In this episode we chat with fantasy author Alethea Lyons about her series of novels and short stories called The Seer of York. We look at the influences on Thea's writing including the folklore of the British Isles and the inspiration that the City of York has been on her world. Along the way we hear excerpts from Alethea's writing read by Emily InkpenFind out more about Alethea Lyons by visiting here website here https://alethealyons.wixsite.com/storiesLinks to Alethea's social...

In this episode we share two short audio dramas by Nottingham based playwright and short fiction author Robbie Laughton.These were two of four plays we recorded with Robbie and our cast in August. You can listen to our first podcast featuring Robbie's dramas "Hairy Fairy" and "Tormeted" which has since been featured on BBC Radio, here https://www.buzzsprout.com/411730/episodes/15864824Please note that "Dog Only Knows", our second drama contains very strong and abusive language throughou...

In this episode we chat with novelist, academic and short story writer Philippa Holloway about her new short fiction collection "Untethered" which was published last month by Parthian. Along the way we hear excerpts from the collection performed by Emily Inkpen and Chris Gregory. In this podcast you heard excerpts from the following stories A Cloud of Starlings - read by Emily InkpenHandprints - read by Chris GregoryBeached - read by Emily InkpenSound design, editing, music ...

In this episodes we share a short series of monologues written by Stella Klein and performed by members of the Alternative Stories acting team. Stella Klein is a London-based writer of very short stories and occasional poems. Her flash and micro fiction has appeared in print and online collections published by Fish, 101 Words, Spread the Word, FlashBack Fiction, Flash Fiction Magazine, Reflex Fiction and The Mechanics Institute Review.Reclining Nude is performed by Tiffany Clare Bar...

In this episode we chat with fantasy author Alexandra Beaumont about her new novel Dissonance of Birdsong (Brigids Gate Press 2024) Alexandra Beaumont is a fantasy author and folklorist whose debut novel "Testament of the Stars" was also featured on this podcast. Her latest book, Dissonance of Birdsong draws on the folklore and landscape of Cornwall.You can listen to our original interview on this podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/411730/episodes/8376524To find out more abou...

In this episode of the podcast, recorded on a walk in The Welland Valley in eastern Leicestershire Chris Gregory is in conversation with novelist, poet and journalist Tim Relf. Tim writes fiction under the name T.R. Richmond and his novel "What She Left" is published by Penguin.In this podcast you can hear three poems Scrambler by Tim relf read by Jackie JorgensonBlackberries by Tim Relf read by Chris GregoryAdlestrop by Edward Thomas read by Tim Relf To find out more about Tim an...

In this episode we share two short audio dramas by Nottingham based playwright and short fiction author Robbie Laughton.These were two of four plays we recorded with Robbie and our cast in August and we'll be sharing the other two and more about Robbie in a forthcoming episodeHairy FairyBig Dean is preparing for his release from prison while on the streets of the city a mysterious figure known only as "Hairy Fairy" endlessly collects money for charity. But what connects them and how wil...

Today we’re sharing an interview with novelist, short story writer and award winning audio drama script writer, Emily Inkpen. You can back our kickstarter to make season 3 of The Dex Legacy Season here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/emilyinkpen/the-dex-legacy-science-fiction-audio-drama-season-3If you’d like to see a video version of this interview you can find it on the Alternative Stories YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@alternativestoriesandfaker6885You can ...

In this edition we chat with author Lyndsey Croal about her new and acclaimed short fiction collection “Limelight”, We are also joined by Limelight’s publisher Alan Lastufka from Shortwave Publishing for a conversation about the topics covered in the collection, Lyndsey’s writing and inspiration and the world of indie publishing. The podcast includes excerpts from Limelight. If you would like to learn more about Lyndsey Croal you can visit her website https://lyndseycro...

In this bonus episode we have an interview with the writer of our audio drama Winter Spring, Dr Rachel Knightley. Rachel talks with co-director Emily Inkpen about the inspiration for her story and the joy of bringing it to life in the studio. This interview was recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard Campbell. If you would like to find out more about Rachel Knightley and her writing coaching organisation The Writers’ Gym please go to https://ww...

Welcome to Season 8 of the Alternative Stories and Fake Realites Podcast. Our new season begins with Winter Spring, an audio drama by Dr Rachel Knightley. Alice Winter, her brother Ash Winter and cousin Harris Spring are the third generation of a family property company, founded by their German immigrant grandfather who taught them the one thing the world would always need was good landlords. Three generations later, in order to survive, Ash has turned the business into an es...

In this edition of the podcast we're chatting with writer, folklorist and historian Amy Boucher about plans for more from the world of her folk horror audio drama The Best of Men which was originally broadcast on this podcast. If you would like to find out more about the project to make season 2 of The Best of Men and to pledge your support to the project via our kickstarter campaign you can do so here. Remember the campaign runs until 23rd May so please back it by then to en...

