A WORLD of imagination, unexpected twists and captivating characters awaits as ten talented writers prepare to bring their stories to life.
The winning stories for the next Stroud Short Stories event have been announced, with their authors set to read their work at Lansdown Hall in Stroud on Sunday, November 8.
A record 109 stories were submitted by 93 writers from across Gloucestershire, with ten selected for the event, which forms part of Stroud Book Festival.
This year's theme is 'heat', with the evening entitled: The Heat Is On.
The winning stories are Without Summer by Georgia Boon, Nightjars by Robin Booth, Decategorised by David Crane, Embers, Michael by Philip Douch and Untethered by Lizzie Golds.
Also selected are From Reds to Heaven by David Goodland, Nine Hundred and Eighty-two Degrees by Jason Jackson, Exchange by Sophie Loose, Wearing Underwear for the First Time this Week by Mark Rutterford and The Ecdysiast by Steph Smith.
The entries were judged by award-winning Stroud-based short story writer and novelist Joanna Campbell and Stroud Short Stories organiser and editor John Holland.
Mr Holland said: "This should be a great evening of short stories."
"We have three writers completely new to us, together with the return of audience favourite Jason Jackson after a four year break – as well as hugely experienced performers, Philip Douch, Robin Booth and Mark Rutterford."
He added: "The calibre of writing talent in Gloucestershire is amazing.
"From judging the submissions for the November 8 event, I'd say it will be an outstanding event."
Stroud Short Stories is marking its 15th year, having held its first event on June 12, 2011.
The November gathering will be its 31st event.
The not-for-profit event takes place twice a year and aims to encourage and showcase local writing talent.
The readings begin at 7.30pm, with tickets priced at £12 available from the Lansdown Hall website.
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