Pelt and Other Stories

These are stunning!
I don’t know how to describe these, it almost that you have captured such complexity with simplicity. – Brilliant.
Great use of multi-sensory descriptive narrative and a fantastic style. I am slightly in awe of these (especially Pelt). Very, very good.

I've rarely been so affected by a piece of writing. I don't know if it's the effect you meant, but if I'd been Rolfe's wife I'd have dragged his bitch of mistress's hair out, to quote her. I can't choose certain passages for special notice, it's all special. The biggest trull in literature is my opinion. Backed. Lynn

Incredibly lush and varied stories are top of the line! Your book should do very well on this site. You do want to pay attention to advice, such as Francine's below. You have an artistic, eye catching cover. BACKED -Elizabeth Wolfe (Memories of Glory)

Hi Catherine, I read the Coptic Bride. It immersed me with the setting details and the strong exact style which rendered the characters so well. The spot where the sister asks Adam when the wedding will be was a good turning point that made me want to read to the end. That glimpse of him made him fascinating in the cosmopolitan scenes. A chilling end and finely lead up to. Easily shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

I've just read your first story and have to say that it's probably the best of its kind that I've cpome across so far on Authonomy...effortless, crisp, observant, raw, honest writing. It could only have been written by someone who's 'been there and done that'...I spent 16 years in Africa as an expat teacher and had more than my share of 'experiences' of one kind or another. The characters are so authentic that I can see and hear them quite clearly...this is a delight in every way and desrves to be published
Best wishes
Stewart

Read the second story - Coptic Bride - as the characters grabbed me straight away. Love the language used here - like 'Today was a day to nail' and the sailing descriptions - clipped and forceful, direct.
Though at the start and maybe this is the book picture, I was thinking the narrator is female ,so my only suggestion is to make that really obvious to start with just so as not to distract, (and sorry if this has aldready been done, I may have been a little slow here). But yeah, great story, very very believable and powerful, the crash/wedding thing is great. And fun to read despite the seriousness underlying it. Luk

Hi Catherine
This story is really powerful. Your description of the actions and background are really visual and I found it really easy to picture what was happening. I loe the use of short sentences and paragraphs - it adds to the tension. I think what I like most is the depth of the characters you've created. Brilliant.
DP Walker
Five Dares

Phenominal writing! Easy to back and I will return to read more of this later - I wish I had a copy of this now to take on holiday next week. BACKED with pleasure.

Liz
The Cheech Room

Really evocative writing within these pages. There is a darkness to their tone, and a realism that flows throughout. Short stories are, to me, a challenge for any writer, and you have crafted seperate entities here with aplomb, uniting them through your tone and eloquence.

Backed with pleasure.
Abi xxx

Hi Catherine, these are masterful tales, full of dark humour and comment.
Writing at its raw best.
Backed with pleasure
Barry
LITTLE KRISNA AND THE BIHAR BOYS

Hello Catherine. Just a thought. The pitch starts in third party then changes. I got a bit confused. It might be good to read this to yourself out loud. Someone gave me good pointers for my pitch, it has improved but still has a way to go. I Really wish you to succeed with your book and this is why I am paying this forward. This may be the only chance you get when a publisher see it. Maybe put a separate para after patterns and instincts. Cant wait to see the book cover as this is what will make readers buy the book and WOW do you have a good story line. This coupled with your VIVID characters will make this hit the shelves. I for one BACKED your book, and if you need anything just let me know. ........If you would review 'The Letter' and give your comments and backing, I would appreciate it. and BEST of luck.

Denise
The Letter

Welcome aboard, Catherine. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. I'm a bit of a pitch doctor, having read thousands of pitches in my time on this website, so I want to share my insight here with you. You have to think of your pitches as your sales tool to grab the casual reader's eyes. The short pitch is huh? Don't TELL, SHOW. The long pitch needs to be broken down into smaller paragraphs so it reads faster. 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 and have the most commented book on the website, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

Hi Catherine,

I have backed your book because I was hooked by the pitch, loved the introduction and read on. How much more I read depends on time and commitment.

Enjoy everything and good luck.

Rusty Bernard
Psychiatric Evaluation

PELT & OTHER STORIES
This is a good collection of short stories. I began with the third story: Cartography - so was impressed from the start. You have a real knack of being able to describe characters or their thoughts in just a simple phrase that serves you well as a short story writer; gets to the point immediately and keeps your short story short. I’m adding these to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

You write very well and portray your characters thoughts with insight and depth. Description is enough to anchor the reader and provide sufficient backdrop to enjoy the story. Thanks for sharing these.
Jim Darcy
The Firelord's Crown

Really well done, I wish you the best of luck with it. E.Loraine Royal Blood Chronicles book one

Emotively written and very well observed. This should do very well indeed. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-How Mean is my Valley)

Brilliant writing. Stunning and gripping.

Dear Catherine, I love your adventerous stories - traveling all over & feeling what they are feeling - great job of putting right there with them. :) Your pitch was very well done. :) You created interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which made me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book. :) "When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"...authonomy quote. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
additional authonomy quote: "Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs." :)
backed :)
Love, Susie :)