• Login
    • Create Account
    • Settings
    • FanStory
    • FanArtReview
    • Poetry Dances
  • My
    • Profile
    • Status
    • Messages
    • Feedback
    • Replies
    • Portfolio
    • Contests
  • Social
    • Certificates
    • Buddies
    • Following
    • Fan List
    • Thoughts
    • Clubs
    • Comments
    • Vote
  • Community
    • Profile Thoughts
    • Forum
    • Find A Member
    • Q&A
    • Membership
    • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Read
  • Write
  • Contests
  • About
  LOG IN     SIGN UP
FanStory.com
  • Readenjoy it
    • Up Next
    • Writing Up For Review
      • Poems
      • Stories and Chapters
    • Stand Out Writing
      • Recognized
      • All Time Best
      • Seal of Quality
    • Ranked Authors
      • Poets
      • Novelists
      • Short Stories
      • Scripts

      • Reviewers
    • Ranked Writing
      • Poetry
      • Short Stories
      • Book Chapters
      • Scripts
  • Writeshare it
    • Post A Poem
    • Post A Story
    • Post A Script
    • Post A Book
      • Create A New Book
      • Add Chapter To My Book
      • Create Book For Authors
  • Contestsenter one
    • Contest Listing
    • Create A Contest
    • Vote
  • Pricingget started

Patrick G Cox

HomeProfile

  • Contact
  • Portfolio
  • Comments
  • Become A Fan
  • Nominate
  • Give A Gift
  • Mute


Patrick G Cox: The year seems to be vanishing faster than ever. I haven't had a lot of time between trying to rewrite one of my early books and working with my publisher to get my book on the life of St Patrick into print. The good news is it will happen later this year. The bad news is the time it absorbs making the changes, rewriting and correcting ...

But it's getting there. My apologies to everyone I used to review ...
    Taffspride: Looking forward to reading the
    Life of St. Patrick when it comes out. -


Patrick G Cox: My aplogies to all my friends here, and to those I regularly read. I have a lot on my plate at the moment with promoting, writing, editing, revising and ...

Well you get the picture. I keep telling myself that once winter starts I'll have more reading/reviewing time. Here's hoping.
    giraffmang: Your presence is sorely missed, my friend -


Patrick G Cox: Finally. The editing is complete, the formatting is complete, the book layout and cover is complete, even some 'illustrations' internally are complete - so Limehouse Boys is now 'in the works' with the printer (Lightning Source and Create Space) and uploaded to Kindle by the publisher, IndieGo Publishing LLC ... It's been quite a haul, which is why I've been somewhat absent here, but I must say the end result is looking really good. As soon as I can I'll upload a link to the Kindle Store for it, and I hope some readers here will want to buy it.

The book will be on sale from the 31st July.
    michaelcahill: Congrats! I can't tell you how encouraging that is for some of us who are intimidated by the process. It gives us a little more courage. :)) -
    IndianaIrish: Congratulations, Patrick! Your long process is,over, and now you can bask in your published glory! -
    Taffspride: Congratulations Patrick, that is great. I hope you will let us know of on Facebook when it is available. Besides I like to share it for on my writers group, and also with my friends ther.
    -


Patrick G Cox: Entering the final stages of publishing my latest book. This has been a long, long haul and pretty demanding, but the final draft version is now with the Beta Readers. Hopefully once we have their responses, the book will go to print.

All of which leaves little time for writing at the moment.
    Taffspride: That is wonderful Patrick, congratulations.
    -
    giraffmang: Nice one Patrick. All the best with it. Hope you'll be back soon too. -


Patrick G Cox: Hay fever has me firmly in its grip. Sneezing, burning eyes, bad throat ... Can't focus on anything at present, sorry folks ...
    shelley kaye: me too
    -
    nor84: I had hay fever so bad this spring that over-the-counter meds didn't work. Went to the doc and got prednisone, Nasacort and allergy eye drops, which are over the counter. Maybe that would help you two. -
    Patrick G Cox: It's easing off a bit now, nor84, but I'm on pills, nasal spray and eyedrops, none of which control it completely. This has been the worst year for it in a long time. -


Patrick G Cox: Still rewriting and waiting on editor's criticisms and suggestions. An interesting challenge on top now, trying to find the copyright owner of a photo taken in the 1880s ...

Now there's a challenge.
    Julia.: A photo that old is in the public domain in the U.S.. The absolute longest/worst case length of copyright here for photos or written works is 120 years. Where are you located? -


Patrick G Cox: My apologies to those I usually read ... I'm having to take a break for a bit as I'm having to do some rewrites and a lot of extra work for my publisher.

More cheerfully, I had a great five days with my kids in the UK. Now back to the grindstone ...
    IndianaIrish: Best wishes on your rewrites for your book, Patrick! -
    Patrick G Cox: Thanks Indiana - it's proving a little tougher than expected, but it is getting there. -


Patrick G Cox: Heading for the UK in the morning for a five day visit to see my kids in London and Dorset, so I will be 'absent' for a bit. I know, I know, I've been a bit 'absent' for the last couple of weeks -- and I apologise to anyone counting on my reviewing. I have a couple of big projects in the garden, on rewriting something, and bringing out another book.

Normal service will resume when I figure out what I'm doing with at least one of them ...


Patrick G Cox: A BIG thanks to all those who voted for my entry to Dr Terry Fying's Crumbling Crypt - Tales from the Count's Crypt. I'm delighted to have won and I'm pleased that my rather quirky humour is giving amusement to so many readers.

The Count will do his best to continue to amuse ...
    DIS-illusioned: Why don't Counts just stick to what they were elected to do--counting? -
    evilynne: I wouldn't count on that. -
    michaelcahill: Your entry was a masterpiece. We all knew we were beat the moment we read it. Congrats. -
    Patrick G Cox: This Count hires people to count ... Thanks Michael, I appreciate the compliment. -
    Selina Stambi: We'll be counting on you to keep it up! Cpongratulations, Patrick. -


Patrick G Cox: A failed hard drive on my laptop - fortunately backed up regularly - is causing a bit of a problem at the moment. I'm doing my best on my iPad to read and review, but posting is tricky.


