The Melbourne Writers' Social Group began as a social outlet for those in a craft where most of their work is done in isolation. Our membership is a melting pot of novelists, short story writers, poets, playwrights, screenwriters, songwriters, and those who have an idea they want to write about, but don't know where to begin. The events we organize have become the proverbial water cooler for those who use the written word as their creative outlet.

This anthology is a representation of the spirit of what the Melbourne Writers' Social Group is all about—cultivating an atmosphere where writers are encouraged to explore their passion, improve their craft, learn about their trade, and to do so in a social environment that is supportive and fun.

The stories you will read are a snapshot of writers at various points in the development of their craft, each with different strengths and weaknesses, each with unique voices, and all of whom have done what each of us as writers believe we should always do more of—commit to a project, write it, submit it for feedback, revise and then finally submit it for publication and release into the world.

The topic for this inaugural anthology is Valentine's Day. We chose this topic because it's a day that has the power to evoke warm, fuzzy, and romantic feelings or equally cold, harsh, and bitter ones. These writers have taken on the task of addressing this topic from their own original perspectives.

So, as we say in the Group, we invite you to sit back with a cuppa or a drink, relax, and enjoy the following stories. May these pages charm and delight you, or run a chill up your spine, if you prefer.