WE HAVE MOVED!

Hey guys, Thanks for following our adventure! But we have now moved to http://oneshortstorytobetold.com/. All updates will appear on that page from this date forth. And boy WOULD WE LOVE TO SEE YOU THERE!

88*googleplex leyton attens/Stanley Notte

T-shirts in stock!

Okay folks, the t-shirts ordered at the launch of Volume Four have arrived. I’ll be in touch with the soon to be proud new owners in the next day or so!

88*googleplex leyton attens/Stanley Notte

I Told You Trusting Worked!

Just one day after I posted a Friday Forum that talked about trust and Paul Allen has been in touch via facebook regarding Volume Four! Here's what he had to say:

I have read One Short Story to be told Volume 4(Sleepyhead). I was delighted to be the first to read, it and it was a great read. It brought back memories of my childhood, getting called for school in particular, and one of the dreams I used to have myself; except I was playing for Liverpool and not Leeds. Keep up the good work Leyton/Stan.

I'm assuming that as he has read Volume Four Paul will shortly be looking for a new owner. So maybe now would be a good time to take an action. Paul is on FB so you can message him there. Alternatively let me know what you have/want to say to Paul and I will pass it on.

88*googleplex leyton/Stan

PS. Can I remind you that this blog will be shut down shortly and transfer it's updates to http://oneshortstorytobetold.com/. We'd love to see you there!

Friday Forum (3)

It’s been a quiet week on the One Short Story To Be Told front. And I have to say I welcomed the quietness in one sense. After all last week was manic. But then preparing to put something new into the world should be hectic.

On the other hand the quietness of this week could be disconcerting. No contact from any of the current owners of One Short Story To Be Told Volumes, coupled with utter silence from the Volumes themselves leaves one in a void that could be easily filled with panic.

Thoughts of lost or neglected stories rise like terrible fish in one’s mind and the temptation is to succumb to grief. But…

Well here’s the but! One has to trust! And when does trust then an inner belief that all will be OK swiftly comes to the fore. So I’m not worried that I’ve had NO CONTACT WHATSOEVER from John Martin, Ivan Bevan or Paul Allen since they became custodians of Volume’s One, Two and Four respectively. I’m not concerned that feedback has not arrived from Nuala McGrath or Kerrie Collins since they passed Volume Three and Two on. And I’m not even the slightest bit perturbed by the fact that when I last spoke to Marius Griffin (via FB) she had a new owner in mind for ‘Grey Skies’ but has yet to confirm whether Volume Three has been moved on.

Oh I know some of you will be thinking that sounds like a lot of unknowns. And maybe more of you are thinking I should be acting! But, you know, this project has been largely based on trust anyway; especially in The Universe. So I’m not going to act. I’m not going to go chasing people. And I’m certainly not going to panic.

At least not until after the weekend – which for those of you on foreign shores is a long one here in Ireland.

Having said all that if anyone is talking to Ivan Bevan, John MArtin. Marius Griffin or Paul Allen I would appreciate you mentioning me and One Short Story To Be Told. And I would be even more grateful if, by chance or otherwise, you bumped into Kerrie Collins or Nuala McGrath that you remarked on the space here on the blog that is waiting for their feedback. and I would be absolutely and utterly thrilled if any of the above (that’s Ivan, John, Paul, Marius – AKA the current owners – Nuala or Kerrie) were to contact me directly!

Finally I hope to collect the leyton attens t-shirts that were ordered at last Saturday night’s launch tomorrow. and I will have them in the hands of proud new owners by the middle of next week.

Yours in trust

leyton attens/Stanley Notte.

A Good Day's Work, and a new blog!

A very excited Sleepyhead (AKA Volume Four) was safely delivered to Paul Allen this evening. T-Shirts ordered this afternoon. A good day all round I would say.

In other news this blog will become defunct shortly. I have rebuilt with the correct domain name. You can follow us there from now on. The address is http://oneshortstorytobetold.com/

88*googleplex leyton/Stan

Volume Four animation on you tube.

Decided to act tonight, as to procrastinate could lead to a long delay. So the animation for last night's launch of Volume 4 is now available alongside the other three on youtube. Here's the link; http://www.youtube.com/user/stanleynotte#p/u/0/yS7b_Dtk6EI
Make sure you read the footnotes before watching.
88*goggleplex leyton attens/Stanley Notte

Volume Four Launch a(nother) great success.

It's Sunday afternoon and I'm feeling the affects of a late night (and a few beers). But the tiredness is worth it as One Short Story To Be Told Volume Four (which contains the story Sleephead) was given a great send off last night. Thank you to all who made the effort to be in Tom Barry's Bar for the occasion. Thank you for the kind words you adorned me with. And thank you for purchasing t-shirts and/posters to help us spread the word about our adventure.

I have to say that one year on - IT'S ONE SHORT STORY TO BE TOLD'S FIRST BIRTHDAY TODAY! - I am delighted with our progress. We are, as they say, getting there! But we have to keep pushig so I'd ask anyone reading this message to tell a friend or colleague or pet about One Short Story To Be Told! Thank you again.

