Tales out of School

Heh, this was fun and SO true to life.
The chapter about the Nativity play was hilarious. I could just see this, with my own experience teaching in small country towns here. Overall, this was most enjoyable. I’m familiar with the pheasant plucker’s ditty; that was very funny. And I recall encountering a mysterious cupboard in my first school; they must be an occupational hazard. Chapter 4 was brilliant, as was Ch 5 about the filming.

Your writing has immense charm that captures the period and draws the reader in with this well written story.

Backed with pleasure. Deserves publication

This is a delightful story Jeanette. What a fascinating insight into a way of life that has disappeared, more's the pity. A great potpourri of fascinating characters and experiences. I have quite a collection of eccentrics in my life, and my mother used to frequently ask if I knew anyone normal. I could see this as a great series on the telly, along the lines of All Creatures Great and Small, or even The Vicar of Dibley and The Midsommer Murders. Long live the quirky people, I say. Backed. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

Chapter 3

I liked Henry, since I also like maths and especially algebra very helpful in computer programming.
This is a wonderful account of his success at showing the headmaster the errors on the board and not being ridiculed or punished for insolence. I didn’t notice any errors. I found it both interesting and amusing. Happy to back and good luck.

Anthony
Aqua Omega

What a charming place and collection of people you describe in your book. We're all a bit quirky when you think about it, but the individuals you write of made me smile. It makes me want to visit such a place.

Excellent first chapter, 'Darren' probably made the whole thing more entertaining. It just goes to show true life stories are the best.

I loved this. A pleasant read all round. Loved your voice. So many gems here, told well. The nativity bit. The description of Clive's antics, how he's settled down and how you hope his kids share his spirit. Starred highly. WLd with the intent of placing it proudly on my shelf, as soon as I can. Charming.
Sincerely,
John B Campbell (Walk to Paradise Garden)

I read several chapters of TALES OUT OF SCHOOL. The writing is genuine and sprinkled with humor. I particularly enjoyed the bit about the plezant phuckers. You've made me miss my days in the classroom.

Best,

Rob

Jeannette
I've read the first six chapters of your book and I must admit, I found it a total pleasure. Easy to read but written very well indeed. It reminded me of something I might read in The Northern Echo - a quality newspaper from County Durham - and it would work just as well as some kind of series (in a paper, magazine or website) and not just all placed together in a book. This isn't something that would ordinarily attract my attention, but I know quite a few people that would be attracted to it. But thankfully I really did find it a pleasure. This is a book that should be published, in whatever form.
Many thanks
Richard W Hardwick - author of Andalucia

I look forward to reading your book. Please take a look at mine, The Accursed Blood Bond. A story that started in the school room.

Charming! You write with humour, sensitivity and heart. I loved it and happily backed it! I would love to read more stories.

Ten years as an unpaid teacher's assistant prepared me for the possibilities here:-))
You captured it all so beautifully. I have no doubt there will be unbelievers, but not me. I've been there
I come from the place where the inn keeper lost both his front teeth on the day before first night and splatter Mary and Joesph with enough spit to bath in as he told them there was no room.
And a Mary who held the "baby Jesus" upside down until she dropped him on his head, but not until she had removed all his clothes and told an enchanted audience that he had no willie.
And I was equally enchanted with this.
Well done and good luck.

Hi Jeannette, ... I did so enjoy your stories as you know. Backed with pleasure.

I have given you a 6 star rating. This book needs to be out there.

Katy.xx
Phobic Dawn

Jim Darcy wrote 16 hours ago Thank you! I found your book really very funny! :D

Hi Marion! Thank you for backing London. Loved your synopsis, placing on my watch list, looking forward to reading!

blessings,
jim

Hi Jeannette. Looking forward to reading your work. You owned me by your synopsis.

blessings!
jim

I love these memoirs. About the nativity chapter, which had me LOL, I have directed adult Christmas plays before but of course it is the children's play which are the most entertaining. Please keep writing. Your book is full of "old school" charm. ;-)
I have backed your book. happily.
Teresa. Mary Magdalene; My Story

Heh, this was fun and SO true to life.
The chapter about the Nativity play was hilarious. I could just see this, with my own experience teaching in small country towns here. Overall, this was most enjoyable. I’m familiar with the pheasant plucker’s ditty; that was very funny. And I recall encountering a mysterious cupboard in my first school; they must be an occupational hazard. Chapter 4 was brilliant, as was Ch 5 about the filming.

Your writing has immense charm that captures the period and draws the reader in with this well written story.

Backed with pleasure. Deserves publication

I felt a bit like I was on a teacher exchange program with this. Your experiences are so different than mine. Village vs city. 70’s vs 90’s, etc.

I loved the Micky and pond story. Captures so elegantly “us and them”, “new and old”.

I got sucked into these tales, the movie, the passion play. Like family stories.

I kept wondering have they read it. I want to know what the village thinks of your memories.

Jeannette:

I’ve taken one brief passage from Ch. 1 to illustrate my point; i.e. that the language has a kind of “rough draft” feel to it, and is in need of editing. Here’s your version, below which is an edited version.

‘Hullo, you must be Mrs A. do you like water colours?’ he greeted me with a smile, and led me straight into his office where he had several paintings arranged on the floor leaning against his chair, desk and wall.
‘They are delightful,’ I enthused. ‘I especially like this one.’ it was a soft sunset view of the Chiltern Hills.
‘Yes,’ he said ‘that was done last year. I think it is the best . . .’ he trailed off obviously thinking deeply.
‘Here.’ He announced. ‘Here.’ and he lifted it and held it against the wall opposite his desk.
‘What do you think?’
‘Great! Beautiful! You will be able to look at it while you work.’ I replied.
‘I paint watercolours. I currently am preparing for an Exhibition—in London.’ He added, with some pride.

