This Automaton by David Wheldon ( Nightjar Press) is a strange fragment of a tale. The first page tells us that the manuscript of the story was found amongst the effects of a British infantryman killed in 1918. It is dated 1905 and relates an episode in the life of the boy who, we presume, would later become that unfortunate soldier. The child lives with … Continue reading The Automaton by David Wheldon
That’s What She Said is a monthly open mic event that showcases the best new writing and performance by women and non-binary writers. It features well known headliner acts and offers a supportive environment for emerging authors to perform a mixture of performance, poetry and storytelling. That’s What She Said usually takes place in the centre of Manchester but we are delighted to say … Continue reading That’s What She Said
Review by Katie Frankland Set in a cold, grey, eerie Manchester, “Sirens” introduces Adrian Waits, an unfortunate Detective with a menacing past and hopeless future. His present isn’t too promising either as he is pushed into the ugly, brutal darkness of the city’s criminal underground. Assigned to work on a solo, covert mission to investigate the whereabouts of a missing politician’s daughter, he positions himself … Continue reading Sirens -Joseph Knox (Transworld Publishers)
This year Altrincham Word Fest is bigger and better than ever! With events and workshops on poetry, blogging, creative writing, comedy, crime fiction, Alan Turing ‘s Manchester and advice on publishing your own work we have something for everyone. Whether you want to learn, perform or just listen – you will find something to inspire you! All tickets on Eventbrite. Saturday 11th May Flash … Continue reading Programme 2019
We met Martin at our Open Mic Evening during the first Altrincham Word Fest in May 2018. He read several poems and we were really impressed with his work. Martin is a retired university lecturer and describes himself as ‘a mathematician who wanted certainty but found life more interesting and fulfilling by not getting it.’! Martin does remember writing a couple of poems whilst at … Continue reading Martin Zarrop and ‘No Theory of Everything’
If you google Tom Jenks make sure that you don’t get confused by the American writer or the former Grand National Jockey. Our Tom Jenks is a prolific writer of experimental poetry and prose. He’s been a regular on the Manchester spoken word scene for many years. His highly original work is hard to describe in words. Have a look at him on You Tube … Continue reading Getting inside Tom Jenks’s head…
Katie Frankland attended some of the Word Fest workshops in May 2018 and was inspired to start writing as result. In fact, the image of Katie writing during a break out session at Kate Feld’s ‘Life Writing’ session was one of our favourite shots of the festival. She looked so absorbed and yet so relaxed! We were excited to hear that Kate now has her … Continue reading Blogger Katie Frankland who loves life and writing
Originally from Altrincham, David has had a long and successful career as a TV and radio producer and writer of celebrity biographies for people as diverse as the Sex Pistols and Emma Watson. However, it is clear that a major turning point in both his career and life was the arrest and subsequent prosecution of a teacher from his former school in Hale Barns on … Continue reading Black Moss, the new novel from writer David Nolan
One of our favourite recent reads was the Manchester based psychological thriller ‘Deluded’ by Lynn Steinson. We met Lynn recently for a chat about her writing life and the development of her first ‘Deluded’ revolves around the intertwined lives of a pub quiz team, one of whom may not quite what she seems! It is a cracking tale of obsession and deceit with some moments … Continue reading Lynn Steinson, author of psychological thriller ‘Deluded’
Reveiw by Seamus Kelly What do I, as a poet, look for when reading or listening to poetry? When I read poetry, I want to be shown new perspectives, to gain new insights, to be made to pause for thought and I hope to find pleasure in the reading. After reading just six random poems from this collection I knew that it would deliver … Continue reading England -Poems From A School Edited By Kate Clanchy (Picador)
