chichester University writers - made it to the shortlist.
Googled myself this morning (no excuses!) and discovered that my poem 'View from 92' has been commended in Sentinel's Annual Poetry Competition. I've only recently started sending out poetry, so really pleased. Sadly I missed all the generous monetary prizes, but still delighted that the judge (the brilliant Roger Elkin) thought it was good enough for a commendation, and that it will be included in their upcoming anthology.
The inaugural Farnham LIT LIVE OPEN MIC NIGHT is just a week away. There are some excellent prose and poetry writers on the line-up (Craig-Jordan Baker, Richard Hawthorne, Len Davis, Susan Corfield, Mark Floyer, Juliet Bothams, Fabien Wood, Derek Keen, Sarah Allen...) and there should be time for a couple of open mic slots on the night. I Look forward to seeing you next Monday at the Hop Blossom in Farnham. For some advice on reading your work visit Tracy Fell's blog at the Literary Pig.
FEBRUARY 2015
Great to finally have a peek at the forthcoming Rattle Tales Anthology. You can see the cover here. I'm in very good company with fellow contributors: Paul McVeigh, Linda McVeigh, Allie Rogers, Nicholas Ridley, Stephanie Lam, Mike Liardet, Shirley Golden, Laura Wilkinson and Linda Baker. It will be available to buy next month.
Just heard that the excellent Synaesthesia Magazine has accepted one of my poems for their next issue. The theme is EAT, and it will be available next month.
JANUARY 2015
Bare Fiction Results now out. Pleased to see one of my stories made the shortlist. Congratulations to the winner, David McGrath, and second and third Allie Rogers (fellow Brighton Prizer from last year) and Anne Corlett. You can read them in Bare Fiction's next edition.
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN for the Farnham LIT LIVE OPEN MIC NIGHT, Monday 9th March, at the Hop Blossom in Farnham, 7.30 - 10pm. There will be a selection of poetry and prose readings from local Farnham writers and the Farnham UCA. Do mail me ([email protected]) if you'd like to book a slot. FREE ENTRY for readers and voyeurs.
DECEMBER:
Delighted to hear my story 'Marissa's Bike' is runner up in this years Prolitzer Prize, and is featured in Issue 15 of Prole. For a copy of the very classy magazine featuring brilliant writers such as Angela Readman, KM Elkes, Catherine Hokin, Wynn Wheldon, Sue Pace and many more, you can order it here. I recommend you read KM Elke's prize-winning story first, and I dare you not to cry...
The Fiction Desk Ghost Anthology, featuring my story, End of the Rope, is now available to pre-order, you can find it here.
The Bridgehouse anthology 'Light in the Dark' is now available. A really eclectic mix of tales from some excellent authors. You can buy it on Amazon and see the trailer here.
NOVEMBER:
16th - Fabulous weekend! Very pleased to discover my stories have won both the Writeidea Prize and the HG Wells Prize. today. Thank you so much to the organisers of both competitions! I spent a really interesting afternoon up in Tower Hamlets at the Writeidea Literary Festival. It was great to meet the brilliant author and judge Alex Wheatle (MBE) and the other fellow finalists Rowena MacDonald, Tracy Fells, Farah Yusuf and CG Menon, who read from their stories. Really honoured to win first place as the other entries were all excellent. I'm looking forward to reading the stories from the other HG Wells finalists. which are published in their beautifully produced anthology, and which you can buy here. You can read the Write Idea finalists on their website now. There's talk of an anthology coming later this year.
My story 'The Fig Tree' has been shortlisted for the Catherine Gaskin Historical House Competition and is due out in their anthology early next year. It was a real challenge to tackle a different genre, but I enjoyed the process, and am looking forward to working with Corazon Books again.
October 28th: The results for this year's Glass Woman Prize are now out. My story After Ever After (originally published in Structo) made it to the shortlist. You can read some of the stories here.
October 16th: Absolutely delighted to see author Alex Wheatle (MBE) has shortlisted my story 'What You Do For Love' for this year's Writeidea Short Story Prize. I'm alongside six other really strong writers: Andrew Blackman, Tracy Fells, Rowena MacDonald, C.G.Menon, Farrah Yusuf and Umi Sinha. We'll all be reading our stories at the Writeidea Festival in Tower Hamlets next month. If you can't make the festival you can read the shortlisted stories here.
October 1st: Latest issue of Popshot magazine is out today. It's beautifully produced and is an absolute treasure trove of art, poetry and prose. I'm particularly grateful to Constanze Moll whose illustration is the perfect accompaniment to my poem. You can read it here .
September 25th: Spent a very entertaining evening at the Bare Fiction launch at the Dog Star in Brixton last night. It was fab to be back up in town, and the VIP lounge was perfect for the packed event - very boho… I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious stream of wine, poetry and prose… Thanks again to Robert Harper for producing such a classy magazine and for organising the launch.
September 22nd: The shortlist for the HG Wells short story competition has been announced today, and my story 'Wakes and Wishbones' has made it into the top ten and into the anthology. Final results will be announced at the prize-giving ceremony in Folkestone on November 16th.
September 1st: Tickets are still available for the Bare Fiction launch in Brixton on September 24th where I'll be reading my poems. Fab venue and some great writers… There are also some open mic slots still free, so if you'd like to take the opportunity to share your own poem or piece of flash fiction then do contact Robert Harper.
August 16th:
The launch date for the next Bare Fiction issue has been announced. September 24th, in the Dogstar's VIP room in Brixton. I'll be reading my poems along with several of the other contributors.
August 15th:
My story, 'End of the Rope,' has made it to The Fiction Desk shortlist for their annual ghost competition. I've been very impressed by the quality of the stories chosen by Rob Redman for the other anthologies, so am delighted to be included amongst The Fiction Desk's list of authors. You can read an interview with Rob Redman here.
July 31st:
Have just heard from Jacob Denno of Popshot Magazine, telling me that my poem - Last Gift - has been accepted for their next issue. Am delighted to be included in such a fab literary magazine. Jacob Denno talks about his selection process here.
July 8th:
My short story 'Hush' is to be published in the next Bridge House Publishing anthology. I'm in good company, with fellow contributors Ruby Cowling and Marc Owen Jones, whose stories were alongside mine in Unthology 4.
10th June:
The Sophie King Prize Anthology: Love Is All You Need, is now available to buy on Amazon. Ten romantic tales, including one of mine. The perfect 'chick-lit' holiday read.
