Nascent Birmingham publishers Floodgate Press have published their first book an incredibly varied anthology about the city’s centrally situated Digbeth district: Digbeth Stories.
I am pleased to be one of the contributors. My hyperlocal travelogue “From Whitlocks End” having been slected for inclusion. It shares my thoughts and experiences on the morning in April 2022 that I researched – through doing – the walk that became Walk Midland’s Whitlock’s End – Digbeth route.
My own contribution aside, each of the stories, essays and other kinds of writing included in the volume are excellent, with sterling work having been done by Floodgate’s founding editors: Garrie Fletcher, Peter Haynes and Nigel Proctor, who wrangled everything and brought the volume into being.
Here is what the blurb says about it:
Social commentary and wry observation run through these tales of the city from the realistic to the speculative.
In 27 new pieces of writing – some truthful, some twisted, some heartfelt, some heart-breaking – we experience first-hand this unique urban quarter of Birmingham and the countless lives it has touched.
And it has been commended by numerous Birmingham connected luminaries who say:
‘An outstanding collection’ – Jonathan Coe
‘Readers will enjoy these brand new Digbeth voices’ – Stephen Knight
‘A lively, inventive gifted diversity of stories!’ – Jim Crace
Copies of Digbeth Stories may be purchased direct from Floodgate Press. Or from local independents Voce Books and other outlets in the city.
Header Illustration Photograph is of a display of copies of Digbeth Stories at Voce Books where the launch event was held on the evening of 19th July 2023. Author’s photo, all rights reserved.