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Stories for Homes: Volume Two Kindle Edition
- Joanne Harris, author of 'Chocolat'
“A cornucopia of witty, tragic, elegant, raw, heart-warming and terrifying stories that take the idea of Home, play with it as only truly talented writers can, and all to help those who have no home at all."
- Emma Darwin, author of 'The Mathematics of Love'
A home is something most of us have the luxury of taking for granted but for many it is a grim struggle to obtain what should be a basic necessity. Stories for Homes is a collection of witty, poignant, funny and heartbreaking short stories by fifty five authors, both established and emerging, reflecting the connection between the immediacy of housing crisis and the stories people tell about their lives around and within it. Volume Two of the anthology includes stories, poems and flash fiction and again all proceeds will be donated to Shelter, the charity for housing and homelessness.
- Reading age12 - 18 years
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateSeptember 28, 2017
Product details
- ASIN : B075W8H8QT
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : September 28, 2017
- Language : English
- File size : 2.3 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 380 pages
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Reading age : 12 - 18 years
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Rachael McGill was born in the Shetland islands. She is a playwright, prose writer and literary translator from French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. She is represented by Annette Green at Annette Green Author's Agency (prose) and Micheline Steinberg Associates (drama).
Jackie was born in London in 1962 and now lives and works in rural Cornwall. Her work has placed in various competitions and journals including Mslexia (2020 and 2017) and the Arachne Press anthologies 'Dusk', 'No Spiders Harmed in the Making of this Book' and 'Tymes Goe by Turnes' her short story collection 'Strange Waters' was published by Arachne Press in 2021.
Australian in Austria. Writer of short, long, serious, sexy and fun. The story collection, The Past Present, was published in 2000/2001 in paperback and ebook formats by IUMIX, UK. Back Burning won the IP Picks Best Fiction Prize and was published in 2007 by IP, Australia. Mercury Blobs was published by Raging Aardvark, Australia in 2013, and stories appear in German translation in Geflimmer der Vergangenheit in 2014. Stories also appear in the charity anthologies, 100 Stories for Haiti, 50 Stories for Pakistan, A Pint and a Haircut - True Irish Stories, 100 Stories for Queensland, New Sun Rising: Stories for Japan, and Refugees Welcome.
Writing as AstridL, erotic tales may be found at amazon.com/author/astridl
And here´s what a reader in France says in a 4-star review of Mercury Blobs: "You can't take one without the other!
Some stories remind us that everyone leads two lives. Mix and match Sylvia Petter's 'Mercury Blobs' with AstridL's 'Consuming the Muse and you'll see why. A Home is a Home and nice to get back to even after a Picnic at Niagara.
The Christmas Goose may not seem as exciting as a Cherry Strudel but it can sometimes help you get over what was Just Lunch.
Giggles? Laughter? The odd tear or two? I am now sure that The Ways of Love and The Wages of Bliss are the two sides of the same coin."
Author of contemporary thrillers, featuring a cast drawn from the sub-cultures of South London, Debi Alper is also a freelance editor, mentor and creative writing tutor.
Joan Taylor-Rowan is a prize-winning writer. Her work has been broadcast on Radio 4 and her stories have appeared in a number of anthologies including London Lies and Stations (Arachne Press), Tales of the Decongested, Stories for Homes Volume 2. Her work has been shortlisted for The Asham Award, and her stories have been finalists in numerous international short story competitions. Her novel The Birdskin Shoes was a winner of the Spreadtheword novel pitch competition and her recently completed junior novel was longlisted in the Mslexia children's novel award. She has recently moved to Hastings after years in London and loves it. When not writing, Joan travels, sews, hunts down bargains in charity shops and generally potters about...which is when she gets her best ideas.
Giselle Delsol is a Franco-American writer based in Paris. She’s written three professional guides (in French), designed to help magazine publishers develop customer loyalty and acquire paper / electronic subscribers.
A short story of hers was included in the Stories for Homes 2 Anthology.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her either at the hockey rink or at a flea market.