May 24th:
The excellent literary magazine Bare Fiction has just been shortlisted for this year's Saboteur Awards. They'll be publishing two of my poems in their next issue.
May 15th 2014:
Spent a superb evening listening to tales at The Brunswick last night down by the sea in Hove. Perfect venue, interesting people and excellent stories. I came joint second with the very talented Allie Rogers, whose compelling story of obsession was - I have to confess - much edgier than mine. Linda McVeigh was a worthy winner with her poignant and lyrical story of love and betrayal. I was very envious of the close-knit writing community down in my old home-town, Brighton. Wish we had the same kind of thing up here in Guildford. It was great to meet some of the short-listers too - all talented, published authors. You can read a review of the evening on Tania Herschman's Short Stop's website:
May 1st
Delighted to hear that judges Bethan Roberts and Laura Lockington have placed my story 'The Real Thing' in the top three for the Brighton Prize. I'll be reading it as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival down at the Rattle Tales evening at The Brunswick in Hove on May 14th.
The Sophie King Prize Anthology is in the final stages of being proof-read this month and I've been looking at various cover options. Corazon Publishing will be launching the digital version on June 16th and the print version August 4th. It was an absolute pleasure writing a piece for the collection. I don't usually try my hand at 'Commercial' or 'Women's fiction', and while I dislike labels, I do find most of my work is quite dark and either fits in the 'surreal' or 'domestic realist' genre. However, I have to confess I really enjoyed the challenge of attempting to create a lighthearted, romantic tale suitable for the collection and I'm very much looking forward to reading the whole anthology.
April 2014:
Just heard I've been shortlisted for the Brighton Prize. My story's in the top ten and I'll find out more at the prize-giving and reading down at The Rattle Tales Show at The Brunswick in Hove on May 14th. It should be a very entertaining evening of story telling and debate and no doubt a fair amount of imbibing… I grew up in Brighton so am looking forward to revisiting some old haunts.
Spent a very interesting afternoon down in Bridgewater with judge Rose Tremain and the winners and organisers of this year's Homestart Bridgewater Short Story Competition. Such an inspiration to see the work the charity does and how dedicated the volunteers are. It was a fabulous afternoon of cakes and tea and tales. I was delighted to have the opportunity of reading my story at such a historical venue, and doubly delighted when Rose awarded my story third place.
March 2014
My story 'Fractured' has been short-listed for this year's Homestart Bridgwater Short Story Competition. The fabulously talented Rose Tremain (Orange Prize winner, Walter Scott prize winner etc) is the judge and will be choosing from the final shortlist of ten. All a bit daunting given that she's normally judging literary fixtures such as the Booker Prize! I'll be reading my story out at the prize giving ceremony on April 12th.
February 2014
Results of the Sophie King Fiction Prize. A very old story of mine, The Beat Goes On, was highly commended and will be out in their anthology (Publisher Corazon Books) next month. Shows what a good edit and a fresh eye can do.
January 2014
Launch of Structo Issue 11. We had a superb launch party at the wonderful Albion Beatnik Bookshop in Oxford. (Photos here) I read from 'After Ever After' and there were some inspirational readings from Oxford poets Nik Patel, Leo Mercer and April Pierce. Structo 11 will be on general release from February 1st. It also meant I was finally able to take up my Oxford Lit Fest prize and spent a very comfortable night, with a delicious supper, at the sumptuous Old Bank Hotel. So once again, a huge thank you to Jeremy Mogford.
December 2013
London Magazine short list is now out, and I'm on it. Hurrah! Have to wait until January for the finalists to be announced. Always an incredible standard, so not holding my breath, but delighted to have made it into the top twenty.
My story, 'Fractured,' has been long listed for this year's Rubery Prize.
November 2013
Had a phone call from Writer's Bureau today. I've evidently won first prize in this year's competition. A fab £500 and my story will be published on their site and in Freelance Market News magazine. Just what I needed to cheer up a drab winter's day.
Have just heard from Euan Monaghan of Structo Magazine telling me they'd like to publish my story 'After Ever After' in their next issue. Really pleased as I'm a great fan of Structo and have been so impressed with the quality of their poetry and prose.
Unthology 4 is now out. There are some excellent reviews already, and I'm delighted to see 'Suicide Bomber' alongside such a fabulous collection of stories. You can read some of the reviews here and here and here.
June 2013
Alumni News from Chichester:
http://www.chi.ac.uk/news/alumna-riding-wave-literary-success
May 2013
My short story, Suicide Bomber, has been accepted by Unthank Books and will be published in their next 'Unthology' in November of this year.
Dawn Howarth (ex Random House) has placed my story, 'Tide,' second at this year's Fowey Festival.
Have had a very exciting phone call from Jeremy Osborne of Radio 4's Sweet Talk Productions. They've chosen my story, Llama Sutra, for their next Time Being Series. It will be broadcast on Radio 4 on Sunday May 26th at 7.45pm. You can listen to it here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01slrsy
April 2013
Fantastic news! Just had a mail from Anthony Howcroft telling me I've won first prize in this year's Ink Tears Competition with my short story Llama Sutra. £1,000 and the opportunity of publishing my own anthology! Better get editing...
March 2013
Received a very sweet phone call from Jeremy Mogford, telling me my entry has been placed second in the Oxford Sunday Times Literary Festival Competition. Sadly, although the winner receives a very generous £7,500, there's nothing for the rest of the shortlist, in fact, despite hundreds of entries there's not an official shortlist at all! However, Jeremy has very kindly given me a 'consolation prize' of a weekend at his utterly gorgeous Oxford hotel: The Old Bank. So I'm planning a writing weekend up there. Thanks Jeremy!
January 2013:
'Peacock Girl' has made it to first place in this year's Rubery Award! And 'Hook, Line and Ninety-Nines' has come second in the annual A.Vogel/Healthy Living Short Story Prize. The Rubery anthology is due out next month and the A.Vogel e-book of the winning entries is due out shortly. A huge thank you to the organisers and judges at Rubery and A.Vogel.
December 2012:
I was delighted to hear this month that two of my stories have been shortlisted for the Asham, and the Rubery Prize. Fingers tightly crossed for the next stage...