Patrick G Cox: Anyone else have a complete 'outage' of FanStory last night? I suddenly couldn't access the site at all, the second time in recent days this has happened, I just get a message saying my browser 'can't access the server'. It lasted at least two hours here in my neck of the woods ...
    LIJ Red: I'd suspect my local phone/cable company,
    first, then my modem/browser
    set-up, but that's out
    here in the boondocks -
    nor84: Nope. Everything was normal here in high desert California. -


Patrick G Cox: OK, so I'm probably a dinosaur when it comes to dramatic changes. I'm actually having a problem or two with the new layout of the site to try to find out how much I have in my 'kitty' for promoting chapters, where my message notifications are hiding now and how to know if and when I have been reviewed ...

As for where to find the forums ...
    Imogen JH: Top bar. click your name. In menu on left, click status. Your dollars are there.

    Forums are under the 'Community'

    Messages are in your profile also, Or, top right symbol. very top right corner, click that. -
    Ideasaregems-Dawn: Patrick, I've had (and still have) many issues - the first was even logging on, then no way to upload a new image to my profile page, then no way to access any of my old work, then no "save" button when writing a review - when that was fixed it then froze me out at the next window - still does) then, my new posting (a senryu ABOUT writing reviews and being frozen out) disappeared after I registered the copy write but before I took it out of "preview" mode...AND I have no idea IF I was paid for the reviews I DID write because, like you, I can't see my member dollar accumulation. (Whew - I wanted to say it all at once before I forgot any of it. LOL. I think I covered it all. NOW I am going to leave this site alone for awhile and hope that there are some resolutions when I come back!) *Grin* << but only because I am currently leaving! LOL -
    Patrick G Cox: -
    Selina Stambi: Why don't you just get back to classic.fanstory.com? Most of us old timers have. Happy New Year, Patrick. -


Patrick G Cox: I plan to start posting chapters from my new book soon. Set in the period 1830-ish in the East End of London and the Thames estuary, Essex and Kent, it is proving interesting to write (in a phonetic 'Estuarine' vernacular) because the research has turned up some interesting aspects of early Victorian society.

My 'heroes' in this are a trio of orphaned boys who face efforts by organised crime barons to exploit them. There is murder, arson, blackmail, corruption - and some sailing barges and their crews ...

In other news, my publisher, Indiego Publishing, having taken on Their Lordships Request, one of my early books, asked for a total rewrite of it with new material and chapters, and the removal of others - and now plans to publish it as Harry Heron: Midshipman's Journey. The rewrite and the editing is taking a lot of time, but, from the feedback from the publisher, has been worth the effort..
    adewpearl: You know how much I love Harry :-) I am so eager for this new book! -


Patrick G Cox: Having been very busy editing two books, attempting to get another two started, gardening, household stuff, and dog training, walking and generally 'doggy' stuff with my Shelties, I'm now off to South Africa for a Class reunion for two weeks.

Hopefully, when I get back, I can start posting some chapters of my latest historical novel ...

I live in hope, ever the optimist!
    adewpearl: Have a great trip. I await, impatiently, a new book from you :-) -
    Linda Engel: please be careful. and have a safe return -
    Sankey: Hi new friend really enjoyed reading your recent offering. -
    Sankey: -


Patrick G Cox: Figured it was time to update my profile picture to a more recent image.
    Green Lake Girl: I always appreciate knowing what my fellow writers look like! -


Patrick G Cox: Changed my profile picture. Just for fun really. This was as I was preparing to take part in the Solemn Liturgy for Good Friday in Tewkesbury Abbey. The 'Solemn' Liturgy is actually the third stage of a service that starts on Maundy Thursday evening and finishes with the Sung Mass on Easter Sunday - with pauses in between of course ...
    pipersfancy: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, solemn Vigil of Easter, culminating in the celebration of Easter Sunday... can there be any clearer reason for being a follower of Christ? -
    c_lucas: Looking good Patrick. Are you going to keep Harry out of trouble for a while? Charlie -


Patrick G Cox: I've just finished going through the publisher's edited version of The Outer Edge and now I'm on the final lap before it goes into print and Kindle et al. It has been a long and interesting process, but I think the final result is going to be a great read for lovers of the genre.

At the moment, all I can say is, 'phew' ...

And, as Samuel Pepys was wont to close his diary entries - and so to bed.


Patrick G Cox: Merry Christmas everyone, may it be peaceful and bring all you hope for.
    Selina Stambi: Happy New Year, Patrick. May 2014 be blessed and a blessing. -


Patrick G Cox: Preparing a book for publication is a time consuming task, and with deadlines for that and a couple of other tasks (some of them actually paying ones ...) I haven't had a lot of time to visit the site lately. If I've missed anyone's posts and failed to review them - this is why. After this coming week, things may get a little less hectic.

Yeah, and the porcine aviators are on the taxiway and cleared for take-off ...


Patrick G Cox: Just getting ready for a Conference in Belgrade starting Tuesday - so will not be viewing or reviewing for the next three or four days folks. If all goes to plan, I'll be back on Friday!


Patrick G Cox: The last two months seem to have gone past at Light Speed. It has been a busy time, with my daughter's wedding, a short holiday, then lots of catching up on the garden, the Sheltie walk (He's a sheep dog - they need a lot of exercise!) revising one book for the editor, writing another, researching a third and publishing another, and working on trying to market all my books ...

You'll be glad to know (I hope) that I'll soon be able to start posting again (amd reading of course) as some of the pressure eases. Please look out for a new Harry Heron starting soon.

Oh, and something good to share - my book, A Baltic Affair, was published by Indiego ePublishing and is doing very nicely on Kindle and other eBook sales.
    adewpearl: You know how much I love Harry, so that is good news :-) -
    lindalcreel: Congratulations and welcome home Patrick. I hope all is well. This is my first time reading your posts, but I'm certain that I will become a fan of your writing. God Bless and keep the stories coming. -
    Selina Stambi: Congratulations - how exciting! -


Patrick G Cox: My apologies to everyone I normally read and review. This summer is really getting hectic. I am to preach at my youngest daughter's wedding in just under three weeks time, and the sermon has got to be exactly right. We are also having our kitchen units replaced and the new one's are scheduled to be installed the Friday before the wedding. As we are redecorating as well, this means I am in the middle of dismantling the old units, preparing the walls and, of course, trying to sort out all the stuff emerging from cupboards.

