Book Reviews
Read MoreMcDowell 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 […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I believe the appealing quality of this book is its closeness to reality. You read and can actually relate with an event or a character’s emotion. Billie was passionate about music and drumming until he discovered his real gift. Sometimes in life, you may think you have it all figured out until […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I enjoyed reading this book. I was challenged by a question that seemed to provoke the genuine intention behind philanthropic efforts. The question was, ‘How many times a day do we do things for others that are really for our own pleasure and advancement?’This is what I believe can be applied before […]
Read MoreGuardian of Deceit Guardian of Deceit by William H Coles is an entertaining literary novel with well developed and rock solid characters. Darwin Hastings is an orphan and has been under the care of his aunt until she can’t take care of him any longer. Now, he boards a plane from Pittsburgh to New York to join his […]
Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book has a captivating storyline, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it for a mature reader looking for a realistic medical related novel. This book gave me no room for boredom, it has 182 pages with every chapter going straight to the point therefore making the book easily understandable. The […]
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Coles’ reputable writing style is generally evident in every story. He uses irony and sarcasm to contradict human behaviour. This helped me to reflect on why some characters behaved the way they did. I was then able to identify with them and even ‘forgive’ their impulsive actions. My favourite story was Suchin’s […]
Read MoreCreating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org As a writer, I am always searching for ways to improve my craft so it connects with the reader and leaves a lasting impression. The search for this knowledge can seem daunting because there are so many opinions and thoughts on the best way to connect with a reader of fiction. After […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell somehow sends us a message. It tells us to be open-minded and considerate with the persons around us. Oftentimes, we tend to be opinionated particularly if we see a pattern of wrongdoings in others. McDowell teaches us to be objective in looking at things and circumstances. For we, too, are not […]
Read MoreAudiobook 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 […]
Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife Review from Readers’ Favorite The Surgeon’s Wife by William H. Coles is a literary fiction novel that presents a conflict between two strong characters and medical professionals. Clayton Otherson is a senior influential and respectable surgeon. Or he once was. But he is growing old and this leads to him making mistakes that can have […]
Read MoreThe Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org What I liked about this book is that the characters of Lucy’s family were developed in such a way that the reader can get an insight as to why Lucy was so desperate to be loved by Hower Bain. However, the character of Hower Bain is not fully developed. He remains an […]
Read MoreGuardian 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 […]
Read MoreThe 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 […]
Read MoreMcDowell McDowell is another high quality work of literary fiction penned by author William H Coles, this time focusing on themes of privilege and the fall from grace. Our central character is the titular Hiram McDowell, an acerbic and selfish man who cares only for his immediate group of close family. A renowned surgeon, McDowell’s downfall […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is an exceptionally great story with an amazing plot and characters. William H. Cole’s depictions of the story stand great with wonderfully fashioned characters. Hiram seems an interesting enough character. And though his actions may get on people’s nerves, he seems genuine enough a character. The other characters also share the […]
Read MoreThe Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org Although not my normal cup of tea,”The Spirit of Want”by William H. Coles is one of the great read which taught me of the real life situations,I would even in the future read this a million times,I highly recommend it to fans of literary drama and romance fiction.Its easy writing style of […]
Read MoreMcDowell 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 […]
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 is one of the most amazing novels I’ve read so far. It has 34 stories with two more stories that are graphic novels of already given chapters in the book. Since it is a collection of short stories, I was a little skeptical to […]
Read MoreSister Carrie After the death of her parents, Jessie Broward takes her 17-year-old sister Carrie under her care. Despite worrying about financial matters, Jessie, an optometrist assistant, gets Carrie a job at the movie theater and life is good for them. An Arab man named Zamel, however, challenges the sisters’ bond when Carrie falls in love and […]
Read 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 […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a compelling story about moral and ethical values. The story touches upon important topics, including gun control, mass shootings, suicide, euthanasia and redemption. The characters are complex and realistic. The book is well-written and difficult to put down. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys epic novels, strong […]