For more details see: Asham award
and: Rubery Short Story Award
Summer 2012
'Hat-trick Success', Article by Dave Swann of Chichester University:
Chichester University News
,
It's almost time for the Farnham Literary Festival and this year two of my ex students are featuring on the events list. If you have time, please do go and see Susanne Goldring and Helen Matthews in conversation about their publications. March 6th, 4pm at the Oxfam book shop. Details here
JANUARY 2022
I'm delighted to start the year off with news of the publishing success of two talented students who have been coming to me for a while - Richard (Thurs afternoon) and Kari (Thurs morning). Huge congratulations to them both for completing their books and getting them out into the world. Some of you have heard excerpts during the last few terms and will have already got your hands on a copy, but if you haven't, I urge you to do so: Pilgrim by Kari Gillespie and a Razor's Edge by Richard Wright.
I've organised an evening with them both to celebrate and discuss their journey to publication, on Tuesday, March 1st, 7pm at the Bel and Dragon in Churt.
I’ll be doing a Q&A with both Richard and Kari, and there’ll be lots of opportunity to ask questions about the perils and pitfalls of publishing on Amazon. I think you’ll find it very useful, whatever stage you are in the writing process.
SEPTEMBER 2021
I've had a busy three months working with Thameside and Pentonville Prisons on a series of 'Fact to Fiction' workshops. During the pandemic prisoners have been in their cells 23.5 hours per day. I've been astounded by the quality of writing coming from the inmates and the richness of their stories. Watch this space for more news on their creations. Read more about the current situation in prisons here: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54607813
JUNE 2021
I'm delighted to announce the final winner of the recording artist competition of the Chichester Short Story Competition. We felt absolutely privileged to read such diverse, imaginative and surprising stories. Every story had its own music and there was so much to admire, not just in terms of the story being told, but in the development and depth of characters and the beauty and polish of sentences. The winning story stood out for both judges. As did the winning voice artist – for the quality of recording, energy, intro music, and originality of voice. It is with great pleasure that we invite you to listen to ‘Vector’. Written by Tracy Fells, read, recorded and produced by Max Pearson. Listen to it here: https://www.thestoryplayer.com/university-of-chichester-audio-short-story-competition-2021/
MAY 2021
Apologies for silence over lockdown. I've still been writing and teaching, but am working on my novel rather than short stories at the moment. I'm still running all my weekly courses via Zoom, and am doing physical one-to-one tuition. The upside of lockdown is that we all have more time to write!
I've also been busy organising the recording of the winner of this year's Mogford Prize. Congratulations to Finlay Taylor for his fabulous story 'Madame Blini's Disdain'. You can listen to it on the audio short story platform The Story Player.
I've now taken over The Story Player and am currently working with prisons and universities to encourage new writing talent.
The inaugural University of Chichester Audio Short Story Competition was judged over lockdown and we announced the winning story - a tense, evocative piece written by Tracy Fells. We are now in the process of judging the next stage of the competition - finding a voice artist to record the story.
JUNE
Huge congratulations are due to ten of my students who made the long list of this year's Farnham Flash Fiction competition. I went to the prize giving ceremony last night and was so proud to see that almost half the finalists were my students. It was fabulous listening to everyone read their story - such an eclectic mix of talent. Congrats to: Lisa Daly, Julie Evans, Alan Goodchild, Dee Holmes, Poppy Newton, David Rowlandson, Len Davis, Charles Warren, Susan Corfield, and Katrina Dennison. Lisa Daly won the Farnham section and Julie Evans came third over all.
APRIL
Hurrah, thanks so much for voting! High Spirits has won this year's Saboteur Awards! Absolutely delighted! The Saboteur Awards have been described in 'The Independent' as the 'ankle-biter' of the literary world. They have been running for nine years, and celebrate the UK's small press publishers. Thanks again to Karen and Jonathon who did such a fabulous job of editing the collection.
Have really enjoyed recording the winning story of this year's Mogford Food and Drink Prize for The Story Player. It's a tense, evocative piece that fully deserved to win the £10,000 prize: Corvadae by Elisabeth Ingram Wallace. Read by Sara Wilson-Soppitt. You can listen to it here. Once again had a superb evening at the prize giving ceremony at The Old Bank Hotel. Jeremy Mogford was as generous a host as ever - fizz, canapés, dinner... Had dinner with the short-listers and and this year's judges, and with the lovely Mary Berry who judged last year's competition.
MARCH
So pleased to be invited to Gillian Thompson's launch of her fabulous historical novel 'The Ocean's Between Us'. It's a really poignant and evocative story. She is another one of our MA students at Chichester who has gone on to achieve publishing success. I loved workshopping with her and I absolutely recommend the book. You can read about it here
FEB
Had a fabulous evening at Waterstones Piccadilly for the launch of High Spirits. A marvellously bibulous and bookish event with some amazing contemporary writers. We all read a short excerpt from our stories. It really is a stunning collection and I'm very honoured to have my story, 'Tasting Notes', included. If you like stories and booze, this one's for you... You can buy it here
JAN 2019
Don't know where the year's gone. Have been busy teaching and redrafting my novel. Have really missed writing short stories, and that instant validation of something crafted and completed, rather than the baggy eternity of the novel. New Year's resolution to complete 'the novel' and to allow myself the odd foray into a short story. Have loved judging the Ink Tears Prize again this year. Such a high standard again and so difficult to choose a winner.
OCT
If you're an early planner, and are already looking for Christmas presents, then can I suggest a copy of 'High Spirits'? It's a new anthology of drinking stories that will be launched next month. It's already had some fabulous reviews. Here's the blurb:
Drinking stories are told by drunks, or about drunks; they are told in pubs, or set in pubs. They are stories where people drink, and stories which somehow induce a sense of drunkenness in readers and listeners. Anton Chekhov may or may not have drunkenly compared the experience of reading a short story to downing a shot of vodka, and F. Scott Fitzgerald claimed that a good short story could “be written on a bottle.” Here is a collection of contemporary short stories written on and about bottles – stories about the comedies, tragedies, pleasures, pains and horrors of alcohol – all of which can be downed like (and perhaps with) a glass of vodka.
I'm so pleased to have my story, 'Tasting Notes', included in the collection. I'm alongside a host of fab writers: Judith Allnatt, Jenn Ashworth, Desmond Barry, Laurie Cusack, Louis de Bernières, Jane Feaver, Cathy Galvin, Alison Moore, Kate North, Bethan Roberts, Jane Roberts, Hannah Stevens, Michael Stewart, David Swann, and Sue Wilsea.
You can order your copy here. And you can come and raise a glass with us at the launch party at Waterstones Piccadilly, in February. Book your tickets here.
