New Book – Hugh's Views & News

Now in its fourth year, Story Chat began as a conversation between Marsha Ingaro and me when Marsha invited me to write a short story on her blog, Always Write.

Little did we know that over the coming years, the Story Chat community would expand, with writers, bloggers, and authors from around the world contributing new stories. Not only that, but the growing community would discuss each story in the comments of each post, creating a space where contributors could receive valuable feedback.

But the highlight has to be the publication of three Story Chat books.

I’m delighted to introduce you to the third book in the Story Chat series – ‘Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet,’ edited and compiled by Marsha Ingrao.

In this volume, writers from around the world contributed short fiction and contemporary poetry inspired by the Story Chat community at AlwaysWrite.blog.

Each piece stands alone, yet together they create a tapestry of voices exploring memories, mysteries, resilience, humour, faith, family, and the quiet intricacies of everyday life — with a few science fiction stories woven in for imaginative contrast.

This anthology captures not only the stories themselves but also a selection of the connections that inspired them.

The book also offers tips for writing flash fiction, along with a fun ‘Green Bus’ challenge that writers can join in.

Without further ado, allow me to show you the book’s front cover.

An image showing the front cover of the book Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet. — Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet

My story in this new book is titled “Springtime in Paris.” You might think a television can only show you the world, but what if it could show you the past… the future… or somewhere you were never meant to go?”

The story starts with a very ordinary purchase: a television. But the man who installs it promises something unusual. He says it will take the owner to places he’s never imagined. Soon, the television develops a flickering screen, but then come the whispers in the night. And when the television starts calling the owner by name, it’s something that bends time, memory, and reality itself. Who could have thought a television could do that?

Although ‘Springtime in Paris‘ is classified as a science fiction story, it’s actually based on a true story that happened to me. After the installation of a new television that began switching itself on in the early hours of the morning, the story was born.

Interestingly, in the story’s comments section, some readers also mentioned weird happenings with other household objects. It seems it’s not only television sets that can cause a fear that makes you ask whether what’s happening is actually happening for real.

Story Chat is more than just a book club, writing, or reading challenge. It is a unique and proven online programme that fosters interaction between authors and readers. It’s part writers’ group, part beta readers, part fun fiction, and, most importantly, pure enjoyment.

Contributing Authors

This volume showcases work from an international group of established and emerging writers, each contributing a unique voice and perspective to the page.

HUGH W. ROBERTS – Co-Founder of Story Chat Digest, Wales
MARSHA INGRAO – Co-Founder of Story Chat Digest, U.S.
GARY A. WILSON, Editor, U.S.
DOUG JACQUIER, Editor, Australia
MARIANE ALLEN, U.S.
NIGEL BYNG, U.S.
CATHY CADE, UK
ROBERTA AND MICHAEL CHEADLE, S. Africa
ESTHER CHILTON UK
DIANA COOMBS, UK
PHILIP CUMBERLAND, UK
RICHARD DANIELS, U.S.
MIRIAM ELEN, New Zealand
GRANT FERGUSON, U.S.
AMANDA FORESTWOOD, Australia
DARLENE FOSTER, Spain
CINDY GEORGAKAS, U.S.
GEOFF LE PARD, UK
JULESPAIGE, U.S.
YVETTE PRIOR U.S.
SADJE, Pakistan
LAUREN SCOTT, U.S.
J.T. TWISSEL, U.S.
SMITHA VISHWANATH, Kenya
MAGGIE WATSON, UK

Story Chat Digest can be found on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Story Chat Volumes 1 & 2

If you’ve never read the first two books in the series, I strongly recommend you give them a go.

Story Chat Vol: 1 features stories from 14 international authors, all inspired by a well of inspiration, life experiences, and unique perspectives, making the stories not just entertainment but also a means of connection, reflection, and understanding of our world.

An image of the book cover for Story Chat Vol: 2 — Story Chat Vol: 1

I have two stories in this book – ‘The People Under The Stairs‘ and ‘Puddles,’ both of which take you on a journey to the edge of your imagination. Is there really anything under the stairs that can talk to you, and when was the last time you encountered a puddle of water that can make people disappear?

Story Chat Vol 1 is available at Amazon.com and Amazon.UK.

Story Chat Vol: 2 – The second book features a diverse collection of original short stories by 20 authors from around the world. While most stories are dramas suitable for all ages, from children to older adults, this collection includes science fiction and comedy. Additionally, two non-fiction articles (one of which I authored) discussing the writing process are included. All selections are family-friendly, although the topics are aimed at adult readers.

An image of the book cover for Story Chat Vol:1 — Story Chat Vol: 2

My story in volume 2 is called ‘The Watcher,’ another mind-bending tale that will make you question whether what you’ve read actually happened to you! I won’t say more, as I don’t want to spoil the ending.

You can purchase the Story Chat Vol 2 by following these links. Amazon.uk and Amazon.com

If you enjoy reading any of the Story Chat books, please consider:

• Leaving a short review on Amazon or Goodreads
• Sharing this post with fellow readers
• Recommending the book to a friend or book club

Small actions help independent books find new readers — and help the Story Chat community continue to grow.