We will be in England for three weeks from the 18th July until the 8th August, and as we are travelling in a hired RV, probably not much online either! Why the RV? Because we have Harry vom Goldbachmoor with us, and hotels are funny about dogs, even very aristocratic Shelties.

So my friends, it's a case of I'll see you if I see you!


Patrick G Cox: More excuses. A sick laptop, heat, hayfever and my young dog, Harry are all conspiring to prevent me getting much writing - or reading - done. Oh well, once I stop the sneezing, burning eyes and itching inner ear, maybe I can get the laptop sorted ...
    Mrs Jones: Came looking for you. Hope you will get writing soon Patrick. Miss your posts. -
    Patrick G Cox: Thanks, Ruth. Hopefully life will settle down again soon. -


Patrick G Cox: My apologies to any fans still looking out for my work. Family matters, my wife's accident, my new four footed 'teenager' and efforts to market my work have kept me rather busy and away from writing and posting.

Hopefully I'll be able to get back to my former routine soon.
    Torrence Winter: Four footed teenager must be a dog. >.< -
    Patrick G Cox: Indeed, Harry vom Goldbachmoor ... my Sheltie companion, now nearly six months old. -
    Jenia: I'mmmm back!!!! And, so the beat goes on. I certainly hope all of you are on the Times Best Seller list.

    Yup! Writing is a tough job BUT somebody's got to do it.
    -


Patrick G Cox: I'm going to be a bit 'absent' from the site for a bit. My wife had a bad fall and is in hospital with a broken arm. My apologies to anyone who feels I'm ignoring their posts ...
    Taffspride: My best wishes to your wife Patrick, and I hope her arm heals well. -
    rama devi: Sending healing thoughts... -
    Patrick G Cox: Thanks, she has to go back tomorrow so they can insert a small 'plate' to hold the bone in place. -


Patrick G Cox: A Baltic Affair has just gone digital and is now available for Kindle, Nook and iBook/iPad. This is a new venture for me, but not for my publisher. It will be very interesting to see how it goes.


Patrick G Cox: A Baltic Affair has been published by IndieGo ePublishing of Miami, Florida. It will be available as an eBook on Kindle, Nook, etc and in Paperback through all the usual outlets within the next week or so ...

Let's just say, I'm rather pleased with the published version. The cover was designed by a lady called Kura Carpenter in New Zealand and it is stunning. Worth buying the book just for the cover.


Patrick G Cox: A very merry and blessed Christmas to all Fanstorians, may the coming year bring all you hope for.


Patrick G Cox: Thought it was time for a profile picture change - me, in my more hirsute phase around 1976 ...
    Lady & Louis: Nice pic! :) -


Patrick G Cox: Time seems to be in very short supply at present, with A Baltic Affair, slightly revised, due to be published by Indiego ePublishing in the next couple of weeks, a project for my former employers to write a history of the place and an expression of interest in another of the Harry books which needs to be addressed. The script needs more work, and a new puppy - a Sheltie named Harry vom Goldbachmoor - is also demanding a lot of time and attention ...


Patrick G Cox: Phew! The script version of one of my Harry Heron stories is now with a Movie Director, so here's hoping ... The revisions and corrections I needed to make to A Baltic Affair are also now complete, now it gets its next edit from the editor and, hopefully moves to the layout and publishing stages.

Two projects down and four to go. At least it keeps me out of mischief, but doesn't leave a lot of time for reviewing here or further writing on my bio at this stage.
    adewpearl: you know how much I adore Harry - seeing him in a movie would be super cool, Patrick :-) -
    Margaret Snowdon: Congratulations and good luck, Patrick. -


Patrick G Cox: Two bits of excellent news - but both mean a lot to be done. First, my publisher has sent their edits for the first 18 Chapters of A Baltic Affair. It's going to mean a few revisions and some additions and changes, but they make sense. So that will have to get some attention pronto. The same publisher likes my style and now wants to work with me to publish Ego Sum, my St Patrick story, so that is really good news.

At the same time, I've just had feedback from the guy wanting me to turn the Harry Heron stories into movies. He's a movie producer himself, though not of the blockbusting sort. His appraissal of the script outline I have produced so far is "excellent" - but there is still a lot to do before he can take it to the money-men.

Ohhh-kay. Guess I didn't really need to sleep between Midnight and six a.am.
    DIS-illusioned: Best of luck with all your writing projects, Pat. :) -
    jojo1127: Congratulations and best of luck with your writing endeavors. -


Patrick G Cox: Looks like the demands are increasing at the moment. I'm struggling to turn my book, Out of Time" into a film script as there has been an expression of interest into turning the Harry Heron stories into movies - but first it has to be turned into the appropriate form.

Who knew the format for scripts hasn't changed since the silent movies were first produced? Where am I, in Europe, going to find US Letter sized paper ...

This may take a while and my reading and posting may suffer ...


Patrick G Cox: I should probably apologise to everyone I usually read and review - it's been a very demanding four weeks, with our 'church' wedding (In Germany the 'Civil' part is obligatory and a 'religious' ceremony optional - we chose to do both, but couldn't get the dates closer) and with the preparations for that, plus a little 'us' time ...

Anyway, in between I've had an approach to put together outlines to turn my Harry Heron books into films, so they can be touted round various potential production houses, so that is demanding a lot of time as well. I'm not sure about 'normal service' but I'm working on it.
    Sally Carter: Many congratulations. Hope you had some wonderful "us" time. -
    Patrick G Cox: Thanks, yes, we did! -
    Peter@Poole: Sincere congratulations on getting sliced, Patrick, and also on obtaining a possible film future for Harry Heron and his shipmates. I'm sorry to have taken so long to spot your message and had become concerned that you might not be well. Much relieved, and will keep a weather eye open in future. Peter -
    Peter@Poole: Sorry about the typo; I meant 'spliced', of course. You must have thought me 'sloshe'. -


Patrick G Cox: The next five or six days are going to be incredibly busy so I will be unlikely to reply to or review anyone, for which I apologise.

