Melodies In Black Ink

26 Songs. 26 Stories. Infinite Echoes.

Music has the power to transport us, to spark memories, stir emotions, and tell stories beyond the lyrics. In this unique collection, twenty-six original short stories take inspiration from some of the greatest songs ever written, weaving tales of love and loss, hope and heartbreak, mystery and magic.

From whispered ballads to anthems that demand to be heard, each story transforms melody into narrative, crafting unforgettable characters and moments shaped by the rhythms of life. Whether you find yourself lost in a haunting melody, swept up in the euphoria of a chorus, or caught in the tension of a single note, these stories promise to resonate long after the final page.

A must-read for lovers of music and storytelling alike, because behind every great song, there's a story waiting to be told.

I have edited Clive Gilson's books for over a decade now - he's prolific and can turn his hand to many genres. poetry, short fiction, contemporary novels, folklore, and science fiction - and the common theme is that none of them ever fails to take my breath away. There's something in each story that is either memorably poignant, hauntingly unnerving, or sidesplittingly funny - Lorna Howarth, The Write Factor

Ragged A**** Ruffian reviewed on Amazon in the United Kingdom on 27 January 2021 - A truly heartwarming, interesting, story with a wonderful narrative. Unquestionably a splendid read

A Solitude of Stars: With deft turns of phrase and an imagination that would make Philip K. Dick jealous, Gilson foresees a dystopian future, the seeds of which are definitely being sown right now. The story is a chilling glimpse of what may come to pass, warmed by a thread of love that raises the narrative beyond despair. I found the stories disturbing and breath-taking in equal measure. The Apparat and Dirigiste tribes are ranging across our solar system seeking peace by waging war, raising the question; is humanity actually capable of peace? A riveting read. - Rob Swan, The Write Factor

Songs of Bliss gripped me from the start - I had to read right to the end. Loved the humour. Impressed by the surprising empathy that I felt for rather - on the face of it - unlikeable characters. Look forward to seeing it in print. - Maighdean-Mhara, commenting on Authonomy

I just wanted to thank you once more for your help acquiring this beautiful collection. It's found a new home at the top of my library. I've already stumbled onto some wonderful stories in a couple of the collections, and I can't wait to get more. Have a wonderful holiday and a great new year... - Richer Daniel Laporte, California, December 2021

Born in 1962 into a household that lived and breathed sports, the author's dad was a seasoned senior amateur and lower league professional footballer. Not just that, he managed his own businesses in cahoots with Clive's mum, who was no slouch either - she was a skilled and award-winning ballroom dancer.After snagging a degree in History from Leeds University, our storyteller took a rather serendipitous stroll into the burgeoning world of information technology in the late '80s. Like father, like son, they say. Alongside a flourishing tech career, Clive dabbled in various writing and acting pursuits, from freelancing as a journalist and book reviewer (with a coveted by-line in The Sunday People) to gracing stages in village halls and the odd professional theatre across the south of the UK for a good decade.In a nod to the family's sporting legacy, Clive - long after hanging up his own hockey boots - delved into the world of live TV broadcasts. Armed with a wealth of rugby knowledge, he became one of the go-to 'statos' for the BBC, ITV, TVNZ, and EuroSport, covering everything from Heineken Cups to Six Nations, World Sevens, and World Cups in the late '90s.For a deeper dive into this fascinating journey, head over to clivegilson.com, where there's a whole trove of tales waiting to be uncovered!

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