October-Fest

What an epic month of story telling and live lit events it is too.

I’m lucky enough to be performing at a fair few events myself. So here is a listing for the fabulous festival of writing this month…

On 7th Oct I was thrilled to read at Flashers Club in Cheltenham (curated by Alex Clark). This was part of the Cheltenham Literary Festival’s event Lit Crawl – where the audience spends an evening changing venues all over town. Huge fun and some great stories to be heard. I got my Triangle out and read Ting.

Next up, I’m auditioning with the Avon Federation of Women's Institutes in Chipping Sodbury on the 16th. I’ve had a WI gig once before in Wells – it was a lovely night. I’m hoping I’ll pass muster with two stories including Snow.

Friday the 20th is the first of my Bristol Festival of Literature events. What a great programme it is too – take a look and go along. First up is the Flash Slam – where Bristol’s writing groups compete in a story slam expertly compered by Angie Belcher. Imagine Pitch Perfect without the animosity. Stokes Croft Writers aim to defend our crown and lift the trophy… Nah, there’s no trophy. It’s free at No51 Stokes Croft.

Saturday 21st is a Story Saturday as A Word In Your Ear and Kilter Theatre take The 1980s to Clifton Library. I shall be reading ManBoyManBoy…Boy – one of my faves. £5 on the night to support FoCCal who are trying to take on the premises and provide an enduring library and community services. This is the 21st Century cultural revolution – do it yourself or lose it.

Sunday is A Night of Crime brought to you by Writers Unchained. I can't do 3 nights on the trot, so you'll have to go on my behalf. Do it - you'll enjoy yourself.

In the mid-week following there is Novel Nights (Wed 25th) and Let Me Tell You A Story, Jack (Thu 26th). Both brilliant events representing Bristol well. Both highly recommended.

Saturday 28th is a double header. I am over-excited to be part of The Great Book Busk around the Bristol Harbourside. For 5 hours over 3 locations, a whole lot of South West writers will be doing their thing and enticing the general public to stop and listen. The superb Christopher Fielden and I will be representing Stokes Croft Writers - sharing a one-hour slot between 12 and 1pm in Millenium Square, opposite the Slug and Lettuce. I have all my props at the ready and am going to try…heaven help me…to lead a wee sing-song.

And in the evening, Stokes Croft Writers present…Talking Tales. Back home in Bristol after a bit of a gap. Hear the best mix of stories this side of the universe – it is always an inspiring and enjoyable night and we’re always grateful to everyone who supports it. Left Bank in Stokes Croft is the venue – be there for 6:30 in good time to hear Christie Cluett call you to order at 7.

I may then sleep.