Jonathan’s Comments (group member since May 17, 2014)

Jonathan’s comments from the Net Work Book Club group.

Suze wrote: "Wow, excellent review. I really do hope your book goes viral :-))"

You're not the only one! ;)

Thanks, Suze :)

Just keep writing! :)

I'd say your transition from reviewer to author has been exemplary :)

Let us know how you get on with Scribd, Michael. It's something I'm completely unfamiliar with. Good luck.

Thanks, Flo. I hope you liked what you saw.

Thanks, Suze. It is rather scary having put this book out there as it's a window into my own life in one sense.

Just want to share this latest review, which I am thrilled with:
http://www.davidwailing.com/2014/06/b...

Congrats on your first reviews, Kath. Excellent!

Yeah, maybe I phrased it wrong. You can't forget Maureen, can you?!

I meant it's been a dream to write something of such substance it has the power to change thought and opinion.

Thanks, Michael.

I hope you enjoy it when you get to it, Suze. It is very VERY different from Maureen.

So pleased to hear this, Kath. It's been a dream for a while to write something that's not immediately forgettable.

I was lucky enough to read this pre-release and it's a great piece of writing. Surprising and hopeful, which is itself surprising given that it stems from a very dark storyline.

Suze wrote: "Kath wrote: "It's my favourite too, Suze. So no pressure, Jonathan! ;)"

You what. Ignore her Jonathan, there is plenty of pressure. Forget sleep and food, you don't need them, just get writing."

I promise to at least match Maureen and The Big One with the next one. :)

Suze, thanks so much for your review! I'm really pleased it tickled you and even more pleased you feel something for Maureen. Hint taken. In fact, something may be in progress...

Michael - you finished?! Eagerly waiting for your review with ever-shortening nails...

Thanks, Michael.

Suze, let me know how you get on. I really hope you enjoy it. It's my favourite so far :)

Thanks, Matt. I certainly will be reading the new Bumpkinton!

To celebrate Maureen and The Big One being shortlisted for Best Humour and Best Novella in the 2013 SpaSpa Awards, I am pleased to announce that the book (average 4.8 stars) is currently free on Amazon.

“If I’m not mistaken, dear - and I’m very rarely mistaken, dear - your vacancies sign appears to have been cut from the card of a cereal packet. Now I know I’ve only just set foot inside, but this does not bode well for my stay.”

When Maureen goes to Blackpool, the weekend starts with her hotel looking decidedly different from the online photographs - and not in a good way! It isn’t long before the restful and reflective time she is hoping for rapidly deteriorates.

During a seaside holiday of highs and lows, Maureen becomes addicted to slot machines, has a run-in with a phony psychic, gets more than she bargains for in a seedy bar, puts her hand in a dead jellyfish...

...and somehow finds herself on Blackpool’s largest, most feared rollercoaster - The Big One!

Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maureen-Big-O...

Just a quick post to update readers that the support section of the FAG website has been updated. Those who have read the novel can now download a PDF of discussion questions. (Please note the questions do contain spoilers.)
http://www.fagthenovel.com/support.html

Thanks, Suze! It could be! It's whatever you think it is :)

I intended it to be horror!

Friday the 13th, a drabble by Jonathan Hill

13.06.14

I never used to treat Friday the 13th differently. It had always brought me no less luck than any other day. ‘Oh no, Friday the 13th!’ they all used to gasp at work. What nonsense, I’d think.

This morning, I cycled to the local farm for some eggs. “There’s an extra one in there,” the farmer said with a curious smile.

“Thanks,” I replied. “A baker’s dozen!”

I hadn’t been home long before the biggest egg started to move from side to side, like a baby’s cradle but more erratic.

If anyone is reading this, please, please, help me.

Doesn't have to be novel-length to make an impact, Matt! Short stories and novellas (drabbles even) can still pack in a great storyline and some good ideas. :)

Don't do yourself down with the 'just a novella'. Quality not quantity. :)

Thrilled with my latest review for FAG:


5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Judge This Book By Its Cover 3 Jun 2014
By harasrrek
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
The title initially refers to the ranking system prevalent among pupils in the boarding schools of the time. As the harrowing story progresses however the word reverts to its more derogatory connotation.
The exquisite style of the writing belies the underpinning malevolence of the plot, I found myself rereading paragraphs relishing the sheer elegance of the narrative while paradoxically dreading discovering what indignities the characters were going to have to endure next.
The main impact of the book lies in the author’s portrayal of the use, misuse and interplay of power between both pupils and masters which leads to treachery, prejudice and ultimately tragedy.
On recommending this novel to friends and colleagues in the equality and diversity field I don’t think I exaggerated when I described it as a modern masterpiece.

And thanks to Linda here for reading the book. So pleased you enjoyed it, Linda.

Thanks for posting this review, Kath. The initial response has been fantastic :)