Normal service will, I hope, resume toward the middle of next week. Why? My wife and I are about to have our civil marriage confirmed in our Church. We are Old Catholics here in Germany and we are celebrating in the Friedenskirche (Peace Church), Wiesbaden on Saturday and will have loads of family to look after for a few days ...
    adewpearl: Congratulations! I can't think of a better excuse to neglect us :-) -


Patrick G Cox: Just back from celebrating my youngest daughter's 28th birthday in London - and I haven't even got to her birth yet in my bio ....

Apologies to all those who left reviews and notifications of work - I'm working my way down the lists.


Patrick G Cox: Just thought I'd have another blast from the past as a profile picture. I'm not sure when it'll appear. Me - aged 14 posed for a bit of trick photgraphy ... The legs are my friend Trevor Inskip's ...
    DIS-illusioned: Well, as long as you don't tell the army--or the girls--that you're 15. :) -
    Vladilynn: Omg! the first thing took my attention is your profile picture. Nice trick!:) -


Patrick G Cox: Just started posting what will eventually be a 'family' book as my now adult children want to know more of my 'life story.' Can't think why. It is proving tricky to write and this first draft is in a sort of chronological order but is mainly my reminiscences, the good, the bad and the hilarious somewhere along the line.
    Mary Ann MCPhedran: Hi Patrick first I must congratulate you for your book and film. I like the picture of you in your robes are you a priest and do you work for the church. Take care my friend .Mary -


Patrick G Cox: A couple of health issues have cropped up for me, so I'm not spending a lot of time at my computer at the moment.

Normal service will return as soon as my diverticulitus is once more hammered into submission!
    Larissa B: do feel better!^_^ -
    Sally Carter: I don't know you Patrick, but diverticulitis does NOT sound fun. Be well soon. -
    DIS-illusioned: Ouch! It hurts just trying to say the word. Then hammering it? Ooooo!
    Get better soon, buddy. -
    Patrick G Cox: Just large doses of some heavy duty antibiotics and try to work round the discomfort. Painful nuisance mostly - and the antibiotics leave a nasty metallic taste in the mouth ... -


Patrick G Cox: Oh boy. Its been a busy week. I apologise to folk I normally review and haven't, there simply hasn't been time to do much here. Tomorrow we head out for a weekend with our church and I won't be online at all for the next two or three days. See you all next Monday - maybe.


Patrick G Cox: We had a fabulous holiday in Denmark and we're now slowly catching up with things like thank you notes, gardening, laundry ...

Writing is making some demands as well, as "A Baltic Affair" has found a publisher. So now I have to clean up the MS, make a few changes to the text and get it ready for their editors. It will be available in e-formats as well as print versions sometime in October - maybe.

Naturally I'm excited, but it also means I've not got a lot of time for the other books I'm trying to get ready to push out, yet again, to selected agents and publishers ...
    Lady & Louis: Congratulations, Patrick!

    Hope you gave Frederick and Mary a wave while you were in Denmark. ;) -


Patrick G Cox: Following a two year battle with the German authorities to get our marital status sorted out, we've finally won. Germany doesn't recognise any "remarriage" if it hasn't happened in Germany - for the very simple reason some middle Eastern immigrants have abused the German citizenship laws in the past. That makes it tough on everyone else. The paper chase has been entertaining, frustrating and unbelievably difficult at times, but we've won.

On Saturday we will go through the German Civil Marriage process and be "legally married" under German law. This resolves a lot of legal issues, and we're celebrating with a holiday on the North Sea coast in rented Danish farmhouse starting next week.

We have a houseful of friends and family over the weekend, to entertain and take care of and then we're off to Demark for some much needed relaxation. This means, of course, that I won't be posting or reviewing here for the next couple of weeks, but hopefully we'll both be hugely refreshed when we get back.
    Lady & Louis: Congrats on winning the legal battle, your marriage (even if it's a deja vu experience!) and holiday, Patrick! -
    Lady & Louis: PS that's deja vu as in the coming ceremony, I mean! -
    adewpearl: I'm so relieved to hear that you're making an honest woman of your lady, Patrick. LOL -
    Patrick G Cox: Thanks folks. Brooke, how could I do otherwise? -


Patrick G Cox: I've just had another newbie who obviously hasn't read the Rating Guidelines give me a 2 Star Review with a comment that made me wonder if, like Pooh Bear, the person concerned is "bothered by Big Words." What exactly they meant by - quote:

"i thought there was too much said but not enough thought put behind the meaning of the words."

If it came from someone who bothered to capitalise the personal pronoun there, or who offered an insight into what they liked or didn't like, I might be more prepared to take it seriously, but frankly, I'm putting this one alongside my collection of idiotic suggestions - like that of the Emperor who told Mozart his Piano Sonata had "too many notes - just take a few out."

Some mother's do 'ave 'em" as they say in parts of the UK ...
    shelley kaye: umm.... i don't cap 'i' .... because.... why capitalize yourself????

    -
    nor84: PM Tom. Maybe he'll remove it. -
    Patrick G Cox: Shelley: Because it's the convention? Nor84, I might just do that. Just lately I seem to be collecting a lot of these sort of ratings, which is a bit discouraging. -
    Lady & Louis: Probably already asked, Patrick, but do you make your work available only to premier members for review? Blocking standard members won't cure the problem but it certainly does cut the numbers of those sorts of reviews.

    Pity is that a comment like that could be very useful if it were in the context of a full and detailed review! -
    shelley kaye: conventional is boring lol ;)
    -
    Lady & Louis: Convention in this case is synonymous with correct, Shelley. -
    Patrick G Cox: Lady & Louis, I've not blocked anyone to date and I wasn't aware I could be selective about membership levels reviewing. But a few more like this and I just might start doing it! -
    barkingdog: I've used this option, lately. It seems at the END of a novel they wonder why the characters aren't better described. Oh, and 'big' words that require a dictionary are 'annoying.' Is prevaracator really a word people don't know? Can't take it ... I'll go mad. Blocking is not a bad thing. It avoids such, may I say, stupidity. -


Patrick G Cox: Several projects on the go at the moment, all time consuming, and none of them helped by my putting my back out rather badly on Tuesday. It's responding to my doctor's treatment though ...

