Jenne Gray, the Story Lady, presents a weekly series of short tales by C. E. Ayr on Tsukure Community Radio based in Ayr, Scotland. This story is called The Princess and the Dragon, and is read by C. E. Ayr. Artwork by Phil Burns.

Jenne  Gray, the Story Lady, presents a weekly series of short tales by C. E.  Ayr on Tsukure Community Radio based in Ayr, Scotland. This story is called The Suburbs, and is read by Jenne.

Jenne Gray, the Story Lady, presents a weekly series of short tales by C. E. Ayr on Tsukure Community Radio based in Ayr, Scotland. This story is called Nowhere Man, and is read by Jenne.

The Famous Green Hunchback Turtle of Béthune,  written and narrated by me, and presented by Pete Lutz on Narada Radio Company Audio Drama, as part of his Santa’s Inbox Christmas series. A whimsical view of a lovely town in Northern France, with two wondrous but fabulously bizarre characters who children will love. Artwork by Carolina Sartor. Special thanks to Jenne Gray.

As featured on Narada Radio Company Audio Drama, introduced by Pete Lutz. The story of a little Giant who can't help but get into trouble. Artwork by Phil Burns. Special thanks to Jenne Gray.

A cautionary tale on the perils of having a dog. Dog Owner I like dogs. Hate dog owners. I’m in this secluded spot, minding my own business. A cute wee beagle appears, tail a-wagging. I hear a woman’s voice, a plaintive wail. Lulu! Lulu! I curse. Go, I say to the dog, shoo! The tail wags. Inevitably the owner appears. She shrieks at the scene. I have no choice. I strangle her, drop her into the hole beside Mr Johnson, whom I have been well paid to dispose of. Sadly Lulu has to go in too. Can’t have her sniffing around, can I? Shame, because I like dogs. Hate dog owners.

Artwork by Phil Burns the night each evening the sun goes down shadows move and pain hits deep that's when I face my inmost fears and evade the clutch of sleep I lie awake avoiding dreams I pray dawn will be here soon I know the nightmares linger still on the dark side of the moon the darkness drifts into my heart I anticipate the fright from crannies slither nameless beasts who live and breathe the night I huddle with wide open eyes seeking the purity that saves but grass and earth are thrust aside as children leave their graves all this I see but now I sense black spectres' putrid breath the misery that feeds my life keeps me from blessed death I pay the price for long past sins when I marched with Satan's horde because there’s a price for every soul so I reap my just reward

A 47-word story, a sweeping biblical epic of high drama and humour. Artwork by Phil Burns

An abbreviated version of this short dramatic piece appears on my blog, dated 3rd March 2021

A lighter, more romantic piece but, please remember, things are not always just as they seem.