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Flash fiction, sudden fiction, microfiction, ultra short fiction - call them what you will, these twenty wry and witty short stories examine change at every stage of life, in a natural progression from birth to death. Mostly lighthearted, but often moving too, this collection is written with an admirable economy of style. Ranging from a spartan 100 words to the relative luxury of 1,000, they combine sharp observation of contemporary English life with gentle humour, profound affection for the social quirks of the author's native country, and the odd dark rumbling undertone. Plenty of surprises emerge along the way, from twists of magical realism to whimsical wish-fulfillment. Here's what some pre-publication readers have had to say about Debbie Young's first collection of flash fiction: "I loved these stories. Sly, witty, surprising, and the twists are genuine twists. The characterisation is lovely, very deft and economical. They make domesticity look edgy, sometimes dangerous, but they are also life-affirming." - Lucienne Boyce, historical novelist and historian "Very subtle, very English, very clever. I also loved the overall idea, the way the stories went from infancy to old age, shedding a revealing light on each stage. Good luck with this splendid collection." - Marius Gabriel, author of historical novels and contemporary thrillers "A joy to read, absolutely delightful!" - Georgia Rose, contemporary novelis "The language reveals a sharp intellect and a broad knowledge." Mari Howard, contemporary novelist "Flash fiction is so hard to do and it was a pleasure to read." - E J Eyles, mystery novelist Other reactions from early readers "a feather-light story", "fabulous story with sinister undertones", "brilliant!", "like Roald Dahl's short stories", "as sharp as a Kirsty McCall song", "like a prose poem", "a masterpiece", "perfect", "very powerful and mysterious", "what a lovely idea!", "laughed out loud at this one", "rather moving". All the stories are contemporary, i.e. set in the 21st century. Topics covered include birth, childhood, youth, coming of age, friendship, love, dating, marriage, parenting, family life, parent and child relationships, infidelity, divorce, getting on with neighbours, death, loss, grief, bereavement and coming to terms with life at every stage. Quick Change " is Debbie Young's first collection of flash fiction stories. Several of the stories were originally published on her author website, www.authordebbieyoung.com. "Clean Linen" was chosen for the 2013 edition of FlashFlood , the online journal of National Flash Fiction Day (NFFD). "The Alchemy of Chocolate" was chosen for Stroud Short Stories 2015 event and to read at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature. Debbie's work has also been included in Eating My Words , NFFD's 2014 anthology of the best contemporary flash fiction authors. Stories in this collection: Out of the Mouths of Babes Going to Grandma’s Penny for Them The Metamorphosis Peep Behind the Curtain The Art of Medicine The Alchemy of Chocolate The Impressionists Patient Virtue The Mutton and the Lamb Time Out Clean Linen Domestic Blisters Married Bliss Perfect Harmony Special Offer Autumn Leaves A Singular Life Funeral March The Comfort of Neighbours The new paperback edition also contains bonus material not included in the original ebook: two bonus stories previously published in national flash fiction anthologies - "Upwardly Mobile" and "Please Remain Silent for the Benefit of Other Library Users (In Hushed Tones)".

This collection of twelve humorous short Christmas stories, averaging 1,000 words apiece, will delight anyone struggling with their own plans for the festive season. The tales form an entertaining catalogue of how characters of all ages respond to the anxieties that abound at this time of year, from a small boy who tries to give Santa lessons in time management to the elderly lady who is marking what's likely to be her last Christmas. Others tackle such important questions as: - Will you ever get everything ready in time? - Will everyone like their presents? - Will you like yours? - How will Father Christmas fit us all in? - Who is the real Santa, anyway? Unlike many festive books, this collection does not sugar-coat every Christmas experience, and a few of the characters aren't exactly lovable, but they're certainly memorable. But ultimately it's a heartwarming collection and an easy, quick read to be enjoyed by anyone who loves the traditional Christmas. Whether you choose to spread out the stories across the traditional 12 Days of Christmas, or to consume them all in one sitting, once you've read Stocking Fillers , you'll never view Christmas in quite the same way again - and we mean that in a good way! IF YOU ENJOY THESE FESTIVE STORIES... ...you might also like Debbie Young's whimsical longer short story, The Owl & The Turkey: The Real Reason We Eat Turkey at Christmas , published as a single short story, which received the following reviews when first published: "Crisp, clever and fast-paced, this short story received my highest recommendation." Ginger Dawn Harman "If you're looking for a fun new holiday story, it's well worth the 99c to check this one out." Shay Tressa De Simone "I really enjoyed it... It had all the elements; first, a question; second, a quest; third conflict; fourth characterisation and finally the answer – well, an answer! A real hoot!" Shaun Ivory, author of No More Heroes and The Judas Cup "Cute.... deliciously random... funny to boot. Has given me food for thought.... Made me come away smiling. Thank you." David Ellis, blogger at www.toofulltowrite.wordpress.com "Definitely my favourite of your stories so far!" Helena Mallett, author of "Flash Fraction: 75 x 75" DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT CHRISTMAS? Then try Debbie Young's summer flash fiction collection, Quick Change , 20 very short stories on the theme of transformation. "They make domesticity look edgy, sometimes dangerous, but they are also life-affirming." - Lucienne Boyce, historical novelist and historian WHAT REVIEWERS SAY ABOUT DEBBIE YOUNG'S SHORT STORIES "Very subtle, very English, very clever" (novelist Marius Gabriel) "They make domesticity look edgy, sometimes dangerous, but they are also life-affirming." Lucienne Boyce, historical novelist

This fun little book brings together in print for the first time two short stories that are just right for December reading. The compact, lightweight format makes the book an original alternative to a traditional Christmas card. There's even a special festive greeting from the author on the first page, with a space to add your own signature."Lighting Up Time" is a sweet story about a young woman confronting her fear of the dark on the night of the winter solstice."The Owl and The Turkey" is a gentle comedy in the guise of a folk tale purporting to explain the real reason why we eat turkey at Christmas. These stories are both available as separate stand-alone ebooks, and in that form they've both gained five-star reviews on Amazon, such as:(for "Lighting Up Time") "A delightfully endearing story of a woman battling her fears and finding a guardian angel within. There's a lovely self-deprecating tone to this heroine, and a deft touch with characterisation throughout. A ghost story to make you smile, not shiver."(for "The Owl and the Turkey") "Carefully crafted and entertaining, it draws you into the tale much as you were drawn as a child. You know it cannot be true, but can't help but enjoy the storytelling. Lovely."

These 15 warm, witty short stories take an affectionate look at the institution of marriage, offering five gentle tales about each of the following stages: seeking a partner, committing to marriage, and surviving the long haul. Each story involves different characters, from single girls seeking Mr Right, to couples struggling with the technicalities of actually getting hitched, to long-wedded couples who have plenty of time to repent at leisure. Although most of the stories are told from a female perspective, this is far from being a feminist rant, but is rather a gentle celebration of matrimony - provided you find the right partner, plan the wedding your way, and find ways to live together long-term, despite each other's foibles. From the author Debbie Young, renowned for her sharp observational British humour, underpinned by a cheery optimism and a heart of gold, this little book will be a great engagement, wedding, anniversary or Valentine's gift, or a heartening read for anyone who is wondering whether it's even possible to get married and live happily ever after. "Brimful of the Debbie Young brand of sly and wry humour" - Mari Howard, author of Baby, Baby "Readers can't help but give a sigh of satisfaction at the end" - Betsy Talbot, author of the Late Bloomers romance series