At first, when I picked up this book, I had no idea it would contain an interesting plot that would teach me a lot. From this book, I was able to understand so many secrets in the medical world because this book is relatable in every sense. From McDowell's life, I was able to learn the dangers that come with betrayal. Above all, this book taught me that no matter how wicked and selfish a man can be, there is always space in him for love for his family, as in the case of Hiram. Despite the level of his selfishness, his love for his children was very obvious.
The plot of this novel is among its strongest selling points, as every genuine reader would concur with me. Given how interesting and twisted the plot is, it would be wrong not to give the author kudos for a job well done. The writing style is another aspect of this book that is deserving of mention because it made the book unique in its own way, and the author also did a wonderful job in character development, which is another part of the book that piqued my interest..
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Tour of Duty is a work of historical fiction. It begins in the year 1960. We see the arrival of a physician named Miles Ballard in France. Miles is to serve in the Air Force at US Air Station, Châteauroux. Ingrid Stern, the wife of Doctor Oliver Stern, welcomes Miles to France, and Oliver Stern becomes Miles' best friend. Miles, being a man of morals, faces challenges in the hospital he serves in. This brings hostility to Miles from his superior, and he is faced with two choices: to uphold his morals and ethics or to succumb to the corrupt leadership in the military.
Williams H. Coles created an outstanding work out of this novel. While reading the book, I was completely immersed in it, enjoying each chapter and desiring to know what happens next. The author's writing was easy to follow and intriguing. This book made me admire Miles a lot. He didn't only stand his ground, unlike the other doctors on the military base, but he upheld his morals and ethics and stuck to them.
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This amazing book by William H. Coles is really unique because it doesn’t just tell the tales of a man without leaving us with reasons not to learn. After going through this book, I found myself thinking about and checking the aspects of my life that need to be changed. So many things went south in this book, and it was driven by the negative human nature we naturally possess. This book teaches us why we should be good friends, a good husband, a good father, and personally, to be good individuals.
I really want to use this opportunity to thank the author for such an amazing book. I enjoyed every second of reading this book. I rate McDowell by William H. Coles 5 out of 5 stars. It was absolutely worth my time and life-changing.
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I read every part of this book, and I just could not find anything to dislike about it. William H. Coles gave a comprehensive description of the interactions between the characters, making it simple and enjoyable to read. I enjoyed how the author addressed real-life issues that happen in a society like racism, rape, and suicide, their effects, and how a single person could cause a significant change. I enjoyed how the author pointed out the love and care most doctors in the book have for their patients.
The book Tour of Duty by William H. Coles was written to perfection. It was exceptionally well edited. It was compelling to read, with nonstop excitement and drama. I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars because it inspired me to continually stand up for my principles and fight for what I believe in.
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I really enjoyed this novel. For one, it was very historically accurate. The author subtly alluded to historical events, like the Jewish Holocaust and Hiroshima, in such a way that it never overshadowed the main narrative but was still enough to immerse me in the past. In addition, for a book written last year, the tenor of the novel was superb. It’s written in the sort of archaic English common to the time; it reads like a book published straight out of the 1950s. It’s consistent throughout the story, and it really put the finishing touches on the book for me. The characters themselves were wonderfully written. They were all affected in some way due to their identities and respective histories; they all had motives for their actions, and their backgrounds were fully explained. Moreover, these characters changed throughout the story due to these experiences.
This book is deserving of 5 out of 5 stars. It’s an exceptionally well-written and well-edited piece of literature. The writer took up the challenge of manufacturing a plotless story and has done so brilliantly. The characters were compelling, creative, and all of equal importance to the story. It’s an inventive glimpse into the past and a joy to read.
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I simply adored this book. A big part of its allure is its historical accuracy; you felt like you were in the 1960s. Subtle references to the past, like the bombing of Nagasaki, the acquisition of France by Germany, and D-Day, were always referenced in some way. This helped preserve the book’s authenticity while simultaneously preventing the storyline from dwelling too much in the history of the times and consequently causing it to diverge from the story. Moreover, I liked that these events had an impact on the characters’ lives.
The novel’s tone is one of my highlights. Published in 2022, the novel reads like one typewritten in the 1970s and reminded me of The Great Gatsby due to its old-school tone. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a highly creative, brilliantly written, and well edited piece of work. The author has spun a wonderful story from the perspective of captivating, relatable characters.
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New! Spirit of Want Trailer
Online Course - Creating Literary Story
This online learning course is the culmination of author and educator, William H. Coles 24 years of experience writing award-winning literary novels, short stories, and poems.
With this course, you will learn, in eight lessons, to create effective characters with action scenes, conflict resolution, change, identifiable core desire, enlightenment, and working dialogue; and you will learn to structure dramatic literary plots that are character-based, narrated effectively, and created with agreed-upon prose that lasts as an art form.
