Small Wonder

Apologies for our absence from what is, I believe, occasionally known somewhat mystifyingly as "the blogosphere" - that is, if any of you have missed us (sob). We have been collectively busy wading through the inundation of submissions for the next issue (out mid-October), and variously feeling the love in Ibiza, getting cross in Kos, and fishing for mackerel off Lyme Regis. Still, the leaves are dropping like flies (although the flies still seems to be around and biting my ankles of an evening), and it is time to settle back and think of things more literary than the airport format paperback. First up, the Small Wonder Short Story Festival in East Sussex this week - 19th to the 23rd September. William Trevor called last year's the best literary festival he's ever been to, and 2007's programme includes everything from practical workshops with the likes of Esther Freud and the Open University, readings from Fay Weldon, Monica Ali and Colm Tóibín, talks and discussions (one of which is going to be recorded for PP favourite Radio 4) and the National Short Story Prize award (I think). Anway, it all looks terrific fun - we're going to be there on Saturday (well, I'm not, but the other two, more diligent, are, for which I am quite jealous) so come down and say hello if you're tempted by an away-day in Lewes ...