At Downingfield Press, we have always prided ourselves on bringing forth narratives that resonate with the human spirit and challenge, inspire, and transcend the ordinary. With immense pleasure, we introduce our latest offering, (Un)Natural Elements, a collection that epitomises our commitment to literary excellence and diversity.
(Un)Natural Elements is not just a book; it’s a journey through the microcosms of life, a series of vignettes that capture the essence of existence in its most primal forms. Crafted with precision and profound insight by the talented Laura Besley, this collection is divided into nine sections—each representing an element that is both a part of us and greater than us: salt, sea, skin, sky, snow, soil, stars, steel, stone.
Laura Besley, a seasoned author with works like 100neHundred and The Almost Mothers to her name, has once again demonstrated her prowess in the realm of flash fiction. Her stories, ranging from a 13-word haiku to a 150-word tale, are a testament to the power of brevity. They remind us that sometimes, less is indeed more. The nominated Best Micro Fiction Story – Silenced (Emerge Literary Journal), is a shining example of her ability to convey volumes within a constrained narrative space.
The acclaim for (Un)Natural Elements has been overwhelming. Critics and readers alike have lauded Besley’s work. Laura Stamps called it an “exquisite Jewel of a book,” while Nikki Dudley praised the way Besley lays out “all of it on the page like a master with a succinctness I greatly admire.” Amy Barnes highlighted the nuanced reflection of nature and motherhood that Besley brings to the fore.
As a publisher, what excites us most about (Un)Natural Elements is its universal appeal. These stories traverse borders and lands, dive into the depths of the sea, reach for the stars, and touch the moon. Some are rooted in stark reality, while others take a surreal turn, but all are bound by the common thread of our connection—and often, our disconnect—with the natural world and with each other.
This collection is a celebration of the elements that make up our world and our experiences within it. It’s a reminder of the beauty and brutality of nature, of the fragility and resilience of the human condition. It’s a call to reflect, to feel, to connect.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the elemental with (Un)Natural Elements. Let it move you, let it challenge you, let it change you. For in the end, isn’t that what great literature is all about?
Experience the elemental. Experience (Un)Natural Elements.
