Performers Wanted for Live Poetry Special 2025

Want to perform your poetry on the radio?

The annual Hannah’s Bookshelf Live Poetry Special is back for another year!

On Saturday 8th November, Hannah’s Bookshelf on North Manchester FM will be broadcasting its annual Live Poetry Special (a little later in the year than usual, but better late than never!). And once again, I’d like to invite poets and spoken word performers to get involved and perform their work on the show.

I’ll be inviting poets into the North Manchester FM studio to perform their work live on the show from the studio in Harpurhey! Whether you’re a veteran performer or new to reading your work, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line via my website, or message me on Facebook or Instagram if you’d like to perform or would like more information about how to take part. Slots are limited, and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Performance slots are 6 minutes long.

The Hannah’s Bookshelf Live Poetry Special will be going out on North Manchester FM on Saturday 8th November at 2-4pm. It will be broadcast on 106.6FM (in the North Manchester area) and online (for the rest of the world).

Halloween Stories Wanted for Hannah's Bookshelf on North Manchester FM

3 Minute Scares is back for its tenth terrifying year!

Can you tell a scary story in just 3 minutes? Want to have your work played on the radio? This month, I’m looking for spooky flash fiction from around the world for inclusion on Hannah’s Bookshelf, the weekly literature show on North Manchester FM.

On Saturday 25th October, I’ll be hosting the annual Hannah’s Bookshelf Halloween Special, and as part of my seasonal special, I’ll be playing a selection of my favourite 3 Minute Scares stories on the show (broadcast on FM and on digital). Want to be part of it? Submit a recording of your spooky story (maximum 3 minutes) by midnight on Monday 20th October.

The only rules are that stories must be your own original work, have some connection to the season, and be in English (the language of the broadcast). And please ease off the swears – stories have to be radio friendly! All you need is a microphone and a story – once you’re ready to submit your story, click on the ‘Start Recording’ button on my website to record your story and submit it. Remember to enter your name and email address when submitting your story.

If you aren’t able to submit via a recording and would like another method of taking part, please message via my website for more information.

Please share this call with anyone who you think might be interested – I’d like to cast the net as wide as possible. My favourite spooky stories will be broadcast on the Hannah’s Bookshelf Halloween Special at 2pm on Saturday 25th October, on digital radio and 106.6FM.

Autumn Equinox: Day 5

It's the fifth day of our Autumn Equinox festivities, and we had quite a lot planned for today. It's nice to be off work, so we can have a bit of seasonal fun today.

Autumn Equinox Walk in the Park

This morning, I led a seasonal walk for Friends of Crumpsall Park. To be honest, it just descended into a mushroom hunt, but there were some beautiful specimens to be found.

Hannah’s Bookshelf Autumn Equinox Special

Then this afternoon it was my annual Hannah's Bookshelf Autumn Equinox Special on North Manchester FM, where I played seasonal flash fiction from 15 writers, played some seasonal music, and ate some apple pies with the volunteers at the community centre where the radio station is based.

Autumn Equinox Dinner

We had our traditional Autumn Equinox dinner of vegetarian meatloaf and root vegetable & saffron rice tonight.

Autumn Equinox Gifts

And after dinner we exchanged our traditional gifts and cards. These whiskies will go into the tasting set that we'll enjoy in December.

Dark Night of the Scarecrow

We rounded off the evening with the traditional Autumn Equinox film... Dark Night of the Scarecrow.

Autumn Equinox Stories Wanted for Hannah's Bookshelf on North Manchester FM

Submit your seasonal flash fiction to be played on Hannah’s Bookshelf this September!

Can you tell a seasonal story in just 3 minutes? Want to have your work played on the radio? This month, I’m looking for seasonal (Autumn, harvest festival) flash fiction from around the world for inclusion on Hannah’s Bookshelf, the weekly literature show on North Manchester FM.

On Saturday 20th September, I’ll be hosting the Hannah’s Bookshelf Autumn Equinox Special, and as part of my seasonal special, I’ll be playing a selection of my favourite 3-minute stories on the show (broadcast on FM and on digital). Want to be part of it? Submit a recording of your seasonally inflected story (maximum 3 minutes) by midnight on Monday 15th September.

