STROUD Short Stories (SSS) is celebrating its 11th short story event, entitled ‘Los Muertos’, as part of the Site Festival at the SVA, John Street, Stroud on Sunday 24 April (doors 7.30pm start 8pm).

It was an open theme this time so authors have based their stories on a huge variety of subjects and have written in a range of styles.

The 10 tales being read by their authors include stories about a funeral director’s strange family; a child’s imagined internal workings; a woman portrayed by a pioneer photographer; how new glasses can completely change your viewpoint; and a depiction of a public execution.

Some 70 authors submitted 95 stories to the judges (author Nimue Brown and SSS organiser John Holland).

The event is open to authors throughout Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire Organiser John Holland said: “There was a bumper number of submissions this time. It’s going to be a cracking evening for anyone interested in love – but also particularly death. Hence our title ‘Los Muertos’.

“Seven of the authors are reading at SSS for the first time, which shows how the reputation of the event is still growing and also how creative people continue to move into the county.”

  •  Tickets £7 are available online in advance only at sva.org.uk/booking. This event is recommended for ages 16 and over.