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Book Reviews

4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org What I loved most about the book is Cole’s wrought writing style; very detailed descriptions, of people, events, places and emotions to mention a few . Also, the introduction of each chapter with a title of which character the chapter is about, the italicized writing to explain a character’s thought process, the […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H. Cole has once more written an epic book. I have read several of his books, and I have always enjoyed as I kept turning the pages. The storyline is captivating if you enjoy reading medical genres. This book is about the struggles of a surgeon as he balances between his […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org The story is very thought provoking, making you think what your life had done to others without you being conscious of it. The points of view shift from one person to another after some chapters but they are very well done. The narrative is very fluid, and it does not confuse the […]

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4/4

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H. Coles has put together an astonishing collection of thirty-three short stories, including breathtaking stories like; The gift, The Wreak of the Amtrak’s Silver Service and Nemesis. In his book, Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000- 2016, each character is caught in a specific situation- desperate to get out. […]

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4/4

Guardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org I gave this book 4 out of 4 stars. This is largely because the human condition was portrayed so flawlessly. The editing was spot on as well. The “human condition” is a concept that encompasses everything dealing with being human and the ups and downs of our existence. As the complex beings […]

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4/4

The Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org To conclude, let me stress the very title of the book and reformulate the sentence from the beginning: this book is not only about a complicated relationship between two distinguished doctors whose lives are tightly interwoven but also about the dreams, feelings and actions with far-reaching consequences of the surgeon’s wife. I […]

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4/4

The Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org I was especially impressed by the amount of research that has obviously gone into writing this book. The wealth of knowledge and really technical information on the gastric bypass and the administrative organization of hospitals. I found it quite informative to know of various committees and the check and balance strategies set […]

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4/4

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Coles has addressed the major common issues of every society, ensuring that no particular race is being scolded, as the plots are set in different regions and cities of Africa, Asia, and Europe. The characters are real descriptions of the author’s ability to develop unique characters with uncanny endings. His style in […]

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4/4

The Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H. Coles has never disappointed in his work. His ability to create a story full of drama and twists without forgetting the unpredictability of the sequence and characterization. The Spirit of Want is that book that fully captures your attention from the beginning to the end. It fills your mind with […]

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5/5

McDowell In McDowell by William H. Coles, Hiram McDowell, a self-obsessed, narcissistic surgeon, is on his second marriage and heading quickly for divorce. Hiram believes people, including his wife and children, exist to serve his needs. He manages to make many enemies in business too and is facing an investigation into professional misconduct. Hiram seems oblivious […]

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The Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book is a literary drama and romance novel and I feel Mr.Coles did a great job. I feel like I am in a character’s heart and I felt original while reading this. The whole story goes in very suspense and flows that inspired me to read it more and more day […]

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McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org There were many good things that I enjoyed throughout this book. William H. Coles is marvelous when it comes to descriptions; there were many scenes throughout McDowell where I could picture the exact outfit and gestures that each character used which not only drew me in but also kept me re-reading for […]

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Guardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org This is the second book I’ve read by Coles and what is really intriguing to me is how his knowledge and background as a doctor as his previous profession do not interfere with his storytelling. Instead, his insight is refreshing and provides readers with awareness on the moral dilemmas the profession faces […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I rated this book 4 out of 4 stars. The prologue is intriguing in my opinion and the plot is so good to be rated. The characters have their own unique lines, I can feel their variations from one another. The conversations are well written. I was really hyped reading this until […]

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McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org On the surface, this book doesn’t seem very complex, but as the story progresses, the author reveals a lot of information. Although there are many details in this book, it can be considered fast-paced. It is jam-packed with different scene changes, plot twists, and conflicts between characters. Some of these components may […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org enjoyed the variety of characters and locales throughout the book. Hiram interacts with many work colleagues, family, and then strangers who become friends in the second half of the book. There is something for just about everyone included in McDowell. I would recommend this book to all readers. There was nothing I […]

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4/4

The Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org I am glad I chose this piece as my first read in the Online Book Club. I really enjoyed the book. It had the mixture of everything I look forward to in a book. There was humor, suspense, excitement, not too intense, romance, the low points and high points. I initially thought […]

