A Shilling for Them

My favorite story is True Colors. Having said that, however, I thoroughly enjoyed the style of the other selections as well. Each story is a wonderful jumping off point for discussion and the quality of the writing stands out. Many times literature aimed at young adults is chummy or dumbed down. The author doesn't mean to dilute his message; he is merely trying to find a voice they will read. In A Shilling For Them, the author does not stoop, but directs us upward to a literary standard she must enjoy herself. It is an engaging style, and she has has flipping through the pages to see what else is offered. Worth much more than a shilling...

Well done.
Dee Farrell
Warrior Heart

What I love about short stories for young children, beyond the picture book for bedtime, stories such as these are more complex, and can get the kiddies thinking beyond an ugly duckling, Barney and Sesame Street. The reluctant young reader is less likely to shy away from a book of shorts, and you have a charming voice for the narration that fits the POV.
Nice work.

Suz

I read True Colours and the Emperors New Underwear and found myself at a loss why ' A Shilling For Them' was
directed towards children and young adults because the prose is high brow to say the least. You write smoothly but concisely, indepth describtion as opposed to rudimentary explanations, poetical as opposed to lyrical. When I examined your pitch again, I saw that you not only had children and young adults in mind, but also adults, and I can understand why. I'm at a loss why you don't attempt a full blown novel, you're a great writer.
Backed with pleasure.
Daniel Manning
No Compatibility.

I love to read short stories now and again as a change from novels, to see a whole story encapsulated in a short space and time. I also enjoy poetry. And there's even a play here.

Pride: Well, you made me laugh, once I cottoned on to the whimsy. Up until that point I had been just impressed by the easy talent of the rhyme and metre / meter. 'Lionesses can't manage alone', priceless.

The Invasion: God's not looking forward to the Sex Pistols? LOL re the misunderstanding with the Who. 'never mind full frontal presence', nothing wrong with a bit of innuendo, even in a nativity play. I love the reason why Gabriel struck Zechariah dumb. Mary is indeed a different matter, 'I take it that's a yes, then?' Irreverent: 'there's a pile of wings in the corner ... go and get yourselves all glorious' ;^) But the ending is sweetly suitable. (Possible nits: 'KNOCK ON THE DOODR'. 'HELPING SMALL ANGEL WITH HALOE [HALO]'.)

Species: Libby finds a one-eyed jellyfish ... or fish ... or mammal? 'It was definitely studying her'. The way the creature watches her with fascination, with trust, and then it starts to spin. And as the yarn has also been spun, we wonder what is the truth of the matter. Entertainment by gentle provocation of the imagination. ('sun[-]warmed water'. 'she headed was heading'. 'slit[-]like pupil'.)

You have crafted a good selection of short stories here The ones I found most engaging were the Emperors New Underwear, I likes the twist on the old Kings New Clothes. Independence Day and The Last Letter, also appealed to me. The thing that hit me the most is your adaptability. Each is totally stand alone and you show the diversity of your writing talent.


Wilma1
Knowing Liam Riley – I hope you can spare a moment to take a look

Hope I am more crystal than color! True Colors is clever. Great job!
Marjorie Wilhelmsen
Exact Places

My favorite story is True Colors. Having said that, however, I thoroughly enjoyed the style of the other selections as well. Each story is a wonderful jumping off point for discussion and the quality of the writing stands out. Many times literature aimed at young adults is chummy or dumbed down. The author doesn't mean to dilute his message; he is merely trying to find a voice they will read. In A Shilling For Them, the author does not stoop, but directs us upward to a literary standard she must enjoy herself. It is an engaging style, and she has has flipping through the pages to see what else is offered. Worth much more than a shilling...

Well done.
Dee Farrell
Warrior Heart

Stephie,

I've read some of your chapters and there are some real gems here. Your writing style is very smooth and the reader is drawn very quickly into each short story. I like the way you use some old tales as spring boards for new ones adding a different slant to the origianl story - the emperor's clothes for example. I'm sure that many people would find these stories very inviting, especailly for a bedtime read.

I've given you a six star rating and have added you to my watchlist to go onto my bookshelf as soon as there is space.

Tim
The Water Works of Clear Wash City

Nicley written, nicely told tales. I liked The Emperors New Underwear and the poem about flying (sorry ,can't remember its title).

