short stories | jjmarsh

Fiction can transport a reader in many ways, but one of the most powerful is through time and place. How does a book lift you away from here-and-now and take you to there-and-then?

My memories of real experiences bump and blend with stories. Recollections of a childhood tangle with those of Michael Ondaatje (The Cat’s Table), Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Half of a Yellow Sun) and Dylan Thomas (A Child’s Christmas in Wales).

Books have taken me places I’ve never been. Moscow feels familiar thanks to Martin Cruz Smith (Gorky Park). Susan Barker (The Incarnations) showed a China I could never experience and Barbara Demick (Nothing to Envy) lifted the cover off North Korea. Tim Winton (Breath) illustrated the other side o f Australia, while Alan Duff (Once Were Warriors) shone a new light on New Zealand.

Books take you places you could never imagine, inviting a selective perspective via sensory immersion. You feel the dry wind off the desert, see the exotic blooms, hear the cicadas. You’re there.

How? Through the senses.

Triskele Books built our reputation on a sense of time and place. Embarking on a journey is always a risk. So try a trip first.

Our sampler of eight short stories set in a distinct time and place. And to complete your sensory immersion, each story is accompanied by a local recipe. All for less than the price of an ice-cream.

A Taste of Triskele: adventures through time, place and taste.

A little of what you fancy does you good.

A Taste of Triskele
A tale, a place, a time, a taste.
Eight delectable short stories, each set in a distinctive location, accompanied by a local dish.
Fall in love with honey, bite into bitterness, sweeten the secrets, indulge your excesses, tickle your palette and free your imagination.
Whether you’re on a beach or in your own back garden, escape into extraordinary worlds.
Bon voyage. And bon appétit.

Available at Amazon

Available at Smashwords

I’m lucky. And so are my dogs.

(My husband even more so.)

But back to the point. Many dogs, cats, ponies, chickens, rabbits and ducks are less fortunate and need help. This happens even more frequently during times of economic hardship when people are struggling to find enough for themselves, leave alone animal food and vet bills.

My sister works as a volunteer at an animal sanctuary. Grey and his brothers were one of the earliest rescue dogs to arrive. While Grey’s brothers were rehomed quickly, Grey was left behind. He had an ear condition which required expensive surgery and dedicated aftercare. The volunteers tried to raise the money for Grey via yard sales, a Facebook page and raffles. I spotted an opportunity.

I’m lucky. I know lots of talented generous writers and one brilliant designer. So I rallied the troops and together we created Fifteen Shades for Grey.

A blatant attempt to scoop up the casual browser who might be looking for something hot and steamy but discovers something warm and furry.Everyone involved donated their work and skills for free. Just as all the sanctuary workers devote their time for free.

Fifteen Shades for Grey is a collection of short stories about animals, kindness and charity. Every penny goes to Wooffles Animal Shelter. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and most of all, you’ll be glad you spent your money on something that warms the cockles of your heart as opposed to … ahem … was that the doorbell?