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Audiobook McDowell by William H. Coles is an audiobook narrated by the author himself, the tale of one man’s struggle to find meaning after losing everything. McDowell is at the peak of his professional life as a surgeon, a man who even got accepted into the president’s cabinet. But his pride and arrogance make him lose […]

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4/4

Guardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org The author has a nice style of writing his books especially stories that fall into the category of other fiction. When I first started reading and reviewing novels, it was (McDowell) written by the same author that I reviewed initially. His book was very interesting to me as I followed the story […]

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The Surgeon's Wife The Surgeon’s Wife is split into three parts. Vivid illustrations on the book cover and also preceding the text for each part perfectly complement this engaging story. The book is told from multiple viewpoints which provides valuable insight into the feelings, perceptions, and motives of each of the pertinent characters in the story, and how […]

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4/4

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book was a pleasant surprise. It contains thirty-three short stories, two graphic novels depicting two of the short stories, and one novella. While these stories are considered fiction, many of the stories portray themes and ideas that could happen or could have happened in real life. It should be noted that […]

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5/5

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 I’m not a big reader of short stories. I prefer novels most of the time, but some short stories have impressed me over the years, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I should read more short stories in order to improve my own writing. I reviewed a book by William H. Coles recently called […]

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4/4

The 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 […]

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4/4

Guardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book has brought tears to my eyes. The author captured concepts of love, family, and relationships in a very unique fashion. I was able to perfectly relate to the painful situations experienced by Darwin. They sounded very realistic. A family gives one a beautiful sense of belonging. It’s second after God. […]

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4/4

The Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org Coles demonstrates the spirit of want on all characters, Lucy wants a place where she feels she belongs, how Luke wants true love in his life, how Elizabeth wants her own children and family, how AJ MacMiel and Hower Vain want power, how Agnes wants her freedom from a suffocating marriage. The […]

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The Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org Reading this book will treat the unanswered questions. Will Mike deviate from his ethics to save his mentor and friend? Will Clayton lose his license? Can Mike find true love? Are surgeons capable of love? Will Clayton have a chance at redemption? Will Clayton’s family survive the storm? The Surgeon’s Wife is […]

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4/4

The Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org I loved the entire book, it had action, and romance. Just when the reader thinks they may know the personality of a character, the book will show another side of them, having the reader reevaluating previous conceptions made based on some of the unexpected decisions the characters will make. Some scenes came […]

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4/5

The Surgeon's Wife The Surgeon’s Wife by William H. Coles follows Clayton Otherson, a senior surgeon, as he makes life-threatening mistakes during Bariatric surgery in a New Orleans’ hospital. Mike Boudreaux, the chief of surgery, must discipline Otherson, his partner, colleague, mentor and friend. Even though Mike knows he must take action, he feels conflicted because he owes […]

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McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell seeks an answer to the question, “Can there be redemption for irredeemable?” It looks at one man’s fall out of grace and his journey toward redemption. It is a rather arduous journey, as one has to recognize one’s wrongdoing to make a change. Hiram McDowell develops new relationships that aid him […]

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The Spirit of Want reviews from Indie Book Reviews – Well-written, creative, and thought-provoking, “The Spirit of Want” by William Coles is a great read for fans of literary drama and romance novels. This book has a cast of great characters and plenty of unexpected intrigue and twists to keep us interested. We really feel like we are in […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book had a great storyline that covered a variety of controversial issues. I discovered an underlying idea that there are power and purpose in self-discovery and introspection, but I thought there an equally strong message regarding humans as social beings and the importance of social relationships. At one point McDowell believed […]

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4/4

Creating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org The chapters flow easily and with ease. Descriptions are clear and in plain language. William H. Coles writes with an ease that is hard to find anything at fault. At no point did a discussion about character, emotions, narrations, or point of view become boring or irrelevant. The writer kept the reader […]

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4/4

The 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 […]

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McDowell All I can say is, believe all the hype. It’s that good. For the time being, though, I loved the writing. I admire any author who can tell a great story with the words ushering me along rather than tripping me up. Another reviewer in Amazon referred to the book as “lyrical”, and I heartily […]

