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Fin, Fur and Fatal, An Ary England Mystery
ISBN 978-1-59705-256-6
Reviewed by
Laurie Paugel, RN ,RAC-CT, C-NE
Clinical Reimbursement Coordinator
Friendly Village Nursing and Rehabilitation
900 Boyce Drive
Rhinelander, WI 54501
WOW!!! I just finished your book last night, couldn’t put it down from like chapter 20 something
on. That was by far your best, kept me right at the edge of my seat! It was a fun and easy read….
Just wanted you to know how awesome I thought the book was.
Thank you for a fun evening. Are we going to see more of the heroine?
ISBN 978-1-59705-256-6
Reviewed by
Laurie Paugel, RN ,RAC-CT, C-NE
Clinical Reimbursement Coordinator
Friendly Village Nursing and Rehabilitation
900 Boyce Drive
Rhinelander, WI 54501
WOW!!! I just finished your book last night, couldn’t put it down from like chapter 20 something
on. That was by far your best, kept me right at the edge of my seat! It was a fun and easy read….
Just wanted you to know how awesome I thought the book was.
Thank you for a fun evening. Are we going to see more of the heroine?
| REVIEWS |
May i**=====************=========***************===========*******=======
ssue of SPAWNews here: http://www.spawn.org/blog/?p=1115
Book Review
by Patricia Fry
A Writer’s Vehicle, Henry Ford’s Way by Billie A. Williams
Filbert Publishing (2010)
ISBN: 978-1-932794-17-5
97 pages, $11.95
http://www.billiewilliams.com
Billie Williams isn’t new to publishing—in fact, she has over two dozen published books. While
she generally writes mystery novels, she has used her creative senses to produce this new
book for writers. A Writer’s Vehicle offers solid advice for writers, with an interesting twist. It’s
fascinating the way she compares Henry Ford’s list of what he wanted his vehicles to
represent to a writer’s list of the quality products we hope to produce. What do these two lists
have in common? Both Ford and writers strive to produce a product that is sturdy, attractive,
competitive and of good workmanship. Williams likens the automobile’s ignition to the hook
we need in our stories to draw the reader in and compares the automatic oiling feature in the
cars to the flow in a story from one plot or chapter to the next. Clever, don’t you think?
And the book goes on to teach authors how to construct a book from the initial idea, through
the contents, and even including the physical construction of a book. I especially like her
chapter on the construction of various types of books—memoir, short story, novel, and so
forth.
I found it interesting that Williams was able to continue the automobile theme throughout. For
example, she likens the article to a sports car, short story to SUV, essays/letters to sedans,
autobiographies to station wagons, poetry to a 4-door convertible, novel to a heavy-duty
stretch cab pickup. And she urges writers to be true to their audience, no matter which
vehicle they use. Being a nonfiction writer, I appreciated this statement (which, of course, is
valid in fiction writing as well), “Your reader is relying on you to tell the truth even in a made-
up story. Your reader wants you to be reliable. If you tell them marshmallows are nothing but
puffed-up Jell-o, or a Dodge is carbon copy of Ford’s original idea, you better be dadgum
sure you have your facts right. Some reader somewhere may toss your book in the circular
file and blab about it on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace or wherever there are readers.” And
she warns, “Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool, for or against you.”
I like her chapter on workmanship, where she suggests that you start with good material, that
it is well-written and that it flows. I see way too many clients who do not know how to make
their stories or nonfiction material flow. Williams explains the process of making your story
flow “naturally from one thing to another where characters seem to act from within, what they
do is right for that particular character at that particular time, in that particular genre.” I think
we’ve all read novels by authors without this skill.
Williams also provides a long list of recommended reading for writers.
This is a small book packed with some useful information for writers and authors, shaped into
an interesting mold, using a most unusual vehicle.
ssue of SPAWNews here: http://www.spawn.org/blog/?p=1115
Book Review
by Patricia Fry
A Writer’s Vehicle, Henry Ford’s Way by Billie A. Williams
Filbert Publishing (2010)
ISBN: 978-1-932794-17-5
97 pages, $11.95
http://www.billiewilliams.com
Billie Williams isn’t new to publishing—in fact, she has over two dozen published books. While
she generally writes mystery novels, she has used her creative senses to produce this new
book for writers. A Writer’s Vehicle offers solid advice for writers, with an interesting twist. It’s
fascinating the way she compares Henry Ford’s list of what he wanted his vehicles to
represent to a writer’s list of the quality products we hope to produce. What do these two lists
have in common? Both Ford and writers strive to produce a product that is sturdy, attractive,
competitive and of good workmanship. Williams likens the automobile’s ignition to the hook
we need in our stories to draw the reader in and compares the automatic oiling feature in the
cars to the flow in a story from one plot or chapter to the next. Clever, don’t you think?
