Compendium

Thank you Colin, much appreciated. This collection will be expanded later, for now it is on the back burner while I finish Shadow of Winter.

Best of luck.
Jack H

The art and craft of writing effective short stories is certainly demonstrated in this collection, with its emphasis on fate and repercussions for the actions of self or others.

I read the first three of the six on offer, and each had its own unexpected twist. The writing is sharp, clear and succinct.

Of the three, I liked 'Click' the best as the situation is gradually revealed to the reader. There is also a very real and tragic scenario being played out here, whereas the other two venture into the realm of the paranomormal or unknown. At first the reader puzzles to understand the significance of the noise thet child has heard. But around the mid-way point, it dawns on the reader that the child is mesmerised by the click he hears on the ground below him, as realises that he has triggered a land mine or similar explosive device. The author cranks up the tension as each second goes by, and both the victim and the reader waits for the inevitable to happen. This was a powerful story, and an excellent choice to start the book.

I will return to read the remainder in the near future.

The art and craft of writing effective short stories is certainly demonstrated in this collection, with its emphasis on fate and repercussions for the actions of self or others.

I read the first three of the six on offer, and each had its own unexpected twist. The writing is sharp, clear and succinct.

Of the three, I liked 'Click' the best as the situation is gradually revealed to the reader. There is also a very real and tragic scenario being played out here, whereas the other two venture into the realm of the paranomormal or unknown. At first the reader puzzles to understand the significance of the noise that the child has heard. But around the mid-way point, it dawns on the reader that the child is mesmerised by the click heard on the ground, and realises that a land mine or siimilar explosive device has been triggered. The author cranks up the tension as each second goes by, and both the victim and the reader waits for the inevitable to happen. This was a powerful story, and an excellent choice to start the book.

I will return to read the remainder in the near future.

Jack Hughes knows his history! Superb.

Alison Butler

Thank you very much. These were just a few little ditties I strung together when the novels were going nowhere. I always find that taking a breather from one story, a change of genre, pace or direction, can really help, especially when you get tons of rejections. Restores a bit of the old faith, so to speak!

All the best, thanks for having a read.

Jack

Jack,
These short stories are excellent! My favorite was "Still To Come" and the ending was spectacular. The suspense throughout placed the reader in the short tale, which is where they should be. Love the "shorts", it isn't easy to pull off with enough story line to present introduction, convincing plot and climax. You have done it with ease. A full 6 stars for this one, will WL now and back asap.
Gretchen
"Drágön Spawn"

Jack,
These short stories are excellent! My favorite was "Still To Come" and the ending was spectacular. The suspense throughout placed the reader in the short tale, which is where they should be. Love the "shorts", it isn't easy to pull off with enough story line to present introduction, convincing plot and climax. You have done it with ease. A full 6 stars for this one, will WL now and back asap.
Gretchen
"Drágön Spawn"

Jack I have dipped into some of your excellent writing - short stories are difficult to bring off but you've managed it so well. Backed with stars by Valerie (Freckles the Fawn)

Thank you for your kind words, Jane, and the very best of luck with your books.

Jack

Jack

Your writing never fails to entertain and engage the reader. I especially enjoyed ' A Proper Breakfast ' and The Ghost of Thackery Cottage '

Backed with the greatest of pleasure.

Jane

Jack

Your writing never fails to entertain and engage the reader. I especially enjoyed ' A Proper Breakfast ' and The Ghost of Thackery Cottage '

Backed with the greatest of pleasure.

Jane

I dipped in and out and found the writing to be refreshing and well proportioned.

BACKED

Also included is a short little poem I wrote for my nephew.

Keep scribbling everyone.

Jack

I'm trying to work out the time and setting for Click but whatever I come up with doesn't seem to fit...there are few clues if any in the text so for me there are too many unanswered questions at the end. The writing is well crafted and confident so backed!
Cheers
Stewart

Dear Jack, All of your stories have twists & I like most of all Harper brothers & Colin (& Jim) :) - too much of a coincidence, right? :) I've backed both of your books & you've back mine. :) Thank you. :) Love, Susie :)

:) comment to follow - read & commented on 9 hours later :)