My first memory of storytelling was my father reading to me from 'The Hobbit' when I was a child, showing me the pictures and describing the adventures in his own wonderful words. As I grew up he would continue to tell me stories, some were based on local myths and legends, others on classic literature such as Poe. More than anything I owe my love for telling stories to my father, and the sense of wonder about the world which he encouraged me to explore. My name is Michael and it means a great deal to me that you have taken some time to read one or two of the stories I have written, born out of that imagination forged all those years ago.