Available at the introductory price of $10.00, a reduction from the regular price of $35.00.
As an incentive, buy now and receive a free download of the book, Creating Literary Stories: A Fiction Writer's Guide.
You have a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not pleased after reading the introductory material.
New Novel: Tour of Duty
Tour of Duty is a fiction novel-literary and historical--set in France, 1960-1966, at the height of the cold war and written with strong characterization, conflict, and dynamic plots. Major characters are Miles Ballard, a physician drafted and eager to succeed in providing best care for his patients who frequently clashes with military demands and morality; Ingrid Stern, wife of Ballard's best friend, seeking truth about lost relatives and the Holocaust; Alyce Read, a newspaper journalist documenting capture the suffering and ruination of Holocaust victims and survivors.
Available in print and ebook format at: Amazon (Kindle) and Barnes & Noble.
The Art of Creating Story
An educative volume with essays about the process of creating fictional story; interviews with authors, editors, publishers, and a Pulitzer Prize winner on the writing process; and original short stories that illustrate concepts and techniques of storytelling in prose. Major topics include: characterization, narration, character-based plotting, dialogue, drama, point of view, significance, and revision.
Available in Print and as eBook at: Amazon (Kindle) and Barnes & Noble.
Tour of Duty reviews from Goodreads.com:
NEW Essay
Have you ever wondered how fiction writers could change their style of prose in writing fiction story?
This essay details a process.
READ How to Change Fiction Writing Style
2021 Reader’s Favorite Awards:
McDowell, audiobook, Silver medal • McDowell, Drama, finalist • Guardian of Deceit, Literature, finalist • Creating Literary Stories, A Fiction Writer’s Guide, writing/publishing, finalist
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org What does life on a military base look like? How were people treated during the war? In the book Tour of Duty by William H. Coles, we can gain some knowledge about these questions. I would rate this book five out of five stars. I like that the author describes a town […]
AABNKB22
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H. Coles skillfully captures the historical setting and portrays the melancholy and dismal post-war climate. Through the author’s descriptive writing, readers are taken to the war-ravaged locations, and character’s emotions are conveyed flawlessly. Through this story, readers gain a better knowledge of the past’s horrors, while also understanding the importance of […]
cocoLo
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org I liked the flow of events in the story. The book starts with Miles’s arrival in France and then develops into an enjoyable story. I also liked the description of events and the characters. The author describes the events well, making the reader imagine how they were; for instance, Miles meets with […]
Nyongesa Mcneil
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org The characters were well-developed, for instance, Oliver, who the author described as his physical appearance. The description of his physical appearance created a mental image each time he appeared in the text, making the book enjoyable. The author made some emotional incidents to connect readers to the book; for instance, you could […]
Said Noor
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book was great, with interesting chapters. The author structured the book well since each chapter had a title, preparing the reader what to expect; for instance, the engagement deal with Miles meeting with Ingrid and Oliver for dinner as they got to know each other. I admire the author’s effort to […]
Mohammed Ali 45
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell, by the talented William H. Coles, weaves a mesmerizing tapestry around the fictional character of Hiram, an esteemed surgeon and intrepid mountaineer. Within the pages of this novel, Hiram’s life unfolds, painting a vivid portrait of a man who traverses the peaks of success but descends into the valleys of personal […]
lovewriter702
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org One of the standout features of this book is its masterful use of suspense and action right from the start. The opening scenes immediately draw readers into the story, leaving them intrigued and hungry for more. The author’s ability to create tension and build anticipation throughout the book is nothing short of […]
Harry Muddy
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org The author skillfully incorporates these fresh characters into the main plot, allowing their presence to impact the storyline. Through their interactions, the narrative progresses, revealing McDowell’s transformation from a self-centered individual to someone willing to assist others. Along his journey, Hiram’s encounters with new female characters lead to improvements in his relationships […]
The Fortunate
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a thought-provoking novel that challenges the reader’s beliefs about right and wrong. The protagonist, a gifted doctor, has a reputation for being ruthless and crossing moral and ethical boundaries to achieve his goals. The author skillfully weaves together an engaging and morally complex story, leaving the reader with plenty to […]
Bef Ozo
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a complex story that weaves together the narratives of several characters, including McDowell himself and his three children, as well as other supporting roles. While it may be challenging to keep track of all these storylines, it is not an insurmountable task thanks to the ample information provided that keeps […]
Lassitude John
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org The writer also succeeded in providing readers with a break by utilizing other characters to share Hiram’s story. This allowed us to witness his intense love for his children, which was fascinating. It served as a reminder that people are not simply good or bad but rather exist in shades of gray. […]
Harryson P
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Sincerely speaking, this book is packed with more emotions than I’ve ever encountered in any book. Love, hate, anger, sadness, happiness, freedom, fear—you name it. All these emotions were projected onto me as I fell into place as one of the characters in this novel. I felt like a bystander watching a […]
