I spent time looking for a book which would show me how a "raw" story was developed through drafts, with comments received and the changes made. Struggling to find such a work, I decided to create my own, being transparent and honest in the details. Using the story that gained me an offer of a place on a Master's in Creative Writing, SHORT STORY will take you through three drafts of the work.The book details not only the major revisions, feedback given by a professional novelist and an academic, but also has a bunch of tips from my writers toolbox condensed between the drafts. I hope that the process provides something useful for you, be it a tip from the writing toolbox, a look at the editing process, or motivation in knowing that you can do better than I did!

    Persuading London’s most cynical rake to show an interest in her, will prove to the ton she is worth their attention. What she doesn’t expect is how his bold whispers and sinful touch make her forget everyone else in the room.Roman Thorne, Marquess of Granville, is as wicked as they come. He warns the persistent Miss Dellacourt an involvement with him will lead to only scandal and ruin. Though he desires to claim her for his own, he is determined to keep her at a distance for her sake as well as his own.While Haylie gains the social acceptance she thought she wanted, she loses her heart to the dark-eyed rogue who saw her value when no one else could. Can a stubbornly optimistic wallflower convince a disillusioned rake to reserve his wicked ways for her alone and accept the forever kind of love is theirs for the taking?DANGEROUSA hedonistic rake is in danger of losing his heart when he sets out to seduce a reclusive historian.Studious and socially awkward, Desdemona Littlefield is devoted to researching her family’s extensive history in the seclusion of her moorland estate. When the arrival of her negligent brother and his London guests disrupts her quiet and orderly routine, the dangerous smile of a scandalous rogue threatens to turn her world upside down.Bored with the pleasures of London, Count Leander Vittori joins the country party in search of diversions to satisfy his pleasure-seeking nature. He is intrigued by Miss Littlefield’s forthright manner while her oddly assessing gaze sparks an intense desire and her innocence triggers a protective instinct he wasn’t aware he possessed.When Leander uncovers a plot to compromise the young woman and force her into marriage, he realizes he wants her for himself. Can a man who has lived his life for pleasure alone win the heart and mind of a scholarly recluse?BRAZENA rake known for his seductive charm marries the one woman determined to resist his brazen smile.Braden Fulke, the Duke of Melbourne, is a devil-may-care rogue and a shameless charmer. Rebelling against the day he must marry a bride chosen or him when he was a boy, he refuses to take life’s pleasures for granted. But when his Scottish betrothed tracks him down in London, he is surprised to find her so formidable…and so lovely.Moira Dunn has no desire to marry the bold and rakish duke, but she has a responsibility to fulfill her duty as the lady of Dunnwood. She proposes a compromise—handfast to each other for a year and day, which will fulfill their commitment under the betrothal, then go their separate ways.Though passion flares easily between them, Moira is determined not to fall in love with her temporary husband. Can a brazen rake convince his resistant bride that there is more to their marriage than desire?

    last year, this updated collection contains the best of Robertson Davies' newspaper and magazine articles written over the past 50 years. "Each piece is entertaining and enlightening. . . ".--Publishers Weekly.

    or is he? And somewhere within those recordings is the truth about a murder trial and a web of lies stretching back three decades.Written by Ben H. Winters, the best-selling author of Underground Airlines, The Last Policeman, and the Audible OriginalInside Jobs, Q&A is a tantalizing puzzle and a gripping tale of obsession and revenge.Because you can never really know the truth of a conversation—even when it's all on tape.Length: 2 hrs and 8 mins

    Sort of. When Brad Williams is offered a lot of money to take on a case for sly banker Jonas Baxter, he is in no position to refuse. Jonas has been charged with the attempted murder of local prostitute Tina Jade, but it quickly becomes evident that it is not the reason why the prosecution wants Jonas behind bars. So why are they still pressing ahead with the charges? What is Jonas guilty of? This thrilling legal short story will take you for a ride through the courtroom and leave you with twists and turns that you didn’t see coming.

    See the books that made APJ Abdul Kalam

    They will be yours for Cowboy Ever After.... I’m Forever Yours by Kathleen Ball Lee Ann Simpson left the Big M Ranch for the bright lights of San Antonio but now she’s back disillusioned by the underhanded tactics of her boss. Handsome Rancher Gunther Marlboro washed his hands of Lee Ann the day she left him behind but now she’s back looking defeated by the world. Can Gunther show Lee Ann how to trust again and most importantly how to love again? Always, Cowboy by Allison Merritt The past is better left behind, unless it offers a brighter future. Brody Longtree's first love was bull riding, but he loved beauty queen Libby Dempsey equally as hard. When her pageant dreams died in an embarrassing display of nerves, Libby made a new, cowboy-free life for herself. Despite the differences in their lives, they mesh together, the way Brody always knew they would. Snow Bird Springs: Cooper by Cheryl Gorman After witnessing the murder of her sister and brother-in-law, Wren Hathaway goes on the run with her infant niece. When her car breaks down in Snow Bird Springs, Colorado she must keep her identity a secret. Cooper Elias Slade is up for re-election as sheriff. After learning her identity, he debates whether to turn her in or discover the truth. Can Wren and Cooper find a way through the danger surrounding them or will they lose not only their hearts…but their lives? Redeeming Dreams by Melissa Keir Jeannette Redding captured America’s hearts when she won gold with the US Women’s Olympic Swim Team, but no one knew the hidden past she couldn’t escape. Her dream of starting over in Whisper, Colorado might derail if her past comes to light. Tanner Brock lost his passion for building when his vengeful ex-wife destroyed his company and career. He started over doing odd jobs for The Heartsong Ranch but never dreamed he’d work with his hands again. As Jeannette and Tanner discover their passion, can they find a way to make their dreams come true, or will they lose out on love and a brighter future? Acceptance by Lyssa Layne Heart of the South lead singer Noah "Jonesy" Jones is soaring toward the title of King of Country Music that his buddy Lee Maverick left for him to fill. Remy Smith is enjoying her job behind the scenes at a local radio station until her boss thrusts her in front of the microphone. When she's assigned to cover the Red, Wine, and Boom County Music Festival, she is not happy at all, thanks to her strong disdain for country music. Jonesy, always the one to save a damsel in distress, helps Remy survive her first interviews without being eaten alive. Despite her opposition to his choice of music, Remy decides to give him a chance. When Remy's co-worker decides to break the news about their relationship, Remy quickly pulls away and Jonesy may never know why Remy hates country music. Marin’s Montana Man by D’Ann Lindun After her ex-husband cheats on her, Marin Deni has no intention of ever falling in love again. When a friend’s brother arrives in town for a wedding, Marin’s resolve waffles. Can a sexy cowboy break through her defenses? After a broken marriage leaves Wade Wainwright distrustful of women, can he let down his guard to love again?

    Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!Some of the biggest names in Medieval Romance combined for a fabulous Medieval Romance collection ... Medieval warriors, both Scots and English, who are larger than life, giants among men, and deeply devoted to the women who love them. Knights vs. Highlanders is a limited-edition collection to remember. Included in this collection: Dragonblade by Kathryn Le VequeWord of Honor by Alexa AstonThe Guardian by Maeve GreysonHeart of Ashes by Paula QuinnA Heartless Laird by Hildie McQueenKilty Secrets by Anna MarklandUnbreakable by Violetta Rand

    

    Start your time travel adventure today, because yesterday may be too late!

    Elizabeth is forced to become estranged from her father and struggles alone to create hope and meaning for her life while serving her mother like a slave. This book is a true account of a daughter's struggle to survive a mother with paranoia, schizophrenia, and manic depression.

    She attended school against her parents' wishes. Despite her intellectual curiosity, she consistently failed her subjects because she couldn't keep up with the fast-paced, competitive, shame-inducing educational style.Flunking her 10th-grade finals just about extinguished her academic hopes. But one act of kindness radically changed her trajectory when an inspired acquaintance convinced her to redo the grade. Her new teacher--who was passionate and caring--taught students instead of subjects. A friend from her church gave her the finest tutoring, much-needed friendship, and even an example of a loving home and family.After completing 10th grade with top marks, she spent her remaining school years working tirelessly, eventually earning the Best All-Round Student award. Her passion for learning expanded into a passion for teaching; she pursued post-secondary degrees in America and began an influential career as a professor of education and international education consultant.Hong's eloquent present-tense narration animates scenes of family strife and academic struggle and evokes an astounding range of emotions--commiseration, frustration, and eventually elation. Something is always developing, whether it's the narrator herself or the plot.Though the memoir charts the author's intellectual growth, it also considers complex family relationships, poverty, Southeast Asian culture and education, disability, and determination. Hong demonstrates, through her own experiences, the pleasures and rewards of scholarship and effective teaching, and her account underscores how ordinary people can have life-changing effects on others.DescriptionWhen people first meet Barbara Hong, they often conclude that her life must have always been enriched. They assume she had loving, successful parents and all the support she needed to reach her goals. Nothing could be further from the truth.Hong's path to an Ivy League university and beyond started in a filthy tenement in Singapore where she lived with an abusive father and an illiterate mother. Even as a child of six, she worked in her sweatshop home to help with extra money, which her father often wasted on alcohol. As she endured his drinking and abuse, she feared that the pain she internalized could shatter her.But instead of falling apart, Hong managed to escape her misery, thanks to a teacher who believed in her. Once she knew she wasn't the brainless "cabbage head" her mother called her, she began excelling as a student, eventually finding the courage to leave her home and discover her true calling as a knowledge seeker, educator, and advocate.Hong's inspirational journey from a sweatshop home upbringing to influential professor movingly illustrates the true strength of the human spirit and the power of teachers.Failing UP was recognized as one of only 2% of books reviewed to earn a Kirkus STAR--the most prestigious designation in the book industry in awarding books of exceptional merit. To Read the Kirkus Review, visit: https: //www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/ba...

    Throughout the land, a strange legend has long told of an ancient people dwelling deep within the jungle whose possessions include a precious set of stones with the potential to bring unlimited power to its owner. As well as wealth beyond their wildest dreams . . .1904: In an old graveyard in a remote part of the Isles of Scilly, a distinguished academic makes a surprising discovery. The inscriptions on the gravestones are unlike any he has ever seen, at least in that part of the world. The clues point to an astounding possibility. A forgotten Spanish legend. And a four-hundred-year-old cover-up!Present Day: History lecturer Dr Ben Maloney is sitting in his office when the phone rings. A call from his cousin is rarely anything out of the ordinary, but today what he has to say is anything but normal. Their great-great-grandfather's body has been discovered in a boat near a deserted island in the Isles of Scilly. With a bullet through his skull!Dropping everything, the cousins' decision to visit the site of their ancestor's demise soon proves to be one that will change their lives forever. With nothing but a hundred-year-old diary and legends from the past to guide them, Ben soon realises their quest to solve the riddle of their ancestor's death will require them to take on an altogether greater mystery that will lead them not only halfway across the world delving deep into humanity's bloodiest past but potentially to their own deaths. An unimaginable treasure remains undiscovered - one with the ability to change the world for better or worse. And some will stop at nothing to find it . . .