READ MY SHORTS: An anthology of short stories and verse

Enjoy thought-provoking yet easy-to-read entertaining short stories to suit everyone - plus poems that tell a story.

'Memoir of a Blaby Boy ' is a bit of an indulgence by the author - about the author and his upbringing in a typical Midlands village. Beyond that it offers social commentary and a bit of a local history lesson without being academic - more entertaining. But the main reason for this release is to showcase the author's writings in bite-size short stories and quick and easy poems.

Hope is displayed as a key feature even the normally sad subject of dementia in 'The Leather Bottle'. 'Air and Water' is a simple environmental statement without being pretentious, whilst 'Lifesaver' brings to light two local heroes - well, sort of.

'Coal-miner's Son' takes us to the 'boonies' in rural Kentucky for an adventure story, courtesy of a (fictional) young newspaper reporter.

The poem 'Grandad' portrays the author's own grandfather and his account of meeting a nineteenth century celebrity in the little seaside of Exmouth. 'Paul' and 'He turned out OK' offer reflections on two friends for whom the author formed a great regard and affected him personally, whereas 'Peregrine' and 'Runaway' provide insights into the author's love of comedy.

Each can be 'read in one session' or less, condensing as much quality writing as possible in fewest words.