THE NAMING OF MOTHS features stories of magical realism, myths and legends re-imagined, where all the characters are undergoing transformation or facing a pivotal moment of change in their lives. People and animals interchange their shapes. Story landscapes flit from fairy-tale woods to urban homes. Here love, hope and kindness weave between the realities of man’s endless talent for cruelty.
"The depth and scope of these beautifully crafted stories is a delight. The writing is totally immersive and never misses a beat. These stories transport us to a myriad of places, and whether we find ourselves in the heat and dust of the Outback, in suburban Britain or Mexico City, Fells’ fictional worlds always feel real. This is a writer who understands our mortal frailties, and has a deep understanding of the complexities of the human condition. A wonderful collection, sprinkled with magic – I loved it!" - Amanda Huggins, author of An Unfamiliar Landscape and talk to me about when we were perfect
"A superb debut, The Naming of Moths explores monsters, mothers and myths, and the spaces where they cross over. Dark, sensual, often disquieting yet beautiful, these stories never fail to surprise. With an expert hand, Fells leads us beyond the fairytale to expose hearts that heal in the dark. A must read." - Angela Readman, author of The Girls are Pretty Crocodiles
"These stories will surprise, enthral, entertain and never disappoint. A collection that is subtle, full of incisive observation and darkly comic at times. All of life is here, in its pathos, humour and richness." - Reshma Ruia
About the Author:
Tracy Fells was the 2017 Regional Winner (Europe and Canada) for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. Her short fiction has been widely published in print journals and online, including: Granta, Brittle Star, Reflex Fiction, Popshot Quarterly, Firewords, Funny Pearls and the Bath Flash Fiction Award anthologies (2019 & 2020). She has been shortlisted for the Bridport and Fish Flash Fiction prizes, placed in the Reflex Fiction competition and Highly Commended in the NFFD Micro competition (2016 & 2020). In 2016 she was awarded an MA with Distinction in Creative Writing from Chichester University (UK). She is a regular reader for several large short story competitions and leads writing workshops on short fiction. Tracy also writes novels and was a finalist in the 2018 Richard & Judy ‘Search for a Bestseller’ competition. Her debut novella-in-flash Hairy On The Inside (published by Ad Hoc Fiction, 2021) was shortlisted for the 2022 Saboteur and International Rubery Book Awards. She tweets as @theliterarypig..
