Capital Yarns

Live recording of a Q&A with the incredible Melina Marchetta about her new book, The Place on Dalhousie

Exciting news from Capital Yarns. Muse Bookstore, 9 April 2019, 5:30pm: Q & A with the amazing Melina Marchetta

All the action from the launch of Capital Yarns Volume 2 from Paperchain paperstore in Manuka, Canberra. Hosted by Angharad Lodwick from Lost the Plot podcast, and illustrator Juliette Dudley. Not to mention a sneak peak of one of the stories now in print, 'A Susan Boyle Christmas Carol'

All the details about the launch of volume two of my short stories at Paperchain Manuka on 29 November 2018. A fresh, new collection short stories set in Canberra, inspired by you.

Sean announces some exciting news about volume 2 of Capital Yarns the book and reveals some of his favourite podcasts for International Podcast Day 2018

A Fathers' Day special, featuring three things many Canberra fathers love Starlight Drive in at Watson + 70s Valiant + Car Load of Kids. Requested by @supergran41 via Twitter. Wonderful Starlight Cinema image courtesty of Trevor Dickinson, who does some amazing images of Canberra. Check out Starlight Cinema courtesy of http://www.trevordickinson.com/

Episode 32 is a story for the whole family, particularly the under 10s, about sore knees, difference and fear. Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one requested by @bidgee includes:Paper Flower + Raindrop + BandaidAs always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.auThanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.comRefugee Action Committee - http://refugeeaction.org/Companion House - http://www.companionhouse.org.au/ Amnesty International Australia - https://www.amnesty.org.au/

Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: American Eagle that looks at the (+) Australian Eagle sculpture at the @NatArboretum + a Pineapple Suitable for the whole family. As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com Big thanks to Richard Tuffin for the eagle photo!

At the request of my children, re-release of my short story, ANZAC Day. Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: The Menin Gate at Midnight + Alexander Bunyip + A Trilby Hat As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com Picture of Menin Gate at Midnight (Will Longstaff) from http://www.awm.gov.au

To celebrate my leave to re-bond with my kids, all 2018 Capital Yarns stories will be suitable for the whole family. This is my children's favourite story I've written, titled the Brumbies and the Unicorns. Capital Yarns are fictional stories, set in Canberra (Australia) inspired by 3 items nominated via social media. This one was features: Nurse Mountains Unicorn Suitable for children and adults (8+).  Thanks to my daughters for helping me produce this story. I look forward to working with them further on the podcast this year.  You can vote for your favourite Australian podcasts at http://australianpodcastawards.com  Grateful for reviews left wherever you found this podcast.

To celebrate my leave to re-bond with my kids, all 2018 Capital Yarns stories will be suitable for the whole family. This is part two of the story inspired by items nominated by my daughter: Mt Stromlo Fairies Guinea Pigs Suitable for children and adults (5+).  Thanks to my daughters for helping me produce this story. I look forward to working with them further on the podcast this year.  You can vote for your favourite Australian podcasts at http://australianpodcastawards.com   

To celebrate my leave to re-bond with my kids, all 2018 Capital Yarns stories will be suitable for the whole family. This one was inspired nominated by my daughter: Mt Stromlo Fairies Guinea Pigs Suitable for children and adults (5+).  Thanks to my daughters for helping me produce this story. I look forward to working with them further on the podcast this year.     

A special Canberra Christmas story, inspired by: Susan Boyle CD Water Tank 10,000 piece puzzle Suitable for older children and adults (10+).  Special thanks again to Falling Joys for letting me use their song, Lock It (can you hear pick where in the story it is) Special mention of the many wonderful organisations helping those less fortunate this Christmas including: Smith Family Vinnies Canberra City UCA Communities @ Work Merry Christmas everyone!

A possibly true terrifying family story featuring  Neon Lights Broken Window Goon Bag Warning: Explicit language, adult theme and horror. Adults Only    

Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This is inspired by a roller derby competitor:  Canberra Roller Derby League + Castle Playground + Great Australian Ice Creamery More info at https://www.crdl.com.au/  Happy International Podcasting Day! Come say hello to me at the Capital Collab on 7 October: https://www.facebook.com/events/226536397876714/  Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com This one has explicit language. 

Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This is a special Father's Day yarn inspired by items nominated by my youngest daughter:  Guinea Pigs + Parents + a Cat (that eats guinea pigs) Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com One for the whole family!

Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This is a special cross-capital yarn, inspired by a recent trip to Wellington and items nominated by Bec, who grew up in Wellington and now lives in Canberra:  Mountain biking at Makara Peak + driving through roads no wider than your car + watching a performance of Bell's Shakespeare at the Botanic gardens + a trip on the cable car + the best cafe scene of any place I've been to. Music featured during the story was from Beneath Benetta - a Canberra based band with a member from Wellington. The song featured is the aptly named 'In Transit'. https://www.facebook.com/BeneathBenetta/  Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com Language warning on this one.   

Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: Nurse + Mountains + Unicorn This is my family's favourite story - I hope you like it too. Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com Transcript of the story available at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au 

A never before released short story set in Canberra Australia, celebrating mums everywhere.  Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: Drumming + Chica the Dog + Pulling socks off his feet To celebrate Mothers' Day this story is for the whole family.  Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com Please contact me for a transcript as this episode. 

A short story set in Canberra Australia, celebrating the Easter long weekend and the tradition of Canberrans travelling to the NSW south coast.  Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: Paddlepop stick + Colouring-in Book + Washing Machine race This is definitely one for the kids....perhaps not for squeamish grownups. Thanks to Suzie Higgie for her awesome song, Monty and Lyla's House, which fit this tale so well. Hear more of her great music at https://www.suziehiggie.com/  Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com As always,full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au

A short story set in Canberra Australia, celebrating the history of the Birdman Rally on Canberra Day each year. Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: Turnip + Cannonball + Budgie Suitable for all ages As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au You can read more about the Birdman Rally at https://www.nfsa.gov.au/latest/birdman-lake-burley-griffin Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com Birdman photo Courtesy ACT Heritage Library, Canberra Times Collection, Photographer Peter Wells. See http://www.images.act.gov.au/  

A short story set in Canberra Australia, celebrating Valentine's Day and the romantic power of blueberries.  Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: Pet Turtle + Cryptography + Punnet of Blueberries (with a side of fries) Suitable for all ages Read live to celebrate Valentine's Day with Friends of Old Parliament House Rose Gardens (http://www.fophrg.org.au/)  As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com  

A short story set in Canberra Australia, about what we can learn from other cultures....and a time travelling life coach.  Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: Aardvark + Ninja + Quantum Physics Suitable for all ages As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com

A Canberra Christmas tale celebrating the wonderful work of many local charities...and Mount Majura pinot noir Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: 3 Red Roses A Womble Mount Majura Pinot Noir Suitable for all ages As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com Details of some of the fantastic non-government organisations named in the podcast: Companion House - http://www.companionhouse.org.au/ Communities@Work - https://commsatwork.org/ Early Morning Service - http://www.canberracityuca.org.au/html/early_morning_centre.html   Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org.au/migration-support.aspx Feature image courtesy of ACT Government

Special Halloween version of the short story, Identity Theft, by Sean Costello.  Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: Cosmopolitan Twin Cinemas + Batemans Bay + Urambi Primary School Warning: Explicit Language and Violence. Not suitable for children As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com Sean is participating in 'Writing for the Ear' part of the Digital Writers Festival. Check ot http://digitalwritersfestival.com/2016/ for all the details. 

Audio version of the short story, Noir, by Sean Costello.  Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: 12 Magpies + Crime + Deakin Warning: Explicit Language and Violence As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Photo of Alfred Deakin Bust (A Life in Three Phases, copyright ACT Government. See http://www.arts.act.gov.au/arts-in-the-act/public-art/alfred-deakin)  Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com

Audio version of the short story, Ode to Manuka , by Sean Costello.  Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: 1913 + AFL + Manuka As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com Thanks to stephan schutze for crowd noise. See http://soundbible.com/1724-Large-Stadium.html   

Audio version of the short story,The Blackest of Truffles, by Sean Costello. Read by Peter Hewston Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: Lycra + Lake Burley Griffin + Truffles As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com More information about the Canberra Region Truffle Festival at http://www.trufflefestival.com.au  Thank you Sophia Brady for great truffle photo that accompanies the yarn. You can read more about her truffle adventures at xpatriategames.blogspot.com.au

Audio version of the short story, ANZAC Day, by Sean Costello. Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This one features: The Menin Gate at Midnight + Alexander Bunyip + A Trilby Hat As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com Picture of Menin Gate at Midnight (Will Longstaff) from http://www.awm.gov.au

Audio version of the short story, Beware of Hairy Canberrans, by Sean Costello. Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. Liz requested three intriguing items: Deck of Cards + Drop Bears + Mt Ainslie As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com Check out all the amazing things happening around Canaberra at http://www.canberra.com.au/31days/  Find out more about Tim the Yowie Man http://www.yowieman.com.au/   