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Dear Reader
Below you will find national reviews of my books. But first, the most important part of this is YOU! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you reading my work. It's been a long-time dream of mine to be an author and I love writing psychological thrillers and crime fiction. Your time and feedback makes it all worthwhile, so thanks again. I hope you enjoy my new novel.
Jacqueline x
Jacqueline is a psychologist and writer from the North West of the UK. Jacqueline's novel The Replacement was published 3rd April 2023, and is followed by The Agreement on 4th September 2023. Jacqueline Is the author of Perfect Ten and How to Play Dead.
Jacqueline's DS Jan Pearce Crime series was published by Bloodhound Books on 25th May 2023.
Praise for How to Play Dead:
*This is a clever title for a very thoughtful book about the complexities surrounding the victims of domestic abuse...* - Daily Mail
*Disturbing...How to Play Dead is horrifying in its reflection of reality for many women - and men* Natasha Cooper - The Literary Review
*How to Play Dead is not only a provocative and fabulous story, it also burrowed inside my head, it made me look, made me see.* Liz Robinson - LoveReading
Praise for Perfect Ten:
*A wildly entertaining and compelling debut* Source: Daily Mail
*Reading this book feels like riding a high-speed, super-charged rollercoaster called Revenge. You'll go from cheering Caroline on to screaming at her to stop and then back again, all in the turn of a page. Hugely engrossing - a dark delight.* Source: Catherine Ryan Howard
*Tense and gripping... Jacqueline Ward knows how to ratchet up the tension in this timely debut for those of us affected by #MeToo* Source: Sanjida Kay
*Fascinating' Source*: Paula Daly
*This is a deliciously vengeful tale of someone driven to despair and of the world that didn't believe her* Source: Readings, Australia, Best Crime Reads October 2018
*You won't be able to put this gripping novel down* Source: Take-a-Break
Penetratingly sharp on the complexities of psychological abuse and the human heart, this compulsive, disturbing debut will be relished by fans of Gillian Flynn and Paula Daly* Source: Joanne Owen, LoveReading
*This is a deliciously vengeful tale of someone driven to despair and of the world that didn't believe her* Source: Fiona Hardy, author of Rosebud
Jacqueline writes stories about strong women and their lives and loves, exploring the real life emotions of revenge, obsession, rage, trust, guilt and joy.
Jacqueline is also the author of SmartYellowTM, in the pen name of J A Christy.
Jacqueline is represented by Judith Murray at Green & Heaton. For more information about Jacqueline and her work go to www.jacquelineward.co.uk
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Daniel Maitland is a writer and musician and private teacher. He released his debut solo album, Rumours Of A Nice Day, in 2008.He has written two novels: The Fat Rats of Flatland for children and Idle Hands for adults; an existential, quantum fantasy friend novella, Things Forgotten, and most recently a Kindle collection of short stories called There Was This Bloke Right. His poetry has been featured on Sky TV and in a number of UK magazines, and his bumper collection, Even Bad Dogs do Good Things can be found in the odd good book shop.
Daniel played for ten years with soul legend, Geno Washington, and worked in a number of other writing and performing projects – including the RSC and The Foundations. Re hobbies and relaxation, he has broken seven golf clubs in anger reaching his escalating handicap, and walked away in a sulk from most London poker venues. He is in love with a cat called Hamish and rejected the advances of another called Stephen Arthur. Links to most of his work can be found at www.danielmaitland.co.uk
https://soundcloud.com/maitland-and-palmer
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPzEWDP1fvg
Sally Swingewood is co-editor of the Stories for Homes series of short stories, which include tales from around the world on the subject of home. All money raised from sales of these books goes directly to Shelter, the UK housing charity, to help those in need.
Sally has over 20 years' experience in publishing and has written and edited everything from local rags to international magazines, screenplays to biographies to novels. Sally is also an internationally exhibited artist and often has a hard time deciding whether she would rather be writing or painting.
