A. L Kennedy

Badger Bill needs rescuing. He's been kidnapped by two nasty sisters who are about to make him fight a boxing match against three even nastier dogs. The four most depressed llamas in the history of llamas need rescuing too. They are about to be turned into llama pies. But never fear - Uncle Shawn is here! He loves rescuing things. He has a rescuing plan, which involves dancing, and a mole, and an electric fence. What could possibly go wrong?

Set in 2014, this is a novel of our times. Poignant, deeply funny and beautifully written, it centres around two decent, damaged people trying to make moral choices in an immoral world; ready to sacrifice what's left of themselves for honesty, and a chance at tenderness. As they navigate the sweet and serious heart of London, passing through 24 hours that will change both for ever, an unusual, moving love story unfolds.

Here, as before, lies the battlefield of the heart, where characters who have suffered disaffection, alienation or emotional damage somehow emerge - haltingly, awkwardly - into the astonishment of intimacy. And here, too, are the ones who will not shake off the hurt and the loss, who will not come through. The title story takes place on a railway platform, with a couple waiting for a train that never comes, and opens out into the husband's shocking...

Packed with tips from bestselling and prize-winning authors, this book gives you all the practical advice you need to write and publish your novel.