Audio version of the short story, Togorang, by Sean Costello. Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. Via Facebook, Mel B requested three items that hint at a yarn about modern (or near modern) life in Canberra's south. These are certainly items that evoke memories of my youth in Tuggeranong. But I couldn't resist taking a slightly different tack: Horse Agistment Paddocks + Skates Alive (Erindale) + Kingsley's Chicken As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Hashemoto for the theme music: http://www.hashemoto.com  

Audio version of the short story, The Eyes Have It, by Sean Costello. Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. Via Email, Liz requested three very interesting Canberra items: No Lights No Lycra + Loading Zone + Belconnen Owl Owl Picture courtesy of the very awesome Newcastle Productions  As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to  number of local Canberra artists for letting me showcase their music on this one: The iconic Falling Joys, and their track, 'Lock It' from the Wish List album: http://fallingjoys.com/. You can also hear more of Suzi Higgie at http://www.suziehiggie.com/ Sam Whitmore, _Skarma_ on Soundcloud for extracts of his great music, Fine Gold: https://soundcloud.com/sam-whitmore-4 Crumpet, and their track 'Queenie'. Not to mention Trouser Trouser, who became Hashemoto: http://www.hashemoto.com  Listen to a full Spotify list of what Simone, the heroin of our story, hears at No Lights No Lycra: http://open.spotify.com/user/1236589146/playlist/0x6doMqEBG6zwzgGRyNOQN  

A special Halloween edition of Capital Yarns with a scary yarn about the haunted trams of Canberra. Audio version of the short story,Freakshakes, by Sean Costello. Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This yarn features 3 challenging items nominated by Sharife via Facebook Milkshakes by Kelis + Edinburgh Trams + St Kilda.  What follows is an explanation of why Canberra's clubs no longer have trams.  As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au Thanks to Sam Whitmore, _Skarma_ on Soundcloud for extracts of his great music, Fine Gold: https://soundcloud.com/sam-whitmore-4 Thanks also to Soundbible for their 'casion ambience' sound you hear in the background.  http://soundbible.com/1763-Ambience-Casino.html

Audio version of the short story, Canberrans Say Welcome, by Sean Costello. Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This yarn features 3 challenging items nominated by Matt via Facebook Pialligo Bacon + M16 Gallery + Selfie Stick.  Inspired by Refugee Week, the Real Australians Say Welcome campaign and Canberra's status as an official Refugee Welcome Zone, I came up with this story.  As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au The audio version features samples of the track Ishikari Lore by Kevin MacLeod, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100192 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Audio version of the short story, The Sexpert, by Sean Costello. As always, Sean Costello's short stories are inspired by 3 items nominated by readers of his blog, Capital Yarns. This yarn features 3 challenging items nominted by ABC Local Radio presenter, Adam Shirley: 666 + Calling a Woman, 'Dude' + Thomas Keneally  The yarn is written from a female perspective, and fittingly is read by legendary amateur audio star-wannabe (and Sean's wife), Melanie Skinner. As always, full transcript at http://www.capitalyarns.com.au The audio version features samples of the tracks 'Follow Me' by Jjimmy Fontanez and the 'Beginning of the End' by HIM.

To celebrate the climax of Canberra's annual Truffle Season, the first fictional Canberra story read by Peter is 'Voice in the Mist'. Sonja request these 3 items to be weaved into the story, via Twitter: Truffles A Library in Canberra Vapour rising from Canbera's Lake Burley Griffin You won't believe how Sean spun a Canberra fictional tale featuring all three! See http://www.capitalyarns.com.au for more information. Haunting photo of Lake Burley Griffin taken by Drew Sheldrick see https://twitter.com/drewsheldrick.   Thanks also to Canberra band, Hashemoto, for supplying the theme music. See http://www.hashemoto.com for more details. Capital Yarns is an experiment in storytelling developed by Sean Costello. He invites social media users to nominate three items for him to weave into a short story set in Canberra, capital of Australia.  

Capital Yarns is an experiment in storytelling developed by Sean Costello. He invites social media users to nominate three items for him to weave into a short fictional story set in Canberra, capital of Australia.  This first episode provides an introduction to the regular audio versions of Sean's Canberra stories he and good friend Peter Hewston will be releasing.  See http://www.capitalyarns.com.au for more information. Thanks also to Canberra band, Hashemoto, for supplying the theme music. See http://www.hashemoto.com for more details.