About

Story Slam Live is a unique platform for the creative writing community in London. Each event, is a story ‘SLAM’: a live showcase that provides a London wide arena for writers to present their writing, benchmark their work amongst their peers, share experiences, network and find out about the creative writing community in London.

“The short story form is better suited to the demands of modern life than the novel” -  Simon Prosser (Publishing Director Hamish Hamilton).

Many talented and established writers publish collections of short stories. The form is also published in anthologies and various competitions as well as dedicated journals and publications.

There are a wealth of courses and workshops available for the aspiring London writer, but unless the work is published, it is difficult to measure skill and talent. StorySLAM:Live will aim to fill that gap, with an informal ‘talent’ competition.

Regular events are held at The Albany on a bi- monthly basis, beginning in October 2009. The events are hosted by an author/spoken word artist. Each event will showcase a number of short stories, read by their authors in a ‘performance’ context. The theme for the stories changes with each event and the competition is open to all.

Writers are offered the opportunity to compete in a live story telling event before an audience drawn from all interest groups involved with creative writing.  This could include the writers, ‘talent-spotters’ (e.g. literary trusts, academics, agents) and readers.  Each entrant will bring a short story that has to be performed within a strict 5 min time limit.  The winner will be selected by a panel of three judges who are made up of ‘experts’ in the literary field. The winning entry each night will be awarded a cash prize of £100 and their story would be ‘published’ here on the StorySLAM:Live web site.

The events also provide an opportunity to network and hang out with like minded peers in the inclusive and vibrant environment of the Albany café with music provided by some of the best DJs with an affinity for the spoken word scene.

This website will take this concept into virtual space with an opportunity for members of our community to blog, chat and network. Watch out too for the “Virtual StorySLAM” where videos of live performances will be posted here for you to rate with prizes for the best loved performances.

Why not register and join the community now to participate, receive advance news and updates and guest list opportunities.