Podcast for Spread the Word/London Short Story Prize 2019

Back in March 2020 (what seems a pre-Covid lifetime ago!) I had great fun recording a podcast for the Spread the Word London Short Story Prize 2019, organised by Luke Applin and Julia Ramrath, students on the MA Publishing at UAL London College of Communication. They interviewed me about my 1st Prize winning story ‘Jacking Sea Fruits in the Dark’. The podcast has just been released and it can be listened to here! You can also hear interviews with writers Isha Karki and Caroline Rae, who were Highly Commended.

Judith, Julia and Luke, recording the podcast

3rd Prize Brick Lane Bookshop Short Story Prize 2019

I was thrilled to be awarded 3rd Prize for the Brick Lane Bookshop Short Story Prize 2019, awarded at the launch of the anthology on 21st November 2019. Most of the 12 long listed short story writers were present, as well as the writer, bookseller and project manager of the prize, Kate Ellis, and the bookshop owner, Denise Jones. We were joined by two of the judges: literary agent Emma Paterson of Aitken Alexander Associates and Kit Caless of Influx Press. The third judge was the writer Zoe Gilbert. Many congratulations to 1st Prize winner James Mitchell and 2nd Prize winner Rosanna Hildyard! It was really great to hear so many writers read an extract from their short stories. The other writers included in the anthology are: Holly Barratt, Emily Bullock, Ellen Hardy, Kerry Hood, Isha Karki, Melody Razak, T. Schroeder, Toby Wallis, and Sylvia Warren.

From left: Kate Ellis, Judith Wilson, James Mitchell, Rosanna Hildyard and Denise Jones

My short story, ‘Hot Butter on Repeat’, was inspired by the landscape of 1970s Liverpool, where I grew up. I’m often drawn back to Liverpool in my short stories. And the track that features in it - ‘Popcorn’ by Hot Butter, released in 1972 - is most definitely worth a listen!

‘Hot Butter on Repeat’ was inspired by 1970s Liverpool

The Brick Lane Bookshop at 166 Brick Lane London E1 6RU www.bricklanebookshop.org

This was the inaugural Brick Lane Bookshop Short Story Prize 2019, and - with 463 entries - I felt very lucky to have my story included in the anthology (and it’s a very beautiful anthology). So thanks again to the organisers and judges, congratulations to the other writers - and now - please buy the book to discover 12 new writers! You can order it for £8 here …

Retreat West 'What Was Left' Anthology Launch at Waterstones

Last night's launch party for the Retreat West Books What Was Left Anthology was held at Waterstones Reading - a wonderful location - and was a celebration of the first collection of stories from the inaugural Retreat West Short Story Prize and Flash Fiction Prize 2016.  

The Retreat West Books Anthology, edited by Amanda Saint and Jane Elmor

Amanda invited me to read my story 'On Crosby Beach', which won 1st prize in the RW Short Story Competition 2016.  It was a delight to do so before the assembled audience - even though a little nerve-wracking!  The story was inspired by my childhood visits to Crosby Beach and also by the 'Another Place' installation there, by Antony Gormley, most definitely worth a visit.

Reading my short story 'On Crosby Beach'.

Jude Higgins also read her 1st prize winning RW Flash Fiction flash, which was haunting and memorable ...

Jude Higgins read her flash fiction 'At The Hospital' ...

Attending a launch is a brilliant chance to meet fellow writers and to sign books.  Amongst the assembled company were writers Jude Higgins, Mandy Huggins, Joanna Campbell, Angelita Bradney, Heather Walker, Diane Simmons and Stephen Palmer, all of whom have fiction in Anthology.  For me, it was also fantastic to meet Amanda Saint, who runs Retreat West with incredible efficiency and genuine passion.  Thanks Amanda and Retreat West!