Book Slam to Publish 2nd Short Story Collection, TOO MUCH TOO YOUNG, 11/27

Following the success of their first short story annual, London's leading literary shindig, Book Slam, publish the hotly anticipated sequel, 'Too Much Too Young – Volume 2', this November. Much like 'One For The Trouble – Volume 1', this collection of specially commissioned, exclusive new stories from the event's illustrious alumni includes household names, rising stars and exceptional new talent, with stories from David Nicholls, Diana Evans, Jeremy Dyson, Marina Lewycka, Emylia Hall, Nikesh Shukla, Jesse Armstrong, Jackie Kay, Craig Taylor, Patrick Neate, Salena Godden and Chris Cleave.

Each short story is inspired by a song title – a nod to Book Slam's twofold drive to champion exciting live music as well as live literature – and though twelve very different worlds are imagined, the title of the annual, 'Too Much Too Young', becomes a unifying theme, with many authors touching on youthful experience and nostalgic (and not so nostalgic) reminiscence. Jackie Kay's beautifully moving story, 'Every Time We Say Goodbye', documents a couple in the last throes of love, while 'Have Some Madeira M'Dear', Jeremy Dyson's witty tale inspired by the Flanders and Swan song, explores a young boy thrust into an adult world. Chris Cleave's 'We'll Meet Again' is a heartbreaking portrayal of dementia, while Diana Evans's 'Saturday Night' records a woman's encounter with an old lover, which allows her to re-imagine how life might have been …

Book Slam is the UK's leading regular literary event, created by writers for writers to showcase the very best contemporary storytelling. The move into publishing has, therefore, been a natural progression, cementing the organisation's position as 'a force for literary good' (The Guardian).

'Too Much Too Young' will be available in print, digital and audio editions. The print edition is a bespoke publication of considerable beauty – a limited edition hardback, individually numbered, signed by every contributor and retailing at £20. Digital and audio editions are priced at £1.99 and £2.99, ensuring this exceptional collection is accessible to all. As Book Slam's founder, award-winning novelist, Patrick Neate, comments: 'Doing something a second time is arguably always harder than the first time around, so we're hugely proud to publish such an excellent, diverse collection that so accurately reflects the Book Slam ethos – twelve authors, some you will have heard of, some not, and each writing at the very peak of their powers.'

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