Secrets, Fact or Fiction?
the Series ... Delicious collections of short stories.
News! Volume II has just been released!
Find below Reviews, About, our Dedication, Story Reviews and more...
Silver Award from Blether, scoring 9 out 10 points for exemplifying a genre! Our sincere thanks to reviewer Tami Brady
"Unique and imaginative. The authors are talented."-Midwest Book Review.
Edited and compiled by award winning suspense author, Diane J. Newton
Secrets II WingSpan Press, ISBN:1-59594-062-6, 128 Pages, $10.95 Buy it!
Secrets Oxcart Press, ISBN: 0-9737282-5-6, Pages 160, Price $10.99 Buy it!
About the Book:
Love to solve mysteries?
Welcome to our contest for readers. These nine intriguing stories about secrets will test your skills as sleuths. The question: Are our stories based on fact or are they purely fiction? Our lips are sealed, but if you correctly guess which are true and which are not, you can win a signed copy of another book by each of the authors, nine books in all, plus a free copy of Secrets II, due for release
According to the NEA, fewer Americans are reading books. We, authors from across the
The Book Dedication:
Why Read?
In this age of web-based information and entertainment, twenty-four-hour news, cell phones and portable video, we are deluged with information. Often, we lead such busy lives we barely find time to reflect on the greater world around us, much less our interior selves, and the emotions, illusions, fears, and dreams that make each of us unique. As human beings, we are far more than our jobs, our possessions, our incomes. We share common experiences and feelings; we are both unique and astonishingly alike.
Books remind us of this.
Writers are part of a tradition that stretches back into pre-history: We have always told stories to illuminate the darkness in and around us; to share with others our hearts so we will not feel alone; to provoke dialog; and help us to explore others, the larger world and ourselves. Writers challenge superficial perceptions and compel us to look deeper, within, down to where our passions and dreams live. Writers have been a pivotal part of important societal changes, as well, by exposing our injustices and failings as well as celebrating our virtues and courage – all in an attempt to enlighten and broaden the common human experience.
Hill Kemp said, ”The flood of input from electronic media is just a din without the needed skills developed by reading. It's like having a mouth but no stomach; we can take a lot in, but not benefit from any of it. Books create a space for quiet reflection, a place where understanding is nurtured, ideas are formed and change is made possible."
We invite you, our reader, into our provocative world of words and dedicate this book to you.
Diane J. Newton
Larry Pontius
C.T. Adams
Hill Kemp
Kathleen Strelow
C.W. Gortner
Cathy Clamp
A.P. Fuchs
Carlene Reed
November 'Authors of the Month' at MyShelf.com
Click Here for Review and Author Interviews
More Reviews...
"A fascinating collection of nine short stories. All grab your attention and take you for a grand and unique ride. The authors in this collection are skilled writers who will entertain you." - ArmChairInterviews, Sharon Booth reviewer.
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"A collection of short stories about life and love. All of these tales have an air of mystery with strong ironic foundations. Entertaining while also making the reader reflect upon the message of the particular story. As each story is quite realistic, it will be quite a challenge for the reader to determine which stories are fact and which are fiction. Good Luck!"--Blether, the book review site. Tami Brady reviewer. Scoring: 9 out of 10 points for excellence!
*****
“These nine stories are diverse, devious, deceptive displays of the many secrets people keep. The difficulty in writing a good short story is to create an impact on the reader in a short amount of time, and with its unique themes, well-developed storylines, engaging characters, and fluid writing styles, these stories do just that. Ending at just the right point, each of these stories has a hint of mystery about them that carries the reader along to uncover the hidden secrets. Well written!
I acknowledge secrets by giving it 5 coffee cups, the only book to receive this rating from me in over a year of reviews. This collection has all the elements readers look for. From cover to cover, it offers something for everyone. This collection is a treat! Pick up a copy and take the readers challenge yourself!”—BookReviewCafe, Jean Forrest reviewer.
"…believable, or is that only what the author wants you to believe? Determining if the stories are fact or fiction is quite the challenge. Secrets volumes are scheduled annually through 2010."—TheCompulsiveReader.com, Jamie Engle, reviewer
*****..
"Author Diane J. Newton has compiled a collection of nine short stories for "Secrets, Fact or Fiction?" This anthology includes stories by Ms. Newton, Larry Pontius (author of one of my favorite novels, "Waking Walt"), C.T. Adams, Hill Kemp, Kathleen Strelow, C.W. Gortner, Cathy Clamp, A.P. Fuchs, and Carlene Reed. The question is: Are these stories based on real events - or are they simply good stories birthed in the imagination of their authors? It is up to the reader to decide, and if you guess right, you are in for a treat. At the end of the book you'll find entry forms. Send them in with your best guesses, win the contest, and you'll get a book by each of the featured authors. You'll also receive a free copy of Secrets II, scheduled for release on April 1, 2006.