Anyone know where I can get a new spine? It would help!
    Lady & Louis: If I knew I'd be ahead of you in the queue! Sorry to hear about that, even minor back trouble is awful and this sounds nasty. -
    keimosobie: find a good Christian church. Let them lay hands on you. It works. -
    Patrick G Cox: Thanks keimosobie, I already have one and most of the time my back is fine - but if I get stupid ... -


Patrick G Cox: Oh dear. I seem to have hit a run of these. A new chapter, another 4 and the comment is -

This must be a good read for military buffs. As for me, it feels like I am a fly on the wall of a war that is far removed from what I would care about. Then again, I am not a military buff.

If it was a newbie I'd have a bit more tolerance, but the comment comes from someone who has been on the site since 2006, though apparently has never read the guidelines -

The site offers a six star scale for ranking work. Here's a guideline:

Six Stars (Exceptional: Simply Outstanding)
Five Stars (Excellent: Enjoyable and no revisions needed)
Four Stars (Good: Adjustments needed)
Three Stars (Below average)
Two Stars (Below Average: Needs lots of work)
One Star (Poor: Major revision required)
When writing a review we encourage you to give feedback to the author.

I don't mind a rating under 5 as long as the person awarding it makes some constructive criticism and suggests something. Lately I've had a few too many of these meaningless statements and a 4 or lower.

Sorry folks, but it is starting to get me down.
    Lady & Louis: Yeah, when there's nothing solid to back up a rating, that's annoying. I don't like having to ask what the adjustments were, either (especially when it turns out to be someone not knowing that US English is not the only correct spelling in the world!) -
    Patrick G Cox: Yes, that is a really annoying one, but so is getting a low rating from someone who's command of the language is poor to begin with ... -
    Writingfundimension: Patrick, I'm really in your corner on this issue. If you don't like the subject matter, folks, just don't review! Unless, of course, you're jealous and just want to affect someone's rating. Take care, Bev -


Patrick G Cox: Just for fun - me, shortly before retirement at a reception for HRH The Princess Royal. She is very observant and has a fantastic memory for faces and names. I met her again nine months later in a different setting and out of uniform and she remembered me and where we'd met.
    jadapenn: She looks a lot like her mom. -
    Word Weaver: you have a striking resemblance to Jeremy Brett!! Amazing! -
    Lady & Louis: Great photo! And yes, that's a very impressive example of memory (I think HM is the same, isn't she?) - especially when one thinks of all the people the royal family meets. -
    Patrick G Cox: She's taller than HM the Queen, about 5' 10" and, like the rest of the family, sharp as a needle. They don't miss much when talking to groups like this - and they do have phenomenal memories. -
    AprilShower: Hi, Patrick. I was wondering about this picture. I thought she looked like the queen, but a lot younger. Wow! This is neat! -


Patrick G Cox: Suffering from the 'helpful' four star awarders again ...
    shelley kaye: well.... at least you learned about science fiction going on and on....

    ;-)

    -
    redrider6612: "Suffering"? So they aren't offering any concrete advice on how to improve? Trying to make you learn something? Poor baby -
    Patrick G Cox: Nope - certainly nothing usable anyway! -
    Lady & Louis: Well, one was detailed and trying to be helpful at least, the other - not useful at all! -
    Patrick G Cox: As I said, I don't mind an honest critique, its the ones that can't be bothered to say what they think needs looking at that bug me. -
    AprilShower: It happens to all of us. At least, I think it does. It hurts, when there's no good reason for doing it. -


Patrick G Cox: My elderly cat, Madam Paddy Paws, a long haired "Old English" tabby, died on Saturday. We're still getting over her no longer being with us ...

She was 22 and died peacefully in my lap.
    Joy Graham: So sorry to hear that. We have had many pets over the years and it does not get easier with any of them. They are all dear to us. -
    Lady & Louis: Patrick, so sorry to hear she's left you - I can only say at least she did have a long life and went peacefully, but that's not much consolation at the moment! :( -
    adewpearl: Patrick, as a lifelong cat person, I've lost my share of beloved feline companions. I am so very sorry for your loss. -
    Patrick G Cox: Thank you all for your thoughts, she was a very special little lady and a very intelligent one. -
    WilliamDeen: 22. Wow. That's a good long life for a cat. Understand what you're going through. Pam & I are also cat lovers with two now after loosing our 3rd one about a year ago. Thoughts are with you, Patrick. -
    CALLAHANMR: Roger and I are so sorry about the loss of your cat, but she died peacefully and loved, which is more than many animals do in his world. My daughter belongs to an animal rescue group and has cared for many animals some of whom have been agused and neglected. We lost our schnauzer Ludwig sevgral years agi abd we stukk nuss gun dearktm, although we now have to cats tht we also love. Gigabyte and Little Bit. We took in her mother, a pregnant calico at our complex and hoped to keep her forever, but she got pregnant again and had to be out up or adoption. Hopefully she found a loving home, though the odds are against it. While with it she had seven kittens, two of whom we kept. -


Patrick G Cox: Another blast from the past - 1964 and just turned 18 ...
    shelley kaye: 1964 and wasn't even an itch....
    -
    jadapenn: Quite dashing, huh! How tall are you, Pat - 6ft something? -
    adewpearl: Jada!!! He's taken. Back off ;-) -
    Patrick G Cox: I'm 6'2" Jada ... and despite the look in this, totally lacked self-confidence at this period. -
    jadapenn: Hahaha, loved Brooke's quick reply. lol. Brooke, Harry and his maker belong to me!!!! Oh, okay, Pat is my brother, but just you keep away from Harry! -


Patrick G Cox: I thought I'd have a bit of fun with the profile photo - taken in 1962 ... I've clipped it out of a 'Class Photo' from that year.
    R. J. Stewart: Didn't I just see you in a recent episode of Alcatraz? ;) -
    Patrick G Cox: It felt like it at times ...
    -
    adewpearl: Had I known you back then, you would have been a dashing older boy I'd have had a crush on :-) -
    Patrick G Cox: Ah ... the lost opportunities!
    -


Patrick G Cox: I've recently had a couple of those reviews I think we all get from time to time, usually from Newbies, but not always. The first was to a chapter in my latest Scifi adventure. 1-star accompanied by the comment "I found this to be interesting but also somewhat confusing as well. It is good but does need some improvment in some areas. Good job in some ways." No doubt the author of that thought she was being helpful, or maybe not. Who knows. What it did do was pull the overall rating of the chapter down, initially to 3-stars, then, after another 5-star review, to 4-stars overall. Eventually, despite landing at least one 6-star (From one of the really good reviewers on this site) it wound up as a 5 overall.

