What's the Story

For people who love to read, write and talk about fiction

Hello and welcome

To my Substack community. When I discovered Substack I felt as though I had come home. Now that writing fiction is once again centre stage in my life I am eager to share ideas about books and some of my stories with likeminded people. People like you. 

Here in Dublin, Ireland, we often greet one another by saying “What’s the Story” or even just “Story?”. So this is my way of saying “Hi” and inviting you to share your stories here.

First, a little bit about me!

Born and raised in Dublin, I studied English Language and Literature at university, all the way to a Ph.D. Nevertheless, it took the experience of teaching adults to give me a real understanding of literature’s value. I had the opportunity then to appreciate the world and work of writers from a variety of cultures and traditions.

Many of my “students” remain good friends to this day and books continue to form the centre of our conversations. That’s the dynamic I hope to recreate here, with the twist that I will add my own work to the exchange.

I plan to post reflections on contemporary fiction, (and maybe a little drama and poetry) here every second Tuesday. On the following Friday, I will take a lead from Ray Bradbury who said that if we read a poem, a story and an essay a day our education would be complete. For our weekend reading I will suggest one of each, on that week’s theme. Feel free to share your favourites too.   

Once a month I will post a story of mine or an episode from a longer work, for you to read and comment on.

I’m not sure how Keats knew that “unheard melodies” were “sweeter” than heard ones but unread writing sure ain’t better than the read work!

Writing comes to life only when it is read and talked about. So sign up here and let’s get reading and talking!