With a first class degree in Physics from Oxford, Liam is an award-winning speculative short story writer, appearing in over 200 anthologies including Best of British Science Fiction and Best of British Fantasy (Newcon Press).
His retro sci-fi collection, "A Short History of the Future", is published by Northodox Press (2025).
His twisted fantasy collection, "Happy Ending NOT Guaranteed", is published by Arachne Press (2017).
Urban fantasy and historical fiction author J.A. Ironside masquerades by day as member of the county library service, which strangely enough has less to do with books than you would think.
Jules grew up in Dorset in a house full of books, which probably explains a lot about how her mind works. You might think that folklore, fringe science, history, physics, magic and supernatural mystery wouldn’t go all that well together, but she’s hell bent on proving they do. Her urban fantasy series Harker & Blackthorn is now ten books long and counting. It features a sentient museum because someone needs to keep track of what’s going on. Unveiled – another UF series set in the same universe – is now complete.
Jules is also determined to show that historical fiction can be both factually correct and funny. The King’s Knight series is set during the tumultuous reign of Richard II, while the sweeping Oath and Crown Duology – co-authored with Matthew Willis – follows the events leading up to and around the Battle of Hastings.
When pried her away from her books, Jules enthusiastically engages in martial arts and playing the piano, although never at the same time. At least not yet. She lives on the edge of the Cotswold way with her boyfriend creature and two hell’s kittens. Find out more at www.jaironside.com
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Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Jacqueline Paizis was born, and grew up, in Hythe, Kent. Her father was an aircraft engineer and her mother a housewife and part time assembly line operator in a small plastics factory.
After leaving school at sixteen and working in a variety of jobs from chambermaid to secretary, Jacqueline went on to study in London as a mature student. Later she completed her MA in Creative Writing & Authorship at Sussex University.
Jacqueline has been writing poetry and short essays since she was fifteen, a short story Anti Valentine is included in the Centum Press Anthology '100 Voices Vol 1'. She has been a contributing editor on the Queenspark Books publication Backstage Brighton and a runner up in the 2007 Bluethumbnail competition for her short story Albanian Mothers.
More recently Jacqueline has a story 'Safi' about a young Syrian refugee boy in a Northern Greek refugee camp, included in Stories For Homes Volume 2, Amazon paperback and kindle editions 2017.
Jacqueline describes herself as a politically passionate novelist. "The Cleaner of Kastoria" is her first novel, inspired by stories gathered from women who fought in the Greek Civil War of 1947-49. She also writes a blog www.jacquyp.blogspot about Greek life, politics and literature.
Jacqueline has spent many years living and working in Greece where she now spends her time when she is not in England.
A Sea Change is Jacqueline's second novel, which is set in contemporary Greece at the beginning of the socioeconomic crisis.
Marc de Faoite is an Irish writer, based in France after a long stint in Malaysia. His short stories and articles have been published both in print and online. Tropical Madness, his first collection of short stories, was longlisted for the 2014 Frank O’Connor International Short Story Prize. His second short story collection, Lime Pickled and Other Stories, also inspired by his fifteen years in Malaysia, was published in January 2023.
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Lindsay has won several prizes for her short stories and flash fiction, a number of which have been published in various anthologies. She was a founder member of Greenacre Writers in North London.
English born but living in Wales, I write short stories and flash fiction to pass the time while sheltering from the Welsh rain. Published in the anthologies listed over there, and on websites including Flash Fiction Magazine, Spelk, Boinkzine, Funny In 500 and The Drabble.
Find me at www.davewritesfiction.wordpress.com and www.twitter.com/davidcook100.
Freya Morris is a proud Bristolian, award-winning writer and Director of the Oxford Flash Fiction Prize. Her collection ‘This is (not about) David Bowie’ was published by Retreat West in November 2018 and received a special mention in the Saboteur Awards for Best Short Story Collection in 2019.