Alex Reeves
Read MoreTour of Duty Miles Ballard may have thought finishing his medical program before being drafted into active military service was a stroke of genius, but he is unprepared for the unusual scenario he has been catapulted into. Frustrated with the lack of activity that comes with being the personal physician of a commanding officer who is more interested […]
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers’ Favorite
Read MoreTour of Duty One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter. Different viewpoints and perspectives can change a lot. Tour of Duty by William H. Coles is an amazing work of fiction about the lives of military personnel. General Thomas is not a loved leader; he is more tolerated than respected. His family life is complicated, with one […]
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers’ Favorite
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Tour of Duty is a work of historical fiction by William H. Coles and is set in France in the 1960s. Captain Miles Ballard graduated from Boston University and has just finished his medical training. Miles is sent to serve at the American military base in Chateauroux, France, as a doctor under the command of […]
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers’ Favorite
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org The characters were well-developed, for instance, Oliver, who the author described as his physical appearance. The description of his physical appearance created a mental image each time he appeared in the text, making the book enjoyable. The author made some emotional incidents to connect readers to the book; for instance, you could […]
Said Noor
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book was like a historical novel about the story of the Nazis and Europe’s state after World War II. It gives information on what happened in that era, such as the incarceration of the Jews, researched by Alyce and Ingrid. It is a perfect romance novel that discusses the romance story […]
Ramla Zawadi
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org I liked the flow of the book and the interesting plot twists the author used to make the story enjoyable. I can’t mention them without creating spoilers. They made the story enjoyable as the readers tried reading the book to find out what happened since each scene created suspense. I liked the […]
Christian Maundu
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org I can’t find anything I didn’t like in the book. On the contrary, there are many aspects I liked. I liked how the book depicted the atmosphere of the 1960; its greyness was felt throughout the pages. I felt I was there with them, in the middle of rubbles, demolished houses and […]
Umida Kholmatova
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org I have nothing to criticize in this novel. It was enjoyable and had several interesting stories to follow, such as the career and love story of Miles Ballard. I rate Tour of Duty by William H. Coles five out of five stars. The book was professionally edited because it had an error. […]
Geoff Muriithi
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book was great since I liked reading about the life of Miles Ballard. The author made it feel real since Miles showed the challenges he faced while doing his job and other personal issues. The descriptions of characters’ physical appearances were important in helping readers create an image of their appearance […]
Erin Jeffson
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I enjoyed reading about the politics in the book. It was fun as I tried to guess the next move of some characters. Their unpredictability made the book realistic. Every character had a role to play and wasn’t just used as filler. The book was easy to comprehend. I loved reading about […]
Unique Mary Iloakasia
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I enjoyed reading this fictional novel. It was captivating and fun. One of the things I love about this book is the moral lesson I got from it. These lessons are practical. I went back to think about my life and critically examine my actions with my friends, colleagues and family members […]
Emmanuel Okotie
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Coles’ character development was so masterful that I legitimately despised the protagonist and that may be why I felt so challenged to continue reading early on in the novel. McDowell reminded me of so many old affluent, arrogant, white men I have met through my life. It made me remember how I […]
PoeticGem65
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org When I first started reading this book, I had no idea that it would have a compelling story and provide me with a wealth of knowledge. Because this book is applicable in every way, I was able to learn so many medical industry secrets from it. I was able to learn about […]
Salah2580
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I’ve never read such a suspenseful and intense book as this. Hiram McDowell is such a perverted sociopath who doesn’t care for anything or anyone but his interests. His indifference sometimes pushed him over the edge, and he sometimes brushed shoulders with those he shouldn’t have. Take his wife, Carole. No matter […]
Maxreview
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org It was a delight to read this inspirational book. The plot of this book is exciting and creative, and it was well-written by the author. The book’s suspense kept the readers engaged while reading the book. Because of this, I was engrossed from the beginning to the end of this book. This […]
Mateo Kante
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I love how the book started by telling us briefly about his family, and from the information I got from there, I began to understand better the character, Hiram. This novel is filled with drama, action, twists, and suspense, which is why I was so engrossed in the read. Promises look easy […]
Jerry Anozie
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org It is not common to come across a book that provokes so many thoughts and even gives you an emotional surge. I must say McDowell by William H. Coles falls into the category of intriguing books that have made it to the top of my library. This may be a fiction book, […]
Chimezie Agbata