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4/4

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I like that the book has variety in terms of presentation, theme, and content. This is an excellent book for busy yet voracious readers, for which you can scroll through the pages on your own time, find a story you like, and immerse yourself in your little, made-up world before going back […]

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4/4

Creating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org The fact that William H. Coles provided only relevant information regarding what he spoke about per time was what I liked the most in the book. It was not verbose. This made me agree that it is a guide indeed and not a textbook. I equally appreciated the fact that he tried […]

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McDowell reviews from Indie Book Reviews – “McDowell” by William H. Coles is truly a great piece of storytelling, and any literary and character drama fan should go and read this (and the other novels by this author). There are several familiar arch types and tropes that border on cliché, but Coles manages to just avoid […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I thoroughly enjoyed the character development of McDowell. William H. Coles very expertly made this character come alive for us. Through powerful dialogues and intriguing plot the reader ends up holding their breath for what will happen next. The catharsis of McDowell redeems his character which makes the reader sympathize with him […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org One of the reasons why I have come to enjoy this book was Hiram’s character development. From a man who thought he had no fault and believed fate was cruel to him; he transcended into someone who realized his faults and was willing to improve his ways. He showed kindness to the […]

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4/4

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H. Coles’ collection can be thought of as a modern day Grimms’ Fairy Tales. While every story has a life lesson, they are definitely not meant for children. Each story tackles a mature issue from relationships and identity to human trafficking and suicide. Coles has an amazing way with words that […]

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The Surgeon's Wife Set against the backdrop of New Orleans society and its medical community, The Surgeon’s Wife is the story of two physicians: one an aging aristocrat and surgeon, Clayton Otherson, who begins to injure patients as his skills and mental abilities decline; the other younger partner Mike Boudreaux, who is placed in the bad position of […]

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Audiobook The Surgeon’s Wife by William H. Coles is a mix of romance and family dynamics, a novel that follows two surgeons through a powerful conflict. Mike Boudreaux is a surgeon in New Orleans, mentored by Clayton. Clayton is more interested in trauma surgery, and the problem is that Clayton’s surgeries leave patients with injuries and […]

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4/4

The 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 […]

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5/5

Guardian of Deceit When Darwin Hastings’ aunt can no longer take care of the talented young man, whose parents had died in a car accident five years earlier, Darwin’s guardianship reverted to his famous football star cousin, Luther Pinnelli. In William H Coles’ Guardian of Deceit, we first meet Darwin on the flight from Pittsburgh to New York, […]

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The Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org It is an exhilarating medical drama with all the earmarks of a true story even though the author makes no such claims. What at first appears to be an ordinary love story will inspire introspection into your own love life. Without being too obvious the author emphasizes the urgency of finding true […]

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4/4

The Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org The Spirit of Want is an interesting read for the author has taken ample time to develop each character. Additionally, through several twists in the book, Coles lets the reader understand the true characters of the people involved. The author causes the reader to inquisitively question the true motivation behind what people […]

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4/4

Creating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org What I liked most about the book was how straight-forward and honest the advice was. The author did not miss a beat to talk about what will be the downfall of a writer. I also liked that he mentioned humour and how it can be tough to please every reader. The appendix […]

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4/4

Creating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org I like the organized structure of the book. There are definitions and discussions of terminologies, which have tremendous educational value. I appreciate that the author could explain the most fundamental aspects of storytelling in a short book instead of a long textbook for creative writing. I admire how William H. Coles used […]

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McDowell A novel follows a surgeon who possesses all the material comforts anyone could want, but harbors a deep lacking in his soul. When readers first meet Hiram McDowell, he is leaving a hiking partner for dead and trying to make it back down a mountain in Nepal in 1981. It’s hard to judge if McDowell […]

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Guardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org There are most likely many reasons why this book was a finalist in the 2012 William Faulkner-Williams Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, but I detect much of Faulkner’s work to be inspired by setting and the often bumpy plight of the protagonist. There’s less attention to setting in Coles’ novel, but quite a […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell by William H. Coles is a fantastic read. The characters, both primary and secondary, are so well written and developed that they were what drove the plotline. Hiriam McDowell is a top surgeon that has all the comforts that anyone could desire, but he lacks compassion for not only his colleagues […]

