Writers' Salon Saturday 6th July. This summer, Literature Works is exploring the potential for the Exeter Customs House to become a literary hub with their Quay Words programme of events.
The winning entries 1. The Woman in Pieces by Jenny Pierpoint, Torquay, Devon 2. Wave after Wave by Brigid McConville, Pilton, Somerset 3. The Real Thing by Tracy Fells, Ashington, West Sussex. The winning entry from Devon is: Seeing to Mrs Hickmott by David Bonnett, Exeter, Devon Click on the stories' names to read the winning entries!
The Woman in Pieces by Jenny Pierpoint Angie rested her head against the mirror, waiting for the tumult of the morning to break in her ears. For a minute, there was only her breath, misting the glass in front of her. The tasks of the day tumbled through her head. William would be awake soon, again. He slept in fits and starts, even now, eight years after his traumatic birth. Broken nights were part of Angie’s routine. “Mum!” Her daughter’s voice called. “Can you be quick? I need to wash my hair. I’m walking with Eddie. We’ve got band practice before classes start today.” “I’ll be ten minutes, okay? Can you give me that much?”
Wave after wave by Brigid McConville ‘Effing blinding effing MEN’ shouted Rebecca at the windscreen, thumping the steering wheel with the heel of her left hand, causing her car to veer alarmingly across the narrow coastal road. It was enough of a shock to slow her down, while her left hand came up to dash tears away, just in time for the sign to come into focus: BLACK ROCK BEACH - CAR PARK
The Real Thing by Tracey Fells We haven’t seen another vehicle in over seventy miles. The road ahead shimmers, the glowing orange hills float on the horizon but don’t get any closer, taunting us as we drive further into the desert. My eyelids droop. When my head falls forward I jolt awake, but only for a second and then I’m falling again. The car’s interior is cool, locking out the blistering heat of the midday sun. As I slip into sleep I wonder why anyone would choose to live out here. And why my firm insisted I take the pool car when they could have organised a flight and saved me two days of this moonscape hell.
Seeing to Mrs. Hickmott by David Bonnett Mrs. Hickmott needs seeing to. And sooner rather than later. This morning’s telephone call has made that clear. Meanwhile, Norris could use a drink. It’s early, but time of day has never come into it. “Thank you for explaining things so clearly,” Norris says into the telephone on his desk. Keen to end the call he adds, “Goodbye,” rather too quickly for politeness, but it must do.
On Wednesday 10th July, Chudleigh will be invaded by Dragons! Back by popular demand after its successful first appearance in 2018, Face the Chudleigh Dragons will be part of the Chudleigh Literary Festival again this year.