SEPT
Delighted to have one of my stories (previously shortlisted for the Royal Academy Pin Drop Award) published in the very gorgeous and glossy Yes & No Magazine. They've been collaborating with Simon Oldfield and the RA team. I'm hugely grateful to them all. It's illustrated by the fab Princess Julia. You can order a copy here.
JULY
I've been teaching more over the last few months and in between have been holed up finishing PhD edits, and redrafting my novel. Delighted Southampton Uni have finally approved minor edits and I'm now formally Dr Whipman. Hurrah! No excuse not to finish the novel now...But must admit am missing writing my short stories.
FEBRUARY
I've been invited to run a book club at my local pub, Bel and the Dragon. If you're in Surrey, then please come and join us. It' a fab pub, with great food. I'm leading the discussion; it'll be informal, but we'll actually be talking about the book! In most book clubs I've been to, the book conversation doesn't last long... We start on Tuesday March 13th, and the book is Hagseed by Margaret Atwood. The evening's £20, which includes supper and a glass of wine. Details here
JANUARY
Hurrah! Have finally had my viva and passed my PhD. Am working on some minor edits over the next three months, but there's no excuse not to get on with the novel alongside that...
I ran a short story masterclass for the students at Godalming Sixth Form College before Christmas. A really talented and enthusiastic group. The English Dept organised a short story competition which I've been judging. The stories were an absolute pleasure to read and I'm looking forward to presenting the prize this week. Was tricky selecting a winner as the standard was so high.
DECEMBER
Still don't seem to be doing much of my own writing... However, I'm very much enjoying being on the judging panel for the Ink Tears Short Story Prize again. Am reading some excellent entries - a real diverse mix of realism, fantasy, uncanny etc. And in between am prepping for my PhD viva in January. Once that's over I can get back to the novel.
NOVEMBER
A rather long break as I've been concentrating on my PhD thesis. Finally submitted it! Hurrah! 77,000 words and five years later... Haven't had much time for my own writing, but my students have been doing amazingly well. Richard Buxton from the Chichester MA launched his debut historical novel, Whirligig, to much critical acclaim. Helen Matthews, from my Thursday class, launched her debut novel, After Leaving the Village, and is currently embarked on a series of book signings across the country. Two of my students from my Thursday evening class have reached the final three in the Farnham short story prize, judged by author Claire Fuller. Ex MA student and poet, Hannah Brockbank has had numerous poems published and has just launched her poetry pamphlet Bloodlines, and Raine Geoghegan has had a number of her poems published in literary journals. Now I just need to prep for my viva and continue editing the novel...
JULY
Utterly thrilled that Llama Sutra has won the Rubery Book Award short story category! Ink Tears are offering a £7 discount to celebrate. You just need to use the code RUBERY at the check out.
I've had a really interesting couple of weeks working as Director of Studies for the 360 Chinese summer camp. Great to be involved with younger children (and such an enthusiastic TEFL team) and astounding to see such creativity despite limitations of language.
JUNE
Just heard I've been shortlisted for the Royal Academy Pin Drop Award. Utterly amazed and delighted to have made it two years running. The lovely Joanna Campbell is on the shortlist too! Very much looking forward to going up to the RA on the 23rd. Penelope Wilton will be reading the winning story. It's a fab venue and a wonderful literary evening. Tickets available here.
MAY
I had an interview this month with the lovely Katy Wimhurst from TSS Publishing this month. Asking lots of searching questions about the genesis of Llama Sutra and the short story form. If you have the inclination you can read it here.
Absolutely honoured to be long-listed for the Royal Academy Pin Drop Award! I made the shortlist last year, and am so pleased to be in the running again. And fab to see that fellow Ink Tears writer, Joanna Campbell, is on the longlist too. Fingers crossed for us both for the next stage.
Had an excellent evening with Ivana and Mandy from Brooklands Radio. I was interviewed as part of their 'Just Women' chat show. Very grateful to have been invited to chat about all things writing and Llama Sutra. You can listen again on Thursday 11th May at 8pm, or to the podcast here.
APR
I had an interview with the fabulous Donna Freed from 'Radio Gorgeous' last month. Despite her excellent, and very friendly questions, I manage to make rather a hash of it. Clearly this radio-interview lark is an acquired art; I think I prefer the safety of the page. Henceforth, I am banning the word 'absolutely' from my vocabulary. If you want to listen, here's the link, but you were warned...
MAR
The brilliantly talented Elena Bowes from '26' interviewed me this month. You can read it here. She's also written about Llama Sutra in her blog here.
If you'd like a taster of my book, the title story, Llama Sutra, is back on Radio 4 again on Tuesday 28th March at 11am. Read by the amazing Camilla Marie Beeput. Details here.
Thrilled to hear that Llama Sutra has been long listed for the Edge Hill Prize. It’s the UK’s only prestigious literary prize for short story collections. I’ve got through to the last twenty with some brilliant ‘mainstream’ writers including Mark Hadden, David Lodge, Penelope Lively, Susan Hill and Helen Oyeyemi! Am terribly excited. Also so pleased that another 'Ink Tears' author, Joanna Campbell has made the longlist with her fabulous book 'When Planets Slip their Tracks.' And heart-warming to see several independent publishers on the list. So often these prizes just go to the giants.
Relieved and absolutely delighted to read my first full review of Llama Sutra. It was posted on Thresholds website yesterday. Am so pleased writer, Tracy Fells, enjoyed my collection, and had the time and energy to write a review for Thresholds. Thank you! You can read it here.
A huge thank-you to the utterly brilliant staff of Sandhurst Library. They were kind enough to invite me along to read and to do a Q&A. They worked so hard to set up the evening and make it a success. It was a privilege to meet them and their members and I enjoyed every minute.
Had a fabulous evening reading from Llama Sutra at Kingston University alongside Galley Beggar Press founder Sam Jordison. Massive thanks to David Rogers for inviting me.
FEB
It's my book launch at Waterstones in Guildford this month. Would love everyone to come along and join me on Weds, 22nd at 7pm. Free entry, and I'm taking a vast supply of plonk and crisps, so please brave the winter chill and come and listen to a tale from Llama Sutra and join in with a Q&A about the resurgence of the short story.
On the 28th Feb I'll be in Sandhurst library. Never been there before, but they kindly invited me to come along and talk a bit about Llama Sutra and getting published. Again, free entry.