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org There were many things I liked about this book. It was well-written and evoked a lot of emotions in the reader. The author gave a vivid description of the psychology of humans and how most of us behave when we attain success. The book talked about the challenges the doctor faced to […]
Francis Ignacio
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org One thing I love about this book is that it spans Hiram’s personal life. As a father and husband, he did not play his role effectively, as was evident in the lives of his children. This reminded me that as a father and a husband, money is not the only requirement in […]
Gift Chidex
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book had a lot of positive aspects. To be honest, I was unsure of what to expect from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was written in a manner that would inspire a rollercoaster of emotions in the reader. The story shows the doctor rising to fame […]
Gerald Hilary
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Would it be better to be recognized for who you are? or by the achievements they have made in life? How does it feel to have a buddy who is solely interested in their own success, fortune, and notoriety? William H. Cole’s novel McDowell is a story of loss, retaliation, atonement, remorse, […]
Park Cherri
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This amazing book by William H. Coles is really unique because it doesn’t just tell the tales of a man without leaving us with reasons not to learn. After going through this book, I found myself thinking about and checking the aspects of my life that need to be changed. So many […]
Jerry Anozie
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I did find this book fascinating to read. The shocking and unexpected twist in the story was what I enjoyed most about this novel. Nobody could have predicted Hiram’s fate the way it did. I had emotional instability when I was reading this book. I used to detest Hiram so much and […]
Hakim Kelvin
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Character is the basic thing needed by every successful person to maintain their position or go higher. It is difficult to see a long-lasting success in a person without character. McDowell by William H. Coles is a lesson-filled fictional book with other themes that concern our world today. This book is very […]
Jerry Anozie
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Readers I may not want to be quick in judging this book because the author may have portrayed Dr. Hiram as a very ill-behaved man, but as the book went on, we saw what Dr. Hiram’s true character was and how he adapted to a life that he never planned for. Another […]
Jeffery King 1
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell may not be a true life story, but its story is quite inspiring and interesting and would make you think otherwise. This book also contains vital information about parenting, and from this, I was able to learn a thing or two about the necessity of close parenting. Of all the aspects […]
ojukwu2
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I found McDowell by William H. Coles to be engaging and thought-provoking. “How frequently do we perform acts of kindness that are really intended for our own gain?” is one inquiry that piqued my curiosity. I think this is something that should be thought about before doing something that seems to be […]
Iam Ama
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H.Coles approaches his fiction novel Tour of Duty with historical accuracy. The novel is set in France during the cold war, but there are also references to the past: D-Day, the bombing of Nagasaki and the Jewish Holocaust. The story begins in 1960 and ends in 1966 and the tone of […]
Cristina Corui Mihailescu
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org First off, I’d like to say that I really enjoyed this novel. For one, it was very historically accurate. The author subtly alluded to historical events, like the Jewish Holocaust and Hiroshima, in such a way that it never overshadowed the main narrative but was still enough to immerse me in the […]
James Carter 8
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org Honestly, I simply adored this book. A big part of its allure is its historical accuracy; you felt like you were in the 1960s. Subtle references to the past, like the bombing of Nagasaki, the acquisition of France by Germany, and D-Day, were always referenced in some way. This helped preserve the […]
davidejioforr
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org At first, when I picked up this book, I had no idea it would contain an interesting plot that would teach me a lot. From this book, I was able to understand so many secrets in the medical world because this book is relatable in every sense. From McDowell’s life, I was […]
Nicholas Bush
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book was entertaining to read. From the prologue on, it captured my interest and held it for the duration of the novel. I think this book contains a secret lesson as well. It made me think about all the things that I not only overlook but also fail to express my […]
Onyinyechi Orji
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Have you ever been seen in a negative way by a lot of people? Do you allow your position to control you? What do you know about purpose? Have you ever come across a terrible person? This book, McDowell by William H. Coles, is a novel that depicts human psychology. The traits […]
Ben Filla
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book teaches a lot, but the most important lesson I learned is that everyone deserves a second chance. No one is irredeemable, no matter what the person might have done. In my opinion, the death of his second wife broke Hiram. He had dealt with too much, having lost his first […]
Rofenty23
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This uplifting book was a pleasure to read. This is a well-written book with an intriguing and original plot. Suspense and drama in the book keep the reader interested in the protagonist’s life. The characters were well-developed, and I was captivated until the very end. This book is chock-full of useful information […]
Malthide Jones
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell by William H. Coles is a page-turner story featuring a man’s journey to self-realization. Hiram McDowell, the main character, experiences a rollercoaster lifestyle that makes him realize his shortcomings, which he never saw before. I enjoyed the book’s plot twists and bits of suspense. It was fascinating how McDowell’s luxurious lifestyle […]
