Tales of Dusty Death

During my MA in Creative Writing, I wrote a short story titled "A Fish out of Water" that was published in the Lightship Anthology 1 by Alma Press. The story was inspired by my life experiences and won a £1000 prize. The collection includes other stories connected with death, but they are not gloomy. Most are amusing and bring a tear to the eye, with the first and last story being the same incident written in different voices.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2020
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

During my MA in Creative Writing at Chichester University, I delved into the realm of the short story, exploring various techniques and styles under the guidance of esteemed professors. One of the highlights of my academic journey was the opportunity to submit my work for publication. My story, titled "A Fish out of Water," was selected for inclusion in the Lightship Anthology 1, published by Alma Press. To my delight, my story emerged as the winner of a £1000 prize, a testament to the hard work and dedication I had put into crafting it.

The journey of writing "A Fish out of Water" was an unexpected one. I had never set out to create a collection of stories centered around death. Instead, I simply allowed my life experiences to guide my pen, letting the stories flow organically. Over time, as I immersed myself in the world of imagination and creativity, these stories began to take shape, evolving and developing into the captivating tales that now grace this collection.

Short stories, as I discovered, are a unique form of artistic expression that requires years of dedication and hard work. It's not a matter of days, weeks, or months; rather, it's a journey that spans years, allowing the writer to refine their craft and bring their characters to life in a truly profound way. Despite the shared theme of death, none of the stories in this collection are gloomy or macabre. Instead, they are filled with humor, warmth, and poignant moments that will touch the hearts of readers.

One of the unique aspects of this collection is the way the first and last stories are connected. They are essentially the same incident, presented from two different perspectives by two distinct narrators. This technique adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. Whether you prefer fiction, poetry, or non-fiction, this collection has something to offer. Each story is carefully crafted, with vivid descriptions and compelling characters that will transport you to different worlds and evoke a range of emotions.

So, if you're looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read, I invite you to explore the pages of this collection. "A Fish out of Water" is just one of the many stories that await you, each offering a unique perspective on life, love, and the human experience.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800460522