You might remember that a while ago me and Miranda Howard-Williams collaborated on a short play called 'The Swan'. Well having finished it, we submitted the play to a few London theatres with good youth writing programs.

As of the moment, the only theatre we've heard back from has been the Royal Court. Unfortunately we weren't accepted on to the program, but they had some interesting criticism to offer which Miranda and I intend to take on board. Expect an editied version of 'The Swan' some time soon, hopefully with the central scene rewritten.

In the mean time I've reproduced the rejection letter the Royal Court sent us below:

Dear Miranda and Jon

The Swan

Thank you for sending us your co-authored play The Swan.

We were interested to read the script, which is lovingly-wrought and energetic. At the same time, we feel there is room to focus the play through a series of precise present-tense actions and to develop a more playful sense of theatricality - challenging your audience's expectations. While The Swan is a warmly observed play, the confessional tone tends towards exposition at the moment.

As I am sure you appreciate only a fraction of the plays sent here can be considered for development or production, and we have decided not to take this script further. However,we are glad to have read the script and wish you success in your further writing.

Thank you for thinking of us.

Yours sincerely

Ruth Little

Theatre Manager

Also, having spoken to a friend involved in theatre we're planning on submitting the swan to a few other venues; in particular the Rep in Birmingham, another theatre which fosters young writing talent. The letter from the Royal Court will be framed and hung in the toilet - presumably the first of many.

Tune of the moment: The Year of the Cat - Al Stewart

Jac

Labels: drama, news, submissions

Labels: news

This is directed at those of you who might have arrived via the advert I've just taken out with Project Wonderful.

Pull up a chair and sit down. Put the kettle on, and make yourself a cup of tea. Better still, pour a glass of wine or go grab a beer. Though if it's still morning as you read this, you're probably better off with the tea to be honest. But whatever Hemingway. Who am I too judge your unsavoury habits?

Either way, get ready for some reading.

Literary Delusions is currently mid chapter. Click here to start reading from the beginning of Chapter III.

Alternatively, you could start from the beginning.

Finish the webcomic? Fancy something else? Pull the little cord at the top of the screen and have a nose around.

Magikal Realism is a community for writers, artists, poets, photographers, dramatists and other creative types. It builds upon the proximity of the two founders to an academic hub of literature and art, but is open to submissions from anyone, anywhere. The ultimate aim is to produce an anthology within the year - which will be circulated to several influential fellows and publishers associated with Cambridge University, among others.

Fancy offering some criticism, or praising a particular piece? We are more than happy for people to leave comments or link to us. Or you could go one step further and join the discussion at our facebook group. Why not join?

We are always on the lookout for submissions; whether art, new writing or music. So why not send us something? Email any contributions, or questions about such, to jc494@cam.ac.uk.

Labels: news, Webcomic

Just a quick one. Obviously if you're here, you'll have noticed the rather radical site changes. Magikal Realism has moved to the foliage blogger template (available here) for three reasons; the first being that I think it looks beautiful, the second that it is more individual than the previous format, and lastly the fact it is not Blogger Beta compatible; thus finally forcing me to pull my finger out and learn some HTML. Anyway, I am now learning, if slowly, so bare with us if there are any site problems over the next few days. It should all be there though, as of now; pull the little cord at the top of the screen and browse using the links on the left-hand side.

If you find any problems, or are particularly impressed, feel free to leave us feedback in the form of comments.

Tune of the moment: To The Sea - Razorlight

Jac

Labels: news

I've been tinkering around with the site a little this morning (it beats revision), and I've now added an RSS feed. It should allow you subscribe to Magikal Realism so you know as soon as new content is added, to peruse at your pleasure. I think. I'm not the world's greatest person when it comes to computers. Anyway, it should be in the top left corner under the heading 'subscribe now'. Possibly with a little icon that looks like this:

Click it, and magical things happen. Apparently. Or at least, you don't miss an update.

Tune of the moment: Brand New Key - Melanie

Jac

Labels: news

... in other news, bears seen attending Mass, Pope spotted disappearing into woods with a load of toilet roll.

Thank you BBC for that amazing piece of journalistic insight.

Tune of the moment: Snow - JJ72

Jac

Labels: news, work