Kettle. Tap. Door.

Clare, I just read the first few paragraphs and am hooked already. So far, it seems like you've got an interesting character on your hands - and you've totally nailed the OCD thing! Your writing has a nice flow to it. I'm looking forward to reading more. Keep up the good work! Deidra

I Love this One!!! And I love it just as it is written!!! The interchange between the characters, switching back and forth even in the same paras, the voice, actually the voices!, the mood, gosh, this is a beautiful piece. I collect books, and want this one on my shelf!

oh my goodness! i'm just so gripped by this book i went mental when i lost internet connection as i moved to chapter 3....i only stoppped by for a peak and to add to my watch list for later reading. now 3 chapters on i've skipped the watch list and put you on my shelf. i especially like the way you tell the tale from a different view, really feels like you're getting it all from every angle possible and the opening part really connects you with what sufferers go through on a daily basis. am wondering how much further i can get before my husband starts asking how i'm getting on with my re write....

sarahg

ps, glad you like the sound of my book and thanks for putting me on your watch list.

Dear Clare,

This is a really excellent description of OCD. I'll be back to read more later. I've started to upload my memoir of OCD, depression and anorexia and would appreciate it if you would have a look at it.

Liz

This is brilliant, so real.

I especially enjoy a title whose meaning is not revealed until you've read a bit of the story. From that point, it's spot on.

Jedah Mayberry
-Slow Train Comin'

I think this is a tremendous achievement and am very surprised that it is not higher up in the ratings - it's criminal! Catherine was so well drawn as a character. She is the most realistic (and damaged) character I have read about in a long time. The other characters only add to Catherine's because their viewpoints concern her alone. I felt so sorry for her. Her life is a nightmare.

I am not sure where the plot is going to go, but I think that, as it stands, with a few changes in the last couple of chapters, this would make a fantastic 'novella' (I think that's what they're called!) because it moves in a complete circle and Catherine ends much where she started (though even more damaged).

Completely backed for a long time to come. Well done.

This is my second backng of this excellent book. It is insightfull and an interesring read



Amelia Gail
A date in the diary

Hi Clare

This is super. I don't normally like books about an "issue", but you've made Catherine so sympathetic, I'm really worried for her and how she will manage now she's lost her job. Don't know what else to say. Great work. No nitpicks. Will read more. Backed (please wait a day or so for it to show - new system and all that).

Nicole
Chosen

Hi

Wow, you did that well. I was going a little crazy trying to deal with her OCD, much as I am sure she was! You get people into the character very quickly. I was remeinded of a book called " The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time", which has a protagonist who is on the Autism spectrum...very well done. Good luck

What a great read this is! You've drawn the reader into the mind of an OCD sufferer easily and swiftly, gaining sympathy for the main character. Having many points of view has lessened the introverted personality and given insight into other characters and situations also. A compelling story and one that should be published. All the best with this one. Backed. Katherine - The Quizzical Wizards of Id.

Hey Clare,

This absolutely fantastic - I haven't read all the chapters yet, but promise I will in time. But for now, because I can identify with all I have so far read - Backed with all enthusiasm.
Would you mind a quick look at my second story, Cross My Path? I do hope you enjoy!

Thank you for your support
Best wishes
Paul Barr
All In One Week
Cross My Path

Hi Clare,
Well, here's what I think. You portray the obsessive/compulsive disorder masterfully. I usually don't like rotating points of view--it seems a bit like cheating or playing God. In this case, I liked them some of the time. Catherine's POV is a no-brainer--we need it to make sense of the story. Tom's POV worked also, as it helps show the yang of this life-changing relationship. Angela's POV worked because its sympathetic concern for Catherine drew the reader to sympathize as well. I think I'd cut back on some of the others. The plot is pure genius, especially the part your uploads didn't reach, where Karen places blame and obsesses on justice. Backed.
Niobrara Kardnova (Family Irregulars)

Clare I am loving this story,it is beautifully written and shows just how debilitating a condition OCD can be.

Backed
Clare
A Policeman's Lot

Brilliantly done and backed with pleasure.
Jenny
Lovesick

CLARE-


This book has a very strong inquiry about life, its purpose and where it leads us. Every angle of this book is full of psychological substance that would encourage the reader to keep reading and dig out the mystery that covers it. The opening scene beautifully draws a stable foundation of the book. The plot is very simple but very comprehensive. The characters are floating with clearness and credibility. I love how the way the dialogues are being manipulated since they employ interaction among the characters that make the story interesting.
Good luck to your book. I hope you will get a good publisher very soon.

FLETCH

This is fascinating! Compelling from the very beginning. Wonderful dialogue, great insight into your MC.

Backed with pleasure!
Cori
"Princess"

This is a gem. I really liked this. I only had enough time today to read 2 chapters, but I will definitely be reading on. I like character driven novels, and stories with a strong narrator's voice, which yours has. You really get into their heads, allowing the reader to connect with them. I think all your characters are good, especially Catherine. Although Catherine is a hell of a lot more obsessive than me, I can sympathise with her. I've gone back to check that I've unplugged things (eg. the hair straightener, etc.) and it annoys me when I do this.