Joule Mwendwa
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book Tour of Duty is an intriguing book that immediately captures the reader’s attention. I loved how the author introduced the characters. I enjoyed the character development. It was interesting to see these characters grow in their various fields. He was able to bring out the unique personality in each of […]
Saint012
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org There was absolutely nothing I disliked about this book. It ticked all the boxes of a great story. The plot is progressive and solid. The characters are well developed and intriguing. The story does not reveal too much immediately but comes together beautifully as you read on. It was easy to digest […]
Amarachi Nwankwo03
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org I love Ballard’s stubbornness yet brave actions. Its refreshing to see such a well-written character I rarely see in reality. The book was such an adventure, making it worth reading for. I love the relationship between Ballard and his friends. I will rate this book 5 out of 5 for it is […]
Allyza Faith Demape
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book’s plot was intriguing. William H. Coles wrote the book in such a way that even a layperson could understand it. While writing the book, he used simple words. The book was exceptionally well edited and had no grammatical errors. The plot of the book was full of suspense. My interest […]
Favour Ozone
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I must thank William H. Coles for writing such an excellent book. He didn’t rush the story and allowed each scenario to unfold at its own pace. Although there were few characters in the books, they were well-developed and managed. What I liked best about the book’s characters was that they displayed […]
Hyfr Z
4/4Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I really liked this book. In the first part of the book I was not a fan of Hiram at all. He was a selfish womanizer who thought he was above the law. But by the end of the book Hiram grew on me and I began to sympathize with his character. […]
Stacey Harkins 1
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Mr. Coles does a beautiful job of describing his characters. He gives excellent care to their development and how they go through learning life lessons. The author has written previous stories and has a website to learn how to write about characters and much more. I especially enjoyed how I cheered for […]
Deborah Dodd
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org There are many positive aspects to this book, but what I loved the most is how the book ended. Hiram realized his mistakes and bad decisions and tried to amend them. The story of Hiram McDowell was really interesting to read. I enjoyed the book as it came with a lot of […]
Hakeem nuel
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org A 5 out of 5 is appropriate for this book. From one viewpoint to the next, Mr. Coles writes with ease. Even though the point of view shifts often (about every couple of chapters), the reader is still able to appreciate the novel despite this. In actuality, the many viewpoints emphasize various […]
Elendu Clement Ekechukw
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org Williams H. Coles created an outstanding work out of this novel. While reading the book, I was completely immersed in it, enjoying each chapter and desiring to know what happens next. The author’s writing was easy to follow and intriguing. This book made me admire Miles a lot. He didn’t only stand […]
Raymond N
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This William H. Coles book, entitled McDowell, discusses lies, treachery, retaliation, bitterness, wrath, greed, and similar topics. I discovered that it’s best to honor promises that we make because breaking them can have negative effects on the other person. Couples should learn to treat their marriage seriously and to raise their kids […]
Chiwenduik078
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org What I loved most about the book was how the author was able to give us an insight into the character’s mind. I felt connected to the character. I felt angry when the commander kept rejecting his ideas, even though it was going to save many lives. I wondered if the military […]
Remmy Adisa
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org The positive aspects of this book are quite glaring and sobering. You get to discover truths about our society and the reality we wake up to each day and how everyone else fares in it. We get to see people’s responses to norms and values, their perception of love and fulfillment and […]
Stewardex
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org I found this book to be one of a kind. It’s one thing to be presented with an amazing plot, and another to be taken back in time to the 1960s. But all thanks to Williams, these two were fused perfectly together. My favorite character in this book is Miles. I admire […]
Nicole Adam
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book is enthralling and the end is really satisfying. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The author creates emotional appeal when he writes about the experiences of non-Aryan during The Nazi rule. There is a lot to learn from the book, for instance, enabling the world to understand […]
Maryline Adhiambo
Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org I liked a number of aspects of the book. It is less than twenty years after World War II and memories of German atrocities are still fresh in the minds of the local population. There is still distrust of people suspected of having been Nazi collaborators. The author handles this subject delicately […]
Robert Bruce-Brand
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book is excellent. I can’t say anything negative about it. The only thing I didn’t like was that I wished the book was even longer. I did not want to part with the main characters of the novel. I rate this novel four out of four stars because I thoroughly enjoyed […]
Eteri Topuria
5/5Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I found McDowell an interesting character and one that evoked strong emotions in the reader. Kudos to author William H Coles, who was able to extract the gamut of emotional responses from the reader. Initially, we feel nothing but scorn and disbelief at the coldness and callousness of the character but as […]