Now back to last night. Once our animated film was shown we did, as always, draw the name of the fist recipient of the One Short Story To Be Told Volume from a hat (for those of you with short memory spans it was Volume Four last night). The name drawn last night was that of a certain Mr Paul Allen, another Corkonian. I (in my human form of Stanley Notte) have spoken to Paul today and he will take custody of Volume Four and the story Sleepyhead tomorrow.

Sleepyhead was a tad upset the taking custody thing couldn't happen today so I have had to promise to bathe him in a Willy Wonka type love for the rest of the day. So far so good and as I write Sleepyhead is curled up on my lap humming the tune of 'Pure Imagination' Sweet, hey!

Anyway that's all for now. Thanks again to all who turned up last night.

88*googleplex

leyton attens AKA the human Stanley Notte

PS BIG THANKS TO MARC FOR THE ANIMATION. I'll be loading it to You Tube in the next few days.

Volume One is 'Flying along!'

Volume One ('Waiting for Life To Return) is on the move again. Kerrie Collins has nominated John Martin as the next recipient. 'Flying along, I am' is all 'Waiting For Life To Return' had to say when given the news. He did, however, have a massive grin on his face at the time!

Friday Forum

This is the first in what I plan to be a regular Friday update on the One Short Story To Be Told Volumes. In other words I will be updating every Friday on movements, emotions and status of each of our Volumes. Of course I'm praying that as the number of Volumes criss-crossing the globe increases I won't buckle under pressure.

But for the moment that's not an issue as there are just (JUST; God I never give myself enough credit!) three Volumes in circulation.

So let's start with Volume One. 'Waiting For Life To Return' is currently in the hands of Kerrie Collins. I have had no contact with Kerrie as yet, but have (worriedly) emailed her today for an update. Truthfully I'm not that worried as 'Waiting For Life To Return' has been in touch and says he is very happy.

Volume Two ('Wink') has had a good week as John Linehan has passed him on to Ivan Bevan (any week that includes a new owner being announced or reached is a good one for our stories!). Ivan is delighted he was chosen. And 'Wink' is over the moon to have reached his ninth home. I await feedback and a photograph from John, but he has orally informed he was 'impressed'.

So a pat on the back for me today, me thinkd!

Volume Three ('Grey Skies') meanwhile is still with his second owner, Marius Griffin. Marius has told me she is taking her time with 'Grey Skies', and while a new home is always a priority for our stories 'Grey Skies' has been in touch to say he loves Marius so much he's not even thinking about a new home just now.

So all good on the 'stories in circulation' front.

Of course I'm preparing for the launch of Volume Four of One Short Story To Be Told at the moment as well. And I'm thrilled to tell you that all is on track for the 22nd October (that's Saturday week!). The chosen story - 'Sleepyhead' - is printed (thanks Mary for the layout and John for the printing), and is with Albert 'The Wonderful Binder' Browne. Tom Barry's, Barrack Street is booked, and the free beverages are organised. And Marc has his superbly creative brain firmly focused on the animation for the night. I can't wait to see what Marc comes up with.

So that's it for the first ever Friday Forum. I'll be in touch again next week, so stay tuned for regular reminders of Saturday 22nd October the day 'Sleepyhead' is released into the world.

88*googleplex

leyton

Extract from Volume Four as promised

Extract from 'Sleepyhead' (the story that is going to grace the pages of Volume Four of One Short Story To Be Told) as promised earlier in the week.

'In this dream John was playing centreforward for leeds united in their fifth straight

Champions league final. This was a special dream for John as being a footballer was the only thing, apart from sleeping of course, that he considered a worthwhile job. Just as John arrived Pele played a one two with maradona and slipped John a pass that put him through on goal. John then rounded the three goalkeepers manchester united were playing and nonchalantly back heeled the ball in to the net.'

88*googleplex

leyton

Volume two on the move

John Linehan has confirmed Ivan Bevan will be the next recipient of Volume Two. 'Wink' is delighted to be finding his ninth home, I'm as happy as a re-elected politician and Stan? Well Stan is smiling broadly.

88*googleplex

leyton

Update on Volume Four Launch

Less than two weeks - 12 days to be exact - before Volume Four of One Short Story To Be Told is released. And I'm delighted to say that all is on track. The PDF file is ready (thanks Mary), and is with the printer, Marc is working on the animation, and Albert the binder has been put on stand by. All we need now is for The Universe to saty on our side, and for you to ensure 6 to 8pm on 22nd October is in your diary. Extract from 'Sleepyhead' - a very excited story - will appear on Wednesday next!