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5/5

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles is an exceptional compendium of 33 short stories, two graphic novels, and a novella, a collection that offers a wonderful literary treat, beautifully told and brimming with exquisite beauty. “The Gift” introduces the collection, and it features a family conflict developed around an […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell written by William H. Coles spotlights the backwash of arrogance and selfishness. The protagonist of this work of fiction is Hiram McDowell, a self-important, self-centred and ambitious surgeon. He is a regent to the board of directors of the International College of Surgeons in Chicago. Hiram approaches Michael O’Leary, a key […]

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McDowell McDowell by William H. Coles is a book that follows the story of the eponymous “hero” Hiram McDowell, who is a famous surgeon and a sleaze in every other way. He is stuck in a bad marriage primarily because of his infidelity. He also has children that his role as an absentee parent further colours […]

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5/5

McDowell 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 […]

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McDowell 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 […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell by William H. Coles proved to be a worthy read. The story is centred around Dr. Hiram McDowell, a wealthy surgeon at the peak of his career who cares for no one but himself. His callous behavior and lack of morality angers several people who vow to see him fall from […]

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Creating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org Creating Literary Stories: A Fiction Writer’s Guide by William H. Coles is a classic handbook to help writers design and develop literary stories. The book intended to give the “know-how” about the fiction writing to novice writers, and for experienced writers a “standard” to review their fiction writing. I wish to recommend […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book is inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. It portrays real life situations that happens in our lives on daily basis. McDowell deals with the realities of devastation that can occur in the lives of the people we love because of our own self-promotion and egocentrism. It also portrays social […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I liked the fonts, they were easy to read and I didn’t notice any mistakes in grammar or spelling. This book is definitely oriented to a mature audience; the theme of the story and the language that McDowell uses to describe women or people can be disturbing to sensible or younger readers. […]

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4/4

Creating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org Coles, who has penned other non-fiction books teaching about literary fiction as well as fictional books and short stories, takes great care in differentiating literary fiction from genre fiction. He walks the reader through each chapter of Books One and Two, delving into, but not limiting information to character development, point-of-view, voice, […]

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4/4

The Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org The characters in the book have different behaviors which make the book more interesting to read, from one character’s story to the other. The characters like Michael and Catherine demonstrate how far true love can reach and it can still exist despite the obstacles it faces. Michael is a compassionate character who […]

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5/5

The Surgeon's Wife A refreshing read, The Surgeon’s Wife takes readers on a fictional journey that will keep them intrigued from the beginning. William H. Coles’ dramatic tale is based around the lives of two prominent surgeons and one woman. The issues that arise in The Surgeon’s Wife start off with one of the main characters, Clayton Otherson, […]

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4/4

McDowell 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 […]

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5/5

Guardian of Deceit Guardian of Deceit by William H Coles is another interesting novel from this author. Darwin Hastings flies from Pittsburgh to New York. After the death of his parents years ago, he had been living with an aunt who can’t support him anymore. Now he plans to live with his football-star cousin Luther Pinnelli, dreaming of […]

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5/5

Tour 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 […]

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The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org None of the characters and the storyline is alike in the entire book. The heterogeneity of the characters, plots, sets, and the scenes in this book make the reading enjoyable. I planned to read two tales a day, but ended up reading 3-4 at a stretch. These stories are not interconnected; hence […]

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5/5

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 If you are looking for and interested in a series of short stories, novels and a novella (longer than a short story yet shorter than a novel) then look no further. By picking up a copy of Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles, you will enjoy over 40 written […]

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The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles is a collection of 33 short stories, two graphic novels and one novella. It seems like a strange mix, but all this work makes a perfect sense. They are linked all together by two things: illustrations and a theme. All […]

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Guardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org What a fantastic story! Guardian of Deceit by William H. Coles was a very satisfying read from start to finish. There were many moments where I could not put it down. The story has many twists and turns that were not expected, which is engaging and congenial. It is a fictional story […]

