Indie Book Club discussion

Congratulations to the many authors of this anthology, which I believe is free on Smashwords and Amazon. Let discussion commence!

Edited extra bit: think I might need a new mouse, it's proven fond of double-clicking. Deleted a copy of this thread, but if it shows up for anyone, that's why. *This* is the proper discussion thread.

I just picked this up and will start reading it shortly. I also picked up the first Wyrd Worlds - if any of the included authors frequent this thread, could I ask how you got involved in the anthology? It seems like a great way to get a story out to market and in the hands of readers who might not otherwise seek you out.

If I recall, the original idea was suggested by Steph Bennion. It sounded like a good idea, so we began submitting stories. Ross showed us some cover ideas, and it grew from there.

Contributing to the Wyrd Worlds anthologies has been a great experience. Several of us beta-read each other's stories prior to publication. As a result, we got to know each other a little better. I'm proud to be associated with such a fine group of people.

Picked this up. First story was a bit longer than I'd expected. Despite being a part 2, I didn't have any difficulty with continuity, though.

Also, I like the cover design. At a distance, or as a thumbnail, it spells 'Wyrd Worlds II', but close up it's more like, er, I've forgotten the term, but a cluster of words [the author's name] (they make them for political speeches often, to see what terms are used most commonly).

Ross Harrison is credited with the cover design for both Wyrd Worlds books. We think he did a great job.

Perhaps a quarter of the way in. Pretty wide range of story length already (first was longer than expected, the latest, by Alexandra, on the dinky side).

I finished the first two stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the first and agree that it was longer than expected. The second was on the short side, and it was interesting reading in first person - present tense. Did anybody else notice that? I've seen some people say that they can't stand reading anything in present tense, but I thought it worked in this story.

Mine are short, sorry but there are a couple. Sounds like people are enjoying it.

Sorry? Don't think you need to apologise for short length [insert your own punchline here].

Not made as much progress with this as I'd like. Trying to crack on with redrafting but there aren't enough hours in the day.

If I don't get much further in the next few days I'll set aside some time to get on with it.

Sadly I have lots of hours in the day - mostly at the day job and not nearly enough writing.

I appreciate you taking the time to read.

Ubiquitous wrote: "Ross Harrison is credited with the cover design for both Wyrd Worlds books. We think he did a great job."

Ubi,
I believe your link is to a different Ross Harrison.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

I am about half-way through. I am at work and don't have the material in front of me, but off the top of my head:
- I enjoyed the first story very much. Very nice post-apocalyptic feel and nice character development.
- The story with the imps was amusing. I did a face-palm at the end when I realized the context - that doesn't happen very often.
- The were- / alien story was well-done. I especially enjoyed the ending, but it was fun getting to that point too.
- The assassin story made me feel like I was playing a mission in Skyrim. For those not familiar with videogames, that is high praise indeed.

I'm sure I left out some stories, and for that I apologize. I will try to do a more detailed review after I finish the entire book.

Christian, aye, the first and imp stories were good (they're also miles apart in terms of length).

Glad to hear that folks are enjoying the stories.

Thanks, Michael and Stan for catching and correcting the link for Ross Harrison. It would appear that I was posting impaired.

I just finished the story titled "Homeless". Wow was that bleak. Excellent job with setting the mood. Now I need a hug.

Thou shalt have no hug from me.

[I'm a Yorkshireman. We're forbidden from hugging other men, by law].

Anyway, just finished this today. I'll put the review up presently. The short version would be that it's a little up-and-down [probably necessarily so, given it's an anthology with such wide variety], and whilst some bits weren't my cup of tea I think I've found a few more authors whose wares I'll browse once the current mountain of books I've got has been whittled away.

Fair enough. I've found that with anthologies - some stories are great, some not so great. It's good to hear you've found some new authors.