Dolly’s Wine Bar was full for the November Telltales. We were treated to an often dark, though richly varied set of takes on the theme of Distractions: Stark, reflective poetry of survival and remembrance, from Mary Oliver and Casey Bottono. Primal, quirky riffs on self-preservation by Ethan Northey. A story of how grief takes possession, from Fiona Egglestone. Compelling, raw inner monologues on relationships in the poetry of Kate Reeve – Edwards.

Mac Dunlop read an extract from a current work which had a filmic range, underpinned by a motif of nerve-wearing inner and outer conflicts. Alan Robinson lightened matters with a comic tale of a writer whose aspirations are derailed by an interfering ghost.The evening ended with a powerful, elegiac poem from Caroline Liddington, “But First”, which a number of people said they would like to see in print. You can read it here.

Many thanks to Jay Armstrong for the photo of the November event. You can find more photos on Jay’s Facebook page.

myCornwall Writing Competition

myCornwall magazine and Telltales are offering the chance for a writer to have their work published in the magazine and read out at the May 2015 Telltales event in Falmouth. Together, we’re looking for short stories, poems or novel extracts based on the theme Roots. Entries will be judged by the myCornwall editorial team. To enter please send a story of between 1,600 and 2,000 words, or up to four poems to the address below or email them to: news@mycornwall.tv The deadline is 2 March 2015. Usual competition rules apply and the judges’ decision is final (no members of myCornwall or the Telltales organizing team can enter).

Post to:

Telltales Competition, myCornwall magazine, Krowji, Old Grammar School, West Park, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 3AJ.

Have a good Xmas.