Happiness Is: Two Lovely Reviews in One Day!

Happiness is: Two lovely reviews in One Day!

Certainly true if one is a newly-emerging writer…..

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Short-Australian-Stories-ebook/dp/B008H457FY/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

Zara’s Reviews > Long and Short Australian Stories

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My rating:

1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars[ 5 of 5 stars ]

Long and Short Australian Stories
by Margaret Lynette Sharp (Goodreads Author)

Zara‘s review

Oct 20, 13

4 of 5 stars

bookshelves: coffee-books-challenge, hhbc-fall-winter-blues-rc, nbrc-bdazzled-blue, nbrc-level-challenge, read-in-2013

Read from October 01 to 20, 2013

I loved this book.

It was made up of a number of different stories of varying lengths (hence the title “long and short”) about different peoples’ relationships and following their dreams in spite of what people might think or try to talk them out of doing.

It was written in a way that made it easy and quick to read. The dialogue between people was well structured and set out.

If you’re wanting a light, fun and easy read for those lazy days on the beach or in your favourite reading spot then I recommend this book. You’ll be glad you did.

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http://www.amazon.com/A-Taste-Life-Love-Australia-ebook/dp/B008FOEG12/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Jake Taylor’s Reviews > A Taste of Life and Love in Australia

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My rating:

1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars[ 5 of 5 stars ]

A Taste of Life and Love in Australia
by Margaret Lynette Sharp (Goodreads Author)

Jake Taylor‘s review

Oct 20, 13

5 of 5 stars

Read in October, 2013

Ms Sharp has again provided us with a group of very charming short stories. From the young man who was too shy to make his move to the older gentleman who got a second opportunity many years later. In some cases, a door is shut while other opens according to the whims of Cupid. In other cases, interest gets involved. In A Taste of Life and Love in Australia, the author includes these lines: “So you would put an inheritance ahead of me? Ahead of our marriage? Is that what you’re saying?” This reminded me of Don Quixote and his squire Sancho during the Wedding of Camacho, the rich one (Don Quixote, Part II, Chapter 20) who while attending the festivities heard one of the players say: “I am the one that is mightier than Love… for I am Interest” (“Soy quien puede más que Amor… Soy el Interés”). There are other stories that seem to say: I make my own decisions. Others kindle an old friendship; others bring back an old love. Another great line of Ms. Sharp is: “Wasn’t mature love a horse of a different colour?” Almost as asking: Is there such a thing as mature love?
But I must confess that two of my favorite lines were: “life can change in an instant” and “you never know what’s around the corner” (most especially in love matters). Therefore, in closing, I sincerely hope that whatever happens to be around the next corner that can change your life in an instant is as lovely and charming as these stories. Nice reading, Five Stars, Jake Taylor

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Thanks to these reviewers for sharing their thoughts!

Brenda’s review: ‘Long and Short Australian Stories’

I’m very pleased to be able to report that Goodreads Aussie readers moderator, Brenda,

has just posted the following review of my sixth title.

Long and Short Australian Stories
by Margaret Lynette Sharp (Goodreads Author)

Brenda‘s review

Sep 26, 13

4 of 5 stars

bookshelves: 2012-release, aussie-authors, gift-from-author, reviewing-by-request, own-read, read-on-kindle, short-stories

Read on September 26, 2013 — I own a copy

Long and Short Australian Stories is made up of twenty different romantic tales, mostly short, sweet and to the point. The first and last are a little longer, delving deeper into different aspects of life, love and family.

I’ve chosen to review the first of these stories, Run While You’re Young:

Rebecca had one year of schooling remaining with her domineering parents pushing her continually, so when Rebecca informed her parents she was in love with Daniel, all they could see was his standing in life, the fact that he wasn’t “good enough” for their daughter. After forbidding her to see him anymore, Rebecca and Daniel decided to take matters into their own hands.

When she ran away with Daniel, heading for his Uncle Garry’s place in the country, she left her parents a note so they wouldn’t worry – but she didn’t tell them where she was going. Rebecca continued her studies until she had completed her course, happy and content with her life at last. But would her happiness last? Would she have a future with Daniel, or would she have to return to her parents’ side, cowed and dominated?

This was a delightful story which spanned several years, with family a dominating factor. Rebecca’s strength of character stood out, and also Daniel’s love for Rebecca; but also his respect for her and her parents. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

I would recommend this anthology of short stories to anyone who loves a light romantic read.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Short-Australian-Stories-ebook/dp/B008H457FY/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

‘Long and Short Australian Stories’ : Shelleyrae’s review.

When you’re a writer, reviews of your own work engender a plethora of emotions. There’s the waiting and wondering, particularly for early reviews. Then, there’s the inevitable reflection on their meaning and potential outcome, and the hope of words that reflect one of humanity’s deepest desires, approval.

In other words, reviews matter.

Some say that reviews are mostly for the benefit of potential readers, but the reality is that well-founded observation, positive or negative, can help the writer, too.  Seeing through the  eyes of another can alert an author to points perhaps previously unrecognised.

So, I say a big ‘Thanks you’ to Shelleyrae at Book’d out for her thoughtful review.

Here’s the link:  http://bookdout.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/review-long-and-short-australian-stories-by-margaret-lynn-sharp/

 

Wait for it: Another review!

More good news! Shelleyrae at Book’d out, one of Australia’s leading, respected book blogs, has accepted my sixth published work for appraisal.

She’s literally booked out, and so the collection is scheduled for next year: February, in fact.

