New Writing South is joining forces with local publishers Myriad, for two events at the end of September to celebrate the short story and give local writers the opportunity to be part of a special workshop with Lisa Blower, a champion of working class and regional voices.
Myriad Literary Salon: Celebrating the Short Story on Thursday 26 September, 7pm at Waterstones, Brighton. This is the third Myriad Literary Salon and as the literature organisation for the SE region we will be there to discuss how we support and develop bold new writing and writers (with a focus on those from diverse backgrounds) through our wide-reaching programme of activity.
The guest author at the salon is Lisa Blower whose debut collection of short stories, It’s Gone Dark Over Bill’s Mother’s, has been winning praise since its publication by Myriad in April. Lisa will be joined by novelist and playwright Hannah Vincent whose first short story collection, She-Clown, is out next year. Both writers will be talking to Myriad’s publishing director Candida Lacey about their attraction to the short story form, how writing a short story differs from writing a novel, the writers that have inspired their work and the opportunities and outlook for short fiction in the literary marketplace. Myriad’s publicist Emma Dowson will join the discussion to explain how Myriad promote and build an audience for their authors. Book now with Waterstones or call 01273 206017
Creating Characters: Writing Workshop with Lisa Blower. 10.30am – 12.30pm Friday 27 September
Lisa Blower is a champion of working-class and regional voices. We are delighted to host a writing workshop with her at the Writers’ Place in Brighton the day after her Salon appearance.
Lisa is a character driven writer and celebrates her characters with stories they wouldn’t want told. This workshop will unpick how to construct a memorable character. Including how to capture authentic voice and dialogue. Lisa will share practical exercises and insights into how she builds believeable characters to populate her stories. Book tickets
Lisa’s debut collection of short stories, It’s Gone Dark Over Bill’s Mother’s, has been winning praise since its publication by local publisher, Myriad since April. Lisa Blower won The Guardian National Short Story Award in 2009, and was shortlisted for the BBC National Short Story Award in 2013 and longlisted for The Sunday Times Short Story Award in 2018. Her fiction has appeared in The Guardian, Comma Press anthologies, The New Welsh Review, The Luminary, Short Story Sunday, and on Radio 4. She is a contributor to Common People edited by Kit de Waal. Her debut novel Sitting Ducks was shortlisted for the inaugural Arnold Bennett Prize 2017 and longlisted for The Guardian Not the Booker 2016. She is a creative writing lecturer at Bangor University.