The Story Begins

Just been thinking about some questions that I have to answer about the Story Slam and it’s got me thinking about the journey so far.

First and foremost – I am excited to announce the first two Story Slams; a live short story talent competition that aims to offer a voice for all you story-tellers out there and a treat for all those who love a story.

I love stories. When I was growing up I’d have to ask questions to get the whole story, I remember my dad saying ‘oh why does everything have to be a story for you’. I suppose the answer to that is in the question – everything has a story and we all have a story to tell.

I particularly love short stories and during the time I have spent learning and mingling with the creative writing community I have been privileged to meet many talented writers, who are sorely in need of a wider audience.

So that’s where StorySlam Live comes in. A platform for the short story writer to read their work and compete for the chance to win £100, as well as get noticed by the literary audience in London. The competition is open to all and ten entrants will get picked on the night. Judges include people from organisations such as Spread the Word, the Southbank Centre. Are you a talent waiting to be spotted?

I’ve been going to loads of events- fresh off page at the London Literature Festival-performances; Lemn Sissay, Polar Bear, Charlie Dark. There are writer’s clubs and live performances all over London. They all have one thing in common – the people are from all backgrounds, age groups and sources. Think about it. All you really need to participate is a pen and paper.

Of course that doesn’t have to be where your writing ends, on a recent Birkbeck Course I attended you gain marks for professional layout and presentation as well as the writing and – here I am writing a blog – a form enabled by the Internet. But it is the place where your writing can start: You, your pen and your imagination.

So here we go; the first StorySlam Live event. It’s been a bit touch and go getting here but one of the things that have kept me going is the one hundred percent positive feedback I’ve had from the writing community I’ve run the idea by.

I’d like to thank The Albany for giving me the opportunity, Charlie and Lemn for bringing the writing vibe – Derek for his guidance and endless practical support and my adored family for believing in me.

Hope you will come to StorySlam Live at The Albany. Hope even more that you will bring a story to get up and tell. And finally, I hope you will follow this blog and join me on the journey to create this unique platform for London’s Short Story writers.

Look out for next post, which will have some links to short story writing hints and tips sites.

View all posts by joanne . Subscribe to follow comments on this post. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

Add a Comment