88*googleplex leyton/Stan

Time to move on

Well time to move on from the excitement of a front cover being graced by my name and face and get on with the work of keeping One ShortStory To Be Told going. So we are delighted to announce the title ofthe story to be included in Volume Four (coming on 22nd October) is...... 'Sleepyhead'.
Extract will follow next week. Don't forget the22nd Oct. We'll be in Tom Barry's Bar Barrack St, Cork and would loveto see you there.
88*googleplex leyton/Stan

One doesn't like to brag. And one certainly has to avoid allowing thoughts of fame and fortune being on (a very close) horizon to dominate. But some days...well it's hard. The announcement a week or so ago that One Short Story To Be Told was to be featured IN the Writers' News magazine proved a tad incorrect. It's not 'in' the magazine - it's on the FRONT COVER. Photographic proof is provided (of course) and Writers' News is available in all good newsagents. You will need to look for Writers' Magazine as Writers' News is a supplement within that mag, but hey I'm not complaining!

End of the week.

So the end of another busy weeks dawns. We reach that ending with the knowledge that Volume's One and Two are happy, and assuming - because no news is good news - that Volume Three is too. On the downside we are still awaiting feedback (and, please God, photo's) from Collette O Donoghue and Nuala McGrath. But trust is a huge thing, and we have huge amounts of it. We know the ladies won't let us down.
Finally Maureen Collins has informed us that she will be passing Volume One to her daughter Kerri. The process is in process, if yo get what we mean. Kerri will be the TENTH recipient of Volume One, which means Waiting For Life To Return has an average ownership of almost one a month. Not bad, we thinks.
If you're interested in numbers Volume Two is currently with it's eighth owner, while Marius Griffin is the second person to provide Volume Three (the current baby of our family) with a home.
88*googleplex, leyton and Stan

Volume Four Story Selected.

After much deliberation, procrastination and representation from legal teams on behalf of other stories, we have decided on that the story that will grace the pages of One Short Story To Be Told Volume Four (otherwise known as the 1st Anniversary edition) will be 'Sleepyhead'.
An extract will follow shortly (leyton will decide on the definition of that word) and maybe even a short explanation of the tale, too.
Stay tuned for updates (some of which will inevitably include an element of panic) on printing, packaging etc.
88*googleplex

Just an Update.

Volume Two of One Short Story To Be Told (Wink) landed in John Linehan's hands yesterday. He is delighted. 'Wink' on the other hand is, to put it succinctly, feverish with excitement. 'Wink' did say that Collette O Donoghue had been 'a darling', and that he would miss her. So thanks Collette!
That's the good news.
The bad news is I can't get hold of the current owners, Maureen and Marius, of Volume's One and Three. Needless to say my heart rate has been affected in an acceleratory manner by this. But I am refusing to panic. Putting my trust in The Universe, and waiting patiently. So if anyone out there knows anything or sees Maureen or Marius (is it a woman who's name begins with 'M' thing I wonder) let me know will you.

Ta. 88*googleplex

The show must go on.

I may still be on a high after yesterdays news (I AM) but the show, as they say, must go on. Volume Two is in the hands of An Post and heading to John Linehan as we speak. And I'll be contacting Volumes One and Two over the weekend for updates. I'll let you all know what's happening with them by Monday. In the meantime I should let you know Writers News requested a photo of me. And yes, I provided one. So the fact that leyton attens is in fact Stanley Notte will lose it's shroud of secrecy (if it ever had one) once the article is published. Ah well, I suppose I'll just have be a split personality for the rest of my life.
88*googleplex leyton/Stan

BIG NEWS (*2)

Two pieces of BIG news. Firstly Collette O' Donoghue has decided that the next recipient of Volume Two of One Short Story To Be Told will be John Linehan. 'Wink' as you may imagine is delighted, excited and ready to go.
Secondly we (Stanley and I) had a call from Writersnews, a rather large UK based magazine, to say they will be featuring One Short Story To Be Told in an upcoming edition. They have about 40,000 readers! Wow. Wow. Wow. is all I can say.

88*googleplex leyton

Volume Two seeks new owner

Hey all Collette O Donoghue has been in touch to say she is NOW ACTIVELY SEEKING A NEW OWNER FOR VOLUME TWO of our big, bold and brilliant adventure.

CONTACT ME HERE, BY EMAIL OR THROUGH THE FACEBOOK PAGE TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE.

88*googleplex leyton/stan

Almost a year old!

We are approaching our first anniversary here at One Short Story To Be Told. It falls on 23rd October 2011 and to celebrate we will be launching Volume Four on the 22nd October. Full details to follow as they are put in place. Ta to all of you for showing an interest. We wouldn't still be alive without you!

Collette moves swiftly!

Volume Two - 'Wink' landed in Colette O Donoghue's hands on Friday 2nd Sept. And she has, in direct contrast to other owners, flown through the process and is already considering a new owner. Obviously all you One Short Story To Be Told followers are in the running to be next but... well Collette wants to see if you are prepared to make an extra effort by contacting her or me through this blog, the facebook page or by emailing oneshortstorytobetold@gmail.com.

Good luck to you all. 88*googleplex leyton

Love and Kisses

As Valerie has now moved 'Waiting For Life To Return' on to Maureen Collins I thought this would be a good time to show you how much Valerie cared for my little story. A trip to London that included a great big kiss is proof enough, don't you think!