All genres welcome – be they cosy, romantic, scary or sad. The only rules are that stories must be your own original work, have some connection to the season, and be in English (the language of the broadcast). And please ease off the swears – stories have to be radio friendly! All you need is a microphone and a story – once you’re ready to submit your story, click on the ‘Start Recording’ button on my website to record your story and submit it. Remember to enter your name and email address when submitting your story.

If you aren’t able to submit via a recording and would like another method of taking part, please message via my website for more information.

Please share this call with anyone who you think might be interested – I’d like to cast the net as wide as possible. My favourite seasonal stories will be broadcast on the Hannah’s Bookshelf Autumn Equinox Special at 2pm on Saturday 20th September, on digital radio and 106.6FM.

Lammas Stories Wanted for Hannah's Bookshelf on North Manchester FM

Submit your seasonal flash fiction to be played on Hannah’s Bookshelf this August!

Can you tell a seasonal story in just 3 minutes? Want to have your work played on the radio? This month, I’m looking for seasonal (Lammas, summer, first harvest) flash fiction from around the world for inclusion on Hannah’s Bookshelf, the weekly literature show on North Manchester FM.

On Saturday 2nd August, I’ll be hosting the Hannah’s Bookshelf Autumn Equinox Special, and as part of my seasonal special, I’ll be playing a selection of my favourite 3-minute stories on the show (broadcast on FM and on digital). Want to be part of it? Submit a recording of your seasonally inflected story (maximum 3 minutes) by midnight on Monday 28th July.

All genres welcome – be they cosy, romantic, scary or sad. The only rules are that stories must be your own original work, have some connection to the season, and be in English (the language of the broadcast). And please ease off the swears – stories have to be radio friendly! All you need is a microphone and a story – once you’re ready to submit your story, click on the ‘Start Recording’ button on my website to record your story and submit it. Remember to enter your name and email address when submitting your story.

If you aren’t able to submit via a recording and would like another method of taking part, please message via my website for more information.

Please share this call with anyone who you think might be interested – I’d like to cast the net as wide as possible. My favourite seasonal stories will be broadcast on the Hannah’s Bookshelf Lammas Special at 2pm on Saturday 2nd August, on digital radio and 106.6FM.

Midsummer Stories Wanted for Hannah's Bookshelf on North Manchester FM

Submit your seasonal flash fiction to be played on Hannah’s Bookshelf this June!

Can you tell a seasonal story in just 3 minutes? Want to have your work played on the radio? This month, I’m looking for seasonal (Midsummer, summer solstice) flash fiction from around the world for inclusion on Hannah’s Bookshelf, the weekly literature show on North Manchester FM.

On Saturday 21st June, I’ll be hosting the Hannah’s Bookshelf Midsummer Special, and as part of my seasonal special, I’ll be playing a selection of my favourite 3-minute stories on the show (broadcast on FM and on digital). Want to be part of it? Submit a recording of your seasonally inflected story (maximum 3 minutes) by midnight on Monday 16th June.

All genres welcome – be they cosy, romantic, scary or sad. The only rules are that stories must be your own original work, have some connection to the season, and be in English (the language of the broadcast). And please ease off the swears – stories have to be radio friendly! All you need is a microphone and a story – once you’re ready to submit your story, click on the ‘Start Recording’ button on my website to record your story and submit it. Remember to enter your name and email address when submitting your story.

If you aren’t able to submit via a recording and would like another method of taking part, please message via my website for more information.

Please share this call with anyone who you think might be interested – I’d like to cast the net as wide as possible. My favourite seasonal stories will be broadcast on the Hannah’s Bookshelf Midsummer Special at 2pm on Saturday 21st June, on digital radio and 106.6FM.

Beltane Stories Wanted for Hannah’s Bookshelf on North Manchester FM

Submit your seasonal flash fiction to be played on Hannah’s Bookshelf this September!

