Send us a text In this episode of the Alternative Stories podcast we're chatting with poet, novelist and audio drama writer Madeleine F White about the two books she is publishing in the first part of 2025; the poetry collection 'The Horse and The Girl' and the verse memoir 'Maiden Mother Crone' We have a full length interview with Madeleine and excerpts from the collections read by Madeleine. We also hear a clip from Madeleine's audio drama 'The Ark' base...
Apr 11, 2025•59 min•Season 9Ep. 3
Send us a text There are hundreds of Blue Plaques on buildings around London commemorating the famous people who lived there at some time in the building’s history . But only one building has three plaques for three different people who lived in the building at the same time. Chiltern Court on Baker Street was home to novelists HG Wells and Arnold Bennett and composer Eric Coates in the early 1930s. In this new audio drama by Brian Hipkin we imagine a pivotal meeting between the three in Decembe...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 9Ep. 2
Send us a text In this short episode Chris Gregory and Emily Inkpen introduce two new Alternative Stories audio drama series. You can hear trailers for our two new shows Wasteland and Burnout which are both available on their own podcast platforms. To listen to Wasteland you can search "Wasteland A Dex Legacy Story" wherever you listen to podcasts or you can click here to find it https://pod.link/1790863463 If you would like to listen to Burnout you can find it by searching "Burno...
Mar 21, 2025•7 min•Season 9Ep. 1
Send us a text In orbit around our planet, an alien creature is listening in on Earth noise. One sound in particular seems to have a greater significance than others but what does it mean and how will Skim and Beta find out more about it? In our final Alternative Stories episode of 2024 we are bringing you the winner of the 2024 Pen to Print Audio Play Competition “The Earth Serenades” by Emma Griffiths. In “The Earth Serenades” by Emma Griffiths you can hear Tiffany Clare as Skim Emily Inkpen a...
Dec 20, 2024•52 min•Season 8Ep. 17
Send us a text In this episode we look at the world of gaming and discuss the many and varied storytelling styles and approaches within games. Our guests are games industry expert, actual-play podcaster and author Oscar Clark and novelist, audio drama author and game writer Emily Inkpen. If you would like to watch a video version of this conversation you can find it on the Alternative Stories YouTube channel here Find out more about Oscar Clark and his work in the games industry by following him...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 8Ep. 16
Send us a text In this bonus episode of the podcast we are looking at the Script Club New York City production of "The Out-Of-Towners Club", an adapted version of an audio drama that originally ran on this podcast back in 2019. In our interview you can hear Script Club NYC members Jackie Jorgenson, Roger Lipson, Alex Highsmith and Jess Thompson talking about their roles in the upcoming performances at the Fiction Bar / Cafe in Brooklyn You can also hear an excerpt from our original aud...
Dec 04, 2024•32 min•Season 8Ep. 15
Send us a text In this episode we are introducing another Alternative Stories podcast you may enjoy. The Writers' Gym features Chris Gregory, Dr Rachel Knightley and Emily Inkpen and each week we discuss a different writing topic. Whether you are a writer yourself or simply interested in books and writing you'll find plenty to enjoy. Covering novels, short fiction, scripts, screenplays, audio drama and all stops in between you can catch the podcast by searching "The Writers Gym&qu...
Nov 29, 2024•50 min•Season 8Ep. 14
Send us a text The Bone Diver is the latest novel from Chicago born novelist Angie Spoto who now lives in Edinburgh. Telling the story of Keir, an expert diver who is unable to kill, The Bone Diver is a gothic tale of family, the legend of the selkies and a young woman who is offered an impossible choice. Readings from The Bone Diver are by Sophie Macnair. Find out more about Angie Spoto and buy a copy of The Bone Diver by visiting her website here https://www.angiespoto.com/ Follow Angie Spoto ...
Nov 22, 2024•55 min•Season 8Ep. 13
Send us a text In this episode we chat with blogger, poet and freelance writer Alanna Duffield about her writing and the art of blogging. With advice and thoughts on topics, style, frequency of posts and titles this not only a guide to getting started as a blogger but also an insight into Alanna's own creative practice. We end with a look at Alanna's poetry. Throughout this episode you can hear excerpts from Alanna's blog posts and poems. These are written, performed and recorded ...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 8Ep. 12
Send us a text In this episode we chat with fantasy author Alethea Lyons about her series of novels and short stories called The Seer of York. We look at the influences on Thea's writing including the folklore of the British Isles and the inspiration that the City of York has been on her world. Along the way we hear excerpts from Alethea's writing read by Emily Inkpen Find out more about Alethea Lyons by visiting here website here https://alethealyons.wixsite.com/stories Links to Aleth...
