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From Story Idea to Reader Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

2nd Edition includes new as well as updated material. Give your writing life a boost

An easily accessible guide to writing fiction.

Whether brushing up your writing skills or starting out, this book will take you through the whole process from inspiration to conclusion. Are you looking to submit your work for publication, enter a competition, or do you want to self-publish? This practical guide will help you every step of the way. Between them, Patsy Collins and Rosemary Kind have sold hundreds of short stories, written sixteen published books and produced numerous articles for Writing Magazine and similar publications. They've both judged writing competitions and run workshops, and Rosemary has read and edited thousands of short stories and published dozens of books for other writers. With the information, help and encouragement in this book, you too could see your work in print. Buy it now and give your writing life a boost
Praise for From Story Idea to Reader
An Absolute Mine of Information Given in an Informal and Easy Style - B. I cannot recommend this book highly enough - A.P. You can read this book from cover to cover or you can dip in and use it as a reference source. - K.H.

From the Publisher

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Book cover - Not a Drop To Drink

Not a Drop to Drink - Patsy Collins

A collection of short stories by Patsy Collins Scientists say the human body is around 70% water. We know that's not true. Oh, we could drink 'straight' H20, but usually we don't. More likely it's vitamin rich juice or teeth rotting cola. We like a nice cup of tea to calm us down or cheer us up. Perhaps a nice glass of wine to celebrate or drown our sorrows. Two glasses. Too many glasses. Our bodies do contain liquid of course. Never just water. What's in yours; acid and bile or the milk of human kindness? Blood, sweat and tears of joy or sorrow? It's these waters Patsy hopes you'll find running through her stories.

Book cover Are We Nearly Famous?

Are We Nearly Famous?

This collection of short stories is about journeys; literal, metaphorical and literary. Those both of the characters and the authors. Patsy, Rosemary, Sheila and Lynne are four friends who, although successful in specific writing fields, aren’t yet well known to the general reading public. Together we’re raising awareness of our work, and hope you’ll help us do the same by reading this free collection, telling others about it and leaving us a review. We’re not really asking ‘Are We Nearly Famous?’ as we know the answer!

Book cover - Came as Me, Left as We

Came as Me, Left as We

‘Came as ‘Me’, Left as ‘We’’ are holiday reads from Alfie Dog Fiction. The collections bring together some of the best short stories from authors across the globe. ‘Came as ‘Me’, Left as ‘We’’ contains a mixture of women’s fiction, feel good stories and romance.

Alfie Dog Fiction’s managing director, Rosemary Kind, says “We know from our readers that they like to stock up on reading matter for their holidays and these collections offer the perfect way to do just that.” The collection has a truly international feel, not only through the spread of the writers but the fascinating backdrops to the stories.

Book cover - Embers of the Day

Embers of the Day - Rosemary J. Kind

From the movingly beautiful, to the laugh-out-loud funny. This collection of short stories covers the breadth of Rosemary J. Kind’s fiction writing in her usual accessible style. Be inspired by The Old Oak Tree, consider what can go wrong when murdering your husband in The Perfect Crime. Be careful what you wish for in Princess Isabella and the Tale of the Three Wishes, be moved by the life-changing events of Music Saved My Soul. You’ll even learn the truth behind the real story of Snow White, at least as far as her step-mother sees things! You can laugh with Sandra at her excessive purchases of chocolate. Be inspired by Alison in finding a new use for junk mail, or follow PC Dave Jones as he gets on a bicycle for the first time in years. This collection has it all.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01N919UV0
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Alfie Dog Fiction; 2nd edition (November 30, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 30, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 290 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
21 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2017
    Full of good advice.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2018
    From Story Idea to Reader was a great helpful idea for any aspiring author. Patsy Collins and Rosemary J. Kind did a great job of giving authors tips and ideas I think this is a great book for anyone who aspires to write a book.

Top reviews from other countries

  • spabbygirl
    5.0 out of 5 stars There is useful advice for everyone here to from what to write
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 27, 2016
    This book is a real treasure trove of ideas and information. There is useful advice for everyone here to from what to write, through how to write it then where to sell it, if you want to. To start with there is a really useful list of 101 ideas of what to write, and its extensive. I defy anyone not to find something of interest here and something you've never thought of.

