Twelve-year-old Ruth has always thought secrets should be good things – like presents or treats. But when she and her mum move from Egypt to Edinburgh, and she starts making friends at a daunting new school, she discovers just how dangerous some secrets can be...
Stories from the Streets is about the work of Street Pastors – can you briefly share who they are and what they do?
Street Pastors started almost 20 years ago and employs volunteers to care, listen and help in a range of scenarios. It is an interdenominational organisation bringing together Christians from a diverse range of churches. Initially their focus was on the streets during the night...
Helen, how long have you been writing and how did you get started?
I’ve been writing all my life, really: articles, stories, the occasional poem – and novels. I love words – reading, writing, teaching English, trying to learn languages. I won an article-writing competition in primary school.
Joy, how long have you been writing and how did you get started?
Although The Treasure Man is my first published book, I have always enjoyed writing and sharing those words with anyone who would listen. I remember I enjoyed writing stories at school, usually with a twist at the end, which didn’t go down too well with the teachers! I
Prologue
Josiah’s spade strikes wood around five feet down.
‘That’s it. Willard’s coffin.’ Standing at the edge, I peer into the pit.
‘I think it is.’ Josiah scoops soil from the lid, adding to the spoil heap. When he’s cleared half of the lid, we swap places and I finish the job. The coffin is still intact and seems remarkably strong...
