So last night was great – just the right mix of people, music, alcohol, readings… even the lighting was perfect. Personal highlights were Sally Cook’s first ever reading (it didn’t show at all), Socrates Adams-Florou and his laptop, Richard Barrett’s hilarious (in the right way) poems, John McAuliffe’s David Gaffney’s anti-PowerPoint short stories (done incredibly creatively on PowerPoint) and Tao Lin’s video readings. Well done Sally and Chris, and bring on October’s installment.

Things seem to be picking up in the Manchester literature world even before the literature festival begins on 16 October. This Saturday, for example, the Friends’ Meeting House next to Central Library hosts this event:

Inspiring workshops and panel discussions about the short story and all its forms with guests author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce, writer and poet David Constantine, author and playwright Elizabeth Baines, publisher and short story specialist Ra Page and producer/director Polly Thomas, who commissions short stories for BBC Radio.

Anyone who loves to read short stories or would like to know more about writing for publication or radio is welcome.

The event, supported by local publisher Comma Press and the National Story Campaign, runs from 1-5pm and tickets cost £8 – call Rose or Libby on 0161 234 1317 or email r.ryan@manchester.gov.uk if you’re interested. You can also download the full programme and booking form here.