After a break over the festive period, Telltales is back for 2010 and ready to showcase what Cornwall's writing scene has to say for itself.

Telltales XIV kicks off on Tuesday 26 January at the Falmouth Townhouse from 7pm.

The theme for January's reading night is Underbelly - so think hidden emotions, the darker side of life, conspiracies, udders and anything else that 'underbelly' conjures up for our performers.

Keen to start the New Year with a new batch of talent, this month the team is putting a call out for new writers to get involved, submit their work and read out at Telltales. If you are an established writer that would like to reach a new audience, an aspiring writer that would like to give performing a go, or a first time writer keen to find out what it's all about, January's Telltales is especially for you.

Writers are invited to submit their work through the Telltales website. The Telltales team of readers will then go through all the submissions and draw together a programme to keep everyone's ears entertained, getting in touch with the successfully programmed writers the week before to ensure they have plenty of time to practice. So, if you have something that is suitably 'underbelly' and are interested in reading out, log on and send your work over. And if you've got something that you'd like to read which doesn't fit the theme, submit it anyway; if it feels right for the night it will be considered for the programme.

On the night itself, doors open at 7pm and readings kick off from 7.30pm. The Falmouth Townhouse has a stylish bar and splendid drinks menu along with regular weeknight promotions so if you're thinking of heading down, it might be worth getting there a little early to make the most of it.