Happy International Short Story Day, one and all. We're celebrating the short story and its compact beauty in more ways than one today, as we're delighted to reveal the writers taking part in Story Shop 2012! Edinburgh's own Ian Rankin has said: 'The best short stories pack the heft of any novel, yet resonate like poetry.' – almost 90 submissions and some very difficult decisions later, we couldn't agree more. We'd like to thank everyone who took the time to submit - we were thrilled with the volume and variety of entries, and had a very tricky time choosing just 17.

Story Shop, now in its fifth year, is a series of daily 10 minute flash fiction and short story readings by local emerging writers. In partnership with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, this is the perfect chance to hear some of the up-and-coming talent living and working in Edinburgh today.

Our writers will each read their story in the Spiegeltent at the Edinburgh International Book Festival at 4pm, a free event for anyone and everyone hungry for great new writing.

Alan Gillespie
Alex Howard
Catherine Simpson
Daniel Shand
Ever Dundas
Helen Sedgwick
Ioannis Kalkounos
Kirsti Wishart
Mairi Wilson
Marianne Paget
Martin Macaulay
Mary Mowat
Matthew Nadelhaft
Richard Strachan
Sabrina Uswak
Sean Martin
Tracey S. Rosenberg

We'll be telling you more about our super 17 in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our website for more information and a full reading schedule. For those unable to join us in person - we'll be recording our Story Shoppers in action, so you can enjoy their readings from the comfort of your armchair. Explore our 2011 Story Shop line up for a taste of what's to come. Roll on August! #StoryShop...