"Having a short story published is a wonderful and inspirational learning process for all authors - especially those who have never had their prose published before," said Peter Quinn, Managing Director of United Press Ltd, publishers to the Society.

"Through our work in poetry, we have met many writers frustrated about the lack of opportunities for creating and publishing short stories. The Short Story Society aims to set this right. It provides a simple platform for writers to experience the thrill and satisfaction of getting their work published. The Society doesn’t accept all submissions but will always try and help writers develop their work. People who have a short story published learn so much from the experience that it develops their writing skills and gives them confidence to push on to even greater heights. Most writers will tell you that the biggest problem is getting your first story published. Once you achieve this, you join the ranks of published prose writers and find that as well as learning a lot, you will have unlocked a doorway into a whole new world of opportunities.”

These are a selection of letters we have received from our writers.

Dear Friends, Thank you for the advanced copy of the short story book, which I have not long since received. The pleasure of seeing my work in print is overwhelming, for all these years I’ve been dreaming of having my work published and it’s something I’m still trying to come to terms with. This has given me the chance to believe more in myself and have faith that I can achieve something I’ve always wanted. I thank you wholeheartedly for helping me step upon the path of being a writer. There are not enough words to express my gratitude for what you have done for me. My debt to you is a great one. Gemma Louise Davis, Morden

Dear Friends, Thank you all very much for my books I have just received. I am delighted to see my story in such a wonderful book. The stories inside are all different and a pleasure to read. Thank you so much for giving my the opportunity to contribute some work. The volume of work must have been incredible. I really do appreciate the time and effort you have all put in. Claire Nightingale, Hockley

Dear Friends, I was so pleased to read the winning entry in the newsletter you sent me. What a hilarious story. I was in bed when I read it and I laughed so much. I was dying to show my family and friends. I’m so inspired I have started two stories myself and I will be sending them to you in the very near future. Angela Thompson, Torpoint

Dear Friends, Thank you very much for forwarding my copies of the short story collection. I have very much enjoyed reading them. The subject matter of the tales varied enormously, which made them especially interesting. Pat England, Oakley

Dear United Press, I have just read the children’s story, ‘Wormcakes Book Of Nana Says’ - It is a cracker! I can’t remember the last time I had such a good laugh! James Kennedy, Barry

Dear Mr Quinn, I was delighted with the offer of obtaining extra copies of Fire and Ice. I am going to write another story very soon, in fact my mind is full of story ideas which is brilliant (I have a vivid imagination.) Keep well, keep happy and God Bless to you, your family and all my friends at United Press. John Patfield, Motherwell

Dear Friends, Thank you for the way you have edited, and also added material to my short story. It gives me more insight into how the story should be more descriptive. You’ve made it much more exciting. James Kennedy, Barry

Dear Friends, Just a note to say how much I enjoyed our conversation today. I was totally gobsmacked to hear that I had won a prize for my entry in your short story collection ‘Wild Flowers.’ I was very fortunate to win second place in the regionals of the National Literacy Trust competition with ‘Wormcake’s Book of Nana Says ...’ which has given me much confidence in the art of storytelling, as ‘Wormcake’ was my first attempt at narrative. I am extremely grateful to you and your company for all your support, as you have published many of my poems in the past, and recently, helped me self-publish a collection of my work. Linda Zulaica, Preston

Dear Friends, I was delighted with the offer of obtaining extra copies of the latest short story book. I am going to write another story very soon. In fact, my mind is full of story ideas - which is brilliant (I have a vivid imagination). Keep well, keep happy and God bless all my friends at United Press. Joan Kernick, Newton