I'll message you and keep you updated on my thoughts about the followup chapters. All the best, Marita.

KETTLE, TAP, DOOR-Clare Wiltshire
hullo Clare. How very real and right to the point. No pun intended. Makes me want to wash my hands. Great work.
Already shelved and backed.
Please take a look at my book if you have not and thanks for that if you have.
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

Love this. The writing is superb. I can understand just how Catherine feels about clenliness and everything that needs to be put in order. You write so that I'm in her brain, experiencing it for mself.

Hang in there. There are some rough newbies stepping up at the moment, but they won't last. I refuse to back bad writing. Good luck with your book.

Francene. Still Rock Water.

This is and awesome read. The realism in the manuscript makes you feel as if your sitting across the table from the charcters have a quit dinner. C W

O dear a bit of many of us in some of this. Good story. read a good chunk last night but was too tired to comment. Plausible and realistic. Glad that I backed it.

One small obs... abouyt 20-30 lines down ch 1.' Did he just tell me?' should surely be a new paragraph/ line.

best wishes

david
the collector of tales

This reads like non fiction. Catherine is so real that I could meet her on the street and know her. You tell this so well. It makes the reader understand OCD.

This is so poignant - wonderfully done. And perfect - and painful that a plumber be the one to court Catherine. I like to always offer some kind of critique - but am at a loss here. A fine psychological novel - I feel how she is tortured. Best of luck. Please take a peek at my book when you have a chance.
Tricia

this is really enjoyable, a job well done backed

alison

I was captivated by the title and it's just right for the infuriating, but so sympathisable character, Catherine. You have outlined her constant dilemmas and the impossibility of them for those around her. Well done. Backed
Lara
Good for Him

Clare,
You have a well written story here.
Not my kind of read but deserving od shelf spave.
Well done,
MickR - The Nightcrawler

Thoroughly readable, there is a lot going on in your character's head and it feels like taking a peek into someone's life, their worries and obsessions.. nice flow and good pace, Backed!
Diane
Good Blood

Clare
This is a great read. Well written. The theme is original and ocb obsessive compulsive behaviour is something that interest a lot of people. Good, solid dialogue. Your portrayals are fab.

Best
THE MIND SETTER

If this is fiction my god you did your homework. I had no idea what this awful infliction did to people the poor girl but there is a glimmer of hope that Tom may be the one to help her. I really like they way you switch from character to character.
I will be back for more of this one oh and great title and cover.
Amelia x

A Date in the Diary – I do hope you enjoy it

This is an insightful look at the behavior of someone afflicted with OCD, simple aspects of what many of us grapple with every day, like the checking and rechecking of an iron left plugged in, a light turned on, a list to be made. I empathize with her. Just a nitpick: It is confusing when your partials are subtitled by a name and then it is not written in first person associated with that name. It is still Catherine observing these other people and her connection with them, so I wonder if labeling is necessary. Good job.

Thank you for your comments Lenore - can I just say that each subheading is then written in the first person by that character. If it does not come across that way then that is something that I need to look at. But that is why I put the heading's - so the reader knew whose POV we were following. Clare

This is an insightful look at the behavior of someone afflicted with OCD, simple aspects of what many of us grapple with every day, like the checking and rechecking of an iron left plugged in, a light turned on, a list to be made. I empathize with her. Just a nitpick: It is confusing when your partials are subtitled by a name and then it is not written in first person associated with that name. It is still Catherine observing these other people and her connection with them, so I wonder if labeling is necessary. Good job.

Reading this book makes me realise just how bad this compulsion is. I like the fact that you swap from POV as it keeps the story moving and gives us an external point of view to Catherine’s internal one. I haven’t had much experience of this illness I had not realised how debilitating it is. This is excellent I wish you luck
Sue Mackender
Knowing Liam Riley – Please spend a moment to take a look

I actually know someone just like your character Catherine. This was an enjoyable read, with a lot of thought going into the storyline. Well done. Backed. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

The opening is an interesting stream of conciousness, but I was really grabbed with the first chapter! Really love the story. I noticed a line you don't really need "I try to apologize" but that's just a little nit pick (You show it in the dialogue and don't need to tell us. I find the characters intriguing. I always wanted to write a story like this, but when I try it turns out boring. You really made it awesome. All my admiration--I think this will go far!

xBeccaX
The Forever Girl

Clare,this is a well written piece of work.All the best with it!

Michelle
Hush Hush

Hey Claire- I thought I saw that this book was a memoir so i went to your site to check it out because my book is too and I had not seen too many on here. Is this a memoir? Anyway, I absolutley love your title. I like how you try to use two points of view- it's a creative touch. If I have one suggestion it would be to end this chapter with more of a bang. I was surprised when it ended with "her worrying." I think you could go deeper there and really obsess over the obsessing.

Hopefully you can check my memoir when you get a chance. Naya (Aquarian Moon.)

