New Horizons

I can so relate to a lot of this. It was superb. I performed in the Tattoo twice. 1979 in the PT Display team and 1984 in the gun race. A lot of what you write about is in my book. This didnt half take me on a trip down memory lane. It flowed so well and told a good informative story. Thanks for sharing it with us. Have a read of mine, you will so relate.
Sean

I can so relate to a lot of this. It was superb. I performed in the Tattoo twice. 1979 in the PT Display team and 1984 in the gun race. A lot of what you write about is in my book. This didnt half take me on a trip down memory lane. It flowed so well and told a good informative story. Thanks for sharing it with us. Have a read of mine, you will so relate.
Sean

Hi Alison, I took a look at chapter 4, thanks for reading my book. Wow I love this, I believe we need more discipline and what you describe just in this chapter would make so much difference in people's lives. I have had military experiences myself and this bought back positive memories as I read it. My only suggestion is that I feel you could maybe flesh out some of the stories, it appears very clean like a report, you would probably raise more empathy if you describe the environment etc.. This is an excellent piece of work and I feel it is nearly ready for the shelf already.

Kind Regards and Best Wishes
Lenny Banks

You love uniform. I love your story. Its inspirational

high stars

Thankyou for backing my book , with best wishes from Strachan Gordon

Dear Sue, Thank you for your very kind feedback and it is a good idea for me to review genres. Being a newcomer, I was not sure what to choose, but thought it might appeal to young adults as well as full adults because they might like to know what life was like before mobile 'phones and e-mail, and how much more disciplined life was in those days, not to mention the restrictions for those aged under 21. I will put your book on my watchlist. I have very much enjoyed the three stories I have read so far, and think you have a winner there! I will keep you posted once I have read the remainders. The one thing I am short of is time alone with peace and quiet to delve into authonomy.com Kind regards, Paperlady999

Dear Strachan (or is it Gordon?), Thank you for your kind comments and encouraging feedback. I am sorry for the delay in replying, which came about because I have been having problems with my login and the temporary passwords that Authonomy kept providing just would not work. This meant I could not reply to people and could not edit my work. Thankfully this has now been resolved, so the minor typing errors have now been corrected and I have written down my new password! I will put your book on my watch list and give you feedback as soon as I can. Kind regards, Paperlady999

Dear Lianne, You are probably wondering why I have not replied sooner. I have had problems with logging in and the temporary passwords that Authonomy kept sending just would not work. This meant I could not reply to anyone, and could not edit my work. However, today at last I have been able to log in and change my password, and the authonomy team kindly uploaded my revisions. Thank you for your kind comments and I agree about the need to add more dialogue. This was always in the plan, as you will note I had marked the book "incomplete" but as I had 21600+ words I was just keen to get it on the system and intend to improve it as the weeks go by. My brother has also read it and he pulls no punches - his only constructive criticism was that he felt it ended a bit abruptly. There is a reason for that and it will be resolved when I do some more editing. Thanks again and I will put your book on my watchlist once I work out how to do so - hopefully tonight. Kind regards, Paperlady999

Your stories jump out the page, as your writing is lively and flows really well, It's the kind of writing you get caught up in and before you realise you've been reading for ages. They're lovely memores - the way you retold them kind of reminded my of the series Call the Midwife - tales of the past told from the perspective of the MC in the present. I'd maybe spread out your dialogue more - and maybe make it a bit more conversational - a lot of it is one sided - someone will say something, but then you describe the answer, or reply, we don't hear it. I think it would help the reader engage a bit more. But it's a minor point. It's a very enjoyable read.

Lianne
Big Girl Lost

Hi, Alison, this is really polished and great fun! There are so many things I remember from my brief sojourns at boarding schools about then (I kept running away!) like making the bed with the hospital corners. Kirby grips! A name to conjure with.
A really entertaining read. Something that ought to be of interest to publishers as a reminiscence of a time and situation. Done with humour and great pacing too! Not sure it's YA thought, more for adults I'd reckon but that's just my thought of course.
Best Sue

Hello , an interesting reminiscence about a little known aspect of forces life and it is interesting to read about conditions and the nature of employment in the 1960s. Watchlisted and starred , would you be able to look at the first chapter of my novel 'A Buccaneer' which is set amongst Pirates in the 17th century , with best wishes from Strachan Gordon

Lovely book. I wondered whether or not it would be interesting and was pleasantly surprised to find it very absorbing. You are an extremely talented writer and I identified a lot with much of your story. For instance, before I became a university professor, I served in the Peace Corps for 3 years. A few days into training, we had to line up for "shots." I was petrified and thought, as you did, that I might faint as we past between two rows of nurses on each side of us giving us shots in both arms simultaneously. Your chapters 3 and, especially, 19 brought back vivid memories of this experience.

I suspect that the reason your book is so enthralling is due to your passion for the WRAF as well as to your skill in writing. You certainly convey your love for the Air Force, the people with whom you served and the many exciting, sometimes dreary, and sometimes humorous adventures you had while in the WRAF such as your phobia of needles, cleaning the barracks, giving instructions on the parade ground (I laughed out loud), taking part in the Edinburg Tattoo, going to Gilbraltar (much like my going to the Philippines in the Peace Corps) and your camping trip to Morocco.

Since I'm also a retired grandmother, your story brought back wonderful memories to me of a cherished time in my life and you write of your experiences in such a lovely, talented way that your book is simply captivating. I see no flaws to correct in your writing nor do I have any suggestions to make as your writing is very smooth, conversational, and fascinating. I felt as if I were in the room sharing a cup of tea with you while you told me your story. Marvelous work. You write brilliant, vivid imagery!

Alison: You really are a gifted writer! I'm surprised that your early school didn't pick up on this when the Head Master scolded you for wanting to be an air hostess or join the WRAF. I'm glad that you've decided to write your true story. This is a six star memoir and you have my best wishes for publication of your delightful, intriguing memoir!

Dear Snow Lily,
Thank you for your kind comments, which are so encouraging to a beginner like me. You are the first person to have read any of my book.

I will have a look at your book as soon as I can find some peace and quiet.
Kind regards,
Alison

Hi Alison; I have just read your first three chapters.
You are one of those people who's love of something becomes just as intoxicating to others. I found your writing both a good read and highly interesting. You describe your reasons for entering the WRAF and background well. I felt your excitement and trepidation, (especially with the needles, me too) as though I was there. I can see your reason for writing this and to the right audience it will play well.
I wish you good luck and will star you well.
RMA
The Snow Lily

Hey, looking forward to reading your book and bringing back lovely memories.
Kindest regards
John Life

Thanks, John. I have just made my book "go live". This is very exciting!

Hey, looking forward to reading your book and bringing back lovely memories.
Kindest regards
John Life

Thanks, John. I have just made my book "go live". This is very exciting!

Hey, looking forward to reading your book and bringing back lovely memories.
Kindest regards
John Life