88*googleplex leyton

Volume One Moves Again.

Hi De Hi! Volume One has reached it's ninth owner. An 'Excited but a little nervous about the responsibility' Maureen Collins took possession of 'Waiting For Life To Return' from Valerie Spencer today. In a sweet twist Paul McSweeney (who passed Volume One To Valerie) was included in the proceedings. This was done over the phone, but 'Having his spirit involved was what mattered' apparently. This idea just keeps on delivering surprises. Which is why I love it!
88*googleplex leyton

Volume Three moves for the first time!

Been so busy the last couple of days I forgot to tell you guys that Volume Three (Grey Skies) is on the move. Interestingly (if all went well) it will have passed from Nuala McGrath to Marius Griffin exactly two months to the day after it's launch. That smidgen of information didn't increase the excitement levels of 'Grey Skies', but only because it was of the scale at the news of a new home!

88*googleplex leyton

County Sound Interview.

It's taken a while but the audio for the interview I did on County Sound radio about One Short Story To Be Told has arrived. I've uploaded the file to an internet site. This is link http://www.archive.org/details/CountySoundInterview&reCache=1

I hope you can access it.

88*googleplex

leyton

Movement.

We have TWO volumes on the move at the moment. As announced on the 18th August Paddy Fitzhenry is sending Volume Two to Collette O' Donohgue (who is very excited). As that journey begins in Canada and ends in Kildanan, Ireland it's taking a while. And now Valerie Spencer has announced that Volume One is ready to find a new home, and that Maureen Collins will provide that home. This jouney is a much shorter one, but it's just as exciting for 'Waiting For Life To Return, and indeed me.
Now all I need is Nuala McGrath to let Volume Three go. Actually I'm goign to contact her now.
88*googleplex
leyton

Radio Fun.

I've just returned from a stint in the offices and studios of Community Radio Youghal. And I want to send a big thanks to all the staff and volunteers down there for making my stay a truly enjoyable one. An especially big thanks to Beads for showing me the ropes, helping me with my tasks and for taking these lovely photos.

It's Colette's turn!

Paddy Fitzhenry has rewarded Colette O Donoghue for her swift response to his request for a new owner of 'Wink', by choosing her as the next recipient. I have to say Collette has been consistent in her persistent insistence that she should receive a volume of One Short Story To Be Told, and that her selection is more than deserved.
88*googleplex leyton

A week in review.

A lot of news to get through today, it's been a busy week for me and our stories. I'll start by telling you that my two week stint in Waterstones, Cork ended yesterday. I had a ball and Kerry and all her staff were great. I really enjoyed the canteen food, too - which was a plus. My human friend Stanley, as you can see, kindly snapped me as I left the premises. He, I have to say, was emotional at the time. But then he is a big softie!

All other news is about the One Short Story To Be Told volumes I have out in the world, and goes as follows.

Volume One: ‎'Waiting For Life To Return' nudged his way in to my mind a little earlier today and told me that Valerie Spencer, his current owner, is - and I quote - 'A Dear!'.

Volume Two: Paddy Fitzhenry who you will remember took 'Wink' to Canada has been in touch to say our little volume is having a great time. Aww isn't that nice. I'm expecting 'Wink' to be in touch on foot of that, he does like to have his say.

Volume Three: 'Grey Skies' is still basking in his new found freedom. He has been in touch every day, but his long chats can be summarised by saying that Nuala McGrath is treating him splendidly. In fact she is treating him so well that 'Grey Skies' is not sure he wants to move on! I, of course, have told him that's not cricket (to use a rather spiffing english phrase), and that Nulala has already indicated she has a new home in mind for him. He took that news better than I thought.

So that's it your up to date (or as up to date as you need to be). I do have further visits and moves afoot, but to tell now would only spoil the surprise.

88*googleplex

leyton

A forgotten day trip.

You know with all the excitement of Wink headingof to Canada, Valerie Spencer finally getting her hands on 'Waiting For Life To Return' (not to mention the energy expended on reaching 150 friends facebook or the leyton attens story) I entirely forgot to post the photos of 'Waiting' and Paul McSweeney on the nostalgic day trip I agreed to arrange when 'Waiting's' transfer to Valerie was (again) delayed. Needless to say that today, once he had settled into Valerie's life 'Waiting' was on the blower to point out the error. So here I am putting that mistake right.

As you can see it was a tad of rock climbing we participated in. And on 'The Devil's Rock' no less; a place where Paul and my human form Stanley frolicked away many a day in a youth that now feels as distant as an imaginary galaxy. Thankfully it was all new to 'Waiting' and he enjoyed the climbing, and indeed (as picture two below illustrates) the rest that followed. As for me? All I have to say is that 'The Devil's Rock' has a shrine to the Virgin Mary embedded in it. Don't think the devil would have allowed that if he actually lived there! But then maybe I'm not mad, or childlike, enough to understand.