Can you tell a seasonal story in just 3 minutes? Want to have your work played on the radio? This month, I’m looking for seasonal (May Day, Beltane, spring) flash fiction from around the world for inclusion on Hannah’s Bookshelf, the weekly literature show on North Manchester FM.

On Saturday 3rd May, I’ll be hosting the Hannah’s Bookshelf Beltane Special, and as part of my seasonal special, I’ll be playing a selection of my favourite 3-minute stories on the show (broadcast on FM and on digital). Want to be part of it? Submit a recording of your seasonally inflected story (maximum 3 minutes) by midnight on Monday 28th April.

All genres welcome – be they cosy, romantic, scary or sad. The only rules are that stories must be your own original work, have some connection to the season, and be in English (the language of the broadcast). And please ease off the swears – stories have to be radio friendly! All you need is a microphone and a story – once you’re ready to submit your story, click on the ‘Start Recording’ button on my website to record your story and submit it. Remember to enter your name and email address when submitting your story.

If you aren’t able to submit via a recording and would like another method of taking part, please message via my website for more information.

Please share this call with anyone who you think might be interested – I’d like to cast the net as wide as possible. My favourite seasonal stories will be broadcast on the Hannah’s Bookshelf Beltane Special at 2pm on Saturday 3rd May, on digital radio and 106.6FM.

Spring Equinox Stories Wanted for Hannah's Bookshelf on North Manchester FM

Submit your seasonal flash fiction to be played on Hannah’s Bookshelf this March!

Can you tell a seasonal story in just 3 minutes? Want to have your work played on the radio? This month, I’m looking for seasonal (spring) flash fiction from around the world for inclusion on Hannah’s Bookshelf, the weekly literature show on North Manchester FM.

On Saturday 15th March, I’ll be hosting the Hannah’s Bookshelf Spring Equinox Special, and as part of my seasonal special, I’ll be playing a selection of my favourite 3-minute stories on the show (broadcast on FM and on digital). Want to be part of it? Submit a recording of your seasonally inflected story (maximum 3 minutes) by midnight on Monday 10th March.

All genres welcome – be they cosy, romantic, scary or sad. The only rules are that stories must be your own original work, have some connection to the season, and be in English (the language of the broadcast). And please ease off the swears – stories have to be radio friendly! All you need is a microphone and a story – once you’re ready to submit your story, click on the ‘Start Recording’ button on my website to record your story and submit it. Remember to enter your name and email address when submitting your story.

If you aren’t able to submit via a recording and would like another method of taking part, please message via my website for more information.

Please share this call with anyone who you think might be interested – I’d like to cast the net as wide as possible. My favourite seasonal stories will be broadcast on the Hannah’s Bookshelf Spring Equinox Special at 2pm on Saturday 15th March, on digital radio and 106.6FM.

Imbolc: Day 6

It's the penultimate day of our Imbolc celebrations... and it's a very busy today! Lots of festivities planned to mark the season!

Winter in the Woods

This morning, I was at a Winter in the Woods celebration, run by Natalie Rossiter. We had a forest bathing session, then a delicious soup around the fire and marshmallows for toasting. Afterwards, we burned the last of the Yuletide greenery, and Natalie gave us all a little token from her garden to remind us that spring is on the way.

Hannah’s Bookshelf Imbolc Special

My Hannah's Bookshelf Imbolc Special aired on North Manchester FM this afternoon. As I was out and about a lot today, I had to pre-record the show, but there was seasonal flash fiction and Imbolc-themed music.

Wassailing at Chorlton Park

Later in the afternoon, I went to Chorlton Park for the Friends of Chorlton Park's annual wassailing. We had parkin, mulled wine and flapjacks, and we all went to sing and bang our pots and pans to wake the apple trees up in the community orchard for another year. I also bought a little crocheted forget-me-not as another reminder that spring will come again.

Imbolc Lanterns

Imbolc is a festival of light, so Rob made some little Imbolc candle holders for us, decorated with snowdrops and bonfire flames.

Imbolc Dinner

And then we had our traditional Imbolc dinner of meatloaf and spring onion mash.

