Bronwyn Elsmore

These Islands Here – Short Stories of the South Pacific

Fictional tales presenting the varied facets of living in the South Pacific – pleasure, pain, calamity, comedy, fun, misfortune, loss, triumph – as in any part of the world, of being human. Most have been published previously, several have won short story competitions.

Backwards into the Future

You can’t go back. So everyone says. But Mary is back in her old hometown. That’s because of two women she hasn’t seen for decades – one of them pushing her, the other holding back. A plum tree has gone, but a lemon tree thrives. The mystery surrounding the boat with painted eyes may never be solved, but if Ana returns too some things from the past can be recovered. Can’t they?

Seventeen Seas

Stowaways in lifeboats? Germans claiming deckchairs? When passengers from many places are together on a cruiseship, there's gotta be fun – through 10 countries, 15 ports, across 17 seas. Readers say: “a very amusing fiction-from-fact traveling journal…sailing through seventeen seas, stopping at exotic ports…we view the cruise through the eyes of a cross section of passengers.” “I have recommended ...

Every Five Minutes

Gina, if that's her real name, walks into the city then turns and returns home. This is not a day for work. Today she will spend with a white dog and a remarkable man. Every Five Minutes is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. Readers say: “Bronwyn Elsmore has crafted a beautiful story in a unique way.” “A very unique read to be sure, but her writing brilliance showed on each page as she pulled it off.” ...

These Islands Here - short stories of the South Pacific

Stories of Aotearoa-New Zealand, and other islands of Polynesia. 32 fictional tales based on the varied facets of living in these islands situated in the South Pacific – pleasure, pain, calamity, comedy, fun, misfortune, loss, triumph – as in any part of the world, of being human. Most have been published previously, in magazines including NZ Listener, Takahe, Eve, Thursday, included in an ...

Rushton Roulette

“We’re not committing suicide here. Trust me, we’re coming back.” Four women resist the thought of sliding into old age and decide to meet the challenge head on. “It’s a bit like Russian Roulette,” says Heather. “The chances are better in that,” replies Merryn, “there it’s only one in six that you get the bullet.” Will they, won’t they, see it through? If stories of women acting contrary to expect ...