My first dip of the toe into the pool of creative writing…
I’m glad I paid for professional proof-reading and copyediting, as I can face my readers and say, ‘It’s the best I can do at this stage of my development, and I’ve ensured it is technically sound and a smooth read.’
As for the stories themselves…are they engaging? do they stand comparison with other author’s work? Here’s what my first five reviewers said…
“I love the range of emotions wrapped up in each story. Witty, informative, educational – a thoroughly interesting read. Strongly recommend it to any literary reader!” awww…thanks sis. I’ll try and be nicer to you…
Here’s a slightly cryptic one from someone I don’t know…
“Great collection of stories. Intriguing and witty. Popeye shouldn’t read this…but everyone else should.”
Thrilled to get a five start rating from a stranger…but what does it mean??? I can’t see Popeye grappling with a tablet with his big thumbs, open can of spinach in the other hand. Olive Oyle is a potential reader though…
A review from a member of my writing group is most welcome and I appreciate the peer support…
“Fascinating glimpses into the history of the area. I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories and wanted some of them to continue so I could find out what happened to the characters.”
Hmmmm….perhaps some stories could be extended into something longer, but I like the short story format because of my short attention span and inclination to hop from one idea to another.
Another review was from a cousin who I have no contact with, so the family grapevine works…
“An excellent collection of short stories which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Well written – can’t wait to read more from this author.”
Wow! great review and from an unexpected quarter… maybe I should re-engage with some distant branches of the extended family. Especially now I’m an erm… author.
A review from a golf buddy who I never discussed books or reading with, just put his email on a speculative mailing…
“Great little stories. Who is the murderer at Henley Regatta? Definitely the best of the bunch.”
Nice…and I’ve put ‘Murder at Henley Regatta’ forward for inclusion in an anthology of emerging writers…
With a few sales and a handful of reviews, I feel I’m emerging, blinking into the sunlight, embracing my new status and standing firmly behind my book in a few local media interviews. It’s a start. I’m up and running.
Tim Walker 
Congrats! I was glancing at flash fiction over lunch and saw your post. I read the first story over lunch (Digital is sooooooooo easy). The White Horse was a fun read and I’m looking forward to the rest.
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Great! So pleased you liked the first story! My copy editor told me to put it up front….she knows her stuff! Let me know what other stories you like…
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