Today I've just had another like it. This time from a newbie. 4-stars accompanied by "I thought that was brilliant! Ive always been a star trek fan and this just reminded me of that. Makes me want to nip out and buy the book. Really good, enjoyed it"

Please folks, if it was that good, why dock a star? What needs improving in your view? Was there something, perhaps, needing correction? If so please, please, tell the author in your review. It really does get frustrating to work hard to polish a piece, to revise it, edit it, make the corrections you can find - and then get that kind of review and rating. I know the site allows you to 'mute' someone like that, but I don't want to do that, nor do I want to see my overall rating trashed by someone playing with the ratings.

Lets be fair about it, the star rating system is self explanatory. What's so hard about reading what they are about and using them appropriately?
    redrider6612: I would be more upset about the vagueness of the feedback than the rating. The rating is meaningless in the big picture, but the vague feedback does nothing to help you improve. Just my take, anyway. -
    purrfect tale: Check back with the 1 ranking reviewer. I had that happen to me once and found it was a newbie who thought 1 was the best and 6 the worst. Just be calm when you message them. -
    Forgewright: Good point purrfect tale. Luckily my stories are so filled with mistakes, I deserve the low ratings. I tend to look for feedback about the humor content. I was talking to a friend about the use of a comma and stated I thought they were used to take a breathe when reading. She is probably still laughing. -
    Margaret Snowdon: So frustrating, Pat.. but I've experienced the same... all praise and then a 3 or 4 star... and when asked if they had any positive suggestions for improvement... a sharp reply saying they were only trying to help, and won't try to any more. Did I miss something here, I ask myself....help. M -
    Patrick G Cox: purrfect tale, I did check back, very gently - no response, so I just left it at that. Redrider, you're right, its the feedback that's important, but the rating has a "feel good" element to it! -
    tonytnt: I have had the same thing happen a 4 star followed by this was great. Usually its a newbie.
    -
    Gideon300: Okay, just my opinion but -
    Go ahead, push the button Patrick! LOL! Listen, I'd be a bit more forgiving of the newbies, as you obviously are. But, the ones that have been here and start off with it's not my genre, I haven't read any of your work, etc... lines which mean I will never like this or you haven't changed my mind, or praise, praise but here are 3 or 4 stars, basically I read it for the points people... forget it.
    Personally, when I'm out of my depth, or this is not my genre I don't try to make the person convince me to like it. If I read it and do like it, then great but a lot of times I read it and skip it. In the end you must decide was this a fair review. Did it have anything in it that rang true. If not, push the button. Call it a cooling down period, and turn it back on a month or so later. -
    kiwigirl2821: I'm going to say that I've had this happen to me as well...if we write I guess it's to be expected by those that haven't got a clue however ... the one that upset me was one reviewer gave me an excellent and then proceeded to insult my integrity and my relationship to God. As if ... And I have one reviewer who I adore and always expect him to give me a 4 but follows it up with great advice and truly helps then goes back and ups it if I have "fixed" what they saw as wrong. We have become quite good mates and I truly love the input. Like Red says, it's all about the input and help that comes with the 3s and 4s ...

    Even when I review and give a 4 star rating, it would be because I truly felt the piece lacked something for me and always try to tell the person why I did it. When I don't like the subject matter, I put that to the side and see how the writing of the piece is for the review. Usually, most of the work can't be faulted just because I find the subject distasteful in some way...

    I feel for you Patrick...lol -
    alexisleech: I think we all know how this feels, and it's so frustrating. Almost without fail, when I check the reviewers last post (if indeed there even is one, because these opinionated people have often not subjected themselves to criticism!)I find they have low to average scores for low to average work. I think they feel they have been unjustly marked, and want to take it out on somebody else. At least three times I have been given a six, and then someone, not necessarily a newby, comes along and gives me a three or a four immediately afterwards. Mmmmm, it doesn't take much to work out what that's all about! I know we're not supposed to, but it would be so nice just to be able to say something because it is so childish. Alexis x -
    Patrick G Cox: Thanks for all the responses to my whinge, folks. You're all right, of course, we are really here to try and improve and to get pointers. I like to do so myself when I can make a suggestion to make a sentence read more readily or to clarify something and I've had some really great advice from several people here. Where I do give a 3 or 4 star I do go back if the person responds with "I've fixed that ..." and up the rating if the changes have been made.

    Whenever someone suggests something, be it the insertion of a comma (I liked the comment about them being pauses for breath!) I always go back to my post and take a look to see if it fits with my intentions or would be better with a full stop in the case of commas. As I said earlier though, the ratings are a "feel good" factor and a low rating with comments like "I couldn't really get into this ..." somewhere around Chapter XXX are not helpful. -


Patrick G Cox: Hi folks, if you're wondering where I've got to, I'm still around and still writing, but life intervenes at present. I'm very busy revising EGO SUM, but I've also started a new Harry Heron story and I'm in the last stages of publication for the fourth book in the Harry Heron series ON THE RUN.

THEIR LORDSHIPS REQUEST and OUT OF TIME the first two books in the Harry Heron series are also now available for Kindle, PC and iPad eBooks and convertng them has been quite an interesting experience. Hopefully, in the next few days, I'll also have some video book trailers available for all four Harry Herons on YouTube.

OK, that's surely enough from me. Watch this space. In the infamous words uttered by a certain Big Arnie "I'll be back!"


