Drawing on a lifelong fascination with classic children’s literature, forgotten stories, poetry and antiquarian bookshops, Mark Short creates a fantasy adventure where books unlock hidden worlds and imagination drives discovery.
The Woodlands, TX (PRUnderground) June 26th, 2026
For decades, Mark Short balanced a career in education with a personal passion for discovering forgotten stories, collecting classic children’s books, poetry, and exploring antiquarian bookshops. Writing under the pen name Idris James, he now draws on those lifelong interests in William and the Secrets of the Enchanted Forest, a debut fantasy novel published by Grand Publishers.
The novel follows William, a young boy who leaves London to spend the summer with his enigmatic Uncle Andrew in a remote countryside home. What begins as an ordinary visit soon develops into an extraordinary journey into an enchanted forest filled with hidden pathways, ancient secrets and unexpected discoveries.
At the heart of the story is a magical library unlike any William has encountered before. Within its walls, books do more than tell stories. Historical figures emerge from their pages, forgotten worlds reveal themselves, and knowledge becomes an essential tool for navigating the challenges that lie ahead. As William explores the library and the forest beyond, his love of reading repeatedly helps him uncover clues, understand hidden dangers and make sense of the mysterious world around him.
Inspired by years spent reading classic children’s fiction, poetry and searching for overlooked literary treasures, Short has created a story that celebrates imagination, curiosity and the enduring appeal of books. Throughout the novel, reading becomes a gateway to discovery, adventure and unexpected possibilities.
Short spent more than twenty-four years teaching in London schools after originally training as a mechanical engineer. Alongside his professional career, he remained an enthusiastic reader of classic children’s literature, poetry and a regular visitor to antiquarian bookshops. Those lifelong interests helped inspire the magical library, hidden stories and spirit of discovery that run throughout William and the Secrets of the Enchanted Forest.
“Some of my happiest memories are wandering through second-hand bookshops and discovering books I had never heard of before. Those discoveries felt like opening doors into hidden worlds. When I began writing William and the Secrets of the Enchanted Forest, I wanted to capture that same sense of wonder and curiosity for young readers.”
Alongside its fantasy adventure elements, the novel explores themes of friendship, courage, personal growth and responsibility. William’s journey introduces readers to memorable characters, hidden libraries, magical landscapes and a centuries-old legacy connected to the protection of the enchanted forest.
While rooted in fantasy, the novel celebrates the enduring appeal of reading, curiosity and discovery. Through William’s adventures, readers encounter a world where books reveal hidden possibilities, imagination is rewarded and ordinary moments can become extraordinary journeys.
William and the Secrets of the Enchanted Forest is available in Kindle eBook, paperback and hardcover editions through Amazon, Waterstones, Blackwell’s and major online booksellers.
ABOUT MARK SHORT
Mark Short is a London-based author, former teacher and lifelong collector of classic children’s literature. After training as a mechanical engineer, he spent more than twenty-four years working in education while continuing a personal passion for reading, antiquarian bookshops and forgotten stories. Writing under the pen name Idris James, he draws on those interests to create imaginative adventures inspired by the enduring magic of books.
William and the Secrets of the Enchanted Forest is his debut novel.
For interview requests, media enquiries or review copies, please contact:
Mark Short
Email available upon request
About Grand Publishers LLC
Grand Publishers is a specialised author-assistance firm that supports independent writers through every phase of the book-creation process, from manuscript refinement to global distribution. Their model has maintained a high 95% client satisfaction rate, with 75% of authors returning for subsequent projects, and their marketing strategies have helped elevate over 300 titles. Rated highly on Trustpilot, they are recognised for providing a transparent, professional alternative to the traditional ”Big Five” publishing route.
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Original Press Release.
