University students launch spooky Suffolk-inspired anthology

The big picture: The book is the fourth and final volume in the Suffolk Anthology Collection, featuring 27 stories inspired by local ghost tales and landmarks. It's part of an initiative giving MA Creative and Critical Writing students real-world publishing experience.

• The anthology includes stories about a friendly ghost in a Lavenham pub, a mystery letter in Bury St Edmunds, and a movie star ghost in Stowmarket's Regent Cinema.

• It features a QR code linking to a map of story locations, allowing readers to connect with the places that inspired the tales.

• Previous volumes focused on Suffolk folk tales, trees and nature, and the county's waterways.

What they're saying:

Roy Haddock, a 62-year-old student from Ipswich who contributed one of the stories, said: "I didn't think contributing a story to a published anthology was something I would ever see. This has given me the opportunity to work with incredibly talented people."

Dr Amanda Hodgkinson, Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Suffolk, award-winning novelist and publisher of the Talking Shop Press, which publishes the volumes, said: “Our course offers students the academic and creative support they need alongside professional networks and an exceptional experience of publishing and presenting their work as part of their MA experience."

Why it matters: The project showcases local talent and celebrates Suffolk's rich history and folklore while providing students with valuable publishing experience.

• Many alumni have gone on to work in creative industries, study at PhD level, and secure interest from literary agents.

• Some have been shortlisted for the Women's Prize Discoveries Award 2024.

What's next: A new anthology series is set to launch next year for future MA students.

Where to buy: Suffolk Haunts is available at Waterstones, independent bookstores in Suffolk, and online retailers.