NEW GUIDE TO THE CRAFT OF THE SHORT STORY

This has been my job for the last few months- cajoling and persuading some of the best writers of short stories around to contribute to a forthcoming guide to be published by SALT on writing the short story.

I have fourteen superb writers. And as their chapters come in to me, I shall reveal who they are:

First off the chocks is GRAHAM MORT

Graham won First Prize at Bridport in 2007. A widely published short story writer, he is also a much published poet. He lives in North Yorkshire and lectures in Creative Writing at Lancaster University where he directs the Centre for Transcultural Writing and Research. He has worked extensively in Africa, designing and implementing literature development projects for the British Council. His latest publication will be a collection of short fiction forthcoming this year from Seren.

In second place, hot on Graham's heels is PAUL MAGRS Paul is Senior Lecturer in English Literature and Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. He's also taught at the University of East Anglia. His first published writing was the short story "Patient Iris", published 1995 in New Writing Four (edited by A. S. Byatt and Alan Hollinghurst). This was soon followed by his debut novel, Marked for Life, the same year. Other novels include Strange Boy (2003) and To the Devil — a Diva! (2004) and he has also published collections of short fiction. He is also the author of four books in the BBC Doctor Who novel range, and co-authored the Creative Writing handbook, with Andrew Motion and Julia Bell.

In third place in my postbox - I have just seen the chapter from ELAINE CHIEW - fabulous stuff. Elaine won the Bridport Prize in 2008. Elaine is certanly a name to watch! Her publications include Hobart, Storiglossia, Night Train, and the forthcoming One World Anthology.


Me? I am Editor, contributor, project-manager, general dogsbody, and occasional interviwer over the phone.