Arts Derbyshire

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Brenda Ray, Author

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I am a short story and memoir writer, formerly a playwright but not currently writing for performance. I have recently published a memoir BETWEEN CHARNWOOD AND THE CHEVIN: Growing up in Derbyshire, just after the Second World War, published by Matador/Troubador ISBN 9781838591915  This came out just before the first Covid lock-down – bad timing, alas! Copies are available from Troubador at www.troubador.co.uk or from me at brenda.ray@btinternet.com or at brendarayauthor@gmail.com. It’s also on Amazon.

Other publications include two volumes of short stories;

THE SIREN OF SALAMANCA published by Leaf Books in 2008 and reprinted by me in 2017 after the demise of Leaf Books. The title story was the winner of the Cornhill Allianz Short Story Prize in 2005.

and

GONDWANALAND published by Circaidy Gregory in 2013 The title story was placed in the HE Bates Short story awards.

Contact details

Creative Genre

  • Prose writing, short fiction, memoir, drama. Also Photography - I have a BA in Photography from the University of Derby but do not practice as a career. I also write with a group of women writers, Vixen Fiction, but we are not currently active due to Covid restrictions.

Work Undertaken

  • As above. Plus two plays professionally produced at Derby Playhouse Studio in 1980 and 1983/4 and another at Croydon Warehouse in 1985. Plus some work at smaller venues. I have done talks to women's groups and occasionally writers groups about my work and various other subjects
  • as well as talking about the work of other writers and photographers. However
  • due to voice problems
  • I am now only able to give occasional talks and signings about my own writing
  • which I am happy to do
  • but only close to Derby or Belper
  • as I do not drive.

Work in Education

  • Student productions at the Royal School for the Deaf 1986
  • and with Derby Youth Theatre
  • broadcast c 1978. Have led writers workshops.

Portfolio

Portfolio

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