Survival - Against What Odds?Who survives, and how? Does a conversational tree survive the diggers? Do troubled souls survive their cutting and their desperate rushes towards relief? There are parallels between the non-survival of a bushcrafter and his suburban foraging, and the bin-foraging of a down-on-his-luck public school boy. The theme of survival runs through all these stories, but other themes - individuality, paranoia, unsureness, deviancy and self-expression, mean that this book will appeal to demandingly edgy readers as well as those who just want something to pass their commuting time. At times challenging, at times comforting, I'm guessing this echoes the experience of survival itself. It is heartily recommended. If you're thinking of purchasing 'Survival' please do, and help to bring the dreams of becoming a writer to 29 emerging authors. Also you'll be supporting an independent publishing business, and we'll love you forever for it. Who survives, and how? Tales from competition-winning authors on the broadest and most elemental of subjects. "It's brilliant. Well done" - JM "This wasn't what I expected. But I really enjoyed it. Have read it twice." - PP "I have ADHD. Thin books make me so happy. I can read them quick" - BT "I particularly liked 'Patterns' about the thoughts of a tree, And with all the other stories, it was such a good balance" - JF "Survive to Live was so touching, and Sun Paige's story about a nasty woman was good to read" - SJ For years, short stories and novelettes have been neglected and considered to be lesser art forms in comparison with the longer novel, but there is a place for all forms of fiction. Reading on holiday, when travelling or commuting, or when waiting in a doctor's waiting room - all these situations call for something stimulating and interesting to pass the time, but also something that will not be too complex concentration-wise. Shorter stories are ideal, and we are championing their return to favour. Competition winners who have agreed for their names to be released on this site (alphabetical order): Stella Acton, Elaine Andrews, Lesley Atherton, Jonas Bradley-French, Lynsey Calvert, Bridget Joan Cleggs, Alison Fulgoni, Claire Hamilton Russell, Nora January Vivier (first prize winner), Prabhroop Kaur, Kez, Eva Korwin-Szymanowska, Pat Laurie, Jessica Milner, Ellie Mitchener, Sonya North, Sun Paige, Hannah Pike, Jo Quigley, Ashley 'Wolf' Shankland, Delia Southern, Huda Tariq, Sarah Turner, Rachel Underwood and Olivia Young - with cover art by Penny Taylor. Published by Words Are Life. Do support independent publishers!