J.S.Watts
A DARKER MOON

A shilling for them
You got a great imagination
Backed
Lenny Harry
(Like a dot on the horizon)

An intruiging collection of stories, I especially enjoyed the re-telling of Adam and Eve. This is a thought provoking book to be dipped into when a new perspective on an old problem is needed.
Backed
Robert Davidson
THE TUZLA RUN

hi stephen, great pitch. I always enjoyed Aesops fables, good luck. backed, please take a look at my book You Turn. thanks, Lynne

How can tiny pebbles rumble?
...she headed was heading for...
How can the creature be perfectly round AND tapered at each end?
Apart from the above inconsistencies, I'm afraid you need to work out a more satisfactory ending to Species, which in its current form, has none whatsoever! You're a good writer with tremendous attention to detail so why not sort it out?
Cheers
Stewart

Dear Stephie
Excellent writing..... I adore short stories and you've certainly given us some great ones. A very deserved backing.
Helen
The Last Dream

These are very beautiful stories and poems. I enjoyed 'Entangled' and loved the way Tony suddenly appeared at the door with clever answers. I also enjoyed 'Beginnings' which was a good story but informative too. Backed.

What I love about short stories for young children, beyond the picture book for bedtime, stories such as these are more complex, and can get the kiddies thinking beyond an ugly duckling, Barney and Sesame Street. The reluctant young reader is less likely to shy away from a book of shorts, and you have a charming voice for the narration that fits the POV.
Nice work.

Suz

A shilling for them
I'm sure young adults will like it
Backed with pleasure
Lenny Harry
(Like a dot on the horizon)

There are some really wonderful stories here, superbly written and with great imagination. Backed with pleasure, best of luck.

Jack Hughes
Dawn of Shadows

These are just lovely--each one (read 4) so different than the next. You have a very good voice in each --from philosophical (love letter to earth) to the child's fable. Well done.

Have just read True colours and have added your book to my watchlist in the hope that your other chapters are as enchanting. This was original and charming and brought to my mind the writings of Hans Christian Anderson and Rudyard Kipling. I'm sure that this story would capture the imaginationm of children and adults alike. Backed with pleasure
Rachel

Really enjoyed 'The Emperor's New Underwear' (all I had time to read). Well-written and engaged me to the end. Look forward to reading more.

(Just a wee typo I picked up in the line that begins 'The yellow is stunning' - the word 'sets' needs no apostrophe.)

Thought provoking short stories with colorful characters. Wonderful imagery. Crisp dialogue. Evocative narrative. A pleasure to read. Backed.

A tremendous idea and brilliantly executed. I only read the first one which was funny, poignant (poor Emporer!)and entertaining. Excellent! This will fly up the ratings! Gordon - The Harpist of Madrid

Great story!

Bob/ Rob/ Bobby/ whatever

Extremely well written short stories with most unusual themes make reading informative and a pleasue. Backed Chuck (Literary Agent Blues) (Uboat Officer)

You have crafted a good selection of short stories here The ones I found most engaging were the Emperors New Underwear, I likes the twist on the old Kings New Clothes. Independence Day and The Last Letter, also appealed to me. The thing that hit me the most is your adaptability. Each is totally stand alone and you show the diversity of your writing talent.


Wilma1
Knowing Liam Riley – I hope you can spare a moment to take a look

I love short stories and mourn the fact that it seems so difficult to get them publised. I loved this. Backed.

I love to read short stories now and again as a change from novels, to see a whole story encapsulated in a short space and time. I also enjoy poetry. And there's even a play here.

Pride: Well, you made me laugh, once I cottoned on to the whimsy. Up until that point I had been just impressed by the easy talent of the rhyme and metre / meter. 'Lionesses can't manage alone', priceless.

The Invasion: God's not looking forward to the Sex Pistols? LOL re the misunderstanding with the Who. 'never mind full frontal presence', nothing wrong with a bit of innuendo, even in a nativity play. I love the reason why Gabriel struck Zechariah dumb. Mary is indeed a different matter, 'I take it that's a yes, then?' Irreverent: 'there's a pile of wings in the corner ... go and get yourselves all glorious' ;^) But the ending is sweetly suitable. (Possible nits: 'KNOCK ON THE DOODR'. 'HELPING SMALL ANGEL WITH HALOE [HALO]'.)

