Hiya, my dear Readers!
I’m so happy to announce that A Collection of Short Stories has landed in the shop! This Special Edition features Max’s wonderful illustrated front and back covers in full colour interspersed throughout the book. Her unique illustrations perfectly capture the fun and quirky nature of the stories, each a work of art in itself!
For over two decades, I have had the Mullet story bouncing around in my mind, but I could never get the words right. With advice from my friend and editor, Pete, I embarked on a journey of three short stories (which became five!) before tackling the gigantic beast, the Mullet. With Max’s wonderful art for the covers, I thought, why not make a collection?
The stories to date are in reading order of publication, reflecting the journey to find my author voice, which eluded me for so very long. Stories flow easily into my head; the actual writing of the words is a whole different story. It took me a while to be comfortable with my style, which now flows second nature. I love to make little books. I love to make people smile in their heart. And I truly love my characters. They are friends, and they feed my soul.
This collection includes the stories in full, with dedications and thanks-be-tos for each one as published. Immeasurable thanks must go to my first readers: Patti, Manda, Amy, Rhi, Mic, Max & Ant, who all continue to encourage and lift me to this very day, and Pete, who edited my first two stories and taught me so many things. And to Fiona McIntosh, a guiding light in the darkness for this once-lost little writer.
I love reading stories where characters from previous stories appear, like catching up with an old friend. I also like to do this in my stories, so expect some surprise appearances! The main theme of all the stories is simple: kindness. And a laugh is essential. A lovely comment made to me was that my characters stay with you long after the book is closed, which is such a gratifying thing to hear as an author.
So, what have I learned on the journey so far? Many things! Mostly, you must turn up at the desk and write!
Story 1: The Christmas Party, with our sensible accountant, Ryan, who didn’t believe in Santa; the very first short story I published —a BIG scary step, guided along the way by editor Pete, who taught me to have a go. Crisp writing, not writing crisply!
Story 2: The Fish Shack, with our dispirited Vicki and dear Dom & Mrs Mac; a little more confidence but still finding my voice. Much guidance once again from Pete, but less red pen on the draft! Progress!
Story 3: Smorgasbord, with the slightly cranky but funny Violet, & Betty, her brilliant best mate. Much longer than the short stories, this novella was a huge step up for me. Stuck in a rut, I did an online writing course with one of my favourite authors, Fiona McIntosh called Let’s Get Writing. This is when I realised I can do this writing thing my way. The lightbulb switched on, and Smorgy came to life!
Story 4: The Christmas Hat, with Olive, the cookie-baking, crazy hat-wearing Trekkie: a Christmas tale to thank my readers with a bit of Christmas Cheer and fun. It’s so nice to be able to do as I please in my virtual world and give something back.
Story 5: How Sparklefarts Saved Christmas: Introducing Frank & Rosie, the twin publicans of the Mullabrook Hotel. What better way to introduce my series Tales from the Mullet than at Christmas? I am deep in the writing of the Mullet now, well over halfway through the first book and have solid plans for books two and three! The Collection includes a sneak peek of the first chapter from my almost-ready draft; may it leave you eager to read the Mullet! Onward!
Above all, I feel truly privileged and so lucky that I can write. My little virtual world has given me great joy, which I hope is apparent in my stories. I hope they make you smile.
A Collection of Short Stories is now available in my shop. The digital format is instant download, and the paperback format is delivered by Australia Post. Get in quick if you want a first-edition paperback!
Happy reading,
Mx