Read MoreThe 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, […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a story about self-discovery and redemption. It teaches us how we, as humans, are easily ready to forgive those who we dislike when we see that they are trying to improve themselves. For example, the reader starts off hating Hiram but soon begins to love him as they read about […]
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles is truly a fiction lover’s dream. Coles is a master story-teller who takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of characters, scenarios, and emotions. Though most stories are extremely short, they are written with such passion and thoroughness you cannot help but feeling connected with […]
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 […]
Read MoreThe Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book is easy to read and all the characters described by William H. Coles are very vivid. This made me immerse in the story so much, that at times I was left reading while gritting my teeth. You get to know the characters inside out. It makes you fall in love […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. McDowell by Willaim H Coles was a gripping book about the life of a man who you hated at first. Although his intentions were unusually not honorable, Hiram McDowell was a man learning to change. This quality made him an endearing character and […]
Read MoreGuardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org The author manages to create emotions of intense sympathy and interest for many of the characters in the reader. His writing is crisp and very effective. Written from the third person narrative, a compelling plot is created that generates excitement and an atmosphere of mounting social tension. An feeling of life in […]
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 […]
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The stories are real, the characters could be you or me, the plot is everywhere out there among the rich, the common and even the downtrodden. They are graphic enough for us to visualize the emotions in each of the characters and the scenes of the plots. I rate this book 4 […]
Read MoreThe 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 […]
Read MoreGuardian of Deceit Guardian of Deceit by William H Coles is a contemporary literary fiction novel that would appeal most to a mixed audience of adults and young adults who enjoy mystery adventure stories. Darwin Hastings lost his parents and now his aunt can no longer care for him, which forces him to travel from Pittsburgh to New […]
Read MoreThe 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 […]
Read MoreThe Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org There is nothing wrong with books the purpose of which is simply to entertain. I read lots of them, and I have no more regret than I would after watching an entertaining TV show. But every now and then, I run across a book which not only entertains but leaves me with […]
Read MoreThe Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org The styles used in the creation of the novel enhanced its taste. The author uses suspense, vivid description, comedy and irony, and dialogue in creating the novel. They enhanced the taste of the novel in different ways. I was particularly moved by the comedy in the novel. I could not help but […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book is without a doubt a 4 out of 4. It is very well written, packed with engaging characters, thought provoking, and intelligent. I appreciated the short, italicized inserts which kept the story moving without over explaining. The characters were very real and each was unique with their own personalities and […]
Read MoreGuardian 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 […]
Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org I liked the buildup of the storyline, the more I read it the more I was attracted and entertained by the novel, this made it easier to concentrate and enjoy the novel. The characters are well developed all-round, especially the main characters, he (the author) breathed life into the characters making them […]
Read MoreThe 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, one novella, and two graphic novels. Each story deals with characters that carry the weight of life. Their struggle is developed through stories uniquely. I loved every bit of this book because I […]
Read MoreCreating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org Creating Literary Stories: A Fiction Writer’s Guide is a gem. A book worth sharing. I found it immensely rich with knowledge and insights. I have always been a fan of storytelling and I had no idea of starting the journey until I read this book. I loved how he used fictional examples […]
Read MoreThe Art of Creating Story Review from Readers’ Favorite FIVE STARS The Art of Creating Story by William H. Coles is the ideal resource for writers to have on their shelves. Coles delivers a breakdown of the literary story by sharing about the craft, advice, and providing useful interviews and examples. Coles delves into the breakdown of the various parts […]
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 […]
Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org Though this book is not all action, it does show violence and upheaval. The ideas are dark and confusing as is much of humanity. However, the author had a way of treating this darkness in such a way that it did not leave anybody feeling depressed. I like this book because its […]
Read MoreMcDowell The best book I’ve read this year! So, here are many reasons why I enjoyed this novel. First, I suspected within the first few chapters of reading the novel that the author had grown up in Nepal, which was evident because the imagery, nostalgia, and familiarity evoked, are so vivid and palpable. These qualities in […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org The most intriguing thing about this book is the “antihero” element in it. McDowell might be the protagonist of the novel, but in no way is he the “hero”. The protagonist is by no means a loveable character. He has his own set of flaws and there is nothing idealistic about him. […]
