The Ring - A Charity Anthology

Let me tell you about the newest project I have been involved in. A group of authors I am friendly with decided to put together an anthology of short stories, The Ring, in aid of The Reading Agency. This is a very important charity supporting reading and libraries throughout the country. Let them tell you about their mission in their own words.

The Charity

At The Reading Agency, we believe in the proven power of reading to deliver social and personal change. Yet we know that too many adults and children struggle to develop reading habits. With national data showing a decline in reading engagement, too many people are missing out on the transformative benefits of reading to improve our happiness, our health, and to thrive. This is where our work begins.

For over 20 years, we have partnered with public libraries to run initiatives like the Summer Reading Challenge for children and Reading Ahead for adults. These programmes encourage reading for pleasure, helping to build confidence, develop literacy skills, and foster lifelong reading habits. Research shows that those who participate read more frequently, gain confidence, and feel more positive about books. By expanding access to reading beyond the classroom or workplace, we help people unlock new opportunities and experiences through books.

Our partnership with public libraries is at the heart of our mission. Through our collaboration with them, we increase access to books and literacy support, ensuring that reading is a source of enjoyment, not frustration. As democratic access points to reading and knowledge, our work with libraries not only helps bridge educational gaps for children but also supports adults in developing their literacy skills, boosting employability, and enhancing mental well-being.

This anthology, The Ring, resonates with our mission. Just as the gold ring in these stories is passed down and shared through generations, so too should the joy of reading.

The illustrator, editor and writers involved in this project have donated their work in The Ring and proceeds go to The Reading Agency charity.

The Blog

The illustrator and writers involved in this project have donated their work, and proceeds go to The Reading Agency charity.

Forged over 2000 years ago, when Rome was still a republic, a simple gold ring was inscribed with the name and symbol of Fortuna, capricious goddess of fate. From the seven hills of Ancient Rome to the streets of modern day New York, the ring passes from hand to hand, through the centuries, shaping destinies and unveiling secrets.

A Roman patrician gambles his future on its luck. A crusading knight takes it from the finger of a slain foe. A child is gifted it by a soldier in the Thirty Years War and trusts it to keep her father safe. A jeweller takes it to America in the Gilded Age seeking a new life. Each tale is a moment in time, a new wearer, and a twist of fate — sometimes fortune smiles, but all too often the ring brings ill luck.

In these stories, history seems driven by the will of chance. Those who possess the ring seek to shape their own destinies, but it is always Fortuna herself who has the final say.

A spellbinding anthology of interconnected short stories, where luck is never what it seems.

Also, why not follow the blog tour for The Ring? Lynsey Adams of Reading Between the Lines and her amazing bloggers have also given of their time and talents to promote The Ring to a wider audience. My thanks to them all.