Patrick G Cox: Just thought I'd better explain why I'm not posting much at present. I'm writing two papers for a conference to be held in October and they have to be finished so they can be translated by mid-Spetember. Not easy as they need a lot of research.

On top of that I'm trying to revise my book EGO SUM and oversee the publication of the latest 'Harry Heron' with Abbot Press. It is currently with the editor and she is quite a hard taskmistress. With my German lessons on top of everything else, things are a little hectic at present.


Patrick G Cox: I'm currently preparing two of my books for publication in e-format and another for "traditional" publication which will include an e-version. It's tough going and doesn't allow a lot of time for new writing...


Patrick G Cox: Thanks to all of you for this tremendous compliment. I have to say that the help and encouragement I have received here has improved my writing no end. To say that I was stunned to see it announced is an understatement!


FanStory wrote to Patrick G Cox: Congratulations! The May winner of the Recognized Writer reward.
    JeJo: A big congratulations!! -
    adewpearl: Congratulations, my friend :-) This is richly deserved, and I also wanted to mention how handsome you are in this new profile picture :-) -
    jadapenn: Hi Pat, congratulations "happy chappie". You do so deserve this great award. Wow, what a photo? Quite a stunner. lol. jada -
    IndianaIrish: Warmest congratulations, Patrick. A deserving honor without question. Keep writing! -
    juliaSjames:
    Congratulations on this well deserved accolade. -
    Narvik: Congratulations, Patrick. Your historical writing is awesome. Keep it up. -
    ulster3: Hey Patrick...This is well deserved. Congratulations on receiving this honor. Warmly, Rebecca -
    Writingfundimension: Congratulations on the recognition of your excellent writing skills. Best wishes! Bev -
    Writeaway...: Congratulations, Patrick. I always enjoy work, bravo!! :) -
    Helen Tan: Congratulations. =D -
    kiwigirl2821: Congrats on being the May Author of the Month. Great work! xoxo Kiwi
    -
    another jim: You're one of those guys whose passion for the written word shines in everything you write. Congratulations on your well-deserved award, Patrick! -
    EXMAN. nffc: Well done mate. Much deserved recognition. -
    rama devi: Congratulations dear Patrick! Bravo, :) -
    Carolyn 12: Congratulations. Wonderful recognition..Each piece of yours I read shows why you are a recognized writer. -
    Mary Ann MCPhedran: Thanks for letting me know Patrick and congratulations. good luck with the books and the confrence paper. -


Patrick G Cox: Thought a change of Profile Pic was called for. This was taken back in 1982 during a race. I am sailing a 'Fireball' a 16 foot racing class, sail number K1013 and named appropriately, 'Extravagance.' She was my pride and joy, fast, skittish and pure adrenalin rush to sail.


Patrick G Cox: The Textbook is finally finished and handed over. 120,000 words plus illustrations and photos ...

I undercharged to do it for professional reasons, what I am after is getting my name into a wider audience and I was up against competition to write it. In the end I got it on expertise and price. Maybe the price WAS too low ...
    Jotting Pen: Never mind, one always pays for experience. If it only cost money not pain I would say you came out on top. -


Patrick G Cox: Ninety-five thousands words completed on my text book - to be titled "The IFE Guide to Fire Investigation" and about another 15 - 20,000 to go. Then we start the editing and cleaning up, publication is scheduled for August so there's a lot to do before then!
    Arkine: Yep, lots to do, but sounds like things are going well. :) -
    Patrick G Cox: The End is In Sight!

    Now the editing begins, catching all the repetitions, typos, hanging sentences and ....

    At least it is being read by three other people all finding the typos - I hope!
    -


Patrick G Cox: My book, "Their Lordships Request... A Harry Heron Adventure" is now on sale on Amazon. It was supposed to have appeared a month ago, but delays in the final production of Galleys etc., prevented that. Never mind, its here now...





Patrick G Cox: Just a quick visit to wish everyone on FS a very merry Christmas and a great new year.


Patrick G Cox: My republished The Enemy is Within! is on sale at Amazon. It can be found at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=9781453575512&x=0&y=0


Patrick G Cox: The new version of The Enemy is Within! has gone up on Amazon as of yesterday, but I expect it will be a week or three beofre they get the cover pic up!
    Deborahcamrock: hi am youre begusst fan love looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove you am youre nuber one fan -
    Deborahcamrock: looooooooooove rebe me my love not bye -


Patrick G Cox: Frankfurt was interesting, tiring and hopefully useful in the long run...

Now back to writing my text book.


Patrick G Cox: I'm at the Frankfurt Book Fair for the next two days - hoping for a miracle and some interest in my books....


Patrick G Cox: My novel, The enemy is Within! has gone on sale on the Xlibris website. I have to say that working with them has been a real pleasure. I am also very pleased with the Website they have created for me -

http://www2.xlibris.com/books/webimages/wd/UK/300925/index.html


Patrick G Cox: Working hard on my text book commission which means not a lot of time for other writing or reading at present. Still, around 30,000 words done and only another 50k or so to produce, research and get onto the MS... and then it has to be illustrated with photos, sketches and ...


Patrick G Cox: Just signed off the cover and the galley on the reprint of my novel "The enemy is within!" This version is by Xlibris and will be on e-book, hardback and paperback versions. Watch Amazon please folks - it should be up in about four weeks!


Patrick G Cox: Sadly I have had a rejection slip from the publisher looking at Ego Sum, but I'm now working through a 'vetting site' used by publishers and I'm attending the Frankfurt Book Fair as an "Author in Booth." Perhaps the saint will move someone ...
    Summer Falls: Rejection? Steven King's first four novels were rejected. You are among the greats. :) -
    MyYiaYia: Only one. You need at least 4 or 5 for this one. LOL! It cannot help but sell, just waiting for God's timing. Look up this guy, Nathan Bransford. He is a literary agent. You can find him online and on facebook. I think he might be just who you need. -
    Patrick G Cox: Thanks My Yia Yia, I will certainly look him up! -


Patrick G Cox: Thought it was time for another change of image.


