Work admin can be dull. Especially tedious and slow-going with my right hand in a splint; my stupid fault for losing a fight with a cement mixer at the weekend. It did feel less irksome today thanks to BBC Radio 4’s distraction of airing Nell Stevens’ short story “The Minutes”, which follows a group of ill-fated student activists as they plan a protest against the demolition of a South London tower block.

Nell at home, mobile studio set-up

Nell is one of the five all-female finalist authors shortlisted for the prestigious BBC 2018 short story awards.

Wandering around Nell’s part of town

We’ll be sure to tune in to BBC Radio 4’s Front Row on October 2nd to hear whether she is crowned winner. Either way, a great achievement to be a finalist, her work selected from 800 stories entered this year.

Meeting interesting, talented people like Nell is one of the more enjoyable aspects of our work. It makes the admin side of things bearable! Congratulations Nell, and best of luck from us at Mat Smith Photography x