Colin Hill

I am delighted to announce that my first Collection of short stories - Vinegar & Wine - will be published shortly! Vinegar & Wine is a an exciting Collection of 39 short stories that explores what it means - and what it feels like - to be alive; to be a fully-functioning human being. The stories represent life as we know it - but writ large, and in bold. The stories are written with adults in mind; and the stories feature adults struggling with their desires, passions and tribulations. Here we find men and women of all ages - from 18 to 80, from a plethora of different backgrounds and situations, and their desperate need and striving to make sense, and success, of the particular 'hand' that they've been dealt by life's endless challenges and variety. The stories focus on the great themes of life: love; and rejection. Betrayal, and heartache. Obsession, and desperation. Fear - and greed. Sex features strongly as a theme in many of the stories - that is, 'sex' in its guise as bringer of desire and motivation, as a well-spring for action and change: a force that brings people together - and forces them apart. As such, the sexual impulse is a central driver in the lives of the characters who populate the book. 'Beauty', too, features prominently: the stories are populated by beautiful young women - and men. Beauty often acts to inspire, to challenge, to unbalance human response, like the grit in an oyster shell - often with consequences that surprise, and cannot be foreseen. These stories are intense, and powerful - but always with surprising twists and turns, and often astonishing conclusions. And, hopefully, they inspire reflection, and provoke thought. Since many of the stories are seriously 'gripping' and full-on - though often shot-through with humour - they are interspersed with shorter, richly humorous stories intended to lighten the mood: as in life, where tragedy and comedy are often two sides of the same coin. And, as in life, where light always follows darkness. The 39 stories are a contemporary, comprehensive but eclectic collection - and feature people that the average reader will recognise: butchers and builders, teachers and nurses, as well as clerks and courtesans. Though many stories are dark and tragic, hope is nearly always present: a rainbow, following the storm. The humanity, the dilemmas, and the destiny of every central character will, it is hoped, fully engage the interest and empathy of every reader. For further information, please go to my website: www.colinhillauthor.co.uk