I have some wonderfully talented friends.
There is a sweet feeling in watching someone accomplish and succeed. Particularly when you have spent the last few years slogging it out with them and following them every step of the way.
One of my brilliant friends (be jealous, it's okay) runs a hilarious blog and on this blog Paula Kelly-Ince has released the first section of her long awaited short stories collection.
Jump: Stories of Life, Love and Fear is a gentle whirlwind of emotions and lovable characters. Each story is beautifully crafted to lull the reader into its reality, slowly manipulating itself into a gut punch.
From Jump, which I have had the privileged of seeing performed, you hear the unnerving voice of a woman on the edge, both metaphorically and literally. I won't give the game away but her beautifully traumatic voice rings with a survival that inspires.
On top Tara, like watching strangers connect for the first time on the next street over. Two people devouring each other in conversation. It is like opening up.
To the final story in this collection Mr. Philips, which will remind everyone of 'that' high school crush and how we truly live through our experiences.
The three stories together tell a lot about female experience, giving strong voices to the often sidelined characters and providing weighted feathers to the reader.
Make this your Summer read. Then revisit it in Winter and Spring and Autumn. Show it to your grandparents and your daughter because there is something here for every season and for everyone.
Did I mention that I have wonderfully talented friends?
Again the link for a FREE PDF of these three stories is HERE
