Tales to Be Told by Children

by Clea Saal

Before you go any further, let me warn you that this book does not play fair. You will find fourteen stories here…or should I say twenty-eight half stories? The thing is that none of these stories is complete. This is, to be truthful, a collection of beginnings that you can continue in any way you want. There is no right or wrong way to end these stories. They can go on for as long as you want them to and you can finish them in more than one way. And why would you want a collection like this? Well, has it ever happened to you that you don't like the way a particular story ends? That will never happen with a collection of beginnings, because finishing them is up to you. In this book, you will find fairies and dragons, starships and secret caves, kings and wizards, forgotten cities and distant worlds, enchanted books and children with mysterious powers…and all of these characters are yours to play with.

136 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

No more… please… stop… I confess. My name is Clea Saal and I was born on this planet, though I am not certain whether or not that would have been my first choice if anyone had bothered to ask for my opinion on the subject. I was born at an early age somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere, although I was dragged to the other side of the Equator by my parents when I was only a few years old and I have been playing equatorial ping-pong ever since.

I began writing when I was six and, to some people’s annoyance, I haven’t stopped yet. I endured twelve years of basic education –make that thirteen, I did flunk once– and then by reason of tradition, masochism or insanity, I went on to devote several more years of my life toward obtaining a degree in English Literature. The day I finally graduated most professors in my department literally cried for joy.

Ever since I can remember I have been surrounded by books. I saw them, smelled them, chewed them, tore them to pieces, scribbled on them, heard my mother reading them to me, and, as I got a little older, I read them myself… not to mention that I also had quite a few books thrown at me. So, under the circumstances, becoming a writer seemed to be a logical next step.

Okay, I’m done talking about myself… now I’ll shut up and do the writing do the talking.

PS-And yes, in case you were wondering, my author's photo is a little out of date