National Storytelling Week in the West Midlands

National Storytelling week in the West Midlands

This week marks the start of National Storytelling Week, a week where we can appreciate the enjoyment of a good book and share stories to inspire and teach others. The West Midlands is full of amazing stories, that’s why we’re celebrating by shining a light on some of the best stories that have come out of the region!

From famous fantasy novelists to up and coming authors, we’ve been blessed to host some of the best storytellers around, so check out our list of the best stories from the West Midlands and see for yourself…

1. The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings 

We couldn’t start our list with any other story. It may seem surprising but it’s true, JRR Tolkien actually wrote two of his most famous novels whilst living in little old Birmingham! Not only was the city his home when writing the books but many places across Birmingham were his inspiration for them. From the village of Sarehole later becoming his “Shire” to Edgbaston Waterworks Tower shaping the “Two Towers of Gondor”.

If you want to see some of JRR Tolkien’s inspiration yourself check out which of our routes can take you there:

1 & 41 

2. Jack Reacher

From the fantasy world of Middle-Earth to the action packed life of Jack Reacher. With over 25 volumes of books Jack Reacher is one of the most popular novel series of all time, but did you know that it’s author Lee Child grew up in the Midlands! Born in Coventry and later moving to Birmingham as a boy, Child has spoken about how his life in the Midlands helped shape his best selling book series. With references to local football teams like Aston Villa and more in his books you can definitely take the boy out of the Midlands but not the Midlands out of the boy. 

If you want to see some of Child’s inspiration yourself check out which of our routes can take you there:

6, 7, 65, 67, X3, X4 & X5

3. How to Build a Girl

It’s not just Birmingham that is home to some amazing stories, Wolverhampton’s very own Caitlin Moran has penned some of the best tales in the Midlands. One of her most popular being “How to Build a Girl” which documents her life as a 14 year-old girl growing up in 90’s Wolverhampton. From dealing with annoying neighbours, trying to earn some extra money and just navigating life on a Wolverhampton council estate, Moran shows the perfect insight into her life growing up in the Midlands.

If you want to see some of Moran’s inspiration yourself we have tonnes of services across Wolverhampton, check them out here.

4. The Witch's Cake

Last year we visited Stourbridge Children’s Library and caught up with Sophie Woodward who’d recently written the children’s book “The Witch’s Cake”. Sophie has worked at the library and says that her time there definitely helped inspire her to write her story. The Witch’s Cake is a fun story about a witch called Reggie who eats little children with red sauce and is a popular read at the library! Check out Sophie talking about her book below!

If you want to visit Stourbridge Library and read The Witch’s Cake yourself, check out our services that can take you there:

6, 7, 8, 9, 10A, 10C, 16, 17, 17A & 28

The Midlands has helped inspire so many incredible stories and these were just a few of many, if you have any more that you think we’ve missed let us know! 

Also if you want some more West Midlands travel inspo check out the rest of our blog for days out recommendations, bus ticket guides and more.

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