ARE you sitting comfortably? Then, I’ll begin.
The words that opened the popular BBC children’s radio programme, Listen with Mother, where young listeners could hear a story or a song.
But I’m too young to remember that – I just like the phrase.
For my fix of BBC novel goodness, I tuned in to Jackanory on the television – the simple pleasure of hearing a story read by an actor as they sat in a chair.
I had my own wee Jackanory moment last week and while I may not have reached an audience of millions at least I had a comfy seat!
Three Friends and Crumbs: Volume One got an outing at a storytelling event called, Once Upon A Time. It was a cracking event in a lovely venue (The Makers Gallery and Bistro in Alloa).
Was I nervous? Aye, a bit.
I’ve been on stage many times but playing myself is always more nerve-racking – especially when reading my own stories for the first time in public.
The bistro was not exactly packed – there were about 30 people – but it was a fantastically intimate venue. The line-up was a mixture of poets, writers and musicians.
I chose to read The Foxy Neighbour, and, after realising I had more time than first thought, then The Cat Burglar.
I put on a few voices but, not being one for accents, they ranged from squeaky Scottish to gruff Scottish to posh Scottish.
The stories went down well and I even sold a few books. It really felt good to get immediate feedback (and not just the applause). All in all it was a really enjoyable night and hopefully the first of many.
Three Friends and Crumbs, children's stories 