P.A. O'Neil's Blog, page 2

View from the Top

Christmas came early for me with the release of the magazine, Author Lifestyle & Book Talk Magazine. Inside it features my story, "View from the Top". I'd like to that the editors for selecting it for the premier issue.

A Christmas to Remember

I received a lovely email from Dagmara at Spillwords.com telling me, "A Christmas to Remember", will be part of their Christmas Holiday features. Look for it to be published on 2 December 2024.

An invitation to read my book.

One of the reasons I decided to write about Holmes and Watson was because of the many pastiches that have been written over the years, especially since the characters became free of copyright. Some stories were marvelous, some junk. Sof of them were humorous while others just plain weird. I invite you to read my stories about Holmes and Watson to see where they land on the good book scale.

https://www.amazon.com/Two-Sides-Same...?

New 5-Star review for Witness Testimony and Other Tales

My thanks to JC for giving me my 44th review for Witness Testimony and Other Tales, maintaining my 5-Star rating. Take a look at my book to see if it is something you might like to read or give as a holiday gift.

"O’Neil is a gifted writer. This collection of short stories is reminiscent of the “14 Reader's Digest Books” published in 1948, quite before my time, but I was fortunate to acquire it and devour it in only a couple of sittings.

Yes, O’Neil’s stories are well-structured with interesting characters, locations, situations, even personality quirks. You ‘know’ the main and supporting characters through her showing you their thoughts and actions. This is the sign of an accomplished writer → showing, not telling.

One of my favorite stories, for personal reasons going back many years when I was in love with a Bull Rider that retired to become a Rodeo Clown, touched my heart and sparked a bevy of happy memories. O’Neill’s telling of this story is so clever, well-developed, and the best part is that it made sense.

BRAVO! You will enjoy this collection of treasures!"

https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Testim...?

Poetry by some of the best poets of the day!

My thanks to Clarendon House Publications for including my humble attempt at Poetry in the newly released, Poetica #20. It probably has one of the loveliest covers I have ever seen. You can read, "A War Story", in either the paperback or Kindle version at:

https://www.amazon.com/Poetica-20-Cir...?

A new review for Witness Testimony and Other Tales

Many thanks to the Anonymous reader who gave Witness Testimony and Other Tales it's 43rd review. Let's keep those 5-Star reviews coming in!

"I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of short story compilations, but I bought Ms. O'Neil's collection awhile back and finally finished it. I was amazed at her stories and impressed with her imagination, knowledge and detail.

She did an amazing job writing these stories. Props to her for this amazing collection."

Look, Ma, I'm a poet!

One of the reasons I contemplated becoming a writer fifty years ago was a free verse poem I wrote that caught the attention of my teacher. She arranged for me to attend a youth writing conference where I got to meet Frank Herbert*

It took half a century more, but I have written another poem and submitted it for publication. I'm pleased to announce that, "A War Story", has been accepted for Poetica #20. This is a Clarendon House Publication and will be released at a later date.

*good times

Sherlock Holmes is alive and well.

The other day, I purchased Nicholas Meyer's new Sherlock Holmes book. His first book, The Seven Percent Solution, demonstrated that there was life Holmes and Watson beyond the Friday Late Night Movies.

It has been said, my book would've pleased Doyle. I wonder what Mr. Meyer would think? How about you? Find out for yourself by reading Two Sides of the Same Coin.

https://www.amazon.com/Two-Sides-Same...?

P.A. O'Neil: Rule Breaker

One of the classes I attended recently was led by an editor where she discussed "Dialogue". What the do's and don't's are in today's society. At the end of the class, I told her I had broken at least three of her rules when writing successful stories. One was using improper language and grammar throughout the story. The other was having some characters noticeably speaking different from the others. And finally, not only using dialogue/action tags judiciously, but I had a story that used none at all.

The reason I bring this up is because all three stories have become fan favorites and have lived well beyond my book, Witness Testimony and Other Tales. I ended my private conversation with the instructor with, "don't be afraid to challenge the editor." She actually agreed because sometimes the author knows best.

Witness Testimony and Other Tales is available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Testim...?

P.A. O'Neil: Rule Breaker

One of the classes I attended recently was led by an editor where she discussed "Dialogue". What the do's and don't's are in today's society. At the end of the class, I told her I had broken at least three of her rules when writing successful stories. One was using improper language and grammar throughout the story. The other was having some characters noticeably speaking different from the others. And finally, not only using dialogue/action tags judiciously, but I had a story that used none at all.

The reason I bring this up is because all three stories have become fan favorites and have lived well beyond my book, Witness Testimony and Other Tales. I ended my private conversation with the instructor with, "don't be afraid to challenge the editor." She actually agreed because sometimes the author knows best.

Witness Testimony and Other Tales is available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Testim...?