And the book goes on to teach authors how to construct a book from the initial idea, through
the contents, and even including the physical construction of a book. I especially like her
chapter on the construction of various types of books—memoir, short story, novel, and so
forth.
I found it interesting that Williams was able to continue the automobile theme throughout. For
example, she likens the article to a sports car, short story to SUV, essays/letters to sedans,
autobiographies to station wagons, poetry to a 4-door convertible, novel to a heavy-duty
stretch cab pickup. And she urges writers to be true to their audience, no matter which
vehicle they use. Being a nonfiction writer, I appreciated this statement (which, of course, is
valid in fiction writing as well), “Your reader is relying on you to tell the truth even in a made-
up story. Your reader wants you to be reliable. If you tell them marshmallows are nothing but
puffed-up Jell-o, or a Dodge is carbon copy of Ford’s original idea, you better be dadgum
sure you have your facts right. Some reader somewhere may toss your book in the circular
file and blab about it on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace or wherever there are readers.” And
she warns, “Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool, for or against you.”
I like her chapter on workmanship, where she suggests that you start with good material, that
it is well-written and that it flows. I see way too many clients who do not know how to make
their stories or nonfiction material flow. Williams explains the process of making your story
flow “naturally from one thing to another where characters seem to act from within, what they
do is right for that particular character at that particular time, in that particular genre.” I think
we’ve all read novels by authors without this skill.
Williams also provides a long list of recommended reading for writers.
This is a small book packed with some useful information for writers and authors, shaped into
an interesting mold, using a most unusual vehicle.
Book Review of The Capricorn Goat
ISBN 978-1-4489-0078-7
1-4489-0078-6
Publish America
by Billie A. Williams
Mystery writer, Billie A. Williams, publishes mysteries as fast as a Missile streaks across an ocean. The Capricorn Goat,
one of her fairly recent releases, does not disappoint. She has assembled a book full of entertaining characters, as
usual, who excite the reader and move the story forward. For the most part, these characters with such "fun" names, are
intelligent, and especially, very human.
Williams’ protagonist, January Flannel, is a mystery author who finds herself immersed in an intriguing mystery which is
far too real for comfort. Her good friend Sasha "Echo" Folio is accused of murder and although she entangles herself in
the same danger Echo is in, January does not back away. A quote from The Capricorn Goat gives the reader a sense of
January’s loyalty to a friend and a peek into her experience as an author: "As a writer, her mind puts the pieces of the
mysterious murder together in a puzzle, all the clues interlocking."
Williams stealthily cuts a slice of political intrigue into the mix. How can she explain to her teenage daughter, Taylor, why
her father who suddenly disappeared many years before, has suddenly resurfaced in such a profound circumstance?
The story centers on the characters and their relationships with each other and the men that complicate their lives; the
threats that curse their every day. January is run down by a "hit and run" driver which nearly takes her life, and puts her
in a wheelchair. An intruder bullies his way into her house; shots are fired, bullets find their mark. A local teenager is
kidnapped. All this at Christmastime when parties are planned and shoppers fill January’s gift shop, The Capricorn Goat.
The climax will keep the reader on the edge of his seat, and all the pieces of the puzzle finally slide into place and click
at the end. I promise you, The Capricorn Goat, will make you glad you sat in a cozy chair with your favorite cup of tea
and submerged yourself in Billie A. Williams’ gift for writing.
Review by J. Gayle Kelly
Author of The Watermelon Patch, and other novels.
ISBN 978-1-4489-0078-7
1-4489-0078-6
Publish America
by Billie A. Williams
Mystery writer, Billie A. Williams, publishes mysteries as fast as a Missile streaks across an ocean. The Capricorn Goat,
one of her fairly recent releases, does not disappoint. She has assembled a book full of entertaining characters, as
usual, who excite the reader and move the story forward. For the most part, these characters with such "fun" names, are
intelligent, and especially, very human.