Nov 08, 2024•40 min•Season 8Ep. 11
Send us a text In this episode we share two short audio dramas by Nottingham based playwright and short fiction author Robbie Laughton. These were two of four plays we recorded with Robbie and our cast in August. You can listen to our first podcast featuring Robbie's dramas "Hairy Fairy" and "Tormeted" which has since been featured on BBC Radio, here https://www.buzzsprout.com/411730/episodes/15864824 Please note that "Dog Only Knows", our second drama contains...
Nov 01, 2024•33 min•Season 8Ep. 10
Send us a text In this episode we chat with novelist, academic and short story writer Philippa Holloway about her new short fiction collection "Untethered" which was published last month by Parthian. Along the way we hear excerpts from the collection performed by Emily Inkpen and Chris Gregory. In this podcast you heard excerpts from the following stories A Cloud of Starlings - read by Emily Inkpen Handprints - read by Chris Gregory Beached - read by Emily Inkpen Sound design, editing,...
Oct 25, 2024•45 min•Season 8Ep. 9
Send us a text In this episodes we share a short series of monologues written by Stella Klein and performed by members of the Alternative Stories acting team. Stella Klein is a London-based writer of very short stories and occasional poems. Her flash and micro fiction has appeared in print and online collections published by Fish, 101 Words, Spread the Word, FlashBack Fiction, Flash Fiction Magazine, Reflex Fiction and The Mechanics Institute Review. Reclining Nude is performed by Tiffany Clare ...
Oct 18, 2024•24 min•Season 8Ep. 8
Send us a text In this episode we chat with fantasy author Alexandra Beaumont about her new novel Dissonance of Birdsong (Brigids Gate Press 2024) Alexandra Beaumont is a fantasy author and folklorist whose debut novel "Testament of the Stars" was also featured on this podcast. Her latest book, Dissonance of Birdsong draws on the folklore and landscape of Cornwall. You can listen to our original interview on this podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/411730/episodes/8376524 To find o...
Oct 11, 2024•46 min•Season 8Ep. 7
Send us a text In this episode of the podcast, recorded on a walk in The Welland Valley in eastern Leicestershire Chris Gregory is in conversation with novelist, poet and journalist Tim Relf. Tim writes fiction under the name T.R. Richmond and his novel "What She Left" is published by Penguin. In this podcast you can hear three poems Scrambler by Tim relf read by Jackie Jorgenson Blackberries by Tim Relf read by Chris Gregory Adlestrop by Edward Thomas read by Tim Relf To find out more...
Oct 08, 2024•51 min•Season 8Ep. 6
Send us a text In this episode we share two short audio dramas by Nottingham based playwright and short fiction author Robbie Laughton. These were two of four plays we recorded with Robbie and our cast in August and we'll be sharing the other two and more about Robbie in a forthcoming episode Hairy Fairy Big Dean is preparing for his release from prison while on the streets of the city a mysterious figure known only as "Hairy Fairy" endlessly collects money for charity. But what c...
Oct 04, 2024•28 min•Season 8Ep. 5
Send us a text Today we’re sharing an interview with novelist, short story writer and award winning audio drama script writer, Emily Inkpen. You can back our kickstarter to make season 3 of The Dex Legacy Season here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/emilyinkpen/the-dex-legacy-science-fiction-audio-drama-season-3 If you’d like to see a video version of this interview you can find it on the Alternative Stories YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@alternativestoriesandfaker6885 You can find...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Send us a text In this edition we chat with author Lyndsey Croal about her new and acclaimed short fiction collection “Limelight”, We are also joined by Limelight’s publisher Alan Lastufka from Shortwave Publishing for a conversation about the topics covered in the collection, Lyndsey’s writing and inspiration and the world of indie publishing. The podcast includes excerpts from Limelight. If you would like to learn more about Lyndsey Croal you can visit her website https://lyndseycroal.co.uk/ H...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Send us a text In this bonus episode we have an interview with the writer of our audio drama Winter Spring, Dr Rachel Knightley. Rachel talks with co-director Emily Inkpen about the inspiration for her story and the joy of bringing it to life in the studio. This interview was recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard Campbell. If you would like to find out more about Rachel Knightley and her writing coaching organisation The Writers’ Gym please go to https://www.writersgym.com/ You can fol...
Sep 17, 2024•21 min•Season 8Ep. 2
Send us a text Welcome to Season 8 of the Alternative Stories and Fake Realites Podcast. Our new season begins with Winter Spring, an audio drama by Dr Rachel Knightley. Alice Winter, her brother Ash Winter and cousin Harris Spring are the third generation of a family property company, founded by their German immigrant grandfather who taught them the one thing the world would always need was good landlords. Three generations later, in order to survive, Ash has turned the business into an estate ...