Do I have any favourite stories in the books?

Yes, but every story has a reason for its inclusion in the books, and behind each tale is a talented author and writer who has poured their heart and soul into crafting every word.

It is not just about telling a tale; it’s about the complex web of ideas, emotions, and experiences that come together in a narrative that touches readers on different levels. Favourites vary from person to person, and that’s why every story can be a favourite.

I’d like to conclude by thanking everyone who has contributed stories, poems, and writing tips to all three of the Story Chat books. But most of all, I’d like to thank Marsha Ingrao for all her hard work and the time she dedicated to putting together and publishing three books that have made publishing dreams come true for many writers.

If you have any inquiries regarding the Story Chat books or community, or if you want to learn how to become a Story Chat contributor, feel free to leave me a comment.

You can follow me at the following sites.

The featured image in this post is my own and was edited with photo-editing software. WordPress AI was used to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.

“Would you like to write a short story that I can publish on my blog?”

Those were the words of Marsha Ingrao, a writer and blogger who blogs at Always Write, who went on to create something special with the story I submitted.

The story, The People Under the Stairs, received many comments, many of which led to discussions. It was like sitting in a book club discussing the book everyone had read that month.

Three years later, Story Chat is a big success. Two books containing the stories for it have been published, and a third book is in the pipeline.

What is Story Chat?

Story Chat is more than a book club or writing or reading challenge. It is a unique and proven online program that encourages interaction between authors and readers. It’s part writers’ group, part beta readers, part fun fiction, and, best of all, pure enjoyment.

I give all the credit to Marsha, who had the idea. Although I contributed some input, Marsha worked hard to make Story Chat successful.

Image of the book cover for Story Chat Vol II. — Story Chat Vol II is available on Amazon.

Story Chat—Vol. II, the 2024 compilation, was expertly edited by Colleen Cheseboro. As I reflect on the pages of the book, I feel a sense of happiness and pride in having contributed to both it and the Story Chat—Vol. I book.

This second book features a varied collection of original short stories by 20 authors from around the globe. While most stories are dramas suitable for all ages, from children to older adults, this collection includes science fiction and comedy. Additionally, two non-fiction articles (one of which I penned) discussing the writing process are included. All selections are family-friendly, even though the topics cater to adult readers.

An image of a woman reading on her mobile phone in bed. — Once you begin reading Story Chat, you won’t be able to put it down.

The book features realistic fiction, surprises, and open-ended stories. Halloween vampire horror tales may make you laugh and reflect on how you can find humour in them. Travelling to an alternate universe – familiar to some – will keep you entertained. You might discover yourself stepping into one or two other universes that are so bizarre you won’t know how to respond to them. My story, ‘The Watcher,’ which centres on a walk in the fog, is one of those peculiar tales.

The characters will move you to tears as they courageously reach for love or confront tragedies you wish no one had to endure. You will chuckle at the older couple deliberating whether to book the adventure of a nudist cruise. You will root for a mother and her autistic child as they overcome challenges. One story will evoke memories of Toy Story or The Velveteen Rabbit. Another feature is an epic children’s poem with illustrations crafted from fondant by the talented author and her son.

The book is so much fun. Yet, it can be educational, especially for writers who constantly work to improve their craft. Each story has discussion questions you can use if you belong to a book club or writing group.

All of us, known as Story Chatters, hope this book will impact your lives.

You can purchase the Story Chat Vol II by following these links. Amazon.uk and Amazon.com

Six Reasons to Own This Book

Great reading when relaxing on holiday.
Introduce the Story Chat concept to your friends as a coffee table book.
A book for writing groups or book clubs to improve members’ writing.
Stories in the book are no longer available to read online.
A birthday or any time of the year gift for friends that read.
You’ll be supporting a growing number of blogging authors and writers to publish next year.

Story Chat Vol: I

Don’t forget to also take a look at Story Chat Vol: I, which includes stories from 14 international authors.

I have two stories in this book – ‘The People Under The Stairs’ and ‘Puddles,’ both of which will take you on a journey to the edge of your imagination.

Do I have any favourite stories in the books?

Yes, but I’m not going to share them with you. Every story has a reason why it’s in the book, and behind every story is a talented author and writer who has poured their heart and soul into crafting each word.

It is not merely about telling a tale; it’s about the intricate web of ideas, emotions, and experiences that culminate in a narrative that resonates with readers on various levels.

Each author draws from a well of inspiration, life experiences, and unique perspectives, making the stories not just entertainment but also a means of connection, reflection, and understanding of our world.

Story Chat Vol I is available at Amazon.com and Amazon.UK.

Want to be part of the next Story Chat book?

We’re seeking writers, authors, and bloggers to contribute stories to Story Chat 2025, which is currently underway on Marsha’s Blog. For full details, please visit Marsha’s blog.

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