It was a night to remember, Smokey Joe’s was full to the rafters, the wine was flowing, the atmosphere was relaxed, the press photographers were poised…. it was the launch of the 2017 Cheltenham Poetry Festival!
D.D. Johnston and Tyler Keevil, authors and senior tutors at the University of Gloucestershire kicked off the event with readings from their books. Mike ‘DD’ Johnston began his reading with a set any stand- up comedian would be happy with.
Both offered a highly entertaining, live literature experience. And, though both writers have extensive credits to their names, several – highly reviewed books in print and countless awards under their belts, they had a refreshing humility which the packed coffee shop quickly warmed to.
And then it was our turn! The University had asked 1st, 2nd year and MA Creative Writing students to enter a competition and write some flash fiction for the event – 150 action packed words inspired from a line of poetry. The stories were funny, sad, thoughtful and uplifting. Yours truly performed two pieces of flash fiction one just 22 words long. Here it is:
Dad
Held me tight, made me feel safe, then gently let me go. When it’s time, I will do the same for him.
Claire Harrison - Writer 
Leave a Reply