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4/4

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Coles succeeded in diverse and character studies within a range of factors like felons, clergy, or physicians. He usually covers an understanding of loss whether by death, abandonment by family, or spouses. I could just feel every emotion as if I was in that position instead of the individuals. At each of […]

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4/4

Creating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org What I like most about this book is the detailing of every section that he mentioned. It is easy to understand the language that he used. As I want to become a writer, I felt this book provided me with information that is required to start a book. He mentioned both positive […]

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McDowell 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 […]

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4/4

Creating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org He introduces the book with an important definition of the term “Literary Fiction”, he clarifies that it is distinct from general fiction, memoir, creative non-fiction, auto biography and non-fiction. Further definitions and explanations give the readers insight into what authors do, and why they would prefer a certain literary work more than […]

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McDowell This is a literary fiction novel that would appeal most to a diverse audience of young adults and adults who enjoy mystery thrillers. McDowell is an arrogant surgeon and father of three who has a distinguished career. That all changed when his grandson goes on a massive killing spree that only ends with his failed […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org After reading McDowell, I have found that the novel is best summarized by Maude’s idoneous words to Hiram: “People content in themselves learn to give selflessly, without concern for personal gain, to learn the joy of being human.” This novel will, if nothing else, prompt conversations around the important topics alluded to […]

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4/4

The Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org I rate this 4 out of 4 stars as it was well-written and professionally edited with a flow that made me want to read non-stop till the end. The smooth flow and narration of the events which can happen in real life was depicted in a manner that even few lessons can […]

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The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles features 33 short stories that read like delicious desserts. A seventeen-year-old girl gets pregnant, the mother is disappointed and sends her to deliver her baby in a French convent with the hope of giving the baby away for adoption. The crippled child becomes […]

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The Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org The Surgeon’s Wife has many attractions to commend it. First is its entertainment value. Even though it is not a thriller, the book is very interesting. Once you start reading it, you will hardly want to put it down. It has a great plot and flowing narrative which truly justifys the author’s […]

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4/4

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org If the reader is looking for happily ever after, you won’t find it here. But if you want a ride through the dark side, you’ll enjoy this collection. The thing I liked most about this book was the variety and uniqueness of each story. The writing was that good. I have to […]

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McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Opening with a stunning scene that drops the reader straight into the action. McDowell by William H. Coles promises to be an extremely compelling novel. The novel presents a unique blend of Nepalese mountain climbing, themes of misogyny, and an unforgettable protagonist. Focusing primarily on the titular character, McDowell draws readers in […]

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The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org ILLUSTRATED SHORT FICTION of William H. Coles, 2000 – 2016 might best be described as an illustrated collection of ‘experiences’ (rather than merely stories), told through often-poignant slices of life. He does that. As a writer William H. Coles is not limited in his portrayal of the human animal and that inherent […]

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Tour 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 […]

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4/4

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book grabbed me from the beginning. In fact, this is exactly what happens in many of the stories – the story of the main action begins from the first sentence, without wasting time. There are not many unnecessary descriptions and events that can distract the reader from the mainline of action. […]

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Audiobook McDowell by William H. Coles is an engaging audiobook that follows the tragic story of a successful surgeon, McDowell. He is brilliant and very skilled, a man who is good at his job and who also gets the attention of the White House. But his arrogance and pride make him detested by his peers but […]

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4/4

The Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org Personally, this book has taught me that nothing is ever what it seems and that there is more to life than a successful career and loads of money. The characters in the book are well defined and each and everyone plays a major role in developing this story. A Surgeon’s wife is […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Overall, it is a great book. It sheds light on how one can surpass the limits in society to acquire control of power and money. These are examples for us to search for love, not for money. To be with family members not with aliens. It as well holds a big lesson […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org The critical thing that makes this book so good is Coles’s narrative approach. Each chapter is from a different character’s perspective, holding varying degrees of reliability, and this allows for him to communicate with the reader to reveal details of the situation around them without giving too much away. We see as […]

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4/4

McDowell 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 […]

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The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The short stories vary in genre and length, the shortest being of one page and the longest being sixteen pages. They all are very interesting, touching subjects such as race, poverty and disability. My favourites were “The Gift”, for Catherine’s point of view of disability; “The Indelible Myth”, because the mix-up of […]

