As part of Time Out magazine's books issue in February this year, we asked novelist Toby Litt to begin a London chain story. We invited Time Out readers to contribute to the story each week and the response was phenomenal. Fifteen chapters later and the story has come to an end. Now, for the first time, you can read the meandering tale in it's entirety. Many thanks for all those who contributed.
Chapter Fifteen by Stephen Waring
Chapter Fourteen by Gillian Bland
Chapter Thirteen by Edward Lasala
Chapter Twelve by Nick Booth
Chapter Eleven by Meredith Wilson
Chapter Ten by Mark Macrae
Chapter Nine by Howard Dorman
Chapter Eight by Richard Sharp
Chapter Seven by James Brown
Chapter Six by Mary O'Connor
Chapter Five by Stephen Emms
Chapter Four by Owain Paciuszko
Chapter Three by Mark T Kelly
Chapter Two by Peter Beverly
Chapter One 'Babygirl' by Toby Litt
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10 comments
Judging from the responses, it seems all are writers wanting to take a stab at writing the next installment. Eventhough we are now on the 13th installment, most of these responses happen to be for the first, a bit misleading in a way until you read carefully.
I'm confused - the title is "A London Story" but what's being published bears little or no relation to it. Babygirl appears to have been spirited AWAY from London; the frequent flashbacks to Germany are quite simply bizarre; thank god Howard Dorman has paid attention to the title!! This story is utterly depressing.
I think the best way to trace Franz would be to place a sheet of translucent paper over an old photograph of him and then carefully sketch his outline with a soft pencil, adding as much detail and colour for realism as possible.
It's no doubt that the piece is well written and would be a good read, but it's a genre. Toby did what he does -write well and about something he has a story in his head about. But if the TimeOut people wanted a large participation then it would have been better to start us off at a path with many possible paths.
Hmmm, nice idea, shame the first chapter is less than inspirational.
Really fun idea, but agreed the beginning doesnt leave a lot to work with at all. I guess the next chapter will really set the tone in stone. Also a deadline wld be nice for submissions (!)
Sorry to change the subject chaps,but I've just noticed that the capricious gods of the Time Out books section have once again ignored our prayers for the listing of our poetry club which they insist is finished. NO !
Y Tuesday poetry club, Tuesday 6th March 2007, 8pm, 3 Kings pub, Clerkenwell close EC1
London's cosy, candle lit club with a cat, 1 year old and going strong. Still a whopping FREE to get in.
Great idea, but a deadline when entries have to be in by each week would be useful. I couldn't see on in the mag or on the site.
Great Idea!! This would have been great fun, just wonder why you had to start us off so somberly with negativity looming in the future. It leaves us very little versatility. Hope you give us the chance again and start us off with a little lighter feeling and a chance for a diverse plot. I'll be looking forward to it.
Nice start Toby, rich with promise and all sorts of potential. It's inspired me to attempt an entry, but I'm a bit rubbish at fiction. Looking forward to the next episode folks.