Sometimes a story heads in a different direction.
I wrote 750 words for The Big Issue about the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. (I wasn’t even sure if I had more than a few sentences when I started, thinking I’d be lucky to get to 500 words.)
I showed the story to Brian Nankervis, co-host of The Friday Revue (ABC Radio Melbourne), thinking it might be suitable for his Melbourne Postcard series.
He said, “We’ll need to edit down. To less than four minutes.”
I sent him 670 words.
He sent me 470 words. (And I didn’t even blink. The essence of the story was still there.)
He said, “It’s a postcard. You need to address it to someone.”
So I started the story now with “Dear Bill…” A schoolmate from 50 years ago who was part of the original story.
Brian said, “I’ve got an actor mate whom I’ll ask to narrate it.”
I said, “Sure.”
Sometimes a story heads in a different direction.
Have a listen, folks: Melbourne Postcard The Friday Revue, 19 July 2019.
Vin Maskell 
This is such a beautifully written piece Vin. Love the way you framed it – a postcard to your friend via the memory. You have such amazing skill.
The actor who read it is really good – what a great voice & so full of character. He really gave it warmth & kindness.
See ya Wed.
c.p.
Brian Nankervis framed it so that if fitted his Melbourne Postcard series. (Although I’m happy to take credit for the ambiguous closing line, ‘And, Bill, I guess you’re out there somewhere, too.’) The original story, in the current edition of The Big Issue – and on this site later this week – was not a postcard at all. Indeed I’m wary of this ‘letters’ fad, given that I’ver been writing real letters forever. Still, creativity takes you to odd, good places.
As for the actor, a bloke caled Neil Pigot (Blue Heelers, way back) – maybe I should get lessons from him.