A few of the stories are heart touching, like "A Life Interrupted" by Diane J. Newton and "Josie" by Kathleen Strelow (one of my favorites). Then there are offerings like "The Apple Doesn't Fall…" by C.T. Adams - a wonderful detective story and "A Creature of Habit" by Larry Ponitus - a well-written, clever, disturbing tale tinged with jealousy and suspicion. And watch out for the interesting twist at the end. "A Matter of Taste" by Cathy Clamp will satisfy mystery readers, and for those with more macabre tastes, there is "Not There" by A.P. Fuchs.
Although the stories don't always flow well together because of the different styles and genres, "Secrets, Fact or Fiction?" does have a connecting thread. You can't help but wonder which stories came from real life situations. You will find yourself trying to match each tale to past news events.
It isn't easy to separate the fact from the fiction, but you'll have fun trying.
"Secrets, Fact or Fiction" will not only appeal to anyone who enjoys good short stories, but it will also make a hit with those of us who love puzzles.
Highly recommended." - MyShelf.com and Nancy Mehl, reviewer. (Our thanks to MyShelf.com for permissions granted! 
)
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It works.
From growing up in a highly dysfunctional and alcoholic home, to love lost and found, to murder and mayhem, this tightly-written group of stories has it all. Could I tell what was real or not? Some stories were so over the top - in a good way - I thought they just had to be real, i.e., if you refer to the old adage, "Truth is stranger than fiction." On the other hand, some stories were SO well told, and believable, that I was scratching my head in confusion.
For a little added incentive, there is a form in the back of the book you can fill out with your answers. If you get them correct, you have the opportunity to win signed copies of nine other books written by the authors, and a copy of Secrets Volume II, due for release in April 2006.
Deadline for entries is March 1, 2006 -- so...GET READING! *grin*"--Carla Arpin, TOOT-BOOKS Review. (Edited version also posted at Amazon.com on 7/11/05.
)First Line Excerpts with Story Titles and the Authors
A Life Interrupted
Laura was sitting on the front porch swing, reflecting on wishes and things that could never be.
Diane J. Newton, novelist, award-winning suspense. NY
It was not like Frank Teasley. Frank was a man of routines, a creature of habit; rising each…
Larry Pontius, novelist, award-winning speculative fiction. Fl
The Apple Doesn't Fall...
Hailey “Alex” Alexander locked eyes with the man across her desk. She searched for the right words, but failed to find a way not to insult him.
C.T. Adams, novelist, award nominee, paranormal romance. Tx
Crawfish Braud
“I’m going to stop living secrets. I can’t take it any more!” Brook Priestly said to the air. From the balcony of her luxury apartment, she saw the red clay tile roofs of
Hill Kemp, critically acclaimed political thriller novelist. LA
Josie
It seemed like years since Josie had felt the sun’s glorious rays on her skin. Then again, this was
Kathleen Strelow, novelist, rock and roll mysteries.
The Queen's Sin
The assassin entered
C.W. Gortner, critically acclaimed historical novelist.
A Matter of Taste
Dan Magraw neatly stacked the last few file folders on the corner of his desk. For the first time in a year, he could see the mahogany surface.
Cathy Clamp, novelist, award nominee, paranormal romance. Tx
Not There
Dear Terrance,
My wife Judy and I are pleased to inform you that we accept your invitation to your tenth-year anniversary party on March 17.
A.P. Fuchs, novelist of horror and romance, poet.
The Baby Secret
Cassie squeezed the home pregnancy test in her hand. She wished she could break it...
Carlene Reed, novelist, romance, editor RITRO magazine. SC
Midwest Book Review on Secrets, Fact or Fiction?
A Collection of nine exciting short stories written to lure new readers and promote literacy.
Edited by Diane J. Newton
"Editor Diane J. Newton, has put together nine unique stories. Secrets, Fact or Fiction?has a lot going for it with imaginative stories and fully developed characters. The authors are talented and skilled in their craft."—Midwest Book Review
Midwest Book Review On the Stories…
A Life Interrupted by Diane J. Newton: "Detailed. Impeccable attention to characters. I cared about each and every one."
A Creature of Habit by Larry Pontius: "A fast paced drama. Excellent inner dialog brought realism to events."
The Apple Doesn't Fall…by C.T. Adams: "Deliciously written. One favorite for its flow, conversation, characters and plot."
Crawfish Braud by Hill Kemp: "Polite and well mannered. An interesting concept."
Josie by Kathleen Strelow: "Moving and sentimental. Strelow knows how to work the heartstrings."
The Queen's Sin by C.W. Gortner: "Thoroughly entertaining literature complete with dynamic storytelling and adventure."
A Matter of Taste by Cathy Clamp: "Charmingly written. A delight to savor."
Not There by A.P. Fuchs: "Superb tension and ambience. Fuchs has it down pat."
The Baby Secret by Carlene Reed: "The Baby Seceret exudes a nice writing style and fully developed characters. Talented."--Midwest Book Review, April 2005
Thank You for Reading all About Secrets, Fact or Fiction?
We are working on stories for its sequel for 2007 now.
Look for the release on April 1 ;-)
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