Henry Kitchen

Stories from the Shed Henry Kitchen

Thirty one stories from the author of Saladin and Conspiracy.
It is truly amazing what can come out of two metres by three metres shed, tucked away at one end of a country garden, between bamboos hiding an oil tank and a two-metre wooden fence defending three metres drop. The shed has half glazed double doors overlooking the garden with a willow fedge on one side and colourful bushes on the other, protecting a brick edged lawn. Windows on the north and south sides of the shed bathe the single desk and book cases with gentle light. The shed became a writer's hut and a refuge from the outside world almost ten years ago. Most of the stories in this collection were written in the shed. The peaceful environment encourages a fertile, creative imagination. Apart from the necessary electronic writing, printing, and booklet binding equipment the bustle and noise of the outside world is kept at bay.
Choice of content is always a major concern for an editor of a collection of stories, but once the selection is complete the editor is faced with an even greater concern. How to establish an order for ease of reader access. This collection is ordered by an arbitrary time line of content, regardless of when each story was written - past, present, future scenarios. It starts 'In the beginning' and ends with a visit of the 'Grim Reaper.' Of course, individual readers will choose their own path, and many will use the collection on a dip-in basis.