Cornwall In Short edited by Kate Horsley and Peter McAllister

Cornwall In Short is a captivating new book set to shine a light on the South-West’s most exciting contemporary writing talent, both established and emerging.

Launching on December 14th 2024, Cornwall In Short offers a gripping collection of stories that showcases Cornwall’s fresh and sometimes unexpected appeal.

Moving through time and space with each story, readers will find contemporary retellings of folklore, compelling memoirs, and flash fictions that brim with tension and discovery. On the rocks at Carne, flotsam washes in alongside memories of lost love. A family picnic at Lostwithiel leads to the rediscovery of ancient Cornish language stories. In The Three Ferrets at St Ives, a weary barmaid dreams of sailing away on a yacht with a dubious stranger, and a man in search of love is tricked by the Queen of Fey at Rough Tor.

Published by Inkfish Press, the book comprises writing that engages with folklore, history, architecture and landscape in an emotionally compelling thrust that celebrates a love of all things Cornwall.

Cornwall In Short is available to purchase now at: https://inkfishmag.com/inkfish-press/

Kate Horsley, Editor and Co-Founder of Inkfish Press, said: “We’re thrilled to be showcasing some of the county’s best writing talent in this anthology, which acts as the perfect present for anyone keen to read more about Cornwall.”
Peter McAllister, Editor and Co-Founder of Inkfish Press, said: “We live in a gem of the British Isles. Not everyone is so fortunate. This book celebrates Cornwall and all who know her.”

PRAISE FOR CORNWALL IN SHORT
“Quality storytelling from terrific writers. The collection has ghosts and storms, love challenged and rewarded, triumphs and heartaches, ancient Cornish traditions, vivid characters, wild seas and lands and skies. I jumped from one story to the next, happy for each adventure.”
–Martin Goodman, BMA Book award winning author of Suffer & Survive

“What a joy to read a collection of short stories with such freshness and sense of adventure!”
–Mick Jackson, Booker and Whitbread shortlisted author of The Underground Man

“A compelling collection in which each story captures something different about the dynamic interaction between people and places.”
—Professor Lynne Pearce, author of Drivetime and Romance Writing

“This brilliantly diverse collection beckons the reader back and forth over the Tamar, in behind closed doors and down unfamiliar street passages, over to fenced- off mineshafts and shallow waters where loss is confronted and the tantalising lure of escapism awaits.”
—Aspier Magazine

Authors in this Anthology: Anastasia Gammon, Tim Hannigan, Kate Horsley, Clare Howdle, Adrian Markle, Tim Martindale, P. T. McAllister, Rob Magnuson Smith, Mark Plummer, Katherine Stansfield, Jackie Taylor, Karen Taylor, Shelley Trower, Emma Timpany, Tom Vowler, Ella Walsworth-Bell, Elaine Ruth White and Becky Wildman.

Cover Design: The work of our cover artist is rooted in the Cornish landscape. Mark Holman’s creative practice draws on parallel lives as a horticulturalist and visual artist. His beautiful ink drawing of a foxglove growing on the coast of Marazion reflects his work on sustainability and the entanglement of humans and plants within the environment.

About Inkfish Press:
Inkfish Press started out as an online literary journal that published flash fiction, short stories & non-fiction that prioritises voice, character and emotional engagement. Now expanding into print publication, we also welcome a range of poetry, from tried and true free verse to bold experiments with form, as well as visual art/illustrations. We would love to hear from writers, whether established or just getting started on their journey to publication!

About the Editors:

Kate Horsley’s first novel, The Monster’s Wife, was shortlisted for the Scottish First Book of the Year Award. Her second novel, The American Girl, was published by William Morrow (US) and Harper Collins (UK) and translated into Korean by Tomato Publishing. All her longer fiction has been optioned for film and television. Kate studied English Literature at Oxford and holds a PhD from Harvard. She has taught at Chester and Lancaster Universities and is currently a creative writing lecturer for Comma Press and the University of Hull.
Twitter: @crimeculture
Bluesky: katehorsleywriter.bsky.social
Website: https://www.katehorsley.co.uk/

Peter McAllister’s writing blurs the boundary between novel and short story collection. He has been shortlisted and/or ‘Highly Commended’ in several international writing awards. His work has appeared online, in print journals and in numerous anthologies and his debut book is slated for publication. Peter studied English Literature at The University of Cambridge, was awarded a Distinction for his MA in Creative Writing and is currently studying for a PhD at Exeter University. He works as a university lecturer and is the editor and co-founder of Inkfish Magazine as well as a committee member for the Penzance Literary Festival. In 2025 he will be the Morrab Library’s Writer in Residence.
Twitter: @PMcAllister15
Bluesky: petermcallister.bsk