Reviews from

The Coyote Boys

Viewing comments for Chapter 15 "Honeysuckle and Lies"
Story about two brothers who change their destiny.

19 total reviews 
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Excellent
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Walk in and see boarded windows would be a sure sign of something occurring that maybe should not have happened.

Lynn's reaction certainly not the one he expected.

Blood stains? What did Matthew do to the baby? That cliffhanger not revealed.

The jerk needs to be killed if he hurt the baby. As Huck said "done the world a favor."

 Comment Written 09-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 10-Aug-2024
    He assaulted Lynn's eight year old daughter. The baby was just crying. She would have done the world a favor had she killed him. Thank you. Gretchen
Comment from Jim Wile
Excellent
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Out of 6s. Sorry.

I sincerely hope you can find a publisher willing to publish it, because I think it is that good. However, publishers (and agents) these days may not for several reasons:

1) They don't seem to want to publish short works like this. How many total words is it? It seems like a novella.

2) They may think you are a racist for calling Miss Lynn "colored." They are idiots because that is authentic for the time.

I would try it by either finding an indie publisher who accepts unagented submissions, and maybe also try a few queries to literary agents.

You can always try self-publishing if you don't get any nibbles, but you'll spend a lot of time and get very few sales unless you have a big social media presence and are willing to spend a lot of time promoting your book. I have a feeling that's not something you would be into.

I would NOT go the hybrid (vanity) publishing route. You'd end up spending a lot of money for services the book doesn't need and won't help you get sales, because you will still be required to do a lot of self-promotion. I don't think they could do much for you that you can't do yourself by self-publishing for virtually nothing.

It's a tough thing to break into the publishing world these days. Everyone seems to be trying to, but there is so little real quality in all the efforts by most. I think this story has real quality, so I would encourage you to perhaps spend some time at it, but just be aware that it's really tough unless you're willing to spend a lot of non-writing time doing it.

You may just find an agent willing to pitch it to a publisher, or an indie publisher who accepts unagented submissions, so give it a shot.

I can give you suggestions on how to find these if you are interested.

 Comment Written 09-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 09-Aug-2024
    Thank you, Jim. If I do it, at all, it will be Amazon self-publishing. I've done others this way and that seems to work best for me. I have a nice fan base where I live and sell enough to help with the bills. Lol. And the vanity type is a rip off, in my opinion. I do appreciate your suggestions. But you are right, it is a novella. Should be wrapping up in just a few more chapters. So probably 22 to 24,000 words. I'm still debating. Gretchen
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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Oh dear, trouble afoot for Mathew and it sounds like the storm is ready to hit this family here. This story is worth publishing because many will identify with a violent Father. My Father was sometimes violent and I was often frightened off him as he had a wicked temper and my sister suffered at his hand as she would answer him back and she wished him dead on many occasions. Another fine chapter Gretchen, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 08-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 09-Aug-2024
    I'm sorry to hear that about your father. I've never understood how a parent can torment their own children. Misguided souls. Thank you for this kind and personal review. Gretchen
reply by Dolly'sPoems on 09-Aug-2024
    I admired my Father for his talent, he was a very clever man, but he had no idea how to bring up children and I lost respect for him when I became an adult. I only feel forgiveness for the past now though, love Dolly x
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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I had a funny feeling that Mathew he'd done something despicable and he did, but now I suspect things are coming to a head now, with both sons out to kill their father, and I've have to say he doesn't have much going for him. Beautifully written Gretchen, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 08-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 08-Aug-2024
    You're exactly right. Matthew doesn't stand a chance. Thanks for this. Gretchen
Comment from T B Botts
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Gretchen,
I'm so glad I still had one six left. Your story should most definitely be published gal. If you do publish, I hope you'll get with a publisher that will have a cover that is as good as the story. I was blessed with outstanding covers for my three books. It's the first thing people will notice and it needs to stand out from the other books.
I'll never understand why some women stay with abusive men. The odds that the man will change are almost nil. This was a really powerful chapter gal. I'm not sure what's going to happen next, but I have a feeling that Matthew Strait is about to be visited by the wrath of God, unless of course his wife intervenes. Exceptional work gal. Well done.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 08-Aug-2024
    Thank you very much, Tom. Lucky for me, I have a daughter who is a graphic artist. I give her my thoughts and she runs with it. Lol. I really appreciate the nice review . Gretchen
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Excellent
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I have no say about publishing. I have never been asked, and, I have no money to self publish. But if you are asking is it good enough? Yes it is. The story is set in the past so it does not directly affect us. That makes it a cleaner read. The subject is universal. And the mean man will get it in the end one way or another, So our sense of justice will be satisfied. What's not to like? :-)

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 08-Aug-2024
    Thank you so much. There is a way to publish at no cost to you. Amazon e books. Offer it on Kindle. The only cost is paper copies. Go for it. Thank you. Gretchen
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 08-Aug-2024
    I might think about it someday. For kindle, wouldn't I have to read it aloud? :-)
reply by the author on 08-Aug-2024
    No. People purchase the book to read
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Yes! Publish it. It's a wonderful story and I can't wait to read the next chapter. I hate Matthew... that S.O.B. I can't believe he hurt a little girl. I hope he burns in hell.

Well done!

Gypsy
"Poetry heals the wouds inflicted by reason" -- Novali

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 08-Aug-2024
    Thank you, Gypsy. I just may do it. I appreciate this. Gretchen
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I think it's brilliant, Gretchen! And I don't say that lightly. I'm just sorry I haven't got more to give you. I can pick up each chapter and get right back into the story in an instant and feel those emotions so palpably against Matthew. Not to mention impatience that momma feels so obligated. I actually don't want the story to close so that says it all, I think. Well done! Debbie

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 08-Aug-2024
    Thanks so much, Debbie. Very much appreciated. Gretchen
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
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I knew that horrible man did something to Ms. Lynn but never expected him to hurt a child. He's beyond horrible. I can't wait to see what Huck does.

" Momma leans over to put the clean pot from breakfast away. (put away the clean pot from breakfast. The adverb needs to as close to the verb as possible.)

I love you Miss Lynn. (you,)

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 08-Aug-2024
    Thank you so much . Gretchen
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Oh my goodness, what a ba....d! To hurt a child! It makes me wonder who is Miss Lynn's father? I've an awful idea who. Huck's mother is so wrong defending her husband. She should have walked away long ago. At least she could have stopped his doing what he did to Dewey! Oh, I am so worked up, I want to come and belt him one, my self! Okay, it's fiction, but it sounds so real!

This is an incredible chapter, Gretchen, and a resounding YES to publishing it. You are a very talented author, my friend, you must share your stories with the world. I can't wait to read on. I get a new flush of sixes on Sunday! Well done, my friend. Sandra xx

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 08-Aug-2024
    Thank you so much. I'm glad you have hung in there for this. Gretchen