Hartlepool Author Showcase

Well, that was fun at Community Hub Central with twenty-four other (mainly) self-publishers. Lots of supportive chat among the authors, swapping ideas and experiences. Fortunately, there were also sufficient Joe and Josephine Publics to keep us engaged in the purported task of selling a book or two (or three in my case). And many of those not buying were happy to engage and show a polite interest in the wares, taking away a promotional bookmark that might prompt an on-line purchase further down the line.

 

[Authentic selfie - 24 October 2026]

RIVER SONG

The two Americans sat on the riverside bench and looked over towards the bridge.

“River’s high,” said Paul. “Almost up to the arches.”

“All that rain yesterday,” replied Arthur. “Up in the dales.”

“Lot of debris floating down,” said Paul. “Tree branches, lumps of wood, maybe from boats washed away.”

“Look at that foam on the surface,” said Arthur. “Must be something to do with the peat.”

“Like bubbles,” mused Paul.

“Gives me an idea for a song,” said Arthur.

“What’s that?” asked Paul.

“Bridge over Bubbled Water,” said Arthur.

“That’ll never work, Art,” said Paul. “But what about …”

 

[A hundred-word story - 8 October 2026]