Read MoreCreating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars since it is well-written and has no errors or mistakes and I personally enjoyed it very much and recommend it to any fiction writer out there who wants to strengthen his literary knowledge and ability to write fiction books. You don’t need any […]
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 A wide-ranging volume offers a collection of short stories and a novella. Coles (Sister Carrie, 2016, etc.) seems drawn to epiphanies begotten from moral crisis, a theme that permeates this assemblage of 33 tales and a novella, well under 100 pages. In the first story, “The Gift,” a 17-year-old girl, Catherine, becomes pregnant and is […]
Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org Something that I additionally loved about this book was the beautiful imagery found throughout it. The author’s descriptions of life, very real world problems, as well as descriptions of the scenery of New Orleans and the emotions and feelings of the characters, was absolutely wonderful to read about, and the author painted […]
Read MoreThe Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book discusses a range of issues in our society today. How people in high places take advantage of those they should be taking care of. William H. Coles talks about religion and a reader can relate the story to real life. My favourite theme was on family. The author wrote a […]
Read MoreGuardian of Deceit I cannot tell you how fast I breezed through Guardian of Deceit by William H. Coles. It is weird, but I actually loved Luther’s character. He was mean and arrogant, but the author did a wonderful job of making him so. He was so well written that I could not help but like him. I […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is, like the expeditions that its main character enjoys so much, a trek into the unknown with priceless gems scattered along the way. I appreciated the use of third-person in this work because, in a way, Hiram is more or less on trial and not just before a jury of his […]
Read 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 […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a novel by William H. Coles. This is the first book I have read by Mr. Coles, but it certainly won’t be the last. Not only is this book exceptionally well-edited, it is a clever, well-written novel with an original plot. I was so intrigued, that as soon as I […]
Read MoreThe 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 […]
Read MoreThe Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org First of all, I admire how Williams H. Coles changes the scenes where the reader gets to know what’s happening in different places at the same time. For example, the reader gets to know what was happening in Georgia when Lucy was in Ghana. I also admire the use of many vocabularies […]
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Illustrated Short Fictions of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 contains a wide array of stories, graphic novels, and a novella. All of which have interesting endings that play out quite unexpectedly. The author, William H. Coles, manages to present life in both its beauty and cruelty. His stories tackle the joys of young […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org The characters are phenomenal. Every character, whether main or supporting, is convincing and engaging. Everyone is uniquely complex in their own way. McDowell himself is probably the biggest puzzle of all. This main character cannot be held to any particular archetype. In the beginning of the book he seems to be insular, […]
Read MoreGuardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org If you are a lover of fictional stories on the rewards of hard work and discipline, then you will certainly enjoy reading this book. I like the way the protagonist’s lifestyle brought out the reward of hard work, discipline and dynamism in a law-abiding way. I also enjoyed the way various characters […]
Read MoreThe Spirit of Want Review from OnlineBookClub.org The thing that I love most about the book is the way that the characters are demonstrated. The book successfully presents each character’s personality, intentions, history, and development in such a way that the readers feel they have known the characters their entire life. Even though Lucy was presented as a hostile, […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This complex and moving fiction story will definitely beg the reader to marvel at the human capacity to survive despite extremely challenging odds. It also does a great job of highlighting the drastic impact that people’s choices can have on their relationships. Additionally, I found the sort of staccato writing style a […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This novel deserves a 4 out of 4. Mr. Coles writes seamlessly from one point of view to the next. Even though the point of view changes frequently (approximately after every couple of chapters), it does not distract the reader from enjoying the book. In fact, the different perspectives serve to highlight […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from San Francisco Review of Books “The motives and means of McDowell’s death will always be front page interest” Utah author William H. Coles, MD is a retired Ophthalmologist whose medical career was internationally lauded for his expertise as an ophthalmic surgeon specializing in ocular injury repair and reconstruction, a professor and chairman at […]
Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org The Surgeon’s Wife by William H Coles is a captivating story that explores the subjects of broken families, mental health and unconditional love. The book has a few plot twists and an intriguing storyline which grip the reader’s attention throughout the read. All the characters are well-developed and the root of their […]
Read MoreCreating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org The following is a review of the book entitled Creating Literary Stories: A Fiction Writer’s Guide by by William H. Coles. I read the book in a relatively short amount of time because I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I highly recommend it. I rate this book a 4 out of 4 […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Have any of you ever wondered why life is so good to people who cheat and that it does not come back to bite them? Well! William H. Coles will walk you through this, in his outstanding book, the McDowell. This book seriously had something to say and I noticed there were […]
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org What I liked most about the book is that despite the brevity of each story, it remains with you. It affects you emotionally. No matter how brief, the pain of the characters can be deeply felt. You find yourself empathizing with them and wish the story went longer. It is also interesting […]
Read 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 […]
Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org In this book, William H. Coles was sensitive to keep the suspense going. He never loosed touch of the essence of the stories. He added little humour to the story, but still in a more mature way. He was very descriptive with the scenes and plots to the extent that the reader […]
Read MoreGuardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org I loved that Darwin had to experience good and bad throughout this story and he knows that money isn’t everything. Darwin experienced the loss of his parents, as well as being treated cruelly by Luther at the beginning and still managed to find the people he needed to help him get ahead. […]
Read MoreThe 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 […]
Read MoreCreating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org Conclusively, this book is a very interesting piece which serves as a comprehensive guide for fiction writers. I hereby recommend this book for fiction and non-fiction writers. I also recommend it for poets, dramatists, and literary critics. While it may look like a piece for literary fiction writers on the surface level, […]
Read MoreGuardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org Coles successfully created Darwin to be a mature and likeable teenager who is trustworthy and wise beyond his years. Darwin possesses attributes that gives society a run for their money when comparing others of similar ages. He is driven to be successful and wishes to be accepted to medical school and no […]
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org There are so many subjects covered in this book that that it is hard to pick a favorite out of the thirty-six stories the author has wrote. Most of the stories cover the darker side of humanity such as Suchin’s Escape. Reading about a poor girl who is stuck into prostitution at […]
Read MoreGuardian of Deceit In another of William H. Coles’ literary fiction novels, Guardian of Deceit, is Darwin Hastings, who lands wide-eyed, bushy-tailed and driven to succeed under the care of his sports celebrity cousin, Luther. Luther is wealthy and insensitive to those who love and even worship him, like his celebrity pop star girlfriend, Sweeney Pale. Like Sweeney, […]
Read MoreThe Spirit of Want There were some really good parts to this story and I thought the characters were generally interesting, though it didn’t feel like the reader got to know them very well, and there seemed to not be a lot actually happening through the plot. The entire party scene where Luke and Lucy first meet, as well […]
Read 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 […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I enjoyed reading this book. It grabbed my attention from the prologue and held it captive the rest of the way through the book. I also believe that there is also a hidden lesson in this book. It personally made me think about all of the things that I not so much […]
Read 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 […]
Read MoreMcDowell 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 […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org In addition to an ever-evolving and expanding theme, this book charms the reader with life-lessons about everything from blaming others for our misfortunes to understanding what’s really important in life. I enjoyed the storyline; it’s one of those books where you think you know what’s coming next but you’re not even close. […]
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 […]
Read 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, […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell by William Cole is a fiction novel set in Denver, CO. and other venues. The author is very descriptive of each character; very rounded and believable. The dialogue is realistic. Hiram McDowell was a prominent surgeon that had it all and then lost it all. He’s arrogant, cunning and this man […]
Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org The medical intrigue is especially deftly handled. Coles has an excellent touch for giving us an insider’s view of hospital politics and of the controversies around surgical procedures for obese patients, without bogging us down in details that would be difficult for non-specialists to follow. The portrait of a world where surgeons’ […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I celebrate the crafting of this novel. In literary instruction, we’re told to ensure that our protagonists grow between the beginning and ending of novels. This central character does. Supporting his story are supporting figures that are well outlined, written, and motivated by relevant backstories. Every minor bit ties in with the […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I highly recommend this book to any reader who likes powerful character development and plenty of food for thought. McDowell’s story will take you on a journey full of twists and turns, both good and bad. When you turn the final page, you’ll feel sad and satisfied all at once, and strangely […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys being challenged to consider the consequences of their actions to the world around them. The author doesn’t lay out the answers for the reader. Instead, snippets of facts and decisions made lend the reader to make their own conclusions about right and wrong. […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org In McDowell, William H. Coles has presented a compelling story of atonement. The atoner is the titular character, Hiram McDowell, who is introduced to us as a gifted surgeon, a ruthless careerist, a shameless philanderer, and in general an amoral, nasty piece of work. His only redeeming feature is his love of […]
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I love how William H. Coles brought the characters to life in all the stories. Readers can feel the presence of the characters in the book and the different roles they played in each piece. There is nothing that I disliked about the book. The stories I found to be wholesome, and […]
Read MoreMcDowell Engaging, well-written, natural, interesting characters, I liked it! Let’s face it, William Coles is hard to NOT like. William Coles’ does two remarkable things here. Well, he does many remarkable things, but two I’d particularly like to point out: 1. When an author loves his characters too much, the reader can often tell. Situations and […]
Read MoreAudiobook Review from Readers’ Favorite FIVE STARS The Spirit of Want by William H. Coles is an audiobook that tells the story of a successful female lawyer who falls in love with a TV-evangelist she is representing on a case of child sexual abuse. The evangelist skips the country and Lucy leaves everything — her career, […]
Read MoreGuardian of Deceit Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book is not a fast paced novel which brings in detail the characteristics of Darwin as an assertive, kind, humorous, aggressive and obedient young man with ambitions to achieve his goals in life. Due to his aggressiveness and humorous nature, Darwin became Luther’s backup chauffer after getting a training for driving […]
Read MoreMcDowell 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. […]
Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife Review from OnlineBookClub.org Surgeon’s wife is a must read. It has a well-developed plot, although short, each page leaves you wanting more and you can’t wait to turn the next page. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. I could not find any error in the book meaning it had a professional edition. […]
Read MoreCreating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org Many authors today—in the literary fiction world—tend to imitate writing styles of their favorite or popular authors instead of finding out the correct formula that will result in a perfect masterpiece, capable of surviving for many centuries. As a result, there are many badly written fictional books outside there, dangling in the […]
Read MoreThe Surgeon's Wife In William H. Coles’ novel, The Surgeon’s Wife, Catherine is the lovely but neglected and unappreciated wife of the lauded Dr. Otherson. When Dr. Otherson, a specialist in bariatric surgery, comes under fire for both his procedural competence, and his true motivation for performing surgery on patients only mildly obese, his world and his marriage […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I like the most about this book is how it can bring a catharsis to any reader. Hiram accomplishes a great way to involve the readers from his behavior, actions, and experiences. He can encourage the readers to discourage by making things complicated. The story is professionally edited and well-written. It hits […]
Read MoreThe Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Each of the story in the book is realistic in nature so thumbs up to the author for the disclaimer. Being realistic some of the stories reveal the dark side of human nature and its dark indulgences which in my opinion, gives the book dept. I like that the different short stories […]
Read MoreCreating Literary Stories Review from OnlineBookClub.org The first thing I like about the book Creating Literary Stories: A Fiction Writer’s Guide by William H. Coles is, it evokes the writer within a person. Even a person who has not much interest in writing seems to gain interest while reading the book. The book has many examples from short […]
Read MoreMcDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H. Coles’ novel, McDowell, is a character-based fiction about one man’s journey of self-discovery. Coles offers up a stirring novel about human nature and morality. This was an unforgettable novel and one that makes the reader think long after the last page has been read. I rate this novel 4 out […]
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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 …
SILF Audio: mp3 short stories
Perfect for driving, workout, or relaxed listening.
Available for online listening or download.
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…
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…
Literary Quizzes
Check your Literary knowledge:
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
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
Where do you get the artwork you feature on your website? If there is a submission process, please send it to me.
Thank you!
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