88*googleplex

leyton attens

Yippee!

It's not often I get specifics on the handover of our little books. In fact this is the first time. But then there has been some confusion and delays on this one. Anyway the upshot of it all is that Volume One, Waiting For Life To Return', will leave PAul McSweeney's possession and (finally) land in Valerie Spencer's hands this evening @8pm. YIPPEE
88*googleplex, leyton

Canada and more

‎'Wink' (volume two)has landed in Canada. The conversation was, if possible, even more complicated than the one at the airport yesterday. He is happy though. The same cannot be said of Waiting For Life To Return (volume one). But I'm taking him on a nostalgic trip this evening which should ease his pain.

88*googleplex

leyton attens

A touch of sad news.

Well after the excitement of 'Wink' heading to Canada a touch of sad news. There has been another delay in Vol 1 (Waiting For Life To Return') reaching Valerie Spencer's hands. 'Waiting' is, of course, distraught. And the news about 'Wink' and Canada hasn't helped his mood either. I am on the way to consult with him. No doubt promises will need to be made (and kept). I'll keep you posted. In the meantime send some LOVE to 'Waiting' - every little will help!

88*googleplex

leyton

Yippee

Round about now (maybe even RIGHT now) Volume Two of One Short Story To Be Told, which, of course contains the story 'Wink', is taking to the air.

Yes One Short Story To Be Told is heading for Canada!

I'm very excited, but 'Wink'...well 'Wink' is totally overwhelmed, and the short chat I had with him while he was at the airport was potted with words like BRILLIANT. UNBELIEVABLE and my own favourite, CHIMERICAL.

88*googleplex leyton

All good things must come to an end!

Yes all good things must come to an end. And as Waiting for Life To Return will be transferred to the hands of Valerie Spencer tomorrow my tour with volume one has now ended. But we went out with a bang, I must say. Thursday saw us take in a game of footy( pic shows us just before kick-off). While Friday evening was spent sampling Tom Barry's hospitality, the creamy taste of Murphy's and a delectable dish from Jackie Lennox's chip shop.

Of course an ending often leads to a new beginning, too. And so it is in this case. My day-tripping exploits have whetted my appetite for public exposure and I am now committed to finding places to hang out for a while. Brilliantly Waterstones in Patrick Street, Cork have agreed to me occupying (at least a little of) their space for the next fortnight. I couldn't think of a better place to start! So thanks to Waterstones. And thanks, too, to all who helped me and Waiting For Life To Return so happy over the past weeks. We applaud you.

Oh, I almost forgot the rest of the pictures from our final two trips can be viewed here:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.236804886359806.60781.176918199015142

88*googleplex

leyton attens

The Tour continues

We haven't posted since Sunday, it's been a busy week (being a Superhero is so demanding!). But that doesn't mean the tour was abandoned. Oh NO! We had leyton in UCC and out for a game of football. The photo's are cool. This one is just a teaser, click the link to see the rest. http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.234980913208870.60415.176918199015142

Day Trip to Fitzgerald Park

Paul McSweeney and I (leyton attens) treated Waiting For Life To Return to a trip to Fitzgerald's Park in Cork today. It was an emotional day for Paul as the park has so many memories attached. Great fun was had, even though we missed the Comedy Festival by a week. 'Waiting' has been popped back on to it's shelf now. And it is humming with pleasure. What more could I ask?

88*googleplex

ps - follow this link for more pics of the day

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.233021240071504.60055.176918199015142&type=1

Latest Day Trip

Waiting For Life To Return's latest leg of the tour promised by leyton was a trip to Dublin.

Boy did our two friends have a ball!

This photo was taken just before they boarded the train. For more go to

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.232522770121351.59953.176918199015142

Big News

BIG NEWS! Paddy Fitzhenry (the current owner of Volume Two) is immefgarting to Canada in a few weeks. Guess What? He's taking 'Wink' with him! One Short Story To Be Told is going to a new continent. Yippee 88* googleplex leyton/Stan

The Tour continues

What a day!

I had the immense pleasure of spending a day in the company of Paul

McSweeney and Waiting For Life To Return today.

We visited the world famous Cork landmark 'The Lough'.

Trees (as you can see) were enjoyed.

88*googleplex

leyton

Lots happening today.

Nuala MacGrath has been in touch. She tells me Volume Three holds pride of place in her house at the moment! Yippee do da da da...

Also Volume Two (Wink) landed in new hands last night. One Mr Paddy Fitzhenry of Wexford is the new owner.

And we (that's Stan, me and Paul McSweeney) took Volume One (Waiting for Life To Return) to the park today.

As the photos show touring is such fun!

