Short Stories
The following stories are all very short. Even the two novellas (too short to be novels), 'The Sceptre' and 'Small Field', are Quick Reads. They are written for various age groups.
Short Stories
Small FieldSmall Field
Created in 2021
The solicitor told me that I was being unreasonable. He sounded at the end of his tether whilst I felt like I was at the beginning of an adventure without knowing what the adventure was. He had spoken to me after I had taken a call from his office which went something like this: © Copyright Peter Wrigley 2021
The SceptreThe Sceptre
Created in 2015
A novella (short novel) for teens and adults.
Matt is in year 10 at school. With his mother on heroin and a father he has never known, he largely has to sort out his own life. He is used to being rejected and his social worker says he is close to being permanently excluded from school.
Then Matt discovers a dirty black bit of metal and, as he cleans it up, he finds that things begin to change. A new voice in his life brings supernatural power; he is rescued by angels, his enemy at school is raised from the dead; his life and the lives of those around him change as they discover who is behind the voice.
© Copyright Peter Wrigley 2015
The Essay
Created in 2017
I’m not good with words and I hate writing. If you don’t believe me, ask Mr Jones, my English teacher. He sets us essays. When I hand mine in (when I do them) he says, “Tom, Tom, Tom, when are you going to develop your ideas? Look at this. Eight lines. It’s even less than last time.” © Copyright Peter Wrigley 2017
Bus Lady
Created in 2017
Alice Drinkwater was 78 when she started her first internet business. She ran it from her tied cottage where there was no broadband connection and no mobile signal, no mains electricity, no gas or mains water. Alice was stubborn, determined, astute and creative, and her energetic nature belied her age. © Copyright Peter Wrigley 2017
The Mark
Created in 2016
This story was prompted by my wife noticing what she thought was a mark on my jeans but was a button on a pocket flap. She said, "I thought it was a grey smudge." Simultaneously we both said, "Grace Mudge." An hour later I had the story line. The historical context is factual but the story and characters are fictional. (c) Copyright Peter Wrigley 2016
Jonas Interview
Created in 2016
Interviewer: My next guest is Jonas...who has regained his sight in miraculous circumstances after years of blindness. Jonas, you must be a pretty happy man.
Jonas: I’m ecstatic. You can’t imagine what it’s like. There’s so much to see and discover.
© Copyright Peter Wrigley 2016
The Boat
Created in 2015
The boat was unbelievably small. I stared at it, pulled onto the stones, as vulnerable as a seal pup. Its white hull was just out of the reach of the waves that crashed into the tiny cove. Everything seemed small except the waves; small boat, small cove, small catch and small man. I watched as the fisherman stretched into his boat and pulled out a few crabs. Was that all? I could not believe that this man had risked his life at sea for so little reward.
© Copyright Peter Wrigley 2015
Plymouth Stonehouse to Heybrook
Created in 2015
The timing was perfect. I parked in the last remaining free space above the beach, and found out from three residents at the bus stop that this already limited service was likely to cease at the end of the month... © Copyright Peter Wrigley 2015
Just Sitting
Created in 2013
A walk on the cliffs leads to a poignant reminder: Even from behind I knew they were father and son as soon as I saw them... © Copyright Peter Wrigley 2013
The Prince and the Princess
Created in 2010
A prince and a princess have doubts about really being a prince and a princess and they really want to know. So they go to their father, the King... Copyright © Peter Wrigley 2010
Runs in the Family
Created in 2007
It was on his way to school that Tom decided to run away. He didn't plan it; just knew it had to be done.
At the corner of his road he met up with his mate, Luke. They never bothered to greet each other but just got straight into important things—like “Jenny’s dumped Max again.” or “ I see City got beat last night?”
© Copyright Peter Wrigley 2007
The Gardener
Created in 2005
I’m glad I’m a gardener. It’s a quiet sort of job and not too many people around. I wouldn’t say I’ve got green fingers but most things seem to grow for me and I will say the garden looks nice - blowing my own trumpet like.
© Copyright Peter Wrigley 2005