Martini Rosso

I thought this very well written and certainly not slow. However, as the opening to a novel, in view of what you tell us is going to happen, I feel it needs a hook. Perhaps a short chapter before this one, whetting the readers appetite.
Just my opinion, as always, so ignore at will.

Wonderful news. Congratulations. And very interesting about the previous rejections. Subjective, as you say.

How about every two months to start with and see if that works? I’m sympathetic to John’s suggestion of quarterly but if part of the aim is to exercise one’s writing muscles with different stories or styles then frequency seems relevant. So maybe see how we get on and go to quarterly if that’s necessary?

If we did open votes would voters give a…[Read more]

Thoughts:
A quarterly competition? Winner sets the subject for the next comp, but doesn’t judge it. Prize is a virtual Gold Quill.
The judging is either by a panel or a vote of the participants, or an open vote.
Critique of the entries? By who? Needs some ideas. Maybe submit the winning entry to a magazine or competition?

Have a good weekend, everybody.

Works for me, good idea.

That’s a great idea @raine if @jd73 is happy to judge.

Good one, Daeds, thank you.

Fabulous Fiona. This is one I want to read, but I’m waiting for the paperback.

Thanks Kaz. I’m going to print this out and have a thorough read.

How incredibly generous of you to share your notes in this way, KazG. Thank you.

The Womagwriter blog has info on this too https://womagwriter.blogspot.com/
(a useful site if you’re thinking of submitting to women’s mags)

And Della Galton blogged about it a couple of months ago on her site.

Brilliant Stevie. Have to say I loved that story, so I’m not surprised.

Newbury is my adopted home town, Ath. Needless to say it’s less romantic now though steam trains do pass through as I’m sure you know.

Richard,
My late father would tell of a train crash in Diggle, then in Yorkshire, in 1923 or 1924. He was four and witnessed the accident whilst out walking with his granddad. He was interviewed by the local newspaper and is reported to have said “It were a grand smash” or similar. I see from google that four people died, so it probably wasn’t so…[Read more]

Really enjoy these tales of the rails, thank you.

I know I’m incredibly talented, Daeds, I’m just pretending to be modest.