Happy Publication Day everyone!

 

Our third Publication Day of 2025 brings a whole new collection of exciting stories, from a wonderful collective of talented authors – and hasn’t the year flown by already!

 

To introduce them, we’ve devised a fun feature – Ask Our Authors – where we send all our newly published writers the same simple question to see how different each answer is…

 

For our March authors, we asked them: with spring cleaning about to begin, what is one thing you own that you'll never throw away?

 

Here are their answers…

 

 

 

 

“I have in my safe keeping my father’s doctorate, which I will never throw away, as it will be passed down to the next generation.”

 

Athan D. Economou, author of The Forgotten Lyre

 

 

“I will never throw away old drafts and letters received at different times. They remind me of moments, people and emotions that I experienced together with them. Each note and unfinished idea contains a piece of my journey, shaping the stories that I create.”

 

Iryna Tsurek, author of Panthers

 

 

“I’d never throw away my fantastic mum certificate given to me by my youngest daughter.”

 

Sarah J Fisher, author of Splodge

 

 

“That's an easy question to answer - it's my wedding ring. My beloved and I have been married for 62 years, and I have never ever regretted it or had second doubts. Yes, that's the answer, it's my wedding ring and all it stands for. She inspired me to write Poetry Collection, and many more poems besides.”

 

Paul H. Last, author of Poetry Collection

 

 

“I was having a clear out and worked out that I would save my Gibson J45 guitar, which is now 24 years old. I would also keep the book of all my scribblings - good and bad. If I had to choose just one item, then it's the guitar.”

 

Phil Hutson, author of A Life in Poems - It Could Be Verse

 

 

“This question had me thinking, as I like to keep all my happy memories on display. But I kept my word to my daughters that I would NEVER get rid of their special collection.

 

So, it's all on display in a cabinet in the dining room - including a box of licensed crackers from our time in Canada. We all had many a "One Direction" adventure whilst living there. So, One Direction dolls, clothes, toothbrushes, CDs, bedding, life size cut-outs, perfume and more!

 

Happy memories indeed.”

 

Clanná NicCoinnich, author of The Adventures at GlenMorangie, Ghostie's and me

 

 

“Spring cleaning in our house is a frantic affair; my wife uses the occasion to persuade me that all the possessions I have lovingly hoarded need to be disposed of. Many a year she has put my old action-men figures in the bin only for them to make a miraculous escape before hiding away until the next annual purge.

 

In truth though, the last thing - after my wedding ring and action men - to be disposed of in our house is a clapper board, dated on the last day of filming for The Famous Five and even showing the scenes we filmed on that day. It is a fabulous reminder of an amazing two years.”

 

Marcus Harris, author of Running Away

 

 

“Material things don't matter, but I will never throw away photos of my kids or of my dogs.

 

Of course, there are objects replete with memories that can't be replaced, quirky items brought home from far flung places, but stuff doesn't matter.”

 

Glen Oglaza, author of Always

 

 

“Spring Cleaning is here, and what’s that one thing I hold dear? I can always mend that old sock, and I might just fix that old clock. But, on second thought, probably not. There are my old favorite shoes that look pretty used, and I barely ever wear them anymore while searching for clues. I could keep one of my old hats, but I do admit I’m not doing that, if there’s only one thing that I can’t do without, it’s going to be something I can shout about. There’s a list I’m looking through, all this stuff; it’s time it flew; I’m going to find that one thing that makes my bell ring! Deep inside those closet walls, one thing stands above them all: my old Pink Floyd tee-shirt with that crystal ball; that’s the thing I love most of all.”

 

Crash Le Comique, author of Santa’s Audit

 

 

“The one thing that I would never throw away is my wedding ring. It represents the bonding of two people in an agreement to love and care for each other.

To me living life well is dependent on the relationships that you nourish and the ones you let go.”

 

BB Short, author of It's Not Polite to Kill People

 

 

 

 

“Spring cleaning always includes going through my closet and getting rid of clothes I no longer wear. It makes room for me to get new ones! But I will never part with my plaid rainbow color trench coat. It’s bright, colorful, and a size too big but I can’t get rid of it. It sits in the back of my closet and maybe one day I’ll wear it again, maybe not but I find comfort just knowing I have it still. Ha ha ha!”

 

Elizabeth Guzman-Cabral, author of Chadwick

 

 

“One thing I own I would never throw away would be my first childhood stuffed animal - Honeybear. I still have him. He’s a bit worn down, but I took very good care of him. He used to have a little red string necklace with a green bead I made for him but one of the cats chewed it off. He’s been everywhere I’ve lived: New York, Sydney, Los Angeles and Dallas. He is my childhood. He is my home.”

