Tales From Trinity

Part of Leeds Lit Fest 2026. See the full programme at https://www.leedslitfest.co.uk/

Be enthralled by tales of androids and witches walking amongst us, gothic horror and fantasy interspersed with warm family narratives, and gentle magical realism to soothe the nerves following shocking stories of body horror and the undead.

Students from Leeds Trinity University's MA in Creative Writing present an eclectic collection of short stories to entertain, inspire and connect.

Buying a ticket guarantees entry. Subject to capacity, we will also have pay-as-you-feel tickets available on the door.

Featured readers 

Sebastian Forrester

A writer of both gothic horror and cyberpunk speculative fiction, Sebastian's writing draws on fictionalised pasts and predicted futures. Whether it's vampires or androids, you can be sure that their writing will feature a healthy dose of fear (with a side of body horror). Sebastian is a Northern LGBTQ+ writer, both identities holding heavy influence over their writing style and themes.

Jen Gray

Jen's writing explores identity, what it is to exist apart from everyone else. Their writing examines the body, the mind, and the detachment between the two in those who are othered. With Jen's writing, you're bound to meet characters who speak to what it is to be a person, whether they're an introspective alien woman, or a deeply problematic man.

Graham Lusby

Graham Lusby has been writing for most of his life. He has published a Victorian psychological thriller, 'Hydro', was a member of the Leeds Savages creative group for several years, studied Creative Writing at Leeds University and is now studying for the MA in Creative Writing at Leeds Trinity University. His passions include the gothic, urban wyrd and folk horror.

Franziska Obry

Franzi writes fantasy novels that feature complicated worldbuilding, stories that focus on animals, or a combination of the two. She likes to twist the classic chosen one narrative - her characters either don't know they are the heroes, or they flat out refuse to be. Franzi's writing includes plenty of friendship and sacrifice, a touch of humour, a healthy dose of bad luck, and the odd mythical monster.

Peter Richardson

Peter Richardson is a Leeds author who loves writing and performing short stories and longer pieces. He has previously been published by Café Lit and Friday Flash Fiction, has two stories due to be published and has had honourable mentions from Writing Magazine. He is a member of Leeds Writer's Circle and has won their short story competition. His stories usually have themes of social justice, relationship and change with the odd sprinkling of magic, mystery and mayhem.

Alyson Smith

Alyson is a fiction writer, interested in a variety of genres. Her forthcoming debut novel, a multi-generational family saga, has strong female characters to empower her readers to live purposeful and fulfilling lives whatever their age or personal circumstances. When she's not writing and studying towards her MA, Alyson and her husband, David, are recording their experience of converting a Mercedes Sprinter van into an off-grid home on wheels. This will allow Alyson to become The Roving Writer and pen her work wherever she happens to be.

Carmel Flynn

Carmel Flynn is a palliative care nurse, who would be best described as a narrative poet, focussing on class, place and belongings. Carmel addresses the imbalance of our society. She is a voice for women and those that are marginalised. Carmel succeeded in her first publication in 2025, with more publications coming later in the year.