    There are suggestions like Tracy Chevalier must have used in Girl with a Pearl Earring, using a painting as a story to kickstart an idea, to raiding your own life and many more. I liked the suggestion of writing down the revenge we often like to imagine when someone upsets us! Suitably anonymised, that could make a great tale.

    But you're not left with the seeds of an idea with this book, helpful advice on how to develop it follows. I liked the idea of mind mapping, I hadn't used it since university and never thought of using it for fiction, but now it has been suggested to me I can see its a great idea.

    Technicalities such as point of view are covered, as is show versus tell, grammar (my bugbear), characters, word choice and plenty more.

    One chapter that would have proved useful to me when I first started was word choice. I had the good fortune to go to university and had to totally rethink my choice of words and style when I decided I wanted to write for women's magazines. Incidentally, both authors have extensive experience in this field of writing, so this aspect was my favourite throughout the book.

    There is even advice on public speaking and ways to take your work further.

    Anyway, I won't go on, I've been long enough already. Whether you're new to writing or an old hand there is much here to consider. I've been writing for a living almost ten years now, and this tome has fast became my bible, occupying pride of place on my bookshelf, to aid easy reference. I'm sure you'll find it invaluable too.
  • Paige Elizabeth Turner
    5.0 out of 5 stars . . . and the Reader wins.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2017
    I purchased the book as a hard copy within a week of its release. I am reviewing it only now after properly digesting its content. In saying that, I voice disappointment on seeing a negative (in part) 3-star review. No book on writing will ever contain all requisite elements within 280 pages. However, freedom of speech allows us to each review appropriate as to our needs.
    My 'needs' for this book were not high. I continually apprise myself of current trends, and use such books as tools for refreshers. But Rosemary and Patsy's book is more than just a book; it is a manual. For both the aspiring and accomplished writer, this book covers all. It might not cover some elements in depth, but there will always be constraints when providing a 'catch all' product.
    FSItR is better pitched to the novice writer who will soak up every page to improve their craft. Arguably, the best section of the book (from my perspective) is the 'Character Questionnaire'. One reported flaw with many novice writers is that their characters appear 'thin'. This section alone is worth the investment! In summary, an essential 'manual' for the novice writer. Paige Elizabeth Turner, author, <i>Beyond all Doubt</i>
  • Kathleen
    4.0 out of 5 stars This book is a great resource for both the beginning
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 15, 2017
    This book is a great resource for both the beginning, and more accomplished writer. Although I'm fairly well published, I never did get to attend any writing courses and this book is a bit like a writing friend, reminding me of all the writerly things I should be thinking or doing. Lots to dip into, lots to learn. I'm going to get working on the 101 sources of writing ideas soon. Well done Patsy and Rosemary. Kate Hogan
  • carol
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2016
    I have read many of Patsy Collins short stories, an absolute delight, and this book by PC and RJK has not disappointed, so far.
    When I saw the amount of information in this book it seemed a bit overwhelming, as a novice writer, however the information the ladies provide is in neat bit size chunks and easily understandable.
    At the moment I am at, Plotting, the previous headings have been an immense help, especially how to use your word processor, I have never used the 'indent' ( glad I tried it, tidied my stories up no end)
    'Point of view' is very helpful, a lot of good information for the beginner.
    'Mind mapping' great stuff, using this format can even make a tissue left on a table seem interesting. I've tried it.
    'Which person to write in' Interesting. I've wrote in the first and third but never thought of, in the second person, one to consider.
    There is so much more to read and I know it can only enhance my writing.
    For me, this book is an essential read to progress, and that is why I am awarding five stars, and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of taking up writing.
  • Bookworm
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Absolute Mine of Information Given in an Informal and Easy Style
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 4, 2018
    A absolute mine of information for both the beginner and more experienced writer. Everything you could possibly need to know about the writerly world and written in a chatty, informal way with loads of humour, some of which had me laughing out loud. Patsy Collins and Rosemary J Kind have a wealth of experience between them and the way they have shared it with the reader is fabulous. Great stuff.

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