Something very Peculier

12th February 2010 12:23:35

Many a good idea has been scribbled on the back of a beer mat. But have you ever tried writing a short story on a beer bottle label? And when I say a short story I mean a very short story, 10 words actually. That’s the challenge accepted by six of the UK’s leading crime writers as part of the Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, launched last night at the Crown Hotel.

Authors, including Val McDermid, Mark Billingham, Stuart MacBride, Simon Kernwick, NJ Cooper and Simon Beckett, have all tackled the task and their works are published in a series of labels on limited edition bottles of Theakstones Old Peculier Ale.

Piece of cake, said Stuart MacBride, or so he thought. ‘Writing a story in 10 words is easy, writing a good one, that’s difficult,’ he says. ‘But with any luck I hope people will pause for a moment in the midst of savouring their drink to take a squint at the wee stories and maybe decide to try a crime novel they wouldn’t have read before. Beer and a good book; what could be better.’

The limited edition beer bottles with their miniature mysteries are available from Monday. Could you pen a who dunnit in 10 words? There's a pint for the best one.  

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Members Comments

  • Comment by: stoneskin 17 February 2010 - 21:50

    What a fantastic idea. I must try and buy some of those bottles though have no idea where from. Bit sad I wasn't invited but then again... Ten words or does it just have to fit on an Old Peculiar label? Tell you what, I'll give it a go and post it on Monday at www.madd0g.org.

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  • Comment by: Esther 17 February 2010 - 22:52

    It's a tough one, but yes just 10 words. Look forward to reading it

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  • Comment by: stoneskin 17 February 2010 - 23:03

    Actually, here's one for you. A bit noddy but hey, it'll do until Monday. House asleep, shadows creep, floorboards creak. Crunch...crumbs...biscuits gone.

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  • Comment by: Esther 18 February 2010 - 12:13

    Very good. How about this: Open window, pie cooling, gloved hand, cook screams, pie gone.

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  • Comment by: stoneskin 18 February 2010 - 13:27

    Stormy night, terrifying quacks. A duck, dead, killed by Fred.

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  • Comment by: Suzanne 18 February 2010 - 14:05

    Really attention grabbing beginning, the brilliant middle, the exciting ending

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  • Comment by: stoneskin 24 February 2010 - 08:55

    There we go. I wrote a few more of my own, got a few friends to contribute and then posed the challenge to my readers. Some of them have produced some brilliant stores. http://www.madd0g.org/2010/02/pint-sized-crime-stories-crime-writing-festival.html

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