JAN
Another interesting month attempting to promote Llama Sutra! Have to thank Woman's Own Magazine for their full page feature. A few years ago I won their annual short story prize. Kate Atkinson won the same prize many years ago, and says that was the start of her publishing career... I live in hope...
Sadly I've not had time to write anything creative yet this year; I've been busy working and concentrating on the PhD. Also have spent some very enjoyable hours reading the entries for the Ink Tears Prize - amazing standard! Longlist will be out in Feb.
Had a fab evening at Bel and the Dragon in Churt. 'A Literary Supper'! It was really nice to sit with a group of readers and writers, discussing books and eating delicious food and quaffing wine.
DEC
I had a very interesting afternoon with Surrey Radio (Dec 13th 2.45pm) chatting with the lovely Allison Ferns about Llama Sutra, Lit Live, and my writing classes. I think this radio lark must be an acquired skill. I wasn't given questions in advance, but I prepped by googling 'tips for broadcasting on radio': 'speak loudly', 'smile continuously', be 'upbeat'. Listening back to my high pitched ramblings, the overall effect is one of hysteria rather than buoyancy... Also, in a desperate attempt not to blaspheme or swear, the strangest language popped out. I said 'darn'!! Not related to needle and thread. Darn? Dear God! I've never used that word in my life. I also managed to say 'spunk'... And Allison compared my sensual literary gems to 'Fifty Shades'! Hours of editing and honing and layering in metaphor and symbolism... Anyway, if you really want to, you can listen to my interview here.
Please come along to our official Ink Tears Book Launch on December 9th in Covent Garden. Joanna Campbell will be launching her brilliant collection, When Planets Slip Their Tracks, too. There'll be free wine and nibbles, and some entertaining readings from me and Jo and our fab MC, Agnes Meadows. 7.30 at the Sun Pub on Drury Lane.
Huge thank you to The Haslemere Book Shop and Waterstones in Farnham for hosting this month's book signing events. We had an amazing turn out in Farnham, and Pip at Waterstones had to run to Starbucks to borrow extra chairs to accommodate the crowd. We spent a couple of hours drinking wine and (as well as plugging Llama Sutra) discussing the resurgence of the short story and our favourite short story collections and why they work so well for book clubs.
NOV
Thank you so much to the organisers of the Write Idea Festival in Tower Hamlets. I had a fabulous day running a creative writing workshop and signing Llama Sutra. My first official book signing! It was a fabulous atmosphere and superbly organised.
Thanks also to Sara-Mae and Anthony Howcroft from Ink Tears, and everyone who came to my book launch at home on the 19th. There was fizz, llamas and cup-cakes!
SEPT
I'm delighted to be appearing at this year's Write Idea Festival. I'll be reading from my debut collection and leading a writing workshop. Saturday November 12th. Free Entry! Book your tickets here.
After several tedious delays Llama Sutra is finally at the printers! Launch date now planned for mid October. Watch this space... In the meantime, you can read a little more about it the collection in my interview with Leslie Tate here.
MAY
Just heard that Silent as Storks has made the final six in the Royal Academy Pin Drop Short Story Award. Utterly thrilled as I'm amongst some brilliant writers: Catherine MacNamara, Barney Walsh, Cathy Thomas, Claire Fuller, and Kirstin Zhang.
You can now read my poem, Summer Day 1992, on Popshot's website here.
Absolutely delighted to hear that my story, Silent as Storks, has made the final twenty in the RA and Pin Drop Short Story Award. The winner will be read by Juliet Stevenson on June 24th at the Royal Academy of Arts.
APRIL
All a bit hectic on the personal front, and seem to have spent any spare time on 'the novel' and my thesis, so have had no time to work on short stories and submitting. However, have at least been longlisted for the Exeter. Again, one of those stories I wrote years ago and which has been shortlisted and longlisted but never made the final cut. And of course every time it comes back I duly edit and hone. It's morphed into something very different from the original. Never sure whether that's a good or a bad thing. Anyway, fingers crossed for the shortlist.
MARCH
Hurrah! My short story 'African Grey' made it to the prestigious Fish short list! Only got long-listed last year, so really pleased. There are some excellent writers on the long and short lists, including Tracy Fells, who's a regular reader at Frensham Lit Live.
Thrilled that my story, Clipping Kiki, has won first prize in the Artificium Short Story Award. Artificium is a new independent publishing outfit in London, and I'm really looking forward to seeing my story in the next issue.
Delighted to be on the judging panel (with Karen Stevens and Emma-Jane Hughes) for the Worthing WOW Literary Festival Short Story Competition. Entry is free, deadline May 1st. Details here.
Chuffed to hear Jacob Denno, from the excellent Popshot Magazine has accepted my poem, Summer '92 for publication.
Had an amazing 'photo shoot' for my book jacket with the absolutely fabulous Iain Philpott. I'd been asked by the publishers to provide a 'proper', 'professional' photo, and was, to be honest, dreading it. (Why in God's name do we have to resort to this kind of PR/marketing crap? Surely we just need to snug up in our garret and write?) Anyway, in spite of all my fears, it was actually vaguely enjoyable. A large glass of wine helped. And Iain and his gorgeous wife, Lara, were incredibly patient. They made me laugh, blasted me with a hair dryer to get the windblown look, and even got the dog to behave. Okay, so I don't quite look like those women on Iain's website, but somehow he's managed to defy the old silk purse/sow's ear adage. I don't think I look too bad...
FEBRUARY 2016
Immensely happy to hear that my short story collection, Llama Sutra, is very shortly going to print. It's been a heck of a long wait!! For your invite to the launch parties in London and Lingwood sign up here.
JANUARY 2016
Very pleased to hear my short story, Pangolin, will be included in the next Rattle Tales anthology.
Despite organising our Frensham Lit Live Night for 'Blue Monday', and on one of the coldest nights of the year, we had a superb evening. David and Sally at The Holly Bush had stoked up the fire, turned down the lights and stocked up the cellar. Our readers - who came from as far as Chichester and Worthing - entertained us with an eclectic mix of poetry and prose, and poignancy and humour, that made us laugh and cry. Sadly I've been foolish enough to attempt a 'dry January' so was nursing an extraordinarily dull slim line tonic, but I was pleased to see that most of the audience were taking advantage of the local ales and superb wine list. It was a fabulous evening and a great way to escape the grim chill of Blue (and dry!) Monday. A massive thank you to everyone who turned up to listen, and to all our readers: Len Davis, Sarah Van Den Broek, Roy Woodard, Hannah Brockbank, Rosemary Wisbey, Katrina Dennisson, Tracy Fells, Alan and Amanda Macland, and Richard Hawtree.