88*googleplex

leyton

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=230563143650647&set=a.230562983650663.59522.176918199015142&type=1&theater

leyton begins Waiting For Life To Return tour

Following much deliberation I've decided to call the series of day trips I've promised Waiting For Life To Return a tour. This decision then led to a spur of the moment trip to Pine Lodge (Mytrleville, Co. Cork) last night to see Cork band Half Man, Part Bicycle. 'If I'm going on tour I might as well start with a rock gig' being my rational. Half Man, Part Bicycle were great and proved just the right preparation for the warmth and comfort for the Sunday lunch with talented Cork film maker Paddy O' Shea's family that I had planned for Waiting For Life To Return today. The two trips also provide a nice pair of contrasting photos, too. 88*Googleplex

Good news, Bad news, More Bad News and Resolution.

Good News: Paul has decided that Valerie Spencer will be the next recipient of Volume One of One Short Story To Be Told.

Bad News. Valerie Spencer is on holiday.

More Bad News: Paul informed Waiting For Life To Return he was moving before he had contacted Valerie, and the news that Valerie is on holiday left Waiting For Life To Return bereft (and in a major sulk)

Resolution: leyton intervened, calmed Waiting For Life To Return down and agreed that for the period of Valerie's holiday he would make it his business to return from the ethereal plains every second day and take Waiting For Life To Return on a series of day trips.

The first of these happened today. leyton, as our picture shows, took Waiting For Life To Return to a secluded, warm location and treated him to multiple readings.

Could NOT resist this!

On the night Volume Three was launched Volume One was passed on, too. Glen Keane (left) was the passer, and Paul McSweeney (obviously right) the reciever.

Just two minutes after this was taken Waiting For Life To Return completed one thousand circus tumbles in celebration. Sadly no camera captured that moment.

88*googleplex

leyton

(almost) movement

With three volumes now in circulation I'm finding a lot of my time taken up with 'consultations'.

I'm not complaining - it's great that those in possession of the stories care enough to ensure they are doing the right thing when passing it on. So this week has included contact from all three current owners - Paul (Volume One), Dan (Two) and Nuala (three) - during which the topic of PASSING ON popped up. Strangely all three said more or less the same thing, which was that they had 'More or less made up their mind'. So 'Waiting for Life to Return', 'Wink' and 'Grey Skies' are all 'almost moving'.

I just know the stories will be communicating their feelings on that term pretty shortly, too. Oh the joy of being at the centre of a mad idea.

88*googleplex

(a very busy) leyton

PS I've also had 'consultations' with people eager to get their hands on one (or any of the volumes). Can I suggest direct contact with the current owners might be a better route? Or would that upset some of you? Too late now anyway.

Animation for Volume Three Launch

Marc's brilliant piece of work for the launch of Volume Three (Grey Skies)

Volume Three First Owner

Well Saturday was a great success. Lots of fun and games. But the happiest person in attendance was NUALA MACGRATH who was drawn as the first person to recieve volume three and the story Grey Skies.

It goes without saying Grey Skies was ecstatic. But I've said it anyway.

88*googleplex

leyton

Volume Three Launch update

Final details being put in place for tomorrow. The animation is BRILLIANT! Murphy's are providing complimentary pints. Tom Barry's have thrown in bottles of wine. Evening Echo and Douglas Post are attending. And Grey Skies is wild with excitement. You have GOT to be there!
88*googleplex
leyton

Extract from 'Grey Skies'

With just a week to go to it's launch date 'Grey Skies' is getting rather excited. And that excitement ballooned into pure unadulterated delirium when I approached it this morning and said I needed an extract for the blog and facebook. Needless to say that delirium quickly turned to infighting when the words that make up 'Grey Skies' realised they couldn't all be used. We did however, after three hours of wrestling, decide that the following selection would those lucky enough to blaze the trail for Volume Three, which remember will be released on Saturday 2nd July.

Enjoy

88*googleplex

leyton

'As is nature’s way the scene played out over and over again as Tony sat and watched. Waves roared and rolled, rolled and roared. Frothing breakers crashed against rock. Rain poured down. And all the while the dark menacing mass providing the rain hung low in the sky, ensuring a bleak landscape stretched as far as Tony could see.'

Invite to Volume Three Launch

busy busy bee today. The lauch of volume three is on it's way - and you are invited!

click link to view your invite.

88*googleplex

leyton

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=216932385013723&set=pu.176918199015142&type=1&theater

radio interview

hi all as you probably know i did an interview regarding one short story to be told on UCC campus radio's art shoe 'Words On Top' last week. So just in case you missed it here's a link to the podcast. I'm on about halfway through.

http://www.ucc.ie/ccr/podcast/1500%20Words%20On%20Top.mp3

88*googleplex

leyton attens

Volume Three - The Story

With just over two weeks to go to the launch of Volume Three of One Short Story To Be Told we thought this might be an opportune moment to announce the title of the story that will be used. Wait for it..... 'Grey Skies'

88*googleplex

leyton

volume one moves again!

whoopy dee whoopsie! glen has decided! volume one is on the move again. a certain paul mcsweeney's limerick tickled glen's fancy - congrats paul, book on it's way. leyton is so excited he can't sit down, stand up or kneel down - so he's floating in midair (lying down was not an option)

coo coo che coo

we are looking for a new owner for volume one

glen keane is ready to pass volume one on. And he is looking for for someone here! All you need to do is enter a limerick That's loosely defined) and he will decide on his favourite. Get rhyming guys

