New Coats for Old Tales
Old stories updated and edited for contemporary readers.
The 19th and early 20th century was the golden age of the short story and serialised novels. With limited entertainment at home, reading was a popular pastime. Growing up in the Scottish Highlands in the 1970s, I immersed myself in this type of literature, as our entertainment choices were also limited.
However, by the time my daughter was old enough to read these stories the time difference between when they were written and the present era was too vast. The language of the stories, and the context they were written in was too different. It is not surprising that much of this remarkable literature has faded into obscurity.
As these stories are now out of copyright I am committed to ensuring they can be enjoyed by a new audience. I search out great stories. Then I give them a ‘make-over’, or a new coat, by updating the language where appropriate. The original stories were often verbose, following the conventions of the time and sometimes to prolong the narrative, particularly if the story was serialised. Therefore I edit the text to make it more accessible to international, contemporary readers.
I don’t re-write the story, and I maintain the setting in the age that was originally intended. However, certain assumptions were made in the tales, that are unfamiliar to modern readers. In such cases, I provide contextual information to assist the reader, either in the introduction or in footnotes.
I admire the creativity of the original writers, and want to honour their talent. Therefore, like a translator, I try to maintain the spirit and personality of the original work.
I want these stories to be read again. Because they are enjoyable to read, and they also provide valuable insights into how we lived in the past.
Why subscribe?
In the past stories were often serialised, creating a sense of anticipation that is rare nowadays. I enjoy a leisurely read, as it slows down the pace of life, which is why some stories will be spread out over two or more weeks. By subscribing, you will receive a story via email every Friday, allowing you to experience the stories in the same manner as the original readers.
These are great stories that I am trying to preserve for future generations. If you appreciate my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to support me, as it requires time and craft to discover and update these stories. I will continue to provide some free content, however, free subscribers may be directed to the original edition if they wish to read the conclusion of a paywalled story. I am also considering adding podcasts.
A monthly paid subscription costs less than half the price of a single paperback book, or one magazine (rates below1). With a paid subscription you will receive a weekly story, and complete access to all the stories. Your paid subscription will also allow me to continue to discover and update more of these entertaining stories, so they can be read by a new generation of readers.
Many thanks, Kate x
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Say ‘hello’
I enjoy reading your comments (I always respond) and engaging in wee discussions. Additionally, if you are aware of any old stories that could be made more accessible for today’s readers by updating and editing (and are out of copyright), please let me know.
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A monthly subscription to ‘New Coats for Old Tales’ is £5 ($6.76) a month, or if you buy an annual subscription it works out at £4.16 ($5.62) a month. Exchange rates may vary. In 2025 the average price of a paperback book in the UK is £10. In the US the average price is $16. A magazine can cost around £5 ($6.76).