Imbolc Gifts

We exchanged our traditional Imbolc gifts tonight... little seasonal-inspired whiskies that will start off our tasting sets that we'll enjoy at Christmas.

Groundhog Day

We ended the evening watching the traditional film of the season... it's Groundhog Day!

Imbolc Stories Wanted for Hannah's Bookshelf on North Manchester FM

Submit your seasonal flash fiction to be played on Hannah’s Bookshelf this February!

Can you tell a seasonal story in just 3 minutes? Want to have your work played on the radio? This month, I’m looking for seasonal (winter, Imbolc, Candlemas, Groundhog Day) flash fiction from around the world for inclusion on Hannah’s Bookshelf, the weekly literature show on North Manchester FM.

On Saturday 1st February, I’ll be hosting the Hannah’s Bookshelf Imbolc Special, and as part of my seasonal special, I’ll be playing a selection of my favourite 3-minute stories on the show (broadcast on FM and on digital). Want to be part of it? Submit a recording of your seasonally inflected story (maximum 3 minutes) by midnight on Monday 27th January.

All genres welcome – be they cosy, romantic, scary or sad. The only rules are that stories must be your own original work, have some connection to the season, and be in English (the language of the broadcast). And please ease off the swears – stories have to be radio friendly! All you need is a microphone and a story – once you’re ready to submit your story, click on the ‘Start Recording’ button on my website to record your story and submit it. Remember to enter your name and email address when submitting your story.

If you aren’t able to submit via a recording and would like another method of taking part, please message via my website for more information.

Please share this call with anyone who you think might be interested – I’d like to cast the net as wide as possible. My favourite seasonal stories will be broadcast on the Hannah’s Bookshelf Imbolc Special at 2pm on Saturday 1st February, on digital radio and 106.6FM.

Countdown to Christmas: Day 14

Another day of celebrating the Countdown to Christmas in a little cottage in Cornwall! Today was just lovely (but I'm going to say that about every day we're here, aren't I?)

Lizard

It's the second day of our holiday!

Camomile and Green Tea Shower Steamer

Today, my shower was scented with camomile and green tea.

Christmas Pumpkin Soup

We've managed to acquire an accidental tradition! For the last two years, we've brought the last of the Halloween pumpkins (picked on our annual visit to Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream's Pumpkin Patch) to Cornwall with us, and I've made it into festive soup. Technically, it was a butternut squash this year, but the tradition is established now. I teamed the pumpkin with some Brussels sprouts and little pasta stars, so it was definitely Christmas soup! (It was very thick.)

Reindeer Cupcake

Little Christmas cupcake for after the soup.

Hannah’s Bookshelf 3 Minute Santas Special

Obviously, as I'm currently in Cornwall, today's episode of Hannah's Bookshelf on North Manchester FM was pre-recorded. It was the first of my festive specials for the year... 3 Minute Santas! I ask writers to submit festive short stories that last 3 minutes, and this year I had a record-breaking 23 stories on the show, all different genres and styles.

Walk to Church Cove

This afternoon, I went for a little walk along the coastal path from our cottage to Church Cove (just over a mile away). It's weird, but in all the years we've stayed here, I've never done this walk before as we normally head out in the opposite direction! It was gorgeous, particularly as I walked back in the twilight, listening to Christmas music.

Rovaniemi Virtual Walking Challenge

My walk along the coastal path added the last couple of miles to my festive Rovaniemi virtual walking challenge (from The Conqueror). When I logged my last distance, I got a postcard from Santa Claus Village and a finisher's certificate... and a medal to follow!

Gingerbread Chocolate Pots

We had Gingerbread Chocolate Pots tonight!

Rare Exports

Since I'd just completed my Rovaniemi virtual walking challenge, it seemed fitting to watch a Christmas film set in Lapland (the Land of the Northern Lights).

The Anti-Social Season

Tonight's Christmas reading was The Anti-Social Season by Adele Buck. Not my usual genre, but 'tis the season.

Advent Tea

Today's tea from my Bird and Blend advent calendar was Morning Kick.

Advent Model

And today's model from our other advent calendar was a little Christmas machine and chair!