Following the loss of her father, Margo is trying to come to terms with bereavement and the unkindness of her classmates at school when she begins to experience some strange encounters. In this moving drama by Gemma Johnson, performed by members of the Creative Youth Company we explore Margo's journey towards recovery and the individuals and communities that help her. In Margo’s story by Gemma Johnson you can hear Margo: Sophia HortonAggie: Aubrey Johns...

Camlann is the new audio drama from Tin Can Audio written by Ella Watts.  In this special edition we chat with Ella and sound designer / composer Amber Devereux of Tin Can Audio about the creation of the show.   Chris Gregory and Dex Legacy writer Emily Inkpen chatted with Ella and Amber via zoom so the sound quality isn't always perfect.  We hope this doesn't spoil your enjoyment of the conversation.  Camlann is a post-apocalyptic drama based on folklore and Arthurian legend  You can...

Flood survival operations are underway aboard the Ark and Captain Noah has delegated command to his sons and their partners.  But as the voyage begins a spate of mysterious deaths prompt Parphia to turn detective and embark upon the world's first ever murder mystery.  She is determined to record every last clue and discovery as she tries to solve the crimes, but has she bitten off more than she can chew and can she survive the mysterious Ark killer?     In Ark by Stephanie Weston you...

Our guest on this edition of Alternative Stories  is writer, writing coach and teacher Dr Rachel Knightley.  We chatted on zoom about Rachel’s short story cycle “Twisted Branches”   To buy a copy of Twisted Branches from the publisher Black Shuck Book please click the link below https://blackshuckbooks.co.uk/twisted-branches  And find out more about Rachel and her wider work you can visit her website here https://www.rachelknightley.com/  You can follow Rachel Knightley on X, formerly...

In this edition we look behind the scenes at the making of our science fiction drama The Dex Legacy This podcast originally went out as an episode of The Dex Legacy Podcast and was released before the current season started. You can find out more about The Dex Legacy, subscribe and listen by searching The Dex Legacy in your favourite podcast app or by clicking the link below. https://www.thedexlegacy.com/  You can follow The Dex Legacy on X (formerly Twitter) at...

The second season of the Seren Poetry Podcast begins this week and in this preview edition we chat with Sarah Johnson from Seren who will be the interviewer in this series and hear poems from the featured poets.   Thank you to Sarah Johnson from Seren for being our guest in this edition Sound design and production are by Chris Gregory for Alternative Stories    Subscribe to the Seren Poetry Podcast in your favourite podcast app by searching “the seren poetry podcast” or click the link...

Thank you for listening to this edition of the Alternative Stories and Fake Realities Podcast in which we chat with poet Matthew Stewart about his new Happenstance collection “Whatever you do, just don’t”   You can order a copy of the collection via Happenstance here https://www.happenstancepress.com/index.php/shop/product/47818-whatever-you-do-just-don-t/category_pathway-64  And visit Happenstance to find out more about their work and publications...

In this edition we chat with author Lyndsey Croal about her novelette "Have You Decided on your Question?" her audio drama "Daughter of Fire and Water" and the kickstarter campaign for the forthcoming climate change edition of the "Shoreline of Infinity" magazine which she will be editing.  Find out more about Lyndsey Croal by visiting her website here https://lyndseycroal.co.uk/ Follow Lyndsey on twitter here https://twitter.com/writerlynds And instagram here...

Performed by Carole Pluckrose  and Ria Knowles https://www.spotlight.com/1418-7861-2841 Produced in association with The Boathouse Barking CIC.   https://www.boathousebarkingstudios.com/ Instagram Facebook  ©Carole Pluckrose 2023 Dedicated to Edgar, Anne and Sheelagh   Script editors :Claire Steele,  Jill Glenn, Constellations Consultancy With thanks for their enduring support and critical friendship to: Tony Humphreys, Nick Crean, Carl Blackburn. Mark and Dan Horn, Martin Heaney, Julie...

Spell sounds is an audiofiction soundscape series in which we combine poetry and prose with sound effects to evoke places, spaces and landscapes    In this edition you heard the voices of Tiffany Clare, Sally Walker Taylor, Cee Cee and Chris Gregory You heard writing by  Lyndsey Croal Ange Wilson Anna Chorlton Josh Holton Joana Varanda Cee Cee And Chris Gregory   Soundscapes, music, mix and editing were by Alternative Stories Sound effects were by Alternative Stories and from...

In this edition we speak to science fiction writer Frasier Armitage about his novel New Yesterday which was published earlier this year.  Frasier is the author of our award winning audio drama Postcards from Another World and several pieces of short fiction.  Chris Gregory met Frasier over zoom to discuss the writing process and his influences.   The excerpts from New Yesterday were read by Chris Gregory and the excerpts from Postcards from Another World featured the voices of Sarah Golding,...

Storying our Futures is a new podcast series looking at the climate crisis in east Africa and the ways in which storytelling can help to spread information to the local population. Through the eyes of two Kenyan storytellers, Mara and John, we travel with them through South Sudan and northern Kenya to see how the crisis is affecting local communities.  "Storying our Futures: climate resilience through indigenous knowledge" is a UK/East Africa collaborative project bringing traditional oral...