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5/5

McDowell 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 […]

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The Spirit of Want This book is a powerful story that is emotionally charged and intense, a tale with psychological depth and emotional insight. When Lucy MacMeil accepts the sleazy TV evangelist accused of rape as a client, she couldn’t imagine that this case would rock her entire world, including her profession and marriage. While working the case, the […]

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4/4

Creating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org Writing is a skill. Writing a fiction story requires even more of it. Unlike in a memoir where events in the narration are a reality, a fictional story takes a lot more effort. The author has to put together the characters, come up with a setting, theme, and plot. What’s more, the […]

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The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org This particular collection of short stories is deeply stirring in a passive sense. The narrative is in a design where you just can’t take an outsider’s point of view. They demand to be felt, to be empathized with, and to be thought through. Or worse yet, be disturbed. However, they all end […]

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4/4

Creating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org We’ve all been in this situation where we get tired after a few pages of a story and decide to put it down, whereas another story we can’t put down since it’s engaging. But what makes us feel bored or entertained while reading stories, and are there truly ingredients for a story’s […]

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4/4

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Coles does a very good job in analyzing the characters in the book. I really like that Coles went into detail about each characters’ thoughts. I have never read a book whereas the author would go into detail about the characters’ thoughts. I thought that was really awesome. I felt like I […]

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The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org It’s a good, fast-paced read and the book offers poignant storytelling and meaningful takeaways by the author, William Coles. I like that his stories have no open endings. The stories are complete, leaving you completely drenched with emotions feeling like a complete human. Common themes are complicated relationships, humanity, love, and injustice […]

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4/4

Guardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org The characters are all well-developed. It was a very thought- provoking novel that captured my attention. The story was written in a simple language that was easy to read and understand. There were lots of twist and turns in the story. The author discusses a lot of social issues, like bad judgment, […]

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4/4

The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org In William H. Coles’ Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles, 2000-2016, we encounter 36 stories focusing on the world of the inner self striving to ascertain its highest moral principles after learning that it must compromise its standards to achieve them. The characters in these stories often face social obstacles which […]

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The Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org llustrated Short Fiction has a lot of stories where you can feel the hurt and betrayal that the characters experience. William H. Coles chose the words so well that one can feel the anxiety of a little girl or the anger of a betrayed woman. Reaching the end of some stories you […]

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Book Reviews


The Fiction Well

Tells where to learn about any literary topic.

Search Now …

The Fiction Well


Art Gallery

Enjoy art from the website storyinliteraryfiction in the Online Gallery.

You can purchase images in a number of different formats in the Online Store.

Art Gallery


What's New in Literary Fiction


Kenyon Lectures

Presented by William H. Coles at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio.

Narration in Literary Fiction: Making the Right Choices

June 22, 2010

How Humor Works in Fiction

June 25, 2009

Kenyon Lectures


Great stories / Books on writing

Books on Writing

The art of writing stories in literary fiction is a vast topic not easily captured in a single book. And there are numerous books on the craft of writing that, while important, miss the concepts of most value to the literary fiction author.
Read ratings and reviews …

Stories for Study

Stories that give delight through imaginative development and continue to do so for generations have not only a universality to them, but are also valuable examples for writers. When a story becomes part of our literary heritage, story elements such as characters, events, and phrasing, often become a usable part of our language and actually enhance communication and understanding among us all.   Recommended reading …

Recommended Reading


SILF Audio: mp3 short stories

Perfect for driving, workout, or relaxed listening.
Available for online listening or download.

Listen online or download mp3

mp3 Short Stories


Books about Writing

Creating Literary Stories: A Fiction Writer’s Guide

Creating Literary Stories: A Fiction Writer’s Guide by William H. Coles. An essential guide for every writer of fiction. Learn: Character, Narration, Structure, Dialogue, Point of View, Writing in Scene, Drama (Conflict-Action-Resolution), Humor, Revision. …more…

Read a free sample here …

Story in Literary Fiction

Story in Literary Fiction: A Manual for Writers, by William H. Coles, is a succinct and clearly written reference for fiction writers. Principles and guidelines for writing present the essence of creating a memorable story. …more…

Read a free sample here …

Literary Story as an Art Form: A Text for Writers

This textbook helps writers become the best storytellers possible. Part I provides clear, useful ways of structuring and writing a great literary story. Part II takes a sample of an original short story created for the text and details options and choices in writing the story from beginning idea to the last revision. …more…

Books about writing


Book Candy TV

Watch recordings of live Book Candy TV conversations with William H. Coles and:

Writer/artist team Josh Neufeld and Sari Wilson.
Julia Glass about her recent novel “The Widower’s Tale.”


