One of the first pieces of work I ever sold was to the BBC, a short story about an incident that happened to me as a child in Australia. The BBC has been a champion of the neglected short story art form for many years and the proposal is now to drastically slash the number of original short stories it broadcasts on Radio 4, as from next Spring. Short stories are hard to write well and don't make much money for publishers, so the BBC's commitment to broadcasting stories to high professional standards has provided listeners and writers alike with a really valuable outlet, and helped to keep the form alive.
I humbly apologies to those of you who don't know or care about BBC Radio or short stories... but anyone who does, please could you sign the online petition or write to BBC Feedback - details on
the National Short Story Week website - or forward this on to anyone you think might be interested.
The picture? It's one I have had in my photo stash for a year: it was taken in South London. I am sure it'll prompt me to write a short story some day, just haven't thought of it yet!
petition duly signed.
ReplyDeleteThat is really an interesting story! Consider the petition signed by me!
ReplyDeleteWow, you are an occasional writer? Great!
ReplyDeleteI’m interested in what imagination the photo has sparked or will spark to you. Maybe you could introduce your short story on this blog.
"She was so looking forward to being in the parade when a sniper's bullet hit her in the neck." How's that? :)
ReplyDeleteI listen to CBC here in Canada. It is such good talk radio.
Hope the campaign works!
ReplyDeleteAdvice to the paper person: take more water with it? On seccond thoughts, perhaps some sand shoes?
xx
Well yes I can see potential in the photo here! Will go to the short story link.
ReplyDeleteHope the BBC continues the short stories. For some reason I'm not fond of reading short stories but I like listening to them being read. I like big fat novels best.
ReplyDeleteDarla
I'm curious to know what story you're making up from this picture.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. Yes, I'll post the story here when I think of it. I think of something along the lines of a folk tale, and the triumphant looking young lady has just defeated the giant in some way. But what is she holding in her hand? And who is the woman watching in the background? I can't quite tie it together.
ReplyDeleteHere, here, and ditto about the support of the BBC for short story/features writers.
ReplyDeleteJenny, it is too bad BBC will drastically slash the number of original short stories. I have read your short story only once which I loved very much. I am looking forward to your posting the story.
ReplyDeleteYour photo is intriguing very much. This expression came to my mind, "After Festival". After releasing all energy in the festival, people feel satisfactory, but a little empty, sad, tired,- they have so many mixed feelings.