Williams’ protagonist, January Flannel, is a mystery author who finds herself immersed in an intriguing mystery which is
far too real for comfort. Her good friend Sasha "Echo" Folio is accused of murder and although she entangles herself in
the same danger Echo is in, January does not back away. A quote from The Capricorn Goat gives the reader a sense of
January’s loyalty to a friend and a peek into her experience as an author: "As a writer, her mind puts the pieces of the
mysterious murder together in a puzzle, all the clues interlocking."
Williams stealthily cuts a slice of political intrigue into the mix. How can she explain to her teenage daughter, Taylor, why
her father who suddenly disappeared many years before, has suddenly resurfaced in such a profound circumstance?
The story centers on the characters and their relationships with each other and the men that complicate their lives; the
threats that curse their every day. January is run down by a "hit and run" driver which nearly takes her life, and puts her
in a wheelchair. An intruder bullies his way into her house; shots are fired, bullets find their mark. A local teenager is
kidnapped. All this at Christmastime when parties are planned and shoppers fill January’s gift shop, The Capricorn Goat.
The climax will keep the reader on the edge of his seat, and all the pieces of the puzzle finally slide into place and click
at the end. I promise you, The Capricorn Goat, will make you glad you sat in a cozy chair with your favorite cup of tea
and submerged yourself in Billie A. Williams’ gift for writing.
Review by J. Gayle Kelly
Author of The Watermelon Patch, and other novels.
Review for Money Isn’t Everything,
by Billie A Williams
ISBN 978-1-59705-592-5 (print)
978-1-59705-443-2 (electronic)
Reviewed by Bradley Simpson, Author of Dreamsbane of Tamalor
I was not sure what to expect when I cracked this tale open. Imagine my
delight when I found I could hardly put it down. I finished this book in two
delightful days. In one word to describe this book I would simply say
dynamite! =) This book makes me reflect on one of the most horrible events
of my life.. my father's mother was in a nursing home several years ago and I
went to visit her. Definitely bad vibes in that place all around. This story was
well-written, smooth plotlines, and driving excitement. I have been reading a
*lot* of books lately but I would have to rank this one up with my Drizzt and
Slayer stories. =)
Bradley Simpson, Author
I dream of darkness and hope of one day bringing the light of love to the
world.
www.cardshark.com/default.asp?referral=killstorm&source=link
I have published my book Dreamsbane of Tamalor! Hehe, have a look see =)
http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-
000083734
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dreamsbane/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Writers_Block_Of_Dreams/
http://www.myspace.com/dreamsbane
by Billie A Williams
ISBN 978-1-59705-592-5 (print)
978-1-59705-443-2 (electronic)
Reviewed by Bradley Simpson, Author of Dreamsbane of Tamalor
I was not sure what to expect when I cracked this tale open. Imagine my
delight when I found I could hardly put it down. I finished this book in two
delightful days. In one word to describe this book I would simply say
dynamite! =) This book makes me reflect on one of the most horrible events
of my life.. my father's mother was in a nursing home several years ago and I
went to visit her. Definitely bad vibes in that place all around. This story was
well-written, smooth plotlines, and driving excitement. I have been reading a
*lot* of books lately but I would have to rank this one up with my Drizzt and
Slayer stories. =)
Bradley Simpson, Author
I dream of darkness and hope of one day bringing the light of love to the
world.
www.cardshark.com/default.asp?referral=killstorm&source=link
I have published my book Dreamsbane of Tamalor! Hehe, have a look see =)
http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-
000083734
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dreamsbane/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Writers_Block_Of_Dreams/
http://www.myspace.com/dreamsbane
Join the newsletter to get a free
chapter a week from 3 novelists as
serialized novels - works in
progress (WIP).
1. July Heat - mystery/suspense
from Billie A Williams
2. Torch in The Mist - romantic
suspense from Pat McCain
3. Willow Walk - Romance from
S K Hamilton
chapter a week from 3 novelists as
serialized novels - works in
progress (WIP).
1. July Heat - mystery/suspense
from Billie A Williams
2. Torch in The Mist - romantic
suspense from Pat McCain
3. Willow Walk - Romance from
S K Hamilton