Speak To Me is out in paperback! Thanks to all the writers who have supported and encouraged me and to @TinderPress for putting it into the world

Today and tomorrow I'm on strike with Guardian and Observer colleagues, over the proposed sale of the Observer.
nuj.org.uk/resource/not-f…

I'm think of teaching a free 1hr short-story writing workshop - like a 101 of structure and shape (the hardest thing to do in the short form, imho). First, would you be interested? Second, pls RT! Probably early July.

This is on my summer reading list!

The Surrey New Writing Prize is a new prize awarded to the best piece of short fiction. Open to UK writers, the 2024 theme is People & Artificial Intelligence. Winning prize is £1400, 2nd prize £400 & 3rd prize £200. £6 entry. D/L 18 April.
More info ➡️ buff.ly/4amz8BJ

“We both act as if talking will destroy us, but surely silence will, more slowly, and we will be undone by all the things we leave unsaid."

― @CocozzaPaula, SPEAK TO ME, published by @TinderPress 📱

Available now in paperback 📚 uk.bookshop.org/p/books/speak-…

Incredibly sad news that we have lost our wonderful Guardian colleague Julie Reid, who was only 56. She was a great production editor, fiercely principled, really funny and just bloody lovely. This, by Julie, on being brought up by blind parents is fab
theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2…

I interviewed Sylvie Boulay for A New Start After 60. She was working on drawings about growing older. I'm thrilled to see they've become this book, full of warmth, insight & humour

If you have ever been on a cruise holiday and would be happy to tell me about it, I would love to hear from you. Nothing scary, just a chat, no quotes. Please DM me if you can help -- thanks

Looking to discover new poets?

To mark our 70th birthday, we have launched our 70-Poet Challenge, an invitation to find 70 poets 'new' to you, and tell us about your favourites!

Ends Sun 5 May 2024.

More info + booklets at the library desk or online: nationalpoetrylibrary.org.uk/news-stories/7…

Please listen to Steve's amazing voice

I love my local lido so it was really nice to spread the joy of them with this piece

Classic John Vidal story. He used his expenses from a trip to Bangladesh to get a well built in Dhaka. When asked to detail his expenses for trip, he wrote "Drinks for 5,000".
Here's his obit from his former team mate Paul Brown
theguardian.com/environment/20…

This week's A New Start -- so much can happen when a person finally feels empowered to choose their job
theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2…

I knew people giving attention to phones was a problem. But a love affair with a water bottle? So many questions
theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2…

Written by Sharron Spice, who writes one of the Guardian's Heat or Eat columns. If you're in reach of Fore Street library in Enfield this week, tickets are free

What a privilege to hear Harrison Okene's survival story theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2…

Absolutely devastated to learn that Badgers Books in Worthing, a secondhand books paradise and scene of many a teenage overspend, has gone. If anyone knows what happened to it (& what became of all the books), I'd love to know #worthing #secondhandbookshop

We are beyond thrilled to launch #Discoveries 2024, our search for the writing stars of tomorrow.
Find out how to enter and everything you need to know here: bit.ly/Launching_Disc…

@audibleuk, @CBGBooks, @cbcreative
Filmed in the beautiful library @london_kindred

Really interesting piece theguardian.com/society/2023/s…