This is very well written and gives us an insight into obsessive behaviour that we can probably all relate to - albeit at a much lower level. Which one of us has never found themselves avoiding the cracks in the pavement (or deliberately adjusting our stride to step on each one), and changing our position on the settee back to the one where our favourite sports team triumphed. Irrationality, often at a semi-conscious level. The MC of the book suffers this behaviour to an almost infititely highre degree, but we can still feel her humanity trying to pull her back to "normality". Backed. Colin

30 September 2010
Bear with me while I take a few moments of your time to make a point. This work has been around for a while and I've just 'lucked' onto it. Most denizens of this site profess the strongest aversion to Spam and yet if someone had drawn my attention to this work I would have backed it and commented ages ago. Anyway, better late than never.
An obvious competency in the creation and use of graphic and meaningful prose, together with the literary expertise and command in utilising tempo and style to achieve the desired effect is illustrated on the pages of Kettle Tap Door. The obsessive nature of the narrator is captured and described to a T. As the work progresses emotion is woven into the story although tragedy in the offing seems inevitable. However, life does go on. A difficult subject skilfully handled. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

Brilliant work Clare.......
Backed with pleasure
Helen
The Last Dream

Very well captured, the descriptive and powerful story is effective in getting the readers attention.
A credible and compelling story.

Jane.

Clare,

I think the hardest part about reading Kettle. Tap. Door. was recognizing how many of Catherine's habits I have myself! (Haven't been fired though. Yet.) You've got a wonderful sense of your main character, and although I hope you're not suffering with the same affliction, you certainly understand her. This is a great trip worth taking.

Nice job! Backed! Looking forward to your thoughts on Head Games!

Kevin Alex Baker
Head Games

Clare,
Kettle. Tap. Door. has a unique protagonist with problems I can't even imagine. Your storyline is original and filled with intrigue. Backed with enthusiasm.

You have a great, easy-to-read writing style and a compelling storyline. Brilliant opening. I'm sure you'll do well with this,

Annabel - Exposed.

From the moment I started reading this, I knew I would read all that was available. And I did. And I was not disappointed.

Now I'd like to read more please. I am willing to beg.

True Love 1 - Seroxat 0. As for fate, well, I don't want to spoil it for anyone else.

I normally sign off by wishing the author luck. This one just needs a publisher.

Dear Clare

I have started to read your writing and must say that it is compelling. Already you have established your animated characters in my head, ( they are not leaving soon) and i feel strongly to back your book now. such talent you have to create a compelling read for me. I also believe your long pitch sells your book well. I do wish to be part of your climb to the top on this site. CONGRATS and I will comment more as I read more.

Please take a moment to look, COMMENT which is important to me, and BACK my book. if not that is OK also
The VERY best of luck to you
BACKED BY ME FOR SURE
Denise
The Letter

this is written with a good fluid style;= l shall put it on my watchlist...
read SEASONS...

I enjoy your wordsmithing. From start you establish a strong voice (helped by first person narration) and that draws the reader in. If I may suggest, in first person the temptation to “tell” is very strong…try more “showing.” It will capture the reader’s attention even more.
EX: “She’s here.” I carry on typing, not really sure… (carry on typing is telling, fingers hitting the keyboard would be showing)
“So I gather,” says Phil, getting out of her chair… (again telling). Phil pushes out of her chair. “So I gather.” The rest of the phrase is confusing. You could “show” and simplify it.
It’s very hard to go back and forth, reading and commenting. If you e-mail me a file (doc. or rtf) with your first chapter I’ll use tracker to show you what I’m suggesting. My address is pilot27407@hotmail.com
I’m running out of time so I’ll stop here.
Overall a good piece of work, worthy of backing.
Dan

Dear Clare, I love the way you put me in your story with Catherine to feel what she is feeling :) - wise decision in chapter 15. :) Both my abusive husband & adult son (his step-son) are obsessive compulsive, so I really understand the situation. :) Your pitch prepared me for my read & your tight paragraphs & dialogue kept me reading :) - not to mention the tenderness of your heroine. :) I'm backing your book :) - could you please take a moment to back my memoir book? :) Thanks so very much. :) Love, Susie :)

A searing look into a troubled mind. Your prose is vividly immediate and we find ourselves effortlessly in the mind of Catherine. I always think it's a specific talent to be able to represent a character that would, at first glance, seem immediately foreign, and to represent her in such a way that her humanity comes through and we can empathize. You do this from the beginning and I found Catherine's voice compelling and her story one that I wanted to follow to the end. Well done.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

Wow! Powerful first chapter. I'm not overly familiar with OCD, but you've put me into the minds of those who suffer from it. Great dialogue and narrative. The repitition of "kettle.tap.door" really made it sink in. This is a compelling story, and one that needs to be told.

Well done. Backed with pleasure!

Craig Ellis
The Sun and the Saber

A stunning premise. Your character is so incredibly real in her compulsion, so fragile and strong at one in her humanity, and the whole story carries a gripping, tense knife-edge where one wonders who's sanity may come into question:Catherine or the reader themselves.

Backed with pleasure.
Abi xxx

Backed with confidence! Tom Ryerson (Carnal Wreckage)