John S Alty

THE RIGHT ATTITUDE. Opening of a novel in progress. (383 words)

Lois stood in her kitchen in dolly-bird boots and a skirt above the knee. She was looking through the window just in time. The woman drew up at the curb and Ruth stepped out, pulling her satchel with her. The woman, another mother, waved and Lois waved back.

The point, though, was…[Read more]

Thanks, Squidge. No, I do like the original title (You should see the length of the list of “Lyttle” puns I rejected before choosing this one! There’s already a completely unrelated book out there called “Lyttle by Lyttle”, my first thought.) I just wondered if I could grasp readers attention without using his name. Maybe I’m worrying needlessly.…[Read more]

OK, thanks for the feedback GG

Hi Tony,

For me, Unrelenting Limelight doesn’t appeal. The word ‘unrelenting’ suggests something burdensome and turgid, and it’s not a pleasant counter to ‘limelight.’

‘A Lyttle goes a long way’ is much more upbeat and inviting.

GG

OK, so I could still go with “A Lyttle goes a long way”. I agree it’s a nice pun, although any pun could put some people off, I suppose. I was hoping to avoid using his name in the title as though it is his name, alone, that makes it worth buying the book – and if it doesn’t happen to ring a bell with you, why would you buy it?

Would this revised…[Read more]

Thanks Gipps. THe working title is better, eh? Perhaps you three are right. But jaw-dropping is a strong word; thanks for that.

Hi Tony,

Like Squidge and Bella, I prefer ‘A Lyttle Goes a Long Way’ because it’s a clever play on words and makes one wonder on the nature of ‘a long way.’

One phrase that sprang to mind was ‘jaw-dropping tales.’ Adjectives such as amazing / astonishing / astounding / incredible tend to be done to death and wouldn’t capture my attention.

Hope…[Read more]

Wonderful news. Many congratulations, both!

AAHHH I need to keep up. Well done you two!

I said on Twooter but for double emphasis – YAY!!! So pleased for both of you. Totally deserved and fingers are crossed for the shortlist!

😀 Well done, both of you!

Oh my goodness, this is amazing!!! Massive congratulations to you both. What a brilliant Den success!

Thanks, Squidge, for your insightful comments. Interesting that the working title would catch your eye without even knowing about WG Lyttle. I agree the other bit wasn’t really a strapline – more part of the blurb, as you say.

Bella, I love the idea of ‘Hold the Front Page.’ Unfortunately it would be anachronistic; back then the front page was…[Read more]

Yeah, triff. Well done, lads.

Lovely news.

Wow, many congratulations to you both! Well done.

Saw John’s news, but congratulations to Mad Iguana too – what an achievement for you both.

Fab news. I wish both of you could win, and I certainly hope you both make the shortlist.