Hokageq
4/4Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This was a masterpiece of storytelling and character development. Even if they only played a small part in the overall book, you still felt like you got to know the personalities of almost every character. It also seemed like a realistic story, like it was something that truly happened instead of being […]
Mystic96
4/4Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is an exhilarating read. From the first chapter, it had my full attention and never lost momentum. If anything, I was more inclined to keep reading in the second half than in the first. Coles has written an undoubtedly unique story that stretches from high-brow charity balls to the life of […]
Melissa Best
4/4Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was thought-provoking, well-written, interesting, and engaging. I particularly enjoyed the feeling of having just dropped into the life and timeline of the characters without the need for backstories on them. The way they were all shaped through descriptions of their personalities and […]
Jackie Kook
4/4Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org The author, William H. Coles, is a literary genius who created a dramatic story about a surgeon’s adventures through a tumultuous life. The book was very believable, especially considering the author’s background of ophthalmic surgery. He allowed the reader to experience the main character, Hiram McDowell’s, vulnerable life ridden with constant decision-making […]
Lonawin
4/4Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org One thing I really liked about the book is when H. Coles made Hiram experience both sides of real life, one in which he is really privileged and has almost everything that we may all need in life, and the other side where he has nothing and has to begin his whole […]
Frank Aspire
4/4Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org The author did an outstanding job of creating the characters and their personalities. The storyline was realistic and gave an accurate view of pressures in the medical profession. As a retired nurse, I can relate to the day-to-day stress of working in the medical field; and how adding personal drama to an […]
Brenda Creech
4/4Read MoreCreating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org I had never realized the importance of a word choice in stories before reading this. Characterization, starting from the name of the character, is also something that holds significance in causing an impact on the reader. William Coles did an excellent job to help writers improve! What I liked most about the […]
samps1910
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org What I loved most about the book was the author’s fluidity and how he was able to connect each chapter. All the characters in the book had their unique characteristics, but they still connected very well throughout the book. I loved the historical references made in the book. I was able to […]
Remi akinluyi
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. The writing was very compelling and it got me hooked from the very first sentence. It had the perfect balance between historical facts and fiction. The story was very interesting and the historical facts were not overwhelming. Instead, they complimented it really well. Something else that […]
readingswithsoso
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book allows the reader to get an insight into what living in such times could feel like. The book portrays what finding or not finding self and love can cost us as human beings. I believe in finding love and happiness if you earnestly seek it and take the right steps […]
Liney Eyo
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book is written in a way that each of the chapters has its own separate plot (similar to a “slice of life” story). It’s also written from multiple points of view, which adds depth to the overall storyline. This is a unique writing format, especially for historical fiction. It’s a breath […]
EmmaGraciela
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org Life is an adventure, a journey. Sometimes we face troubles but troubles may lead to good things when we learn a lesson from them. That’s the main message shared by William H. Coles in his historical fiction book entitled Tour Of Duty. I really love this book and I recommend it to […]
Tonymamy
4/4Read MoreTour of Duty Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H. Coles has brought to life a myriad of characters that help to shape up Tour of Duty into a wonderful story. The main character has also been well-developed; he is very imperfect, but yet kind and thoughtful. The book is clearly well written, and it is very obvious that the […]
Ochieng Stephen Owino
4/4Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org I loved every aspect of the book and found it hard to put it down. Every event in the book kept me hooked on discovering what would happen next. In addition, I appreciate how the author gives every character a voice of their own. My favorite character is Mike. Although he had […]
Orizon
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers’ Favorite Tour of Duty by William H Coles is set in France, in the tumultuous 1960s at the onset of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and conflict in Vietnam at the height of the Cold War. The story unravels as physician Miles Ballard, inducted to serve in the US […]
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers’ Favorite
Read MoreTour of Duty Tour of Duty is a work of fiction in the historical and realistic drama subgenres and it is a standalone work. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by William H. Coles. In his new novel, this prolific author brings life in the 1960s to full living color, focusing […]
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Read MoreTour of Duty Tour of Duty by William H. Coles is a historical novel set in post-war France in the 60s, principally on an American airbase, part of Europe’s defensive strategies against the ever-present threat of nuclear annihilation from the Soviet Union. Miles Ballard was a newly graduated doctor, drafted into the United States Air Force and posted […]
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite
Read MoreTour of Duty During the Cold War and with the prospect of a nuclear attack, Miles Ballard, an American medical officer who also works in the army, travels to France for training. He is forced to work with an unreasonable and narrow-minded superior and serve as the general’s doctor, a role that other people avoid for strange reasons. […]
