The news is out! The lovely folk at The Orcadian are publishing my collection of short stories! I’m over the moon that my book of Orkney folklore inspired tales will be published in these wonderful islands! It’s a dream come true.
I’m delighted to announce that Twisted Orkney Tales will be ready for Christmas 2026! We decided it was important to have ‘Orkney’ in the title and to establish that these stories are a twist on the traditional local folktales.
These past few months, the book has undergone a few changes: a new title, written from first to third person, lots of Orkney names and locations added, and will be colour illustrated. It’s really taking shape and I’m loving seeing how it evolves into something truly special!
On top of this, the book has been edited by the writer and poet Yvonne Gray. I loved her thoughtful suggestions, after being quite nervous of the editing process, Yvonne gently guided me through making the book the best it can be.
I had initially created some simple black and white illustrations for the book. As many of you know, I’ve had trouble with my hands and health, so my expectations these last few years have been quite low. However, I’m in a much better place managing my hands with pacing and some physiotherapy, and finally felt I could agree to The Orcadian’s request to full colour illustrations in the style everyone knows me for.
Because of the new illustrations, I needed a generous deadline to make it an achievable and still-fun process. My health is unpredictable but I feel Autumn 2026 is a perfect goal to get those illustrations painted!
I hope you’ll join me in this new adventure of publishing my first book! If you love Orkney, folklore, magic, myth, and a twist on the traditional, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on social media to stay updated on Twisted Orkney Tales!
Ellen
Best of luck, Ellen! I hope your book gets the amazing response that your stories deserve. Your imagination fuels mine. My prayers are with you and your book.
Thank you so much, Shaily!