88*Goofleplex

leyton

racey hadikenm has passed volume two to a man with the very happy sounding name of dan laffin.

racey has also provided us with some feedback, which can be viewed and read on the volume two page of this blog. if your too lazy to move the mouse up to the link that takes to volume two's page click here instead!

http://oneshorttobetold.blogspot.com/p/stories-volume-two.html

volume three launch date

while volume one and two have been criss crossing ireland, i have been beavering away on volume three. the writing is now complete, and we have entered the design period. that will take a little while but as i implicitly trust the universe i have set the date for the launch of volume three (otherwise known as the trilogoly!) so make sure you keep 2nd July free!

88*googleplex

leyton

volume two moves again

volume two has moved again. racey hadiken is now in possession.

feedback has also arrived from ciaran and can be viewed on volume two page of this blog.
88*googlepex
leyton

feedback from barry

big thanks to barry for his feedback on volume one. it can view on the page dedicated to volume one. enjoy!

cooler than cool

glen keane recieved volume one (waiting for life to return) this morning, and set two landmarks in the process. For the first time both volumes are noe in the hands of men. and, more interestingly, both volumes now reside in Cork, the home town of our adventure, for the first time as well.
cooler than cool, me thinks!
88*googleplex
leyton

decisions, it seems, are like buses

well, well, well! who would have known that decisions, like buses, can arrive in pairs. but that is what has happened this week.
helen has decided that glen keane will be the next to hold volume one, and ciaran, having perused your (very creative) proposals has plumped for racey hadikan, who flattered ciaran and then implied he may die if he didn't get volume two.
information on arrival at new homes will be forwarded as soon as we have it
88*googleplex
leyton

are you in?

ciaran's decision to pass on volume two has wink in an elevated state of excitement. and so ciaran has deciced not to draw out the process (he thinks wink may burst) and make a decision by the end of the week.
so if you have not yet emailed oneshortstorytobetold@gmail.com, posted a note here on the blog or messaged or posted on facebook so that you can be considered by ciaran as the next recipient of volume two you need to act fast!
88*googleplex
ps - if you're not in you can't wink!

volume two requests

we've had quite a response already to ciarn hourican's request for people to express an interest in receiving voume two (wink) and i have to say i'm loving the creativity. keep them coming guys
88*googleplex
leyton

volume two looking for new home!

ciaran hourican has read volume two (wink), is ready to pass it on, and here's the exciting news, he wants to give it to someone who WANTS it. So a little message to us here on the blog, the facebook page, or an email to oneshortstorytobetold@gmail.com will give you an opportunity to be next to handle this wonderful little package. GET TYPING guys!
88*googleplex

volume one on the move again!

barry joyce has been in touch to say that he passed volume one (waiting for life to return) to helen mcSharry today. He apologised for the delay, and explained that helen was away for three weeks. not that 'waiting for life to return' cares - he is leaping about on the page (barry says) and hollered high fives into leyton's ahead at 14.31 today. photo and feedback from barry will be with us shortly. coolio, hey 88*googleplex leyton ps helen is new to the one short story to be told idea, so if you want to contact her you will need to do so through leyton.

Volume Two reaches third pair of hands

Ciaran Hourican is currently on possesion of Volume Two. He has been since Friday. Feedback from Siobhan and Amanda has arrived and is on volume two page.

88*googleplex

volume two flying along

volume two is moving at rocket speed. beads is passing it to ciaran hourican (who asked her for ti throughfb - see what action does) yippee *googleplexes
88*googleplex
leyton

volume two finds second home

beads fogarty picked up volume two yesterday. excited and deligher she is. feedback and photo pending from amanda. isn't this great? 88*googleplex leyton

volume two on the move

amanda has made her decision regarding the next reciepient of volume two. it is heading to siobhan fogarty who is a neighbour of amanda's in east cork. i'm tempted to say it's parochial thing, but given the propensity for female possessors of the books to date, me thinks it's more likely to be a woman thing. lads, i get the feeling you need to get proactive.

88*googleplex

leyton

volume two update

thanks to everyone who messaged, emailed or posted on facebook asking amanda to pass volume two to them. Amanda has now received all the information and will decide on Monday who will be next to give 'wink' a chance to be heard.

88*googleplex

leyton

volume two

oh what excitement we have for you today! amanda piggot is ready to pass volume two on! and here's the best bit, she has decided to run a competition to decide the next reciepient.
what do you need to do? well amanda, is asking anyone who would like to be the next recipient of volume two to post a reason why on our fb page, message leyton, or email oneshortstroytobetold@gmail.com . she will then review the requests and make a decision! personnally i love the idea! i hope you do too. so get requesting.
you only have a week. fri 24th is end date
88*googleplex
leyton

contact regarding volume one

barry joyce, the current custodian of one short story to be told volume one, has been in touch today. i'm delighted to say that he is 'enamoured' (his word) with the whole idea.

interestingly- and intriguingly - he also says he already knows who will be the next recipient of volume one! excited? i know i am - terribly, terribly so! (is it just me, or does that last bit sound posh?)