 

Sara Castañeda, author of Underdog Bet

 

 

“I have few valuable possessions but the most valuable that I would never part with is my budget book - others love words and crosswords but I am a keen and regular budgeter.”

 

Jonathan Reach, author of Stormacre and Other Stories

 

 

“That’s an easy one to answer: my memories. They have been stored up over more than eighty years! A mixture of mostly positives, but also some negatives: beliefs, desires, friendships, passions, loves, successes, failures. Some sad times, some hilarious, some proud, some disastrous, but all part of the rich tapestry of life - as examined in my latest book!”

 

Mark Durman, author of Why? One Man’s Journey

 

 

“As it is autumn down under, I will be retrieving my winter clothes from mothballs rather than doing any spring cleaning.

 

As for what I would throw away - nothing - as I am a hoarder, and my possessions have to be physically wrenched from me. But as I have to give an answer, I will say my precious books.”

 

Cullie Prosser-Jones, author of Awaken Slumbering Souls

 

 

“I would never throw away my Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders) American football helmet, signed by the legendary Joe Theismann. I bought it in California during the best holiday my family and I have ever enjoyed. Just looking at the helmet instantly brings back a plethora of great memories of a wonderful three weeks spent in California. In addition, Joe was the main reason for me taking up the watching of American football and supporting Washington for many years.”

 

Charlie Summer, author of the Harry the Donkey series

 

 

“There are few things I value in this life - mostly my relationships with other people. However, there is one thing outside of this…

 

My odd music library is one thing I cannot live without. It is odd because it is filled with songs that almost nobody has heard of, and to me that makes them more special because it is as if I had discovered something. I simply love the music I love, and some days that is enough to get by.”

 

Michael Otis, author of The Gifted

 

 

“I’ll never throw away my photo albums spanning from my childhood until the present moment. I still enjoy sitting with my children and sharing the stories about the photos taken, reminiscing about my childhood, and giving them key details about their milestones in their junior years.”

 

Suzanne Marambio, author of Journey from the Ego to the Heart Centre

 

 

“Spring Cleaning - is that really a thing these days? I have a picture in my mind of matronly ladies hauling out carpets and hanging them over the washing line in the garden, then whacking them with a carpet beater that looked like a giant tennis racket. Is that genuinely remembered from my youth or just something I saw in The Beano? Who knows?

 

What I do know is that if I were having a clear out, I certainly wouldn’t discard my iPad. I wrote my novel Triptych: Pastiche on it, and it’s far too precious to be whacked with a tennis racket!”

 

Stephen Gage, author of Triptych: Pastiche

 

 

 

 

“As a musician I have a collection in my studio of priceless electric guitars, and various other instruments which makes this a difficult decision. However, when writing a book became a creative challenge, and a break from that computer screen was often required, my Kawai ES5 electric piano came to my rescue - and has done on many other occasions. So, this is something I own that I would never throw away.”

 

P. W. S. Henley, author of World War ll: The Fateful Meeting in Balestrand

 

 

“My concertina accordion. This is not an easy answer, because I’m something of a packrat. But for many years my concertina has been a source of amusement and a trusted travel companion. It has been instrumental (pun intended) in helping me make friends and has been part of countless cherished memories over the years.

 

Based on the Konmari Method, of keeping only what gives you joy, this particular item is at the top of my list.”

 

Darren Jerome, author of Grande

 

 

“The one thing that I own and would never throw away is my peddle bike, as I have fond memories of cycling around the streets of Paris - with the police very interested in its origins, just like Maurice did in my work.”

 

Simon Paul Bulles, author of A Chequered Past

 

 

“Clothes get gifted to second hand shops, old sneakers thrown away and replaced with some new pair of comfy flats, the toys regifted, broken toys in the bin, but something that will never leave the house are the books and the vinyl.

 

Books get moved from shelf to shelf - we find new space for more love - because that is something we are never getting rid of.

 

This year won’t be any different, declutter the house to what is not necessary, but my books, they will always stay.”

 

Roby Walsh, author of The Extraordinary Unicorn

 

 

“I would never throw away generations of photographs of family members, and of close friends and neighbors, who added to our extended family. All of them inspired and helped us along the way, a salient theme in my newly published novel.”