Sep 13, 2024•57 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Send us a text In this edition of the podcast we're chatting with writer, folklorist and historian Amy Boucher about plans for more from the world of her folk horror audio drama The Best of Men which was originally broadcast on this podcast. If you would like to find out more about the project to make season 2 of The Best of Men and to pledge your support to the project via our kickstarter campaign you can do so here. Remember the campaign runs until 23rd May so please back it by then to en...
May 14, 2024•17 min•Season 7Ep. 8
Send us a text Following the loss of her father, Margo is trying to come to terms with bereavement and the unkindness of her classmates at school when she begins to experience some strange encounters. In this moving drama by Gemma Johnson, performed by members of the Creative Youth Company we explore Margo's journey towards recovery and the individuals and communities that help her. In Margo’s story by Gemma Johnson you can hear Margo: Sophia Horton Aggie: Aubrey Johnson Mum: Gemma Johnson ...
May 10, 2024•38 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Send us a text Camlann is the new audio drama from Tin Can Audio written by Ella Watts. In this special edition we chat with Ella and sound designer / composer Amber Devereux of Tin Can Audio about the creation of the show. Chris Gregory and Dex Legacy writer Emily Inkpen chatted with Ella and Amber via zoom so the sound quality isn't always perfect. We hope this doesn't spoil your enjoyment of the conversation. Camlann is a post-apocalyptic drama based on folklore and Arthurian legend...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Send us a text Flood survival operations are underway aboard the Ark and Captain Noah has delegated command to his sons and their partners. But as the voyage begins a spate of mysterious deaths prompt Parphia to turn detective and embark upon the world's first ever murder mystery. She is determined to record every last clue and discovery as she tries to solve the crimes, but has she bitten off more than she can chew and can she survive the mysterious Ark killer? In Ark by Stephanie Weston y...
Dec 15, 2023•34 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Send us a text Our guest on this edition of Alternative Stories is writer, writing coach and teacher Dr Rachel Knightley. We chatted on zoom about Rachel’s short story cycle “Twisted Branches” To buy a copy of Twisted Branches from the publisher Black Shuck Book please click the link below https://blackshuckbooks.co.uk/twisted-branches And find out more about Rachel and her wider work you can visit her website here https://www.rachelknightley.com/ You can follow Rachel Knightley on X, formerly t...
Dec 08, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 7Ep. 4
Send us a text In this edition we look behind the scenes at the making of our science fiction drama The Dex Legacy This podcast originally went out as an episode of The Dex Legacy Podcast and was released before the current season started. You can find out more about The Dex Legacy, subscribe and listen by searching The Dex Legacy in your favourite podcast app or by clicking the link below. https://www.thedexlegacy.com/ You can follow The Dex Legacy on X (formerly Twitter) at https://twitter.com...
Nov 24, 2023•38 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Send us a text The second season of the Seren Poetry Podcast begins this week and in this preview edition we chat with Sarah Johnson from Seren who will be the interviewer in this series and hear poems from the featured poets. Thank you to Sarah Johnson from Seren for being our guest in this edition Sound design and production are by Chris Gregory for Alternative Stories Subscribe to the Seren Poetry Podcast in your favourite podcast app by searching “the seren poetry podcast” or click the link ...
Nov 17, 2023•40 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Send us a text Thank you for listening to this edition of the Alternative Stories and Fake Realities Podcast in which we chat with poet Matthew Stewart about his new Happenstance collection “Whatever you do, just don’t” You can order a copy of the collection via Happenstance here https://www.happenstancepress.com/index.php/shop/product/47818-whatever-you-do-just-don-t/category_pathway-64 And visit Happenstance to find out more about their work and publications here http://www.happenstancepress.c...
Nov 10, 2023•50 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Send us a text In this edition we chat with author Lyndsey Croal about her novelette "Have You Decided on your Question?" her audio drama "Daughter of Fire and Water" and the kickstarter campaign for the forthcoming climate change edition of the "Shoreline of Infinity" magazine which she will be editing. Find out more about Lyndsey Croal by visiting her website here https://lyndseycroal.co.uk/ Follow Lyndsey on twitter here https://twitter.com/writerlynds And instag...
Jun 16, 2023•38 min•Season 6Ep. 23
Send us a text Performed by Carole Pluckrose and Ria Knowles https://www.spotlight.com/1418-7861-2841 Produced in association with The Boathouse Barking CIC. https://www.boathousebarkingstudios.com/ Instagram Facebook ©Carole Pluckrose 2023 Dedicated to Edgar, Anne and Sheelagh Script editors :Claire Steele, Jill Glenn, Constellations Consultancy With thanks for their enduring support and critical friendship to: Tony Humphreys, Nick Crean, Carl Blackburn. Mark and Dan Horn, Martin Heaney, Julie ...
Jun 02, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 6Ep. 22