Workshop Advice

Workshops – I. Choosing a workshop

Ideas to help chose a workshop that will be most useful to your writing career. …read…

Workshops – II. Making the Experience Valuable

Can you assure your experience at a workshop will provide maximum improvement in your writing, and not just comments on a manuscript or writing exercises? Ideas for helping you extract the most from the workshop experience. …read…

Workshops – III. How to Critique a Manuscript

Suggestions for organizing the critique of a manuscript. …read…

Workshops – IV. Workshops and Literary Agents

Advice on what to expect from agents and editors who attend writing conferences as faculty or publication resources. …read…

Workshops – V. Top-Ten Rules for Fiction Workshops

Although creative-writing fiction-workshops vary greatly, the general format is a student manuscript critiqued by fellow students under the direction of a leader …read…

Workshop Advice


Literary Quizzes




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4 thoughts on “Features

  • Aimee Ann

    Hi there,

    I am emailing you today because I am interested in reviewing your work on my blog – RedheadedBooklover. My blog has amassed a large amount of followers and a loyal readership in a short amount of time and I would love so much to feature your work there. I am always on the lookout for great books I can feature for my readers; that is why I was so thrilled when I just now came across your work because your work looks wonderful; you come across to me as a passionate, creative writer and those are two very important attributes I look for when wanting to review a book from a great author.
    My blog address is: https://redheadedbookloverblog.wordpress.com/ , please feel free to have a look and see whether you would want your book to be featured there.
    Please feel free to email me at: redheadedbookloverblog@gmail.com whenever you can; I would be happy to discuss my reviewing process in more detail and discuss more about the book I would love to review! I can also send you my WordPress statistics as well as my Amazon selling statistics which prove that my reviews generate sales for the authors I have worked with; I think you will be pleased with them! Sorry for the short and quick email, I just did not want to bombard you straight away so I look forward to your reply so we can discuss me writing a review for you! Thank you so much for reading, I look forward to hearing back from you.

    All best,
    Aimee Ann

    • admin Post author

      Hi Aimee Ann,
      Thanks for getting in touch. I checked and love and admire what you do. So I’ve emailed a PDF of McDowell, my most recent book. If you wanted another, let me know and I’ll be glad to provide them (Guardian of Deceit, The Spirit of Want, The Surgeon’s Wife, The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016, Sister Carrie) (If you prefer en eub, let me know.)
      All the best,
      Bill Coles

    • admin Post author

      Hello. Thanks for getting in touch. All the art work on site is created by artists I’ve met, discussed my goals for illustration of my fiction, and then commissioned them for a specific project. Only one work of art was painted before the process of collaborative work to develop illustration. I am eager to discover new artists to contribute to the project, and I have worked in the arts for decades and am proud that I can promote artists through the internet and print publication, can allow an artist’s work to be seen by more than a quarter of a million viewers. So, if you’re interested, tell me how I can view your portfolio. If I have a project that I think will work with your style and talents, we can develop a project. If you don’t have a portfolio/examples of your work, you are welcome to read stories online (they’re free) and illustrate one to submit as an example. In illustrating a literary story, I’m looking for an artistic work in scene that expresses or stimulates thought and feeling about what the literary story is about. In essence, it’s more than just copying an imagined scene, it’s attempting to get an image that captures why the story was written. For examples, study “Speaking of the Dead,” the drawing by Betty Harper, and “The Thirteen Nudes of Ernest Goings,” two paintings by David Riley. I pay for all accepted illustrations; the compensation varies. I buy only unlimited use of image; the artist maintains copyright and the ownership of the original work to sell and use as they desire. All the best, WHC