 

David Contosta, author of Happenstance

 

 

“There are so many items in my writing collection that are dear to me, but the one thing that I would never throw away is my notebook. It travels with me everywhere, so that when that perfect word, phrase or scene that I've spend an age searching my brain for occurs, I can jot it down for future use in my novel or short story.”

 

Kim Robyn Smith, author of A Room on the Moon

 

 

“With spring cleaning coming up, the one thing I will never throw away is what my Dad would call “his thinking cap”. It has a loading symbol and says “I’m thinking” on the front. I got it the day he died. It still smells like sweat and cigarettes and looks like it needs washed. I am not changing a thing about it and certainly never letting it leave my house.”

 

Sarah Stamper, author of You Were With Me When

 

 

"I'm not the best at spring cleaning because I place a lot of value in everything I have. If I had to do it, I would never be able to throw away the trinkets I've collected from my travels through the years. I have shelves filled with souvenirs such as shells, sand jars, picture frames, glasswork, local art, books, and more. It all represents important places, people, and memories for me. I expect those shelves will only continue to fill up as the years go by!"

 

Laney Krogh, author of Fairy Tale

 

 

“Apart from all the lovely pictures I have of my late husband Craig, the one thing I would never throw away is my bracelet.

 

Craig gave it to me after he was diagnosed with MND. Its inscribed 'hello gorgeous' which was how he greeted me every morning until the day he died.”

 

Anita Newton, author of The Under Tree Folk

 

 

 

 

“One thing I’ll never throw away is my set of juggling balls. Sure, I haven’t juggled in years, but they’re a reminder that at one point, I was really into attempting to impress people at parties... even if I never actually mastered it! As seen in Pearl, The Average Girl, you never know when a bag full of juggling balls can come in handy when saving the day!”

 

Cat Edwards, author of Pearl, The Average Girl

 

 

“I like to keep things that can be re-purposed or bring back memories. A particular item I would never throw away is a set of shell shaped dessert spoons.

 

I remember when I was young, my mother bringing these out for special occasions. When I ate jelly, my lips would wrinkle around the shape.

 

I have always called them ‘The wrinkly spoons’ and they always make the family smile.”

 

Graeme Scott, author of The Bright Pink Bear and the Funny Little Hare

 

 

“Even in the most frenzied spring clean there is one thing I would never throw away: Bunny. To some, Bunny might seem to be a stuffed toy rabbit. That might be correct, but it is not all. Bunny, you see, has a personality. Knowing Bunny allows my imagination to soar, imaginary conversations to form. Bunny is quite a character and often puts me on the spot with the truth. So, even being an adult, we need that place to go mentally to escape and sometimes just to have a friend, even if it’s an imaginary friend.”

 

Jo Brown, author of Bella, the Journey of a Blind Street Dog

 

 

“The one item I would never throw out in any spring cleaning is, a black and white photo from around 1967 that comprises of my parents, me, my older sister and younger brother. This picture symbolises my family, as my brother died two years later at seven years old - this picture is the last time we were together as a full family. It’s a memory that I can’t recreate.”

 

Anne Wise, author of Girls Can Play Too

 

 

“If I were to be quite sentimental in my answer, then I would have to say a hot pink, woolly scarf that belonged to my grandmother, but more generically, it would be my fridge magnets. I buy a new magnet every time I visit a new place in the world and I just love them!”

 

Ailbhe Donohue, author of A Job in Whitepost

 

 

"Even though I cherish spring cleaning time for the breath of fresh air feeling and that magical newness that it brings, I do not think I will ever be able to bring myself to throw out my wedding dress. I have so many prized possessions, such as an 1887 Shakespeare collection and my handpan, an absolutely beautiful instrument. My wedding dress, though, is a reminder of that life-changing day when I was able to live out my dreams as a true romantic at heart. I feel like an absolute princess whenever I wear it, and I remember that this was the day I started my life with my wonderful husband!"

 

Kara Lynn Amiot, author of A Fire Inside

 

 

“After a reasonably long life with many adventures, there are two or three keepsakes that hold a world of meaning for me:

One is the fishhook given to me by my brother, Chris, who was a deep-sea fisherman and the inspiration for my book.

 

Another is the little grey elephant that has somehow stuck with me for more than 50 years of travelling, moving house, marriage and parenthood. He is a faithful loyal friend to me now!”

 

Donna Smith, author of Where do Angels come from?

