New anthology by Sheffield writers focuses on the strange times we live in

A new piece of literature, reflecting the difficult times we are living in, has been put together by a bunch of talented writers.
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Zoom Out is the latest anthology of short stories from WiSE – Writers in Stannington and Ecclesfield.

Normally, the group meets in the volunteer libraries in Ecclesfield and Stannington, but with these venues closed to groups during the pandemic, the collection has been produced by members working largely in isolation.

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“It’s been very strange holding our meetings online,” said group member and anthology publisher Bob Mynors, “but we are still going strong even though we have not met face to face since March.

WiSE writers are pictured assembled on ZOOMWiSE writers are pictured assembled on ZOOM
WiSE writers are pictured assembled on ZOOM
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"And we have been able to produce what I think is our best anthology yet.

“It has more pages, more words, more stories and more writers than anything we have produced before.

"Of course, quantity is no guarantee of quality, and readers will judge for themselves. I am confident though that everyone will find something to entertain or stimulate within its pages.”

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He continued: “We chose the title, Zoom Out, to reflect the strange time we are living through.

"Zoom online has been an important part of so many lives recently, but we hope our stories will help people zoom out and see the broader picture.

"The subtitle, we hope, will also encourage people do this – Some Stories of Life, Love, Loss … and Cake”.

Subject matter tackled by group members ranges from a makeover in a North Derbyshire village to a reworking of a famous old novelty pop song, from a whodunit in the village of Lower Bogthorne to a family’s story told through a series of birthday cakes.

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The 364-page volume offers 41 stories from 21 writers and is available at £8 from Amazon.

All royalties raised by sales of the book will be divided equally between Stannington and Ecclesfield libraries.

The group is an amalgamation. Stannington Writers’ Group was formed in 2015 and Ecclesfield Writers’ Group a year later. The groups shared aims and aspirations and, to a certain extent, members. It was therefore decided they should merge.

To find out more about WiSE and to get involved visit www.wisewritersgroup.wordpress.com

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscripti on or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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