Colchester WriteNight Anthology: Open Book

‘…this group anthology offers a portrait of the real Essex: sexy, funny, cultured, close to Europe, wild and fond of skulduggery in the dark.’ A.L. Kennedy, author

‘The stories are as brilliant as they are varied. A collection of voices which are superb on their own – together they make a glorious literary choir.’ Nik Perring, author

‘A spectacular anthology to showcase one of my favourite art forms – the short story…’ Jo Coldwell, Red Lion Books

‘Witty, experimental, clever, thought-provoking and sometimes plain laugh-out-loud, this collection of short works is testament to the excellent Colchester WriteNight group…’ Liz Trenow, author

‘A sparkling collection of carefully crafted stories that fizz with energy and reflect the diversity and talent of this group of writers…’ Nicola Werenowska, playwright

During the strange and unsettling lockdowns of 2020-2021 we managed to keep meeting, and even produce an anthology of members’ work.

Thank you to the brilliant Colchester WriteNight writers involved: Sarah Armstrong, Sarah Bates Kendrick, Annie Bell, Penny Benedetti, Helen Chambers, Tim Gardiner, Phil Hurst, Wendy James, Jonathan King, Toni Peers, Mary Pullen Deacon, Clare Shaw, Doug Smith, Alice Violett and Katy Wimhurst.

Huge thanks to Sue Dawes – editor extraordinaire; Publisher Patricia at Patrician Press; A.L. Kennedy for the brilliant intro; Jo Coldwell, Liz Trenow, Nik Perring, Jane Lomas and Nikki Werenowska for fab quotes. Wendy Bailey thanks so much for the cover art. And to Colchester Borough Council Creative Events Fund for funding support.

Purchase from Patrician Press, alternatively you can find copies at Red Lion Books, Colchester, Wivenhoe Bookshop and Firstsite Art Gallery.