88*googleplex

(a terribly, terribly excited) leyton

volume two begins its journey

it's has taken a little longer than we imagined but 'wink' has finally begun its journey. it arrived safely in amanda piggot's hands on tues 8 mar 2011. i am so excited there are fireworks dancing on my tongue right now

88*googleplex
leyton

volume one reaches a fourth pair of hands and ears

good news! lita has passed volume one of one short story to be old on! mr barry joyce of dublin is the fourth recipient. we await feedback from lita with bated breath!

volume two launch

for those wondering about volume two and the launch. all went well and i am waiting for the first recipient to come back to me regarding delivery. as for the animation from sat, i am adjusting the sound to suit your sensitive ears. so it will be a couple of days before that appears.

almost there

volume two will be out in the world in 72 hours. all is on track, a few hiccups along the way, but a little trust in the universe goes a long way - and it's always nice to relearn that one!
88*googleplex

extract from 'wink' (as promised)

Just as I did as a child I watched the factory smoke being slowly vacuumed into the grey horizon for hours this morning. It helped to take my mind of the nervous knot that has been vortexing in my stomach since I got up. I’ve been trying to convince myself that what lies ahead is responsible for the knot returning, but I know the truth is that being back in the damp, dusty and dingy structure in which I endured our dysfunctional family’s domesticity is the true catalyst for its return.

update on volume two

we will have an extract from 'wink' to wet your appetite tomorrow and a little offer for all before the start of next week. all, of course, gearing us up for launch of volume two on sat 26th feb in tom barry's bar, barrack st, cork between 6 and 8pm.

can i ask a litle favour in return for extract and offer? please tell someone about one short story to be told idea or blogspot or facebook page. it's called speading the word and i'll love you for it!

88*googleplex

leyton

one short story to be told volume two launch

ok all you marvelous matey's it's time to announce the venue for the launch of volume two of one short story to be told. so after deeply concentrated orange juice and trance like medication leyton has decided the crew at tom barry's bar, barrack st, cork deserve a second chance...that is because they were brill on the first night by the way.
see you there.
88*googleplex
leyton

technical problem

anyone who recalls the build up to volume one will know there was a tiny spat regarding an extract before the launch. we are experiencing the same technical problem again. please cross ears, eyes and elbows to help us reach a resolution.
88*googleplex
leyton

launch of volume two

ok, date for launch of volume two has been decided..... yes I am going to tell you...26th february. you're all invited of course!

88*googleplex

leyton

volume two

all systems go this week to get volume two to print. cross everything, we are definitley on track to give 'wink' a better life before the end of february.

88*googleplex

leyton

all on track for volume two

proof read went well. one or two illustrations required. should be done this week (if not tomorrow!) now aiming to launch volume two on one of the last two weekends in feb.

88*googleplex

leyton

inching forward

the final proof read of 'wink' and other parts of volume two will occur over the weekend. keep fingers, toes, knees and noses crossed for em again please. its on to layout and planning launch night then. can you bear the excitement?
88*googlepelx
leyton

volume two story announcement

it may be a day late - in fact it is a day late - but this is the announcement of the title of the story to be used in volume two of one short story to be told. are you ready? take a deep breath. ok. the story is called......'wink'
88*googleplex
leyton

Feedback on Volume One

Feedback from Carol, the second recipient of Volume One has arrived here at the ethereal plains, so we thought it might be an idea to share it with our intrepid, intelligent inductees (that's you, of course). So here it is.

I really enjoyed the book, I found the story 'Waiting For Life To Return' very sad and very moving. I was delighted to be only the second person to read it. Most of all I loved the idea of the book having a life of it's own and the reader being part of an adventure with it.
Great concept. Looking forward to Volume Two.
Carol.

nearly there! (for one piece at least)

we are this ' ' close to finalising the story for volume two. the weekend should see it done. thanks to all those who crossed fingers, toes and noses to help. I could feel the your energy helping me. if all goes well announcement of story title wil happen on monday. 88*googleplex -leyton

Volume One reaches it's third city

having winged its way across the pond to london, eng, volume one has now winged its way back and settled in dublin, ireland. it has, therefore, in a relatively short period of time (especially for a story) visited cork, london and dublin - dare i say three major cities.

major or not what i can say with granite certainty is that the journey has almost redbullishly energised 'waiting for life to return' as in its last correspondance with me (this morning) it sounded as cheery as a newly graduated clown, and as lightfooted as a butterscotch sweet.

the latest receipient travels under the moniker of lita, and she too sounded excited in her (technologically issued) correspondence. she didn't, i would have to say, sound as lightfooted as a butterscotch sweet, but she did sound as cherry as a newly graduated clown - and two newly graduated clowns must sound amazing together, i'm sure you'd agree.

88*googleplex*googleplex to you all