- Notes from the underground (creative writing paper)
"Notes From The Underground" is a creative writing
free newspaper . Its first issue was distributed on theLondon Underground and in shops and libraries throughoutLondon on17 December ,2007 . [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7148788.stm BBC NEWS | England | London | 'Creative' freesheet for London ] ] It aims to function as a quality alternativefree newspaper to those on the tube. It was inspired by the success ofthelondonpaper but aims to be an entertaining and accessible platform for up-and-coming writers and illustrators. [ [http://www.thelondonpaper.com/cs/Satellite/london/books/article/1157149907019?packedargs=suffix%3DSubSectionArticle Mags that wear their art on their sleeves | books | the londonpaper ] ]Content
Stories
Most of the stories are by new writers, though several more famous authors have written new stories for the paper. These include "The Dreams of Bethany Mellmoth" by William Boyd, "Feed Me" by
Russell Brand , "The Changeover" by Mark Watson, "The Grand Mal" byRichard Milward . There are also stories of one sentence, including one by crime writer Peter James. [ [http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article3246854.ece Sarah Birke on the big names crowding small magazines - Times Online ] ]Illustration
There are several cartoon strips, stand-alone cartoons as well as a new illustration for each story. [ [http://notesfromtheunderground.co.uk Notes From The Underground ] ]
Distribution
"Notes From The Underground" was distributed outside 35 central London tube stations as well as in branches of
Foyles , selected branches ofHMV andWaterstone's , public libraries and independent bookshops. [ [http://www.thebookseller.com/news/47931-new-literary-freesheet.html theBookseller.com ] ]Criticism
Today Programme report
"Notes From The Underground" was discussed on the
Today Programme by John Sutherland and Peter James on 17 December, 2007 [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/listenagain_20071217.shtml BBC - Radio 4 - Today Programme Listen Again ] ] . Sutherland agreed with James that 'everything in the paper is worth reading' but felt the newspaper was pitched too highly compared to other free newspapers. 'It might work, but I think the title is an allusion to theDostoevsky bookNotes from Underground which I suspect would probably go over the heads of most commuters.' However he did add that 'this is a very good platform for new literature, and I am all in favour of it. More power to it, I say.'References
* http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7148788.stm
* http://www.thelondonpaper.com/cs/Satellite/london/books/article/1157149907019?packedargs=suffix%3DSubSectionArticle
* http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article3246854.ece
* http://www.thebookseller.com/news/47931-new-literary-freesheet.html
* http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/listenagain_20071217.shtmlExternal links
* [http://www.notesfromtheunderground.co.uk Official Website]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpIvxEosYW4 Video showing the design process]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/ram/today5_20071217.ram Today Programme report]
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