u3a

Much Wenlock, Broseley & District

Creative Writing: Jo Jackson

They Speak of Night

Dawn will break even for those who speak of night.

Asadi fled India days before the Independence he fought for. Lily, a student had life to look forward to - until one weekend changed everything.

More than half a century separates the events that shape their lives.

How can and old man and a young woman help each other?

When Lily finds the courage to undertake what is asked of her, it has consequences neither of them could envisage.

This story crosses decades and continents, cultures and beliefs. It will make you angry and sad but also fill you with hope

Beyond The Margin

Is living on the edge of society a choice? Or is choice a luxury of the fortunate?

Joe, fighting drug addiction, runs until the sea halts his progress. His is a faltering search for meaningful relationships.

'Let luck be a friend,' Nuala is told but it had never felt that way. Abandoned at five years old, survival means learning not to care. Her only hope is to take control of her own destiny.

The intertwining of their lives makes a compelling story of darkness and light, trauma, loss and second chances.

Too Loud a Silence

A secret held, a fear unspoken. Green gates and a flame tree - just as her mother described.

The bolt screeches back ...

It is 2011. Egypt is in the grip of the Arab Spring as journalist Maha Rhodes flies to Cairo.

Born in Egypt but raised in England, Maha no longer knows who she is. Finding out becomes important. She experiences the passion and violence of the revolution and is confronted by her own naivety.

How will her life be changed as a web of lies and deceit unfolds?

Too Loud a Silence will take you to Egypt. A beautiful, poignant and, at times, brutal story based on real events.

In Sicily, Carlo's father is murdered for a crateful of fish and dies with his eyes open. An old belief changes the boy's life for ever.


His older brother takes revenge, but it is Carlo who is branded by the crime. When the innocent flees, survival has its own consequences.


Will Carlo take the only decision that will save those who matter to him?


This is a story of crime but not a crime story, of love but not a love story. It is a story of endurance, hope and healing that will stay with you.

Back to Creative Writing home page