 

 

“No matter how many spring cleanings are ahead of me, I will never throw away my martial arts gear even though my abilities have diminished over the years. The uniforms, weapons, testimonials and photographs all remind me of decades of discipline, enthusiasm, and constant improvement; much like writing.”

 

Wes Loran, author of 20th Century American: A Novel Based on a Real Life Lived

 

 

“Easy. I have owned many telescopes over the years and still do, but my very first one will be with me forever. My interest in astronomy started very early on and when I turned 16, I decided it was time to build my own telescope. It worked and I was so proud of it that it still sits in my sunroom 48 years later, even after multiple moves and house clean outs. Theoretically it is still functional, but I know it will never be used again. It was this long-time interest in space that ensured my book was always going to be a science fiction novel.”

 

Rod Somerville, author of Species 8746

 

 

 

 

“My answer is as simple as this: I don’t think there is one thing I wouldn’t throw away. I know it’s spring, a season to be optimistic, but not yet. It’s late March, but we are still waiting for the full moon to complete the equinox, for light to vanquish darkness. It’s a time to remember that objects are only remnants of the past, and we should look forward to the future.

 

Also, choosing one object is making a choice, and making choices is what foreshadows our destinies, while our decisions are also rooted in the present, and shaped by our past experiences.”

 

Agatha de Loon, author of Rob My Heart and Hope to Die

 

 

“The one thing that I will not throw away during any spring clean is a grasshopper made from folded palm fronds. I have always been in awe of people who can make things with their bare hands.

 

I was in Granada, Nicaragua when a young lad came up to my table and created a grasshopper from fronds in front of me and presented it to my partner. She was fascinated by the process and thrilled with the result. He turned and walked away, but she called him back and gave him a generous tip. I would have waved him away as a beggar, but her compassion and generosity made me feel humble and it reminds me that I should donate generously to good causes.”

 

Norman Handy, author of Baltic Capitals

 

 

“This spring cleaning, I will not throw out my heart. For the scars and wounds and pumps and valves could only have been heaven sent. As acquiring new nests, whatever to toss is not a loss, but a vessel carrying hope for the season to have reason. As Treating Penance is about ultimate understanding and forgiveness, in which intentions are both inviting and infinite.”

 

Richard Ernest Mora, author of Treating Penance

 

 

“I am definitely not a hoarder - quite the opposite. I am quite ruthless in throwing things away; however, I will never throw out my wedding dress. It's nearly 10 years old now but I'd like to show it to my girls when they get married - see if it's still stylish then.”

 

Jen Goodall, author of Alife Bean is Going to Bed

 

 

“I have a beanie baby collection in my garage from my childhood that is stuffed in a trash bag but will never be thrown away. I used to play with them for hours creating narratives and stories as a daydreaming child so to me they represent my beginnings as a storyteller.”

 

David Shannon Allen, author of PI Arlo and the Case of the Chocolate Cul-de-sac

 

 

“I had to think hard about this, but the one thing I never throw out is Christmas decorations! We have an eclectic mix on our tree: a paper lantern and some tin bells from my Granny, a plastic flower cake decoration that was my Nana's, many decorations we made when I was a child. Now we have more every year that my children have made in nursery and school: a set of peg Nutcracker soldiers, a pom-pom dinosaur, several angels and many more! Every year we put them on the tree and add something else to the boxes before they get put away again!”

 

Katherine Hughes, illustrator of Frank and Audrey

 

 

“With spring cleaning upon us, the one thing I will never throw away are my Harry Potter books. I first ‘met’ Harry when I was seven years old, when my Mum began reading the series to me. I have enjoyed reading and listening to the books many times since and I cannot wait to share the magical world of Harry Potter with my little boy.”

 

Ellie Hern, author of Stanley’s Elephant

 

 

“I have a very beautiful collection of crystals I have procured over the years. There is one crystal in particular that came to me, when I felt I really needed it most. It now sits safely in my jewellery box as I’m too afraid to wear it, for fear of losing it. It really does hold such immense sentimental value. This is the one item I would never throw away during a spring clean.”

 

Jemma Powell-Tibbetts, author of Henry Hedgehog and his Super Long Spines

 

 

“With spring cleaning just around the corner, I know I’ll never part with my vinyl record collection. Those albums are like old friends whose company I cherish.”

Robert L. Stanfield, author of Philip Porcupine and Samuel Skunk Go on a Treasure Hunt

 

 

 

Thank you to our authors for taking part in this feature!

 

Make sure to take a look at our newest titles in our “Latest Releases” category today!

 

Happy Publication Day everyone!