New book shop in Appledore North Devon.
The Appledore Book Shop & Stationers
2 Bude Street, appledore, Devon, EX39 1PS
Telephone 01237 421195
The Appledore Book Shop & Stationers
2 Bude Street, appledore, Devon, EX39 1PS
Telephone 01237 421195
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Collections of short stories.
Short stories are often a blessing for those too busy for something longer. The characters, events, intrigue and pull on one's emotions is the same - just perfect!
Imagine, several different genres, some humorous some serious,
select one to suit your mood.
You can't always do that with a novel ..
you are a prisoner of the author's will and opinions.
Short stories are often a blessing for those too busy for something longer. The characters, events, intrigue and pull on one's emotions is the same - just perfect!
Imagine, several different genres, some humorous some serious,
select one to suit your mood.
You can't always do that with a novel ..
you are a prisoner of the author's will and opinions.
Twenty six short tales, many relating to Devon and Exmoor.
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Published by Gaskells of Bideford 'Ghosts and Things' ISBN 978-1906769-63-5 'Nominated for Sunday Times award 2016' |
ALSO AVAILABLE -
Rupert the great Alaskan Malamute speaks out on Richard's book
All of Richard’s stories were written in the West Country, many of them penned while sipping a Guinness in a local hostelry. Sometimes I wonder just how much he did drink! I particularly like the story of the mountain rescue - somehow it appeals to me. This is just the sort of thing I would do given half a chance. There’s also a tale of his ancestors. The true story of a young lad called Thomas Baker who died in the Crimea… You humans could take a leaf out of our canine book on conflicts by the way… we manage things quite differently you know. But I digress. In this tale Richard’s feelings towards the land of his ancestors is powerful indeed. These are Soul feelings, for a land and a people past, yet their spirit lives on in those who are alive today; after all, we are part of them, we are inseparable.
There are thirty one short tales in his book. They cover philosophy, caution, adventure and humour. I’m not so sure about the Caravan story however, but you’ll have to read it for yourself. You humans may find it hilarious – but please don’t read it to your dog. There are stories about how life is - or was - and a few miscellaneous, which include one about Appledore and one of Fremington Quay. Most of them are of the West Country, for it is from there that the inspiration sprang. The lifeboat story found its origins during a visit to Appledore Lifeboat Station.
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All of Richard’s stories were written in the West Country, many of them penned while sipping a Guinness in a local hostelry. Sometimes I wonder just how much he did drink! I particularly like the story of the mountain rescue - somehow it appeals to me. This is just the sort of thing I would do given half a chance. There’s also a tale of his ancestors. The true story of a young lad called Thomas Baker who died in the Crimea… You humans could take a leaf out of our canine book on conflicts by the way… we manage things quite differently you know. But I digress. In this tale Richard’s feelings towards the land of his ancestors is powerful indeed. These are Soul feelings, for a land and a people past, yet their spirit lives on in those who are alive today; after all, we are part of them, we are inseparable.
There are thirty one short tales in his book. They cover philosophy, caution, adventure and humour. I’m not so sure about the Caravan story however, but you’ll have to read it for yourself. You humans may find it hilarious – but please don’t read it to your dog. There are stories about how life is - or was - and a few miscellaneous, which include one about Appledore and one of Fremington Quay. Most of them are of the West Country, for it is from there that the inspiration sprang. The lifeboat story found its origins during a visit to Appledore Lifeboat Station.
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A little red gem
There’s a carousel in our library, on which I rarely browse for a book:
The bindings remind me of Mills & Boon, but today I took a look.
A red spine caught my attention, distinctive from the others,
As the plainly printed title bore no hint of tacky lovers.
A local author- bonus! And a “light-worker” as well;
Will his journey be revealed in all the tales he has to tell?
The quayside light was inviting, and a bench was free to use,
So I took up a seat and waited, while my partner purchased The News.
But the papers did not pull me, what I relished was to read
From the little gem I had borrowed: that was all the print I’d need.
As I join him on his journey, in his footsteps I am walking.
May my Spirit guides assist me with more reading and less talking.
It’s a brave, undaunted author who bares his soul and speaks his mind
As he shares his inner musings with the rest of Humankind.