DECEMBER 2015
Thrilled to hear my story, Dissolving, has won this year's Prolitzer Prize. Last year I came second (to the fab Ken Elkes), so was amazed to hear I'd been shunted up to first place this year. I was particularly pleased as this year's judge was the brilliant Jaki McCarrick. You can read her report here. The story, along with the other finalists is in issue 18 of Prole Magazine.
NOVEMBER 2015
Delighted to hear my story, Cultural Exchange, has been shortlisted for this year's HG Wells Prize. I came first last year, so it's very unlikely I'll be able to do it again... But whatever the outcome I'll be reading my story with the other short listers in Folkestone on November 28th.
OCTOBER 2015
Have had a stressful few months on the home front, and haven't done any writing at all, so was extra pleased to hear that my fantasy story 'Another Skin' has been shortlisted for the Luna Press Short Story Contest. It was one of those stories that I thought might be difficult to place: surreal and over 6000 words, so tricky in length and style. I'm delighted it will have a home in the Luna Press anthology. Also very pleased to hear that another story has been highly commended in the Ilkley Literary Festivalshort story prize.
SEPTEMBER 2015
After weeks of deliberation, the design for the jacket of my forthcoming collection, Llama Sutra, has finally been chosen. Thanks to all those who voted for it. You can see it here.
Had a marvellous evening listening to the prose and poetry readers at this month's FRENSHAM LIT LIVE NIGHT. See the Events page for further details.
Delighted to hear my story, Sharp as Sherbert Lemons, has been awarded first prize in the Ifanca Hélène James Short Story Prize. Really pleased as I was up against some strong competition. The other short listers were: Ann Clifford, Andrea Wotherspoon, Lucy Donald, Gemma Bowker, Tim Robson, Richard Buxton, Mark Gillespie, Bruce Harris and Sue Dickson. You can read my story here.
AUGUST 2015
Stumbled across this gorgeous picture by artist/illustrator Pajou Lin. It really cheered me up, and was inspired by my poem, Last Gift, in Popshot Magazine. However, generally, it's been a quiet summer on the publishing front, and one of longlists and shortlists but no placements. I had pieces longlisted for the Fish, and shortlisted for the Pulp Short Fiction Prize and the
JULY 2015
I've been a bit inactive on submitting/writing over the last few weeks. Been too busy making the final edits to my collection, Llama Sutra. It should be out with Ink Tears Press at the end of the year. Never thought it would be this difficult to order and select the stories. Think I'm finally there though... Watch this space...
JUNE 2015
The next Lit-Live event is almost upon us. I always feel there's almost an atavistic thrill about listening to a story teller. The hushed crowd, the rise and fall of the speaker’s voice, the journey from reality into a shared imagination. I get a pulse of expectation at these open mic nights, a tugging on the strands of my DNA. If it’s not a genetic echo from a distance past when history was passed on through oral traditions, then maybe it’s just a memory of my childhood, being read to sleep by my mum or dad. At some stage during the evening muscle memory takes over, and I find myself clasping the bowl of my glass in two hands, and when I take a sip I’m shocked to find Rioja flooding my taste buds instead of the malty sweetness of Ovaltine.
My last few open mic experiences have been in city centres in cellar bars or cosy book shops or tucked away in a Brixton side street. I love the closed world of poetry and prose, with the fug of wine and beer and the fire flickering in the corner and creamy candles oozing wax. My next open mic night, however, will be very different. June 22nd, a day away from the summer solstice. We’re in a pub, yes, but The Holly Bush is a country pub with wide French doors leading onto a hay-bale strewn terrace. Instead of shutting out the natural world, we’ll be letting the smells and sounds of the outdoors seep into the story room.
So I’m hoping the long, light evening will make it a lively event. After all, summer bed-time stories were never quite the same for me: going to sleep in the daylight felt like cheating. I was always wide awake. On June 22nd I think I’ll have to ditch the Rioja and go for a chilled white, maybe a flinty Chablis. A nice link to those Stone Age summer solstice gatherings where pagans told tales and their words spilled out with the last rays of the setting sun.
We have some very talented writers on the line-up, who will be reading a mix of poetry and flash fiction. All the booked slots have been filled, but there should be time for a couple of open mic slots at the end. So if anyone is keen to read, then just turn up on the night and come and find me. It’s free entry for readers and listeners.
Line up: Tracy Fells, Lewis Brander, Ruth Brandt, Denise Olley, Raine Geoghan, Len Davis, Susan Corfield, Amanda MacLand, Dave Weaver, Eve Hopkirk, Fabian Wood, Roy Woodard and Ruby Luckham.
MAY 2015
Spent a magical evening at Rattle Tales' Brighton Fringe event last night. I read alongside Dave Weaver, Marie Gethins, Justine Kilkerr, Bill Parslow, James Ellis, KP Parker Erinna Mettler and Joe Bedford. They were all fabulous, and I felt honoured to be included in the line-up. There was definitely a flora and fauna theme going on. The cellar bar resonated with tales of fur, feathers and flowers. There were some great performances: we had the sensual GRRRRR of a female wolf/woman cub, the aggressive BRRRR of a savage hedge-trimmer; there were flights of fancy and flights off piers, and a very cute pig at an airport!!! My ears are still ringing from the enthusiastic ratting from the packed audience. You can read the full review here.
I was interviewed this week by the lovely Hattie, at The Short Story - a great new online platform dedicated to the short story form. It's an excellent resource for short story writers, full of reviews, articles, and there's a regular competition. You can read my interview here.
Really pleased to hear that my story, Peacock Girl, has been chosen by the Rattle Tales team for their Brighton Fringe Festival event. I'll be reading my story at the Brunswick, in Hove, on May 21st. Tickets available here.
APRIL 2015
I've booked the venue for our next LIT-LIVE NIGHT. It's the Holly Bush Pub in Frensham. Monday, June 22nd. 7.30 - 10pm. FREE ENTRY for readers and voyeurs... Open Mic slots are already filling up fast, so contact me if you'd like to book a slot...
Just heard that one of my private students, Luke Melia, has been shortlisted for the prestigious White Review Short Story Prize. Huge congratulations are in order. It's a hard-hitting and atmospheric tale about Tiananmen Square, and is well deserving of its shortlisting. Details here.
