Not More Gnomes shortlisted and available in an anthology

The theme of this year’s Walk Listen Create writing competition was ‘Walking Together’, which sent ideas pinging off in all directions. The one that stuck with me developed into a piece of writing that is close to my heart. Walks with friends form the basis of some of my fondest memories, and this was the opportunity I didn’t know I needed, to explore some treasured experiences with a good friend who sadly isn’t here to read the finished piece. She was one of the people who continually encouraged me to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and that makes me even prouder that Not More Gnomes made the competition shortlist.

Part of the process involved a showcase event, where each shortlisted poem and short story was read by its author. Hearing a piece that’s been created inside the closed space of someone’s head travelling aloud to you, in the voice it was intended to be expressed by, brings writing to life. I had read all of the shortlisted pieces prior to the showcase, and each one still surprised me with things I’d missed when reading them myself.

The resulting anthology, Walking, will be available to buy soon and I’ll update this page when it’s possible to get your hands on a copy.

Not More Gnomes is available in Walking, out in October.