I’m absolutely honoured and delighted that she has accepted this volume, especially since she has already reviewed this year, my second work, ‘A Taste of Life and Love in Australia’.

February: the month for lovers. Valentine’s Day.

February: the month for the review of perhaps my very best effort to date: Long and Short Australian Stories.

http://www.amazon.com/Short-Australian-Stories-Margaret-Lynette/dp/1475122349

 

‘Long and Short Australia Stories’: a lovely surprise!

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Short-Australian-Stories-ebook/dp/B008H457FY/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=A24IB90LPZJ0BS

These last several weeks, I’ve had  a Q&A on the social reading site known as Goodreads, about my latest publication: a book entitled ‘Long and Short Australian Stories’. It’s edited by my husband, the creator of the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ: Ronald Sharp.

‘Long and Short Australian Stories’ is a collection of mixed length stories and vignettes of romance and human interest, set in present-day Australia. Although serious in tone, nevertheless the scenarios lend themselves to uplifting outcomes.

A Goodreads member named Mark has participated in the Q&A ; announcing recently that he had purchased it as an e-book.

Clearly, he enjoyed it, since just this evening I found that he had posted a review both precise and concise on the book’s Goodreads page. He rated it 5 stars.

I’m overjoyed that it’s off to such a good start!

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http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/368139202

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‘Long and Short Australian Stories’ now on Kindle!

Let me first announce that my sixth book, ‘Long and Short Australian Stories’, edited by my husband Ronald Sharp B.E.M., the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ builder, has just been published on Kindle!

I don’t know exactly when Kindle came into being. It certainly wasn’t around when I was growing up: but then, neither were computers.

So I suppose it seems strange to me now, having come to the belief that my best hope of wide readership of my books comes from this previously unconsidered source. I say ‘unconsidered’ simply because it was so deeply entrenched in my brain that books were printed on paper; especially those aspiring to deemed as having  literary merit.

An outmoded idea, I now see, in the light of how far technology has come, and what astonishing benefits it has brought with it.

Anyone with a few dollars to spend, and the right accessories, can download my books,  or ANY Kindle books, almost instantly, and start reading. The convenience is overwhelming: and no dusting of books, left to their own devices on shelves, either!

It’s hardly surprising then that Kindle has grown: is growing: at an impressive rate, and its fans are spanning the ages.

What exciting times we live in!

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Short-Australian-Stories-ebook/dp/B008H457FY/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

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Q@A on Goodreads: Long and Short Australian Stories

Hands up who likes Short Stories!

These days of rush, and time-poor readers, has probably led to an increase in readership of this genre. That’s my theory, anyway.

Now, I like Short Stories. I like them for several reasons; their brevity, their punch, their relative simplicity.

Some  Short Stories have a reputation for leaving readers up in the air. Recently, a friend complained to me that she didn’t really enjoy them much, for that reason.

Well, this is where mine differ from the norm. With few, if any, exceptions, my Short Stories provide at least a degree of resolution. Sometimes, a tale is continued at the end of the volume; as in the case of my ‘life and love’ series.

But not this time, in ‘Long and Short Australian Stories’. This volume aims to invoke a greater depth of character and events by generally containing longer, more complex stories. Sure, they’re still a quick and easy read, but this time I’ve experimented a little to see how these gel with readers.

To help identify the credentials of ‘Long and Short Australian Stories’, I’ve set up a Q@A on the topic at Goodreads, ending in about four weeks. Why not join with other writers who have offered to provide their input, and help this Australian women writer along?

‘Long and Short Australian Stories’ is Here!

Our sixth volume of Short Stories, entitled ‘Long and Short Australian Stories’, is set to find its way onto bookshelves. Written by myself, Margaret Lynette Sharp, like all the others, this book is edited by my husband  Ronald Sharp B.E.M., the creator of the Grand Organ in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House.

Set in contemporary Australia, this volume differs from the other collections of Short Stories that I have written in a couple of ways.

The first thing you’ll notice is the difference in setting out, which is aimed at making the stories even easier to read.

The second difference lies in the length and structure of the first and last stories. Each is relatively lengthy, and spans a number of years, giving greater depth to the tales.

The third difference  is that there is no link between the first and last stories: the signature of the ‘Life and Love in Australia’ series.  However, I’m hoping the quality of the work makes up for any disappointment by readers on this score.

As an Australian author, I’m proud to say that this book is listed by the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2012, and is also mentioned on the ‘Friends of the National Year of reading 2012’ page.

Just released on April 11 this year, why not be amongst the first in the world to discover this new addition to Australian contemporary literature?

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Published Today: ‘Long and Short Australian Stories’

We’ve done it again; unleashed our new baby into the literary world. ‘Long and Short Australian Stories’ has been released.

This being our sixth effort, I guess we’re beginning to feel like old hands at it, yet I’d be lying if I said the thrill is diminishing. There it is, a real book, for better or for worse: the culmination of thought, education, effort, emotion and life experience.

‘Long and Short Australian Stories’ differs a little from our set of four volumes of ‘Life and Love in Australia’ by virtue of its relatively  lengthy, unrelated, first and last stories.

In addition, I feel that it is overall a little more serious than the earlier collections. Whether this is a plus or a minus, I don’t quite know.

Written by myself, and edited by my husband Ronald Sharp B.E.M., this volume is a true family effort, since my husband’s daughter Sandra  also helped in the setting-up for publication.

Quite by accident, it’s been released on the hundredth anniversary of the departure of the ill-fated Titanic.  I can only hope that it, too, isn’t destined for disaster.

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