MARCH 2015
Seems to be a month of longlisting... I'm on the Fish longlist today. Very pleased to see that Stephanie Norgate and Tracy Fells - fellow Chichester University writers - made it to the shortlist.
Googled myself this morning (no excuses!) and discovered that my poem 'View from 92' has been commended in Sentinel's Annual Poetry Competition. I've only recently started sending out poetry, so really pleased. Sadly I missed all the generous monetary prizes, but still delighted that the judge (the brilliant Roger Elkin) thought it was good enough for a commendation, and that it will be included in their upcoming anthology.
The inaugural Farnham LIT LIVE OPEN MIC NIGHT is just a week away. There are some excellent prose and poetry writers on the line-up (Craig-Jordan Baker, Richard Hawthorne, Len Davis, Susan Corfield, Mark Floyer, Juliet Bothams, Fabien Wood, Derek Keen, Sarah Allen...) and there should be time for a couple of open mic slots on the night. I Look forward to seeing you next Monday at the Hop Blossom in Farnham. For some advice on reading your work visit Tracy Fell's blog at the Literary Pig.
FEBRUARY 2015
Great to finally have a peek at the forthcoming Rattle Tales Anthology. You can see the cover here. I'm in very good company with fellow contributors: Paul McVeigh, Linda McVeigh, Allie Rogers, Nicholas Ridley, Stephanie Lam, Mike Liardet, Shirley Golden, Laura Wilkinson and Linda Baker. It will be available to buy next month.
Just heard that the excellent Synaesthesia Magazine has accepted one of my poems for their next issue. The theme is EAT, and it will be available next month.
JANUARY 2015
Bare Fiction Results now out. Pleased to see one of my stories made the shortlist. Congratulations to the winner, David McGrath, and second and third Allie Rogers (fellow Brighton Prizer from last year) and Anne Corlett. You can read them in Bare Fiction's next edition.
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN for the Farnham LIT LIVE OPEN MIC NIGHT, Monday 9th March, at the Hop Blossom in Farnham, 7.30 - 10pm. There will be a selection of poetry and prose readings from local Farnham writers and the Farnham UCA. Do mail me ([email protected]) if you'd like to book a slot. FREE ENTRY for readers and voyeurs.
DECEMBER:
Delighted to hear my story 'Marissa's Bike' is runner up in this years Prolitzer Prize, and is featured in Issue 15 of Prole. For a copy of the very classy magazine featuring brilliant writers such as Angela Readman, KM Elkes, Catherine Hokin, Wynn Wheldon, Sue Pace and many more, you can order it here. I recommend you read KM Elke's prize-winning story first, and I dare you not to cry...
The Fiction Desk Ghost Anthology, featuring my story, End of the Rope, is now available to pre-order, you can find it here.
The Bridgehouse anthology 'Light in the Dark' is now available. A really eclectic mix of tales from some excellent authors. You can buy it on Amazon and see the trailer here.
NOVEMBER:
16th - Fabulous weekend! Very pleased to discover my stories have won both the Writeidea Prize and the HG Wells Prize. today. Thank you so much to the organisers of both competitions! I spent a really interesting afternoon up in Tower Hamlets at the Writeidea Literary Festival. It was great to meet the brilliant author and judge Alex Wheatle (MBE) and the other fellow finalists Rowena MacDonald, Tracy Fells, Farah Yusuf and CG Menon, who read from their stories. Really honoured to win first place as the other entries were all excellent. I'm looking forward to reading the stories from the other HG Wells finalists. which are published in their beautifully produced anthology, and which you can buy here. You can read the Write Idea finalists on their website now. There's talk of an anthology coming later this year.
My story 'The Fig Tree' has been shortlisted for the Catherine Gaskin Historical House Competition and is due out in their anthology early next year. It was a real challenge to tackle a different genre, but I enjoyed the process, and am looking forward to working with Corazon Books again.
October 28th: The results for this year's Glass Woman Prize are now out. My story After Ever After (originally published in Structo) made it to the shortlist. You can read some of the stories here.
October 16th: Absolutely delighted to see author Alex Wheatle (MBE) has shortlisted my story 'What You Do For Love' for this year's Writeidea Short Story Prize. I'm alongside six other really strong writers: Andrew Blackman, Tracy Fells, Rowena MacDonald, C.G.Menon, Farrah Yusuf and Umi Sinha. We'll all be reading our stories at the Writeidea Festival in Tower Hamlets next month. If you can't make the festival you can read the shortlisted stories here.
October 1st: Latest issue of Popshot magazine is out today. It's beautifully produced and is an absolute treasure trove of art, poetry and prose. I'm particularly grateful to Constanze Moll whose illustration is the perfect accompaniment to my poem. You can read it here .
September 25th: Spent a very entertaining evening at the Bare Fiction launch at the Dog Star in Brixton last night. It was fab to be back up in town, and the VIP lounge was perfect for the packed event - very boho… I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious stream of wine, poetry and prose… Thanks again to Robert Harper for producing such a classy magazine and for organising the launch.
September 22nd: The shortlist for the HG Wells short story competition has been announced today, and my story 'Wakes and Wishbones' has made it into the top ten and into the anthology. Final results will be announced at the prize-giving ceremony in Folkestone on November 16th.
September 1st: Tickets are still available for the Bare Fiction launch in Brixton on September 24th where I'll be reading my poems. Fab venue and some great writers… There are also some open mic slots still free, so if you'd like to take the opportunity to share your own poem or piece of flash fiction then do contact Robert Harper.
August 16th:
The launch date for the next Bare Fiction issue has been announced. September 24th, in the Dogstar's VIP room in Brixton. I'll be reading my poems along with several of the other contributors.
August 15th:
My story, 'End of the Rope,' has made it to The Fiction Desk shortlist for their annual ghost competition. I've been very impressed by the quality of the stories chosen by Rob Redman for the other anthologies, so am delighted to be included amongst The Fiction Desk's list of authors. You can read an interview with Rob Redman here.
July 31st:
Have just heard from Jacob Denno of Popshot Magazine, telling me that my poem - Last Gift - has been accepted for their next issue. Am delighted to be included in such a fab literary magazine. Jacob Denno talks about his selection process here.
July 8th:
My short story 'Hush' is to be published in the next Bridge House Publishing anthology. I'm in good company, with fellow contributors Ruby Cowling and Marc Owen Jones, whose stories were alongside mine in Unthology 4.
