Season 3 Episode 7

A pair of wonderful stories from Janet Hutcheon and Martin Sorrell, linked by the sound of carols but which strike deeply contrasting notes.

Also, a couple of events which should be of interest. Anna Lunk is a regular contributor to the show, a fine writer and creative writing tutor, and she has a couple of workshops coming up. The first is a Memoir Writing Workshop on Saturday April 28th and the second one is a Fiction Workshop on Saturday May 26th. They both take place at Birdwood House, Totnes and are designed to help both beginners and experienced writers. Anna suggests that If you've always wanted to write, but need some help getting started, or if you're an experienced writer who needs a little extra inspiration and support, then these workshops could be for you.' For more information or to book a place contact Anna on 01803 865166. I cannot recommend them highly enough and many of the writers who have benefited from Anna’s advice have had their stories on this show.

The same can also be said of Chris Waters, a poet, writer and tutor who will be familiar to many of you, who is taking part in an interesting event here, in the upper gatehouse at Dartington Hall, where he is joined by Pat Fleming and Anita Reynolds to present a show entitled Dartmoor in Poetry and Prints, highlighting a variety of responses to and inspiration from the moor. A landscape that I know has sparked many a submission to this show. Anyway, it takes place on Tuesday 24th April at 7.30 and I am sure will be a great source of ideas.

Finally the website for short story enthusiasts which I will talk about more in the next show.

www.inktears.com

take a look

And finally there is a new time for the show. Wednesdays at 8pm from now on.

season 3 episode 4

A new story from Steve Sowden and a few thoughts about the use of unreliable narrators.

Also, following on from our look at dystopian fiction, a short story competition that might be of interest from The Guardian. The theme is what life might be like in 2025 and details can be found at guardian.co.uk/futurescapes2025

season 3 episode 3

A packed show with stories from Jean Grimsey, Robin Barton and Bob Hill. The plan to tlk about unreliable narrators has proved, well, unreliable.

Episode 2

Stories from Sheila Isherwood and Julie Johnstone and a preview of the upcoming Winter Storytelling Festival being held at the Steiner school on Friday and Saturday and well worth a visit - some fantastic performances and workshops on offer, including Alice Oswald reading her new long poem, Memorial. A first, I believe.
Anyway, the address is www.woodsisters.co.uk

Keep the stories coming in!

Season 3, Episode 1

Stories from Steve Sowden and Laurence Green, and a short talk on structure and how we use time. Fortunately I have been able to edit the programme and cut out the really embarassing pause that occurred when I lost my notes halfway through and forgot the cardinal rule of radio - keep talking! Still, just goes to show that we are live.

Also, as promised, here are the details of the competitions I mentioned on the show:

Writers and Artists Yearbook competition for stories of up to 2,000 words on the theme of identity - £500 and a place on an Arvon residential writing course.
Closing date is the 14th of February. Entry is free and details can be found on www.writersandartists.co.uk

Mslexia Women’s short story competition – open only to women, obviously, for stories of up to 2,200 words on any subject.
Closing date 19 March. Details on www.mslexia.co.uk/shortstory

There is still time to get an entry in to the Chudleigh Phoenix competition, definitely worth supporting a local event, stories up to 1,500 words on any theme, closing date is the end of this month, so you probably need to have something ready to go. www.chudleighphoenix.co.uk

The Bristol Short Story prize, £1,000 first prize plus publication in an anthology. Stories up to 3,000 words. This one does have an entry fee of £7 per story, as do many of the bigger competitons. Details on www.bristolprize.co.uk.

And that's it, back in a fortnight with more stories (and no pauses).

Different day, same show!

Just a quick note to let everyone know that Soundart Stories will return for a third season and that we have a new slot. Starting on the 18th January we will now go out on Wednesday evenings every fortnight at 7.30.
I have had a great response in terms of submissions but there is always room for more so please keep the stories coming in.
I hope everyone's new year has started well.
All the best
Bill