You can find her stories soaring the skies thanks to a short story vending machine in a Canadian airport, and gracing pillows in a hotel in Indonesia. You can also find her stories in Bare Fiction, Halo, The Fiction Desk, Popshot, National Flash Fiction Day anthologies, and many more.
www.freyajmorris.com
Britta Jensen’s debut novel Eloia Born won the 2019 Writer's League of Texas YA Discovery Prize and reviewers are calling the book “both a dystopian narrative and a quest story; consider it a spiritual successor to Lois Lowry’s The Giver and M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village.” The sequel, Hirana’s War was followed by a novelette, Ghosts of Yokosuka. Her stories have been shortlisted for various short story prizes in the UK. Britta spent twenty-two years overseas in Japan, South Korea, and Germany before moving to Austin, Texas. She edits books with The Writing Consultancy and Yellow Bird Editors, as well as teaching writing at St Edwards University. She spends her free time latin dancing and cooking spicy curries. Watch a short documentary about her work at www.brittajensen.com.
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Thank you for visiting my author page. I wrote The Missing Fur Series after I had a run in with a macaw smuggler in Brazil where I used to work many years ago and saw the destruction caused by gold mines and cattle ranching on the Amazon. The series includes The Macaw of Doom and The Monkey Stones. My other children's book, Pudding Lane, is a time travel adventure about a brother and sister who find themselves trapped in London just after the Great Fire in the 17th century. I also write short stories and have a collection called Homecoming Queen and Other Twisted Tales and I write plays. My most recent is called Fleecehold and was inspired by the true story of three working mums taking on the establishment to abolish the feudal system of leasehold after they were mis-sold their homes. Fleecehold has been performed in theatres in London and Folkestone over the last two years and we hope to tour it in 2025. My short comedy films include The Beast of Romney Marsh and The Biscuit Poltergeists, both available on You Tube.
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Lorraine is an award-winning writer, biologist, herder of cats and drinker of tea. Having spent years working in remote corners of the world she now lives by the sea in Scotland and writes stories full of the wilderness and folklore, exploring themes of family, belonging and the legacy of trauma. Her debut novel won the SCKA for Best Debut and was a finalist for the Kavya Prize for Scottish BPOC writers and the British Fantasy Awards for Best Fantasy Novel & Best Newcomer.
Find her at https://linktr.ee/raine_clouds
Customer reviews
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2017Format: KindleVerified PurchaseIf you haven't heard of this stunning collection of stories from writers around the world, collated into an anthology to help the homeless, then as readers, we're not shouting loudly enough about it! It's a book you can pick up any time and be transported to one person's idea of home, another's idea of what it is to be without one, a wish for a home, a refugee story, a man-in-the-street who used to live on this street, not in the street. It's gorgeous, it's poignant, it's entertaining and above all, it's sold in aid of Shelter, the UK's charity for the homeless. Buy this book! You will be glad you did.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2017Format: KindleStories for Homes is an anthology containing the writings of fifty-five authors. Each short story has been written especially for the book, with the proceeds from the sales going to the charity, Shelter. The book is dedicated to the victims and survivors of the Grenfell Tower Fire.
The collection is as diverse as the authors. I must confess some of the stories did confused me as to what was actually happening, but they were still delightful to read. Others made me smile, whilst a few touched my heart. All of them were poignant, and made me stop and look at the world.
A few of my favourites were:-
– Seagull by Sharon Bennett
– Day 89 by Giselle Delsol
– The Nightingales Song by Rose McGinty
My overall favourite though was ‘Nomad’ by Sharon Telfer. It tells the story of how one nomad feels, although I’m sure there are plenty who feel the same way. Everything he uses, everywhere he goes, everything he touches is someone else’s, or someone else has been there before him. But there are a few things that are just his, one is his bag, the other is deep inside of him, his pain.
As you can imagine with fifty-five stories to get through, it’s not a short, nor quick read, but what is great about anthologies is that you can pick the book up, read one, or a few of the stories and then put down again for another day.
A wonderful book, written by a group of lovely authors who have given up their time, for free, for a brilliant charity that help so many people in the UK.