Species: Libby finds a one-eyed jellyfish ... or fish ... or mammal? 'It was definitely studying her'. The way the creature watches her with fascination, with trust, and then it starts to spin. And as the yarn has also been spun, we wonder what is the truth of the matter. Entertainment by gentle provocation of the imagination. ('sun[-]warmed water'. 'she headed was heading'. 'slit[-]like pupil'.)

Dear Stephie,
I read Species. This is a lovely story with poetic writing and beautiful description. I liked the ending - was it real or her imagination? Very lovely - I know I've used the word "lovely" twice, but that's the best word for your writing!

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe

Here is your chance to get a double backing. My friend, homewriter, and I have similar taste in writing and trust each other's judgment. Back my book and leave it on your bookshelf. Then do the same for his, "The Harpist of Madrid." Once the backings register, he will give you a return backing guaranteed. Just let him know in an email that you've backed my book as well as his. You might have to be a bit patient as we're 6 time zones apart. But you'll have two backings guaranteed on your excellent book. Of course, comments are always welcome too!

Dear Stephie,
Having dipped into A shilling for Them I believe your novel has great potential. Powerful pros, originality and extremely good writing. Since I'm not very well equipped at being picky on spelling and punctuation as such, the flow of your writing was was stood out to me the most. A shilling for Them, in my opinion deserves a backing and so much more. Best of luck to you, and much success.
Backed with pleasure
Helen
The Last Dream

A varied and unusual mix with a great voice individual to each. Well written, varied and great to share with young readers. I'm enjoying reading through each section, and you are on my watchlist waiting for a spin on my shelf.
Polly
STONES.

Everything that needs to be said has already been said. Lovely stories. Backed
Kristen Stone
Kianda Mala - The Monkey Man
The Penhaligan File

Dear Stephanie,
done it , finished. GREAT READ. But I have already said all this before...... I wanted to say that although I commented and backed it I cannot find the backing, so I will not leave it to chance, |I will take the time to back it again ....
The VERY
best of luck with your great book
Denise
The Letter

Dear Stephie, I got so excited when I saw that you had backed, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not." :) Thanks so very much. :) Since I have already backed your book, I will put your book on my watchlist. Could you please take a moment to back my completed unedited memoir version, "Tell Me True Love Stories?" I'd be ever so grateful. :) Thank you. :) Love, Susie :)
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."
Here is the response I received from authonomy concerning backing:
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."

Good writing, good stories!

Lockjaw

I've read (at least parts of) more than four hundred books on Authonomy but without any doubt this is in the top half dozen for me.
I read all twelve of the 'chapters' and enjoyed them all, about half of them very much indeedl. It helps to be familiar with autism.
And I would love to see your nativity play performed.
This is a book I should like to give to good friends for Christmas.
I'm sure that you have many more like this in you ... let's have a really BIG volume of your writings.
Roger Thurling

There aren't many short story collections on this site. Yours are admirable. I dipped into several and read The Story of Life entirely. Poignant and thought provoking. Everything well written. Backed
Lara
Good for Him

BRILLIANT book. the first story has great class. l will read some of the others before l back..but l'm sure l will..great work...
read SEASONS...

Read "The Last Letter," and it was absolutely beautiful. As I read I kept trying to figure out if it was a metaphor or an analogy, and finally I gave up. I have my ideas but I've never been great with deciphering poems that weren't straight to the point. Yes, my 9th grade english teacher can testify to my lack of ability in this realm. But your writing is so beautiful, even to a non-poetic soul as such myself. Backed with much pleasure.

" I thought I (omit) my . . ."

I supported this a few days ago, sorry for the late comment.

Good Luck
Natalie

Hi Stephie

I picked different numbers at random to see what different styles the stories and the poetry were.
I was not disappointed by any of them.
I used to love reading these types of books when I was younger. Each chapter a different story and a new gem to read like a pass the parcel effect never knowing what you were going to get with each layer.
A pleasure to read and back.
Sarah. T-cup and the Dream Team Fairies

I liked your pitch so I backed your book - perhaps you could have a look at my books - good luck !

I read True Colours and the Emperors New Underwear and found myself at a loss why ' A Shilling For Them' was
directed towards children and young adults because the prose is high brow to say the least. You write smoothly but concisely, indepth describtion as opposed to rudimentary explanations, poetical as opposed to lyrical. When I examined your pitch again, I saw that you not only had children and young adults in mind, but also adults, and I can understand why. I'm at a loss why you don't attempt a full blown novel, you're a great writer.
Backed with pleasure.
Daniel Manning
No Compatibility.

