London Literature Festival 2011
And here we go with our second presentation for the London Literature Festival. It’s going to be on July 9th in the QEH Front Room, starting at 5pm. We’re joining in the Festival of Britain anniversary celebrations – 60 years this year. So, with that in mind, we’re running things slightly different for this StorySLAM:Live, mixing our tried and true format with a twist. We have our resident host Charlie Dark to conduct the proceedings - Rizomorph spinning his usual magical mix of music and our wonderful panel of literary experts with their pertinent feedback.
Here’s how it’s different:
First we are running some workshops that will help people transform memories of the festival and the time into stories they will write themselves. we’re delighted to be working with Karen McCarthy Wolff who will be delivering two workshops at the SouthBank Centre. (There are a couple of places left if you’re interested.) We’ve got some great stories from the local community, from courting couples at the fair, to the tale of the girl who wasn’t allowed to go.
We’re also working with SE1 United young writers group,who are led by the estimable Camilia Mulderman and mentored by SBC Writer in Residence Yemisi Blake. This young group are pairing with residents in a local care home to interpret their memories and weave them into a narrative. We’ll bring news of how these literary relationships develop, watch for some guest posts from the team.
Don’t forget, July 9th SAVE THE DATE!
For more information on the event go to:
(For details of creative writing workshops @SBC email bea.colley@southbankcentre.co.uk)
Blog from Mexico this July?
This is an incredible opportunity for all you writers who are beavering away waiting for your first big break.
You could win a trip for you and a friend to the Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca Mexico this July. The festival, established as the celebration of the diverse culture of the Oaxaca region, takes place at the end of July.
Wahaca, the Mexican Restaurant chain based here in London, are seeking a roving reporter to cover the festival for them. This will involve full participation in all the various fun activities, an ability to relax in the sunshine – and here comes the serious pleasure – writing a diary/blog for publication in the Wahaca ‘in house newspaper’ read by 100,000 plus people. There will be plenty of inspiration. The festival is hundreds of years old, a celebration of celebrations, combining modern Mexican culture, old and new religions in one glorious extravaganza. Find out more here: http://blog.wahaca.co.uk/2011/02/win-a-trip-to-the-guelaguetza-festival-in-mexico/
All you have to do is write a 500 word account of your own festival experience and email it to ola@wahaca.co.uk. Here’s what Ola has to say:
“It could be the tale of your last trip to a literary fair, or how you found yourself in a field in Suffolk, or the amazing flavours you discovered at a local food festival. You’ll need to be pretty handy with a pen though as the winners’ Guelaguetza report will be featured in the next winter edition of our newspaper ‘Ola London for us all to ogle at.”
We know from experience that y’all pretty handy with a pen, so why not give yourself a break this summer. Who knows where the next 500 words could lead…
CLOSING DATE 31st May 2011
StorySLAM:Live. So far so good
Hello to all StorySLAM:Live followers. You must be wondering what’s happening to your favourite and only live platform that celebrates all that’s fantastic about the short story. Just to keep you updated we are planning some great events for the rest of the year for all you writers. We’ve been busy behind the scenes and are very excited about developments with the project. We are finalising details of our open events – back to The Albany of course, but watch out for some summer fun in surprise locations. Might even need a tent.
Fundamentally, StorySLAM:Live was created to inspire and celebrate short story writers who want to test their skill in a friendly environment. It was born from the belief that there are many brilliant undiscovered writers out there and we have been proved right by the quality of the stories we have been privileged to showcase. We pride ourselves on the success of the format we have developed. We have a salon atmosphere, music with a difference and that all important glass of wine for those who prefer. Our team of judges are drawn from the literary industry, they’ve had a real effect on past entrants, increasing confidence and self belief as well professional recognition.
Along the way we’ve tried a few things and the best discovery we’ve made is (drum roll) there are loads of different people who want to try their hand at writing. So, always aiming to please, we are going to run some special projects to facilitate this.
We’re going to hold Silver StorySLAM:Live as part of the Festival of Britain Celebrations at SBC. It’s going to be a platform for older people to share their stories. We’ve done this before – at last years Silver Festival. This time we’re going to mix it up a bit by bringing in the younger generation. Young writers will tell the stories of the older people who, for one reason or another need some help to get their voices heard. July 9th – save the date! If you would like more details of how you can get involved with this project, particularly with the younger writers group, drop us a line and keep your eye on the site for updates.
StorySLAM:Live..Getting Older
We’ve passed the milestone of the first year and StorySLAM:Live has matured into a unique and magical event. The Red Room at The Albany was a perfect venue for the latest StorySLAM:Live. Combining a welcoming atmosphere- resident host Charlie Dark and DJ Rizomorph create a relaxed vibe- with some of the best short stories being created in London today. Competition is so friendly. We have such a good time, people leave smiling and inspired.
This time we had entries from all kinds of writers, from Goldsmiths MA students to our Second Prize winner Vi Newman for Birthday Treat. Vi was delighted, especially as she has NEVER written a story before! What a brilliant achievement for someone who left formal education in the 1950’s. Congratulations to Vi who won a £50 credit for the wonderful Spoken Ink -a website that offers downloadable short stories for listening on the go. Why not visit their site and download a couple to listen to on your next tube journey. Thanks to Constantine Gregory for acting as a judge too.
Congratulations to our winner, Ilana Winterstein for Sticks and Stones. The judges were impressed with the authenticity of her ‘voice’. Ilana was a worthy winner but the judges are not to be envied – the quality of the stories is truly amazing. Ilana is part of Handheld Arts, a collective of emerging theatre practitioners.
Writers group Trash Fiction Bookclub were represented on the winners list with Emma Jones. They are becoming regulars, with Paula Faircloth taking the first prize at the previous StorySLAM:Live in October. Watch out for their excellent publication The Read Horse for great short stories and poems.
Our resident CC -her name is Emma Hewett and she’s the Director of Spread the Word – did a fantastic job on the judging panel as usual. Emma loves short stories and the final word goes to her.
” I really enjoyed myself. I always do! I loved Vi’s story so much. It was a triumph!
Look forward to hearing more great stories soon. We’re evolving rapidly -so watch out for new dates to be announced soon.
Getting Older
Getting Older is the theme for the next StorySLAM:Live. When it was first suggested – mmm – wasn’t too sure. Then it was pointed out that we are all getting older from the moment we are born. Even before that really. The theme becomes limitless when you think about it.
What about things getting older? Sometimes it’s good -think of lovingly polished silver. Sometimes bad though, favourite jumpers get moth eaten,glasses break. Your signature style goes out of fashion.
When did you feel older for the first time-older than you did before? What’s good about it and are you enjoying the journey?
So- that sold the theme to me – hook line and sinker! Obviously getting an echo from our writers as there is only one spot left for pre-booking. The remaining five slots will be open for entry on the door.
Why not join us for a night of literary delight? Enter a story and see if our judges pick you as a winner. Or just come along, have a drink accompanied by our unique mix of music and stories and prepare to be inspired.