Reviewed on Whispering Stories Book Blog
*I received a free copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed
Top reviews from other countries
- Sal PageReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars a good mix of different approaches to the home theme
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI have to first say I have a story in this but so do fifty-four other writers. There’s realism both gritty and magical, there’s sci-fi, the cosy, the comic, the quirky and the tragic. Stories for Homes 2, like the first volume, contains a good mix of different approaches to the home theme. Two stories had a similar theme to mine, that of a home for children fostered/adopted. Lindsay Bamfield’s The Importance of Shoelaces and Home baked by Maureen Cullen both cover the ups and downs of this situation extremely well. Mine’s mainly just about food. Home IS food and safety. What everyone needs but not everyone has.
Some writers chose to write about homelessness/refugees and their stories are most enlightening about these kind of situations. I loved the character of Safi, in Safi by Jacqueline Piazis and enjoyed the happy ending.
For me personally, there were five stand out stories. Another reader would pick a different set. It’s all very subjective of course.
Seagull by Sharon Bennett is sad, sweet and funny and will have you wondering if you would like a seagull living on your head.
Siamese by Poppy O'Neill is a well crafted and unusual story about twins who make their living being part of a reality show.
Never Knowingly by Joan Taylor-Rowan is such a charming and funny idea; that of living in a department store at Christmas. Lovely characters and dialogue.
Rain by Lindsay Fisher is so well written, with great descriptions and an engaging narrative voice. Reading it felt like being swept away by flood water.
A Place to Paint Yellow by Isobel Costello really struck a chord with me, the character’s life being most like mine. Isobel writes an obese character so well. Maria is more intelligent than others would have her believe, she has ambitions just like anyone else – including a place of her own of course - and she’s good at her job. I loved the hopeful ending and feel sure she can do it, as I am doing. The sign of a successful short story is for the reader to believe the character’s life goes on beyond the last line.
So there’s something for everyone in this anthology of good quality writing. You’ll laugh, cry and learn.
And don’t forget, when you buy your copy – as with volume 1, which raised over £3k - the proceeds go to the charity Shelter.
- L. BamfieldReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 23, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Buying this anthology is both a source of good literature and it helps the charity
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI may be biased as one of my stories is in this collection, but having read the other 54, I am really honoured that mine is among them. There is a wide range of story styles and the theme of home has been interpreted in many ways so there really is something for everyone. There are stark thought-provoking and realistic stories, there are cosy, life affirming stories (some are both,) humour, grit, surreal - you name it. Many of the stories are worth a re-read again and again.
A lovely book to pick up and dip into or one to settle down with for a long read on a cold evening - either way it works! Buying this anthology is both a source of good literature and it helps the charity, Shelter, so it's win-win.
- jaxbeeReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Top quality stories and writing
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI had the honour of helping to proof read this anthology and will say that I was was expecting a bit of a mixed bag. I've proof read other anthologies and admit to being a little underwhelmed in the past. Not so this time. I was absolutely blown away with the wide-range of stories, the imagination, story-telling and skill of these writers. It sounds a cliche but it's true - I laughed and certainly cried and gasped a little, too.
I've just bought three copies.It's fantastic that the proceeds of the book go to charity, even better that I'm buying a quality read for Christmas presents as well. Thoroughly recommended.
- Whisk booksReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 13, 2018
4.0 out of 5 stars Some great stories and a good cause
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseThere are some great stories in here. In general the comic ones were the most successful for me. Others are of lower quality, which is a pity. The selection could have been more discerning - no need for the book to be so long. Also surprising to see some typos on the contents page...
- TravReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 14, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Read.
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI love anthologies of short stories, as there is always something to like and/or love. This was the case in this book, usually there are a couple of tales that don't appeal or grab me, but in this case they all did - some more than others.
I can't pick out a favorite, I wish I could, the standard of story is very high in this book.
A good gift for Christmas, it's ideal to dip into for the stories and to reflect on other peoples lives.
Highly recommended.