This has a folkloric, magical element, your eclectic collection of writing. Powerful images, lots of depth to mull over. Throughout, you have some punctuation problems--a subjective opinion especially concerning lyrical writing, but my opinion nonetheless. Too many commas at times, making for a stunted rhythm where it could be smoother. Sentences that maybe run too long and would flow better in another construction. But for the images and mood, I really enjoyed this.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

Backed

Ferdi
A Bed of Thorns

Hi Stephie, I read True Colours and The Emperor’s New Underwear. I liked the way you turned things around, the colors having so much mood effect. The Emperor’s New Underwear is very humorous, demonstrating the political issues of the citizen’s belief in what they saw. Al is hilarious from the start and his conversation with the Emperor impertinent and making his point. Good dialogue! Happy to shelve – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Where do I start? Well, I was an English teacher for a long time and I am a father of four. As a teacher I would have pined for this selection; it would hold the attention of the little buggers and be the source of much in the way of resource (and not just for english). As a father I would have shelved this in their rooms with a copy each and I'm sure would have been a favourite.

You have such a beautiful style, the opening of the first is absolutely fantastic. It is almost poetry and then I discover you have poetry too!

Trye colours has everything for a short story and it is the true story tellers tale- the colours are a great idea and the metaphore blue me away (I could have ignored lesson plans for a week on just this story) There is so much dialogue there but it adds to instead of detracting from the narrative. You have a truly creative mind an should write more and more and more.

BACKED with a satisfied smile. Good luck. Cheers.

Yeah, wow. This first chapter is heart touching. I did not read the second, I am wondering if this story keeps going, I bet not, but I wish it did. But I am sure you are a master in hooking your reader, and the rest if your book as good as this one . Well done. backed

Shah

Hi Stephie,
I read The Last Letter and The Story of Life and enjoyed both. Very different -- one light and whimsical and the other sad and romantic. Good writing. Well done.
Backed wIth pleasure,
Barry
LITTLE KRISNA AND THE BIHAR BOYS

Stephie, hello and what a concept what a lovely idea and what a treasure for sure. everything about your book just enchants me, I dont know where to start so I am not going to ramble on as I do sometimes BRILLIANT work BACKED FOR SURE and WILL BUY IT WHEN IT HITS THE STORES........I know my book is a different genre but....If you would review 'The Letter' and give your 'comments' and 'backing', I would appreciate it. and BEST of luck.

Denise
The Letter

Stephie, hello and what a concept what a lovely idea and what a treasure for sure. everything about your book just enchants me, I dont know where to start so I am not going to ramble on as I do sometimes BRILLIANT work BACKED FOR SURE and WILL BUY IT WHEN IT HITS THE STORES........I know my book is a different genre but....If you would review 'The Letter' and give your 'comments' and 'backing', I would appreciate it. and BEST of luck.

Denise
The Letter

Wow, Stephie! I just read the first story on your book (True Colors) and was deeply moved. So much so that I had to go over it again, and had tears in my eyes at the end. If all the other stories in your book are this good, you have got to get it professionally published.

At first I was put off by the crude font, like an old typewriter. You need to get yourself a computer! I almost didn't even read it. But once I got into the story, nothing else mattered. Now I've got to read it a third time, to my wife.

God bless your writing! May you touch many hearts and souls with your fine work.
PAL! (The Feasts of israel, God's Plan of the Ages)

Yes I know, my brain is littered with commas!!!! (even more than exclamation marks) - I try to give them up,,, but it's very,,, very,,, hard and i keep falling off the wagon.
Thanks for the helpful comment.
Shartie (a shilling for them)
PS loved your book.

I very much enjoyed this first tale. Like you, I have children, and little time to read, but I've read enough to know that this is worth backing. My only criticism is that in some places the commas take over and make the sentences less smooth than they could be.

I read chapter 2 and found it truely charming and funny, and so well written it was almost believeable. With the message also becoming clearer and clearer. Very pleased to back this book.
BADD

I read the Emperor's underwear. It was a cute take on an old story and I liked what you did with it.
However, you could expand your readership if you changed some of the big words so younger kids could also enjoy it. (miniscule, lurid, sallow, etc.)
Also, "who are claiming to see be able to see this cloth." needs to be fixed.
I also don't know if I would have the kid refer to himself and his younger cohorts as innocent, although they could still question what they would gain from lying.