Reviewed by Adanna Ora for Readers’ Favorite
Read MoreTour of Duty Tour of Duty by William H. Coles is a historical novel set in France in the 1960s. Central character Miles Ballard arrives at the US Air Force base and soon gets a taste of the French hostility towards Americans. Nevertheless, his work as a physician is all-consuming as he attends to not only General Thomas […]
Reviewed by Iza Grek for Readers’ Favorite
5/5Read MoreTour of Duty William H. Coles is a realistic novel set in France during the 1940s. Miles Ballard is the charming young protagonist sent to work as a doctor in the air force. Honest, hardworking, and ambitious, Miles is liked by everyone he meets, except his superior, Colonel Barney Springer, who makes life difficult for Miles. Springer refuses […]
Reviewed by Kayleigh Perumal for Readers’ Favorite
Read MoreTour of Duty Tour of Duty, a gripping novel by William H. Coles, is set in France during the 1960s. It is here that Miles Ballard serves as a doctor in the Air Force. Although he becomes the General’s physician, the hospital commander considers any suggestion insubordination. Our hero’s life interweaves with that of other characters as a […]
Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers’ Favorite
Read MoreTour of Duty Tour of Duty follows a set of characters at a US Air Force base in 1960s France during the Cold War. Written by William H. Coles, the book opens with Miles Ballard, a physician newly drafted into the Air Force who finds himself assigned as the GMO to Brigadier General Thomas Read of the Châteauroux […]
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite
Read MoreTour of Duty Americans in France. Not so unusual, or is it? Tour of Duty by William H. Coles is set in 1960s Europe in the Cold War era during a nuclear attack threat. Physician Miles Ballard is serving in the Air Force at US Air Station, Châteauroux, France. Ingrid, the beautiful wife of Ballard’s best friend Oliver […]
Reviewed by Gordon D. Durich for Readers’ Favorite
Read MoreTour of Duty Tour of Duty by William H Coles is an outstanding literary historical work set during the Cold War, in post-war France. In 1960, Miles Ballard is inducted to serve in the US Air Force. He arrives in France and immediately becomes aware of the French hostility to Americans. Miles’s hope of providing patients with proper […]
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers’ Favorite
Read MoreMcDowell McDowell by William H. Coles presents the tragic fall of an arrogant man from grace. Hiram McDowell is a brilliant, admired, and respected surgeon with many flaws — arrogance, narcissism, and boundless pride. He is a selfish man who watches his climbing partner die on Mt. Everest, belittles his wife, ignores his children, and tricks […]
Daniel Rhodes – The Book Commentary
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 The Amish Girl Short Story from the book: The Amish Girl is a sweet but sad story of love loss and yearning. The author left a hint of reconnection by mentioning Belize a country in central America that she may have been forced to go to where there are a number of Amish folk. While […]
marshall dell
4/4Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Every short story I read was simply relatable, which was my number one monumental positive aspect about the book. The author seems to possess a skill to assessing the status-core of today’s norm and depict it in stories. Once again, recalling from the story of the gift, Catherine’s parent seems to fail […]
The_bookwarrior
4/4Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org He is arguably known as the father of modern short stories and one of its most prolific writers. He is none other than the great poet, Edgar Allan Poe, who once said: ‘A short story must have a single mood, and every sentence must build towards it.’ In Illustrated Short Fiction of […]
Fola_M
4/4Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I did enjoy reading this book. As an avid reader and huge fan of short stories, this has to be among the best pieces I have read so far. The plots are written in beautiful and artistic ways that help readers form imagery as they read. All the themes discussed are very […]
nerdychikka
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I appreciate the dark-adapted characters I have met in these stories. Characters that may easily be perceived as pure evil and malevolent until you get to know them more and realize how capable of goodness even these people can be. One example I can think of is Harry. The nature of his […]
Adrienne Abad-Alipe
4/4Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Most of the stories in this book are exceptionally beautiful, unique, and come from different topics. Reading this book was a very interesting and exciting experience. Each ending is satisfying, even though most of them are sad and mysterious. At the end of my reading, I wondered which chapter was my favorite, […]
Viva Marina
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I liked how his stories didn’t always have a “happy ending” but an ending that I had least expected. Although they hit us hard, they portrayed the reality of life. The stories are navigated based on human emotions and not based on anything that justifies which is right or wrong. The readers […]
MS Lefty
4/4Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Another aspect that I like about this book is the uniqueness found in some of its short stories. Consider The Activist, for instance. The story doesn’t read like those I have read before. Told from the perspective of a young girl, this story has newness to it because it approaches activism from […]
kennedyodindo
4/4Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I liked this book especially because of the uniqueness of each of the stories. I found each story different and interesting, and was amazed at how all those ideas could come from one person. I also liked the illustrations for each of the stories because they satisfied my imagination. They were all […]
Stella Bereebera
“The writing is gorgeous and Coles’ ability to build a strong connection between readers and characters — thanks to the intelligent use of realism in the writing —augments the entertainment potential of the story. McDowell is a winner for fans of literary fiction and psychological thrillers with characters that are robust and complex.”
