reported by Steven B. Alan, FictionFanatic.com

Talented new authors are seeing their work in print for the first time with the launch of the Tonto Short Stories anthology from publisher Tonto Press. The book features twenty fresh short stories by twenty exciting writers, selected from hundreds of submissions.

Among the authors featured is Nick Montgomery, a former member of the rock band Microdisney, much championed by the late John Peel. Nick studied at Magdalen College with the poet John Fuller, and was awarded a Doctorate from Newcastle University for a thesis on Virginia Woolf. He currently teaches creative writing at Newcastle University.

Nick's short story, The Last Smoker, is a fascinating near-future account of one man?s dilemma when he comes upon the last box of cigarettes in the world while clearing the belongings of his recently deceased brother. Does he have the right to smoke the last cigarette, and what will happen when he stubs it out?

The Tonto Short Stories anthology was launched at the Opera piano lounge in Newcastle upon Tyne on Thursday 23 February. On the night actor Craig Conway (Dog Soldiers, The Descent) read The Last Smoker to a large and appreciative crowd.

Tonto Press was founded in 2005 by Tyneside authors Paul Brown and Stuart Wheatman. The innovative publisher utilises cutting edge digital publishing and web technology to print, distribute, and sell books internationally. The company aims to give authors more opportunities and a fairer deal than traditional publishers.

"We know from experience how difficult it can be for new writers to get their work into print," says Paul. "As a result, there is a lot of undiscovered talent out there. We intend to find it."

"It is increasingly difficult for new writers to get noticed if they don?t have an agent or a track record in publishing," adds Stuart. "Tonto Press will develop talented new writing from people with a voice worth hearing."

Tonto Short Stories is supported by Arts Council England.

LINKS:
TONTO PRESS
http://www.tontopress.com/

ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/