Issue 16 – February 2022

Editor’s Letter

During January and February I have worked with a number of authors who I’d met at Pop-Up Horsham or who had subsequently contacted me having seen my article in AAH Magazine. Additionally, friends came forward and suggested friends of theirs who might like to work with me. 

This has resulted in a month with a variety of different focus for authors. I’ve worked with two self-published authors: Sue Wickstead and John T Leonard, completing an analysis of their current sales and marketing and making recommendations to ensure future sales. Additionally, I’m working with authors, Aaron Ottley and Esther Pepper. Again, both authors are working in very different genre and it’s been exciting to be involved in their projects.

Author, Gordon R Clarke got in touch to say that his book: Someone Else’s Gods, self-published by SilverWood books, was published on 21st February 2022. Details of this funny, touching and philosophical book of short stories can be found on his author page. 

Author, Veronica del Valle sent me details of a short story for 8 – 12 year olds, which she’s recently published and which you can download from the base of her author page.  

I hope your writing month has been just as exciting.

Happy writing,

Lesley

Contents: writing prompts, book reviews

Writing Prompts

Elodie clutched the frightened rabbit to her chest …

Bill dropped the body in a puddle, when would they ever learn …

Sally spun round, the nightclub’s lights temporarily blinding her …

Book Reviews  

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman 

I found this story captivating from the outset.

Eleanor Oliphant struggles with loneliness and drinks herself into a stupor every weekend in order to make the time between the end of the working week and the beginning of the next week more bearable. This isn’t to say that she cares for her colleagues, or that she loves her work – although she does find it satisfying. At times it is laugh out loud funny, but it is also at times desperately sad and emotionally wringing. It makes you question things in people which you might otherwise dismiss, or feel you don’t have the time or interest to absorb yourself in.

Raymond is a new member of staff at Eleanor’s workplace and her insinuates himself into her life and gradually helps her to see the value of friendship and to be able to break down the barriers she’s constructed around herself.

It is a delightfully uplifting read throughout and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone and everyone. 

Fortunately the Milk, by Neil Gaiman

This is a completely mad and therefore absolutely compelling read about a dad who goes out for the milk and steps into a crazy world where he almost comes home without it. Neil Gaiman has a great ability to make the ridiculous believable – a true talent. I zipped through this madly ludicrous book and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next – hilarious throughout!

In a House of Lies, by Ian Rankin

This was my first Rankin and I chose it because I wanted to read something by the author who’d stormed to the top of the book charts with this book, and also because he was a favourite of my Dad’s.

Beginning on an author’s ninth book was possibly not a wise move and the vast cast of characters made them confusing to pin down and recognise at times, but Ian stayed with each for long enough that I knew them well by the end. Additionally, the majority of the story is told through dialogue, which gives greater character perception. So this means that coming in at book nine brought me into the fold, rather than leaving me as an outcast.

With House of Lies you’re given not one but two crime stories, which run concurrently and keep the pace moving and interest high. There are twists and intrigue throughout and Ian is always one step ahead with storylines that are satisfying and unpredictable.

A full 10% of the book was devoted to its ending, which left no stone unturned and was therefore thoughtfully and powerfully rendered.

I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a really good and well-crafted story. Preferred genre isn’t an issue, because this book is more than simply crime writing; relationships are explored with depth and thought and an eye for the psychological twist which never disappointed.