Read the entire review at The Book Commentary
Reviews from Goodreads.com:
Reviews from Goodreads.com:
Reviews from Goodreads.com:
"I have rarely listened to short stories, preferring to read them, but I've decided to listen to these. The first time around, I listen purely to the story to see if it moves me; the second time around, I listen with an ear that tries to analyze where they succeed. Interestingly, this process in the second run denotes that the story has in fact moved me or I wouldn't give it a second listen. I'm beginning to really enjoy the process. I've written enough creatively through the years to see the words on a page by listening only. I think Mr. Coles succeeds on a number of levels. For example, in "A Simple Life," the dialogue is great and gives a lot of information about the characters, using vernacular language that not only presents the listener/reader with insight as to who the people are but it hints at what they might look like. Likewise, he endows them with certain physical, mental, and emotional qualities that further brings them to life. To do so simply and deftly is truly a talent. I also listened to this story in terms of narration, how he is handling this part of writing a short story, something I've been focusing my attention on in my own writing. Again, I think he succeeds in this realm, probably the most difficult thing I'm trying to hone right now."
Story: what to do
Philosophy: write for the right reasons
Craft: do it well
- Momentum
- Information and Literary Story Structure
- 1st person POV in Literary Story
- Top Story/Bottom Story
- Strong Voice and Attention to Time
- Humor and Fiction
- Emotional Complexity in Literary Fiction
- Conflict in Literary Fiction
- What Exactly Is a Character-Based Plot?
- Writing in Scene: A Staple for Reader Engagement in Fiction
- Creating Story World (setting) in Literary Fiction
- Perception in Literary Fiction: A Challenge for Better Narration
- Creating Quality Characters in Literary Fiction
- Mastering the Power of a Literary Fictional Story
- Understanding Empathy
- Q & A On Learning to Think About Narration in Literary Fiction To Write Better Stories
- Incorporating Rhythm in Prose Style
ccNonFiction 002
The award-winning stories and novels of William H. Coles. Each unique, character-based with dramatic plots, and written as an art form to engage, entertain, and enlighten. Read by the author.
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Award-winning short stories by William H. Coles, read or listen online for FREE.
- A Simple Life
- Nemesis
- Gatemouth Willie Brown on Guitar
- The Wreck of the Amtrak’s Silver Service
- The Indelible Myth
- Inside the Matryoshka
- Speaking of the Dead
- The Necklace
- The Golden Flute
- The Amish Girl
- Dr. Greiner’s Day in Court
- The Cart Boy
- Big Gene
- Grief
- The War of the Flies
- Father Ryan
- The Gift
- Suchin’s Escape
- The Stonecutter
- Facing Grace with Gloria
- Homunculus
- The Perennial Student
- The Activist
- Curse of a Lonely Heart
- The Miracle of Madame Villard
- On the Road to Yazoo City
- Captain Withers’s Wife
- The Thirteen Nudes of Ernest Goings
- Reddog
- Clouds
- Dilemma
- Crossing Over
- The Bear
- Lost Papers
- Sister Carrie
Novels by William H. Coles
Available at Amazon, Smashwords, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Audible, and also online here.
The collection of thirty-three award-winning short stories, two graphic novels, and the novella Sister Carrie is available in print and as ebook at Amazon (Kindle click here) and Barnes & Noble.
The stories are crafted by William H. Coles with artistic intensity for engagement and entertainment. Each short story is illustrated by one of six artists commissioned for the story.
“Coles’s stories are inspiring, memorable, and enjoyable–a treasured addition to any library.”
Read reviews and more.
More Features: Literary Fiction Workshop
Literary Fiction Workshop
Challenging exercises for improving creative writing with free critiques and the work of other students for comparison.
Tutorial
Submit your work for interactive instruction. Teaching targeted to creating literary stories rather than fixing existing works for publication or contests.
Great stories / Books on writing
Great stories: recommended classic and contemporary literary fiction for enjoyment and learning—short fiction and novels.
Workshop Advice
What should you look for in a creative writing workshop to assure maximum learning and value?
How to critique manuscripts.
What to expect.
Read Online, FREE!
Two Graphic Novels by William H. Coles, illustrated by Peter Healy:
Art Gallery
Enjoy art from the website in the Online Gallery. You can purchase images in a number of different formats in the Online Store.
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STORY NARRATION
All great fiction writers work on their narrative technique throughout their careers. Writing in scene brings readers into the story, allows them to feel participation in events, and to "know" characters.
EXAMPLE: "The Indelible Myth" is a short story that uses primarily in-scene writing. An award-winning story in the Faulkner Creative-Writing Competition and The Flannery O'Conner Short-Fiction Award. Available in print , online, and audio.
Read the ESSAY (below).
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Writing in Scene: A Staple for Reader Engagement in Fiction starts now!
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A REVIEW of a literary collection of stories.
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles. I particularly enjoyed the sensitivity and inclusiveness that the author gives to issues such as disability, human rights, prejudice, immigration, and psychological disorders, proving that all different types of people have stories to tell and demons to face. Review by KC Finn
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