Now his book takes up his journey, bearing tales to pastures new.
Bless the trees that gave the paper bringing books to me and you.
As the Beech trees give us puppets that become their carver’s voice
Perhaps the trees that give us paper guide us to our book of choice.
With permission by . . . © Celia Ann Merrill September 2013
For more poems by Celia Ann click here
There’s a carousel in our library, on which I rarely browse for a book:
The bindings remind me of Mills & Boon, but today I took a look.
A red spine caught my attention, distinctive from the others,
As the plainly printed title bore no hint of tacky lovers.
A local author- bonus! And a “light-worker” as well;
Will his journey be revealed in all the tales he has to tell?
The quayside light was inviting, and a bench was free to use,
So I took up a seat and waited, while my partner purchased The News.
But the papers did not pull me, what I relished was to read
From the little gem I had borrowed: that was all the print I’d need.
As I join him on his journey, in his footsteps I am walking.
May my Spirit guides assist me with more reading and less talking.
It’s a brave, undaunted author who bares his soul and speaks his mind
As he shares his inner musings with the rest of Humankind.
Now his book takes up his journey, bearing tales to pastures new.
Bless the trees that gave the paper bringing books to me and you.
As the Beech trees give us puppets that become their carver’s voice
Perhaps the trees that give us paper guide us to our book of choice.
With permission by . . . © Celia Ann Merrill September 2013
For more poems by Celia Ann click here
"In times so full of falsehood and sensationalism, Richard Small’s collection of short stories breathes a welcome change that is undeniably honest and true. It is rare indeed to find an author prepared to be so soulful and generous with his own life, whilst telling a tale with such purpose and intent. These stories, told with much candour and openheartedness, draw us in and invite us to walk a journey of hope, discovery and enlightenment. Within each one is a pearl, and our task as readers is to find that pearl, capture it and become the richer because of it.
Richard generously shares with us his hard earned wisdom in words that not only entertain but also hold the keys to many of life’s mysteries. Every time I re-read them, I find something new, and that is a precious gift indeed!"
A review of this book by published author and artist Mya Gleny.
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Book of short stories
The table and the candle return.
Here is a pleasing and easy to read book with no violence or swearing yet in its 31 short tales it can touch and inspire the soul. The 184 page contents include story sections on, Philosophy, Adventure, Caution, Humour, Life: the way it was or just is, and Miscellany.
No batteries or cables required, works wonders anywhere anytime. Portable and user friendly, won't break down or be expensive to fix, no rule books or instructions, no call centres. . . just simple joy.
ISBN 978-1-906769-35-2 Published by Edward Gaskell of Devon
Printed by Lazarus Press RRP £7.99
Nominated for
The Sunday Times EFG Short Story Awards
No batteries or cables required, works wonders anywhere anytime. Portable and user friendly, won't break down or be expensive to fix, no rule books or instructions, no call centres. . . just simple joy.
ISBN 978-1-906769-35-2 Published by Edward Gaskell of Devon
Printed by Lazarus Press RRP £7.99
Nominated for
The Sunday Times EFG Short Story Awards
Simple Poems
ISBN 978-1-906769-77-2 Edward Gaskell Publishers |
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Forty One short tales.
Tales from Merlin's Pal ISBN 978-1-906769-83-3 Edward Gaskell Publishers |
As Oscar Wilde once said,
' beware knowing the price of everything, and the value of nothing.'
On the basis of this I ask you to consider the value in such a book as took five years to complete and is filled with the sort of treasures that you really can own and keep. Yet how easy we part with our money for a trinket we never really need, a meal we didn't really like or a 'treat' that didn't do us any good.
' beware knowing the price of everything, and the value of nothing.'
On the basis of this I ask you to consider the value in such a book as took five years to complete and is filled with the sort of treasures that you really can own and keep. Yet how easy we part with our money for a trinket we never really need, a meal we didn't really like or a 'treat' that didn't do us any good.
Having a book on your shelf or in your hands, able to pick it up or put it down at will, to offer it to friends and family to share is a pleasurable legacy of owning the book in its true form. Something that you can personalise to a friend or child, something in which to scribe your own wisdom . . a legacy.
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Gratefuil thanks to the Journal for this publication