‘Hullo. You must be Mrs A. Do you like water colours?’ He greeted me with a smile, and led me straight into his office where he had several paintings arranged on the floor leaning against his chair, desk and wall.
‘They are delightful,’ I said, enthusiastically. ‘I especially like this one.’ It was a soft sunset view of the Chiltern Hills.
‘Yes,’ he said, ‘that was done last year. I think it is the best . . .’ He trailed off, obviously thinking deeply.
‘Here,’ he said. ‘Here.’ And he lifted it and held it against the wall opposite his desk.
‘What do you think?’
‘Great! Beautiful!’ I replied. ‘ You will be able to look at it while you work.’
‘I paint watercolours. I currently am preparing for an Exhibition—in London,’ he added, a hint of pride in his voice.

Rob

Brilliant I loved chapter two and the nativity. This is excellent written with humor and style. I have to log out now but wanted to let you know I enjoyed it I will come back for the last two chapters later.
Sue Mackender
Knowing Liam Riley

Very entertaining, kids really do say some of the funnier things in life and a Primary School has so many funny stories to give. Wishing you every success. Backed

Clare
A Policeman's Lot

Mary, Mary, quite contrary plays the Christmas pageant Mary in a pink party dress with spangles and what is poor Jeannette Ellwood to do? Tales Out of School will teach you a thing or two. Mercy, DARREN, mercy. The play’s the thing wherein lies the conscience of good old Joseph. Delightful, dear Ms. Ellwood, delightful. You put a smile on my face this morning.

Backed and best.

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School

This is a delightful story Jeanette. What a fascinating insight into a way of life that has disappeared, more's the pity. A great potpourri of fascinating characters and experiences. I have quite a collection of eccentrics in my life, and my mother used to frequently ask if I knew anyone normal. I could see this as a great series on the telly, along the lines of All Creatures Great and Small, or even The Vicar of Dibley and The Midsommer Murders. Long live the quirky people, I say. Backed. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

marion

i too was a tracher for many years. i enjoyed your story immenselyand your style is quite endearing and engaging. I love it. You write clearly and makes us a part of all this.

Very good

best

What a charming place and collection of people you describe in your book. We're all a bit quirky when you think about it, but the individuals you write of made me smile. It makes me want to visit such a place.

Hi Janette, just wondering if you have had the chance to take a look at Firelord yet? I'm especially hoping for some feedback on the later chapters. nb. chapter 34 is actually chapter 1 of book 2!
Thanks anyway, I enjoyed what I read of yours. :).
Jim Darcy
The Firelord's Crown

Oh, this is such a heart warming book, it reminds me of good old days in a small village school. Just the one I started at before moving to the city and going to a large school where it's so easy to get lost in the shuffle. The stories are great and funny only possible nitpick is the over use of adverbs in the writting. Try to get rid off them possiblly all or keep them to a absolute minimum. Backed!

It is so refreshing to read such a down to earth, witty novel full of real life characters - the kids are awesome and quirky all at once. Ive enjoyed your writing style and see much talent in what I have read so far. BACKED with pleasure.

Liz
The Cheech Room

Hilarious!

These are wonderful stories. We need to know something about you too,and your life in the seventies. Put it all together and you could have a hit. Backed.

I enjoyed reading your four stories.
You had 10 seconds of fame. Not bad.
Thank you for writing Tales out of School.

This made me chortle. Your reaction at the end of Ch 1 is entirely understandable! Minor typos etc which can be fixed.

A delightful read Charcters and diolouge are polished and engaged the reader drom the first word. C W

Chapter 3

I liked Henry, since I also like maths and especially algebra very helpful in computer programming.
This is a wonderful account of his success at showing the headmaster the errors on the board and not being ridiculed or punished for insolence. I didn’t notice any errors. I found it both interesting and amusing. Happy to back and good luck.

Anthony
Aqua Omega

Welcome aboard, Jeanette. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. The short pitch TELLS - SHOW us instead. With the long pitch, expand on it. This is non-fiction. SHOWS a bit more, some kind of story arch. End it with one succinct question. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

Though I have been a very active member for over a year, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

Dear Jeannette, I love your stories. :) "Christmassy" was a nice sounding word that I haven't heard in ages. :) "strawberry jam tea" sounds wonderful - I'm in California & love flavored tea - would love to taste it. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your recap/pitch before your story which was very well done. Your book is a good read because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "commenting & backing" your book which will help your book & mine to advance. Could you please return the favor by taking a moment to "comment & back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & the unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end my illness now & my 6th abusive marraiage." Thanks, Susie :)

TALES OUT OF SCHOOL
This is a delightful book to read. I remember my first semester teaching school as a horrible one so it was wonderful to see the way you can laugh at your near disasters. I know this is meant for adults but I think teenagers would enjoy this as well (help them understand teachers are not the witches they think they are, but very warm caring humans). It’s a wonderful read. I’m adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Move over, Miss Read! There still is a Victorian school in our village. Very funny, wry humour but underlaying affection and love. Kids are great, they never cease to surprise you. Lovely book. Jim Darcy The Firelord's Crown

Love it. What more can I say? Oh yes, shelved

What an enchanting read. Will there be more? I do hope so.

Charles