10th June:
The Sophie King Prize Anthology: Love Is All You Need, is now available to buy on Amazon. Ten romantic tales, including one of mine. The perfect 'chick-lit' holiday read.
May 24th:
The excellent literary magazine Bare Fiction has just been shortlisted for this year's Saboteur Awards. They'll be publishing two of my poems in their next issue.
May 15th 2014:
Spent a superb evening listening to tales at The Brunswick last night down by the sea in Hove. Perfect venue, interesting people and excellent stories. I came joint second with the very talented Allie Rogers, whose compelling story of obsession was - I have to confess - much edgier than mine. Linda McVeigh was a worthy winner with her poignant and lyrical story of love and betrayal. I was very envious of the close-knit writing community down in my old home-town, Brighton. Wish we had the same kind of thing up here in Guildford. It was great to meet some of the short-listers too - all talented, published authors. You can read a review of the evening on Tania Herschman's Short Stop's website:
May 1st
Delighted to hear that judges Bethan Roberts and Laura Lockington have placed my story 'The Real Thing' in the top three for the Brighton Prize. I'll be reading it as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival down at the Rattle Tales evening at The Brunswick in Hove on May 14th.
The Sophie King Prize Anthology is in the final stages of being proof-read this month and I've been looking at various cover options. Corazon Publishing will be launching the digital version on June 16th and the print version August 4th. It was an absolute pleasure writing a piece for the collection. I don't usually try my hand at 'Commercial' or 'Women's fiction', and while I dislike labels, I do find most of my work is quite dark and either fits in the 'surreal' or 'domestic realist' genre. However, I have to confess I really enjoyed the challenge of attempting to create a lighthearted, romantic tale suitable for the collection and I'm very much looking forward to reading the whole anthology.
April 2014:
Just heard I've been shortlisted for the Brighton Prize. My story's in the top ten and I'll find out more at the prize-giving and reading down at The Rattle Tales Show at The Brunswick in Hove on May 14th. It should be a very entertaining evening of story telling and debate and no doubt a fair amount of imbibing… I grew up in Brighton so am looking forward to revisiting some old haunts.
Spent a very interesting afternoon down in Bridgewater with judge Rose Tremain and the winners and organisers of this year's Homestart Bridgewater Short Story Competition. Such an inspiration to see the work the charity does and how dedicated the volunteers are. It was a fabulous afternoon of cakes and tea and tales. I was delighted to have the opportunity of reading my story at such a historical venue, and doubly delighted when Rose awarded my story third place.
March 2014
My story 'Fractured' has been short-listed for this year's Homestart Bridgwater Short Story Competition. The fabulously talented Rose Tremain (Orange Prize winner, Walter Scott prize winner etc) is the judge and will be choosing from the final shortlist of ten. All a bit daunting given that she's normally judging literary fixtures such as the Booker Prize! I'll be reading my story out at the prize giving ceremony on April 12th.
February 2014
Results of the Sophie King Fiction Prize. A very old story of mine, The Beat Goes On, was highly commended and will be out in their anthology (Publisher Corazon Books) next month. Shows what a good edit and a fresh eye can do.
January 2014
Launch of Structo Issue 11. We had a superb launch party at the wonderful Albion Beatnik Bookshop in Oxford. (Photos here) I read from 'After Ever After' and there were some inspirational readings from Oxford poets Nik Patel, Leo Mercer and April Pierce. Structo 11 will be on general release from February 1st. It also meant I was finally able to take up my Oxford Lit Fest prize and spent a very comfortable night, with a delicious supper, at the sumptuous Old Bank Hotel. So once again, a huge thank you to Jeremy Mogford.
December 2013
London Magazine short list is now out, and I'm on it. Hurrah! Have to wait until January for the finalists to be announced. Always an incredible standard, so not holding my breath, but delighted to have made it into the top twenty.
My story, 'Fractured,' has been long listed for this year's Rubery Prize.
November 2013
Had a phone call from Writer's Bureau today. I've evidently won first prize in this year's competition. A fab £500 and my story will be published on their site and in Freelance Market News magazine. Just what I needed to cheer up a drab winter's day.
Have just heard from Euan Monaghan of Structo Magazine telling me they'd like to publish my story 'After Ever After' in their next issue. Really pleased as I'm a great fan of Structo and have been so impressed with the quality of their poetry and prose.
Unthology 4 is now out. There are some excellent reviews already, and I'm delighted to see 'Suicide Bomber' alongside such a fabulous collection of stories. You can read some of the reviews here and here and here.
June 2013
Alumni News from Chichester:
http://www.chi.ac.uk/news/alumna-riding-wave-literary-success
May 2013
My short story, Suicide Bomber, has been accepted by Unthank Books and will be published in their next 'Unthology' in November of this year.
Dawn Howarth (ex Random House) has placed my story, 'Tide,' second at this year's Fowey Festival.
Have had a very exciting phone call from Jeremy Osborne of Radio 4's Sweet Talk Productions. They've chosen my story, Llama Sutra, for their next Time Being Series. It will be broadcast on Radio 4 on Sunday May 26th at 7.45pm. You can listen to it here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01slrsy
April 2013
Fantastic news! Just had a mail from Anthony Howcroft telling me I've won first prize in this year's Ink Tears Competition with my short story Llama Sutra. £1,000 and the opportunity of publishing my own anthology! Better get editing...
March 2013
Received a very sweet phone call from Jeremy Mogford, telling me my entry has been placed second in the Oxford Sunday Times Literary Festival Competition. Sadly, although the winner receives a very generous £7,500, there's nothing for the rest of the shortlist, in fact, despite hundreds of entries there's not an official shortlist at all! However, Jeremy has very kindly given me a 'consolation prize' of a weekend at his utterly gorgeous Oxford hotel: The Old Bank. So I'm planning a writing weekend up there. Thanks Jeremy!
January 2013:
'Peacock Girl' has made it to first place in this year's Rubery Award! And 'Hook, Line and Ninety-Nines' has come second in the annual A.Vogel/Healthy Living Short Story Prize. The Rubery anthology is due out next month and the A.Vogel e-book of the winning entries is due out shortly. A huge thank you to the organisers and judges at Rubery and A.Vogel.
December 2012:
I was delighted to hear this month that two of my stories have been shortlisted for the Asham, and the Rubery Prize. Fingers tightly crossed for the next stage...
For more details see: Asham award
and: Rubery Short Story Award
Summer 2012
'Hat-trick Success', Article by Dave Swann of Chichester University:
Chichester University News
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