Enthusiastic reception for new book

Darkly atmospheric stories perfect for reading on a cold winter's night.

Chalk Circle's new book, Strata 3: Shifting Tides, received an enthusiastic reception at its launch on 20th November 2025. Around sixty guests came to the John Harvey Tavern in Lewes to meet the authors, hear readings from the book and raise a glass to its success. It was also an honour to welcome John Vernon Lord, V&A Illustrator of the Year 2018, the illustrator of the brilliant and inspiring book cover.

‘We had a fabulous evening celebrating our new book – a collection of darkly atmospheric stories perfect for reading on a cold winter night! It was a joy to read aloud to our guests and to take part in a lively Q&A session. Even better - we sold over 50 books on the night and expect more sales in the busy run-up to Christmas! A big thank you to all our supporters.’ Editor, Danielle Sensier 

This was a great chance to meet with readers face-to-face and to find new audiences. The story readings were well-received, and there was an enthusiastic response to the Q&A session. 'Writing can be a lonely occupation without a supportive network, making events like these invaluable for meeting other writers and event organisers. We are excited about the new opportunities it will bring.'

About the book - A gripping collection of short stories from distant pasts to strange new futures, where characters face new perspectives and transformative encounters. Some rise to the challenge of life’s ebbs and flows, others are cast adrift, and some are lost to the ever-shifting tides. Available to buy from our online shop for £8.99 plus p&p, or from some independent Sussex bookshops.

Reviews for Strata 3: Shifting Tides‘

Stories filled with grit and scratches, unconventional love and aching loneliness, where homes become characters, and gardens harbour dark secrets. Open each story’s door with confidence: riches await.’ Catherine Smith, author of short story collection, The Biting Point, Speechbubble Books

‘This collection demonstrates the diversity of the short story form, a chance to enter another world for a short time and to learn something new. Dive in! They won’t let you down.’ Ruth Figgest, prize-winning story writer and author of Magnetism, Myriad Editions

‘An array of vivid characters, Hardy-esque twists of fate and moments of

weirdness, it is difficult not to be gripped by this intriguing collection.’ Robin Houghton, writer, poet and podcaster; author of poetry collection, The Mayday Diaries, Pindrop

Chalk Circle is a group of Sussex-based writers, including listed and prize-winning authors, who meet regularly to share individual work and to collaborate on joint writing projects. Stuart Condie, Elsa Evripidou, J. Reid Graham, Yvonne Hennessy, Samanthi Munasing, Danielle Sensier, David Stephens. Find out more about them here.