Unpacking 'An Unforeseen Package' alongside Edel Coffey
On this week's episode of The Prompt on RTE Radio 1, guest writer Edel Coffey presented the writing prompt 'An Unexpected Parcel'. The shortlisted writers whose works were featured include B Cotter, F Keane, B Ashley, J Keegan, J Lindsay Gray, L Theis, M Coll, C Hennemann, and T Bennett.
Bebe Ashley's work, titled 'Limbs and Things' tells the story of a university employee whose fascination with mail-order products, particularly from the store Limbs and Things, escalates when she receives a budget. The narrative takes a turn when a box of limbs goes missing, causing the protagonist to express her disappointment. Edel Coffey appreciates the author's ability to create a sense of mystery and tension in the story.
Trish Bennet's poem, 'A Dream of One More Outing', is dedicated to her mother-in-law, Moira. The poem revolves around Moira's excitement for shopping at Lidl and her encounter with a child while testing out a rollator. Edel notes the piece's high energy and ability to teach us how to enjoy oneself.
Additionally, the episode includes Jennifer Lindsay Gray's work, 'A Green Glass Heart', which delves into the theme of grief through the prism of a glass heart delivered to a woman's doorstep. The heart is accompanied by a handwritten note that says 'Sorry', leaving room for listeners to interpret the piece in their own ways.
During the discussion with The Prompt's host Zoe Comyns, Edel Coffey shared her thoughts on when it's appropriate to address difficult or sensitive subjects in writing. She advised that it's sometimes beneficial to take time, especially for personal and sensitive topics, before publishing or printing.
Next week, Zoe Comyns will talk to writer Sinéad Moriarty, discussing three new pieces written for the prompt 'A World Without'. Tune in to The Prompt on RTE Radio 1, Sundays at 7.30pm to listen back[1].
[1] The enrichment data suggests that Jennifer Lindsay Gray's short story, 'A Green Glass Heart' explores grief through the symbolic use of a green glass heart as a metaphor for healing or reflection, which adds depth to the story's thematic elements.
In Bebe Ashley's story 'Limbs and Things', the protagonist's fascination with mail-order products from Limbs and Things, a lifestyle store, is highlighted.
In Trish Bennet's poem 'A Dream of One More Outing', the joy of shopping at a supermarket named Lidl and the encounter with a child while testing a rollator, are central themes.