Patrick G Cox: I've just received a commission to write a new handbook on fire investigation for an International Institution. This will be the second 'text book' I have written for them.
    MyYiaYia: CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so happy for you. I know you will do a bang up job. -
    Rain Chapman: Congratulations, Patrick! This is wonderful news, thank you for sharing! -


Patrick G Cox: Change of image again - my 'other' vocation. In the robes of Deacon for the Sung Eucharist.


Patrick G Cox: All dressed up in my Master of Arts robes at Coventry Cathedral. Seems a long time ago now.


Patrick G Cox: Ego Sum has been extremely well received here on FS and is now with a publisher who seems to be keen on it as well. I have been stunned by the response so many readers have made to it and flattered by several of the chapters being nominated at various times for competitions. I really do appreciate the support and encouragement.


Patrick G Cox: Just thought it was time to show another face...


Patrick G Cox: Coming to the end of a book in which you've invested several years of research and with whose subject you've formed an attachment is quite tough - almost like a death in the family!

Thanks to all of you who have supported Ego Sum with your ratings and comments.
    Arkine: Yep, it is hard to end a book. Especially when the main character dies. -
    Caeric il produttore: oh Arkine! spoiler alert! -
    Alf Garnett jnr.: Hi Patrick. Just to inform you that
    (Alf jnr) has since left the site.
    Take care, and good luck. From,Alf. -


Patrick G Cox: I was interviewed for TV by The Book Channel (Sky 166, Monday. Wednesday and Friday at 19.30 hrs and Free View 406). The Channel also has a slot on YouTube - I'd love to know what anyone here thinks if you have the chance to look up YouTube.com/thebookchanneltv
    Arkine: Very cool, Pat! Looked like the interview went very well, and I'm glad they showed a couple of shots of the book. I'm not so much into Sci-fi but might have to pick up a copy. Is it available on Amazon? -
    Border Reiver: Well, you've sold it to me! I love geneology so the idea of being able to go back into your ancestor's live.

    So do you have a publisher, or are your books self published?

    -
    Border Reiver: Oh, for some reason I didn't finish that sentence. I was meant to say: I love geneology so the idea of being able to go back into your ancestors lives is exciting and really appeals to me. -
    Patrick G Cox: I have self published the first two, but now need a proper publisher to get the rest out. I hope you'll give the two in print a try! -


Patrick G Cox: I was astonished by a Second Place for Ego Sum last month and hope my latest chapter will also do well.


Patrick G Cox: I'm extremely pleased with the third place achieved by my Book "Ego Sum". The book is very much a labour of love and I've been astounded at how well received it has been. Thanks to everyone who supported it and voted for it.
    adewpearl: It is a book that I find intriguing, Patrick. Congratulations on the recognition it has received, which is so well-deserved. :-) Brooke -
    BJean: Hi Patrick, I've been meaning to tell you congratulations on your placing. You know I have really enjoyed reading your novel. I truly don't read many novels at a time. Love, Jean -
    Patrick G Cox: Thanks both, its very nice to see this project get this recognition. -
    kingskid: Hi there, Was just reading your bio and see you grew up in East London. We live in Gonubie. I also see you went to Selborne College.
    Very interesting. We've lived in EL for the past 13 years, before that it was KWT, and Cape Town and both Dave and I were born in Port Elizabeth.
    Well done on your latest success.
    Love Norms (kingskid) -
    Allezw2: Master PGC,

    Nicely done, well deserved, a first step to even better placings. It is always a pleasure to read an historical novel that adheres to recorded events and is true to the times as archeology has uncovered the probable daily events common to the period.

    Fantasist -
ABOUT
Location Taunusstein
Born 2nd October 1946
Gender Male
Member Standard
Joined July 2008

Interests
Naval History, History, Sailing, Reading, Travelling, Theology
Patrick G Cox was born in Cape Town in 1946 and grew up in a small city on the East Cape coast called East London. He has long had a fascination with both the sea and ships and the world of science fiction and space travel. Educated at Selborne Primary and College in East London, he worked in commerce and industry before joining the Fire Service in South Africa. In 1988 he and his family moved to the UK where he continued his fire service career finally retiring from the service in 2006. He is a published technical author and has ventured into fiction for his own pleasure as much as anything else. While his career has been focused on dealing with emergencies and in trying to prevent them, his interests have ranged far beyond the technical and include a love of history, especially naval history, science, the exploration of space and some simpler pursuits such as painting and simply reading a good book. Among his favourite authors are such luminaries as Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, Douglas Reeman, C S Forrester and Terry Pratchett, with whom he shares the view that writing is the most fun one can have on one's own.

A Reader in the Church of England, he has a deep faith and is active in the work and life of the Parish he serves. Possessed of a quirky sense of humour, working with and too the civil services of two different countries he has also developed a deep cynicism about the entire process of government, both political and bureaucratic. He subscribes to the view that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Each generation simply has to deal with the mess left by the last and hope they aren't making it any worse.


I agree entirely with Terry Pratchett - writing is the most fun anyone can have on their own!

See also my blog at The Gray Monk's Scriptorium
http://www.thegraymonksscriptorium.blogspot.com
RANK


Reviewing
Write reviews to be ranked.
Review Stars

MILESTONE
5
more posts until the next milestone.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Working with a Publishing Editor reached "Recognized" status.

Fostering werewolf cubs ... reached "Recognized" status.

Tales from the Count's Crypt - 2 reached "Recognized" status.

Equal Rights for Vampires! reached "Recognized" status.

Tales from the Count's Crypt finished first in the member created contest "Dr Terry Fying's Crumbling Crypt 2"

Fresh Start reached "Recognized" status.

Mick is Exonerated reached "Recognized" status.

Tales from the Count's Crypt reached "Recognized" status.
FANS
6 of 92 fans View All

Mary Wakeford

flylikeaneagle

Cogitator

Tootsie55

NightWriter

Walu Feral
FOLLOWING
64 writers View All

Tootsie55

NightWriter

amahra

Walu Feral

Margaret Snowdon

barbara.wilkey












 


Games People Play
A 20th century Ohmie story
Pays: 10 points. and 67 member cents
Copyright © 2000 - 2023 FanStory.com. All rights reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Our privacy statement.
top
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
You Have No Rank
Share 4 posts to be ranked.