Author diaries

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29 June 2004 Entry: "Short stories and 1979"

I am getting back into regular writing after the whirlwind of nights out at the Fresh Fiction events at Live Theatre. Before that it was Live's own programme of new plays and events, plus a day at the BBC as a follow-up to the Ignite writing for radio course I did last year, so my own writing has been pushed to one side.
I did have one other welcome distraction last week, an invitation to read at Tales of the Decongested, the monthly short story event at the Poetry Cafe in London. I'd submitted my short story because I knew I was working in London that day anyway (so work would pay for my rail ticket). Then I ended up having another meeting the following day, which was even better as I could stay overnight.
Short stories are still very new for me, so it was great to have the chance to read one - it's also on their website now so you can read it too.
I really enjoyed hearing the other five stories. All were very different and it made me realise how traditionally linear my own story was. As part of my mentorship with Sara Maitland, I am trying different styles of writing and will hopefully wean myself off thinking that the first person is the only way to tell a story. Being in London with no ironing, washing, vacuuming meant I had time to work on a new short story, so that's my first "homework" done. It's funny, I had the idea for the story six years ago and had a few attempts at writing it, but nothing worked. Now I realise it needs to be told from two viewpoints.
Today I've been searching the internet looking for music and headlines from 1979. At the BBC day I pitched an idea for a play set in that year. It was well received, which means that's now at the top of my writing list. Of course, there's no guarantee it will get any further than being read by a producer, but it's worth having a go.
My own musical memories of 1979 are Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits and Lucky Number by Lena Lovich. How could I have forgotten Supertramp's The Logical Song, Bad Girls by Donna Summer or Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive? According to one internet chart My Sharona by The Knack was that year's top song and although I never really liked it, that's the song that's stuck with me today. Typical.