How the numbers stack up

Okay so this is how the stats stack up, were you to be considering have a go at crafting and collating a volume of stories.

The Leatherhead guys ordered 500 books; a 135 page volume of 20 stories. Printing costs £1250 and the typesetting £150. Then there is another £500 to cover the production process, including cover design, isbn nr and the production of a bar code. This makes a total of about £1900

Therefore at a retail price of £6.50 each they need to sell about 300 books to cover their costs, leaving space for a profit of around £1300 if they sell each and every one.

Well achievable for a small and committed group of enthusiasts with a quality product. And that’s not taking into account the fact that nobody goes into a project like this to make money! No. the real benefit is giving a new voice to a community where there may well be none at this moment. The chance to make a massive statement that every story counts.

It’s not the only way, but it is one way.

Anyone up for having a go? steve@storiesfromthestreet.com

The story behind the story

If anyone is wondering whether you could actually be part of seeing a set of stories come together where you live then read what Jenny Moore has to say about the seven months it took them from start to finish to have their own book in their hands.

Jenny writes

I think I was provoked at least a year ago about the possibility of seeing a book published about life on the streets here in Leatherhead.  One of the mums I know had written a chapter for Steve’s previous book, and it suddenly seemed possible to talk to Steve about a whole book coming from this town I love.

There were a couple of stories I knew about personally  that really focussed on what the town’s about or should be about and I  thought it would be great to have a book with those sort of stories highlighted. Stories that reflect a little of the gifts and uniqueness of Leatherhead.

So Steve came back and said ” go for it” and suddenly the possibility was real. It took about 4 or 5 months to gather the stories, visiting organisations, meeting people having tea and listening to their journeys. If I’m being honest it would have been great to have shared that side of it a bit more with others. But we had great help from Steve talking it through and he came down to  meet with a group of us at Starbucks and got  the idea out there. A lot of the work had to be done in the day time which meant that some who could have helped were physically unable to take time off work. But we managed it, and gradually the pile of stories built up. It was one of the best parts of the whole process, meeting people, really talking and listening and many moments feeling really grateful that such fantastic people were a part of our town.

A crucial point was having someone to edit the stories as they came in and Paul did a brilliant job. We sat together and looked at them and were able to group them together which  helped identify the  context for the book.  I had deliberately looked at gathering stories across age groups, gender, work social issues and we had a wonderfully diverse yet focussed set of stories which did help as we put together  a format.

Then suddenly the stories were ready to send to Steve and that was the scary point as well. Were they what Stories from the Street had envisaged, would they be ok? But they were and it didn’t seem too long at all before they were with the typesetters then the printers then with us!!

It’s been amazing for me to have been involved with this, I’m so glad we did it and I have watched glimpses of redemption as stories have been written and shared. It’s not the end of the story for any of those who have written but I know everyone feels so proud and glad to have been part of this. A year ago most of those in the book would not have dreamt that they would have written a chapter and had it in print.

It’s awesome!!

So get in touch if Jenny’s story inspires you for where you live. And if you would like a copy of their book, click here to buy. £1 from every online purchase goes to a charity in Leatherhead.

Communities with a voice

The paparazzi were not there and neither was Simon Cowell. However twenty or so of the men and women off the council estates of North Leatherhead gathered ………..to celebrate their book and their stories.

Against the background noise of the celebrity make belief world of glitz and glamour, we all have constant choices to make as to where we chose to live. Okay we all need an evening of escapism but give me stories of humour and hope, honed in the real world any time.

So this post is dedicated to the stories of the men and women of Leatherhead. Thank you for finding the courage to write. Thank you for not trying to wrap your stories in tinsel and star dust and thank you Jenny Moore for seeing the huge value in those who others might say are……well just ordinary people like you and I.

One town in the UK now has access to something that truly equates to the authentic sound coming out of the place they call home.

Which village, town or city is going to be the next? Just email me steve@storiesfromthestreet.com to begin a conversation. Or buy their book here to see what could be possible where you live. £1 from every online purchase goes to some of the charities of Leatherhead.

Silence a tool of surpression

“Silence is dangerous because it is an enemy of hope. Why? Because where grief is denied and suffering is kept isolated, unexpressed and unprocessed in a community, we may be sure that hopelessness will follow.

Silence may come because the sufferer lacks the courage or will to speak. But behind that is the long term pressure from above. The rulers of this age crave order above all. They have learned that silence is the way to preserve order, even if that order is unjust and dysfunctional. Where there is no speech about grief and suffering  there can be no hope.”

Wow! If I wanted one phrase that would sum what Sfts is about then this is that. Thanks Jane for posting this comment.

Hope does come when we realise, through the courageous telling of story, that we are not alone in our experiences. How many of us have drawn strength from the opportunity to identify with someone else’s journey? How many communities have become isolated and without hope because no space has been made for the hidden tale that remains untold. That’s why one woman in Leatherhead took it upon herself to create space for the many voices from the town where she lives. I respect that.

Anyone else want to have a go? Just email me and begin a conversation, steve@storiesfromthestreet.com

Apology

Apologies to anyone who has tried to buy from our online shop these last days.Think my mentor (see right) would not have been impressed. No we are not trying to fleece you! There are though discrepancies over the p&p costs which our online guys will be looking at early this week.

Whilst they do that we are also undertaking a further upgrade of the site which will enable you to view the most popular stories so watch this space.

At the same time, anyone interested in a copy of the Leatherhead book and open to a conversation about a volume of stories coming out of your village, town or city then do email me steve@storiesfromthestreet.com I am all ears and completely committed to a journey than began two years ago with the story teller of Damascus.

I am told his endorsement really counts. I hope so cos I walked a long way to get it! -:)