READ MY
​SHORTS
The new book from the author of 'Darwin's Wake'.
READ MY SHORTS
A Collection of Short Fiction explores the extraordinary events that occur in ordinary lives. Spanning genres and a palette of emotions—from joy and regret to dark humour and quiet reflection—these stories distil the human experience into moments that are at times, poignant, absurd, and yet always powerfully authentic.
With a distinctive voice and an eye for the quirky and profound, Mitchell reveals hidden depths in everyday encounters. Each story is sharply observed and deeply resonant.
Following his debut novel Darwin’s Wake, Mitchell proves his versatility in this compact and compelling collection. Read My Shorts is storytelling at its finest—honest, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
Pete Mitchell
Pete Mitchell lives, as a guest of the Whadjuk Noongar people, in Boorloo (Perth), Western Australia.
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After publishing one non-fiction book and more than fifty scientific papers, Pete made the leap to fiction with his debut novel 'Darwin’s Wake' in 2022. His latest release, 'Read My Shorts', brings together stories that reveal his sharp wit, compassion, and fascination with the complexities of human behaviour.
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Winner of the 2025 Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival Prize for Short Fiction, Pete’s work has also appeared in 'The Weekend Australian' and Ultramarine Literary Review.
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With a background in chemistry and business, and a work history that ranges from chicken farming to door-to-door sales, Pete draws inspiration from life’s variety and absurdity. His stories explore connection, morality, and the social undercurrents that shape our world.
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A member of Writing WA and The Writers Collective, Pete is driven by a love of travel, a strong sense of social justice, and a deep appreciation for the natural environment. When he isn’t writing, he can often be found walking in the Australian bush, planning his next journey, or—like all writers should—reading widely and with curiosity.
The author acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which he lives and works. He recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, and community. He pays respect to Elders past and present, and extends that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. He lives and works on unceded lands.