Thursday, July 01, 2010

Flash! It's all over... almost

I can't tell you what an amazing feeling it was hearing 16 of my tiny stories being brought to life over three fabulous days on Radio 4. I feel so unbelievably lucky  - what did i do to deserve this? (Rhetorical question, no need to answer!). I feel like I will bask in this glow for quite a while.

And even though I got up at 5.45am this morning to go to London and be a guest on the Radio 4 Off the page program, talking about science (was I coherent? We'll find out when it's broadcast next Thursday!), my utter exhaustion couldn't diminish the delight.

If you'd still like to listen, all three programs are now available on iPlayer, here is the link. I have had some wonderful responses from people I know and from those I don't know - and am not related to in any way - so thank you all for your support, especially my Twitter pals! It has just increased my joy!

And to pass on that joy I am giving away three signed copies of The White Road and Other Stories...I did a giveaway of the first copy on Tuesday, was too tired yesterday, so today I am giving away two more. Here's your fiendishly difficult question:
Which writer is rumoured to have said something like "If I had more time, I would have written a shorter story (or perhaps letter)? [Hint: Google will help.]
Post your answer in the comments and I will pick two winners from today and one from Tuesday and let you all know tomorrow - or perhaps Monday.

Got a very busy four days... I really need a holiday! I am reading as part of the Oxfam 24-hour read-a-thon on Monday at the Oxfam shop on Marylebone High Street in London from 1pm-1.20pm, if you're in the area...I'm squeezed between some Big Names, apparently - I imagine I might be the only author to read 6 short short stories in 20 minutes!

12 comments:

Marisa Birns said...

Am going to hear the last stories since I was out when it was played.

Congratulations, Tania, on this wonderful production of your stories!

Well, there was Cicero's "If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter."

Tim Love said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Tania Hershman said...

Thanks, marisa - and will put you in the hat!

Dorothee said...

Great about the iPlayer-streams. i am just played Episode 3.

I'd love to receive a copy of "The White Road". Shall I really type the answer in the comment, so that it is visible? here it is:

“If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.”
— Marcus Tullius Cicero

i also like this one from Thoreau: "Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short.”

all the best for your upcoming readings!

Tania Hershman said...

Dorothee, thanks - for the extra quote too! - and you are in the hat!

Jessica said...

I would love to win a copy :)

Answer - Marcus Tullius Cicero

Thanks
Jessica

Turlough O'Moynihan said...

Richard Feynman?

Anonymous said...

Hi Tania - really enjoying the Radio 4 production - fantastic achievement. Have blogged about it at http://debutnovelist.wordpress.com - hope it's okay to have used your picture.
AliB

Anonymous said...

And yes, I would love to be in the draw if I'm not too late with the answer - (good old Cicero, though also 'reused' by others, I think)!
AliB

Katie Mayes said...

Hi. Probably too late for the comp (but just in case: Marcus T. Cicero "If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter" - I also like "If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn't brood. I’d type a little faster."
Isaac Asimov) and I just wanted to say many, many congratulations on getting these 'flashes' on the radio. I've listened to all these on iPlayer today and as well as them being all fab, the reader Nicola Walker sounded remarkably like you! (I only know this as I managed to see you at the Short Fuse event at the Komedia in Brighton a couple of months back!)Anyway, enough rambling. Well done!

Michael B said...

Congrats Tania! That's got to be a great feeling, and well earned I'm, sure!

Tania Hershman said...

Ali - thanks so much for the mention (happy for you to use the pic!), you made an excellent point about listening through iPlayer so you can pause in between. And you're not too late, you're in the draw!

Katie, not too late at all! And how lovely that you came to Short Fuse, sorry we didn't get to meet. Next time. Love that Asimov quote, too.

Michael - it is the BEST feeling! Thanks for stopping by. Did you want to enter the draw to win a book?

Will pick the winners tomorrow, when i get home!