StorySLAM:Live 03 Special Announcement
The bad news: Due to a dates clash Polar Bear unfortunately won’t be able to host the next Story Slam on March 25th.
The good news: Ever since the first event we’ve been thinking about what made it so successful. One of the key elements we think is the unique presence of Charlie Dark. This was confirmed after he stepped in for Lemn Sissay on StorySLAM:Live 02. We think his contribution now lies very much at the heart of the vibe of StorySLAM:Live. We’ve talked to Charlie about this and he’s agreed to join the team as the permanent host of StorySLAM:Live.
More good news: We will, however, continue to seek out and book guest artists to read and judge at our events. This will begin with Laura Dockrill’s appearance at StorySLAM:Live 04 on May 27th.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all at both events. Watch this space too for other special events coming up around London.
BBC National Short Story Award
The BBC National Short Story Award is the largest award for a single short story in the world. I’ve just finished reading the 2009 winning entry “The Not Dead and The Saved” by Kate Clanchy. It’s a brilliant and incredibly moving tale of a mother and son and their journey towards his death.
This is the second award that the story has won, the first being the 2009 VS Pritchett Memorial prize administered by the Royal Society for Literature. Short stories, Kate told Prospect magazine, are a new venture. “This is my third. I’m pleased that it is entirely fictional; both because making something up is a new thing for me, and because my own children are lucky enough to be well.”
StorySLAM:Live on YouTube
Of course the video from StorySLAM:Live 01 is up there, but I’ve also been busy adding “favourite” videos. Included is a selection of different insights into the art of short story writing. Watch this one from Ziv Navoth for tips on writing Short Stories.
It’s just a start and there are many more to be added. As always I’d love to know what you think. Go to www.youtube.com/storyslamlive and please leave comments here and on the channel.
StorySLAM:Live Episode 02
“It was such a luxury to be able to just sit and listen. I realised how much I love words!”
Just one of the comments on the evening of stories that was StorySLAM:Live 02. All ten reading slots were filled last night, and what a brilliant evening it was. Thanks to all our entrants, the event would be nothing without your fantastic contributions. We had a wide selection of stories; written in very different styles. These ranged from poignant ’stream of conciousness’ pieces – watch out for Jean-Michel Mbala and his ‘Who am I? Is it you?’ in the People’s Choice – to the delightful winning entries penned by Edward Phillips and Lizanne Davis.
StorySLAM:Live – The Movie
I’m delighted to announce StorySLAM:Live – The Movie.
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Seriously, take a look at this to be inspired. It’s a short film (it’s even got an original score!) that gives a flavour of the night of stories that was the first StorySLAM:Live. You’ll be able to see what to expect if you didn’t make the first one, or be reminded of how much you enjoyed it if you were there. I’m looking forward to Wednesday and looking forward to seeing you all there. Let me know what you think of the video and check back Monday for more – the films of all the stories entered will be up then.
Writing Short Stories
I really hope you’re writing your stories for the next StorySLAM:Live on Dec 9th. I’ve had some great feedback from people about the last event. Apart from being a great night of stories, music and meeting new people, writers who entered said that it had really increased their confidence and encouraged them to continue developing their writing.
One way of improving creative writing skills is to attend workshops and courses and of course there is a wealth of helpful material on-line. (Just Google and see 
) The following is something that I picked up on a recent Short Story writing workshop at the Southbank Centre:
A Slamming Start
The first StorySLAM happened last night. Sometimes in life you have to have some magic and it was- absolutely magical.
As Mark Lewis, one of the joint prize-winners said, “Though a bit nerve-wracking, I really enjoyed the evening.” Me too. It was everything we’d envisaged and more. First and foremost the stories were brilliant. We had a talented bunch of seven competing, most of who hadn’t been on stage reading before.
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?
