Did you know that the second largest market for books written in English Is India? I didn’t, but when a friend recommended I submit a short story for an Anthology being put together by an Indian publisher, I decided to do so, more out of curiosity than anything else. Little did I know what a joyful time was in store for me.
The request came when I was at an all time low, in my writing journey.
No matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to get the stories in my head onto the page in a way that I was happy with. The writing was clunky. Whatever I did, mistakes crept into the finished book. I put them on Amazon, then took them down a few weeks later, not happy to sell books I didn’t like. I was on the verge of giving up altogether.
I can hear you screaming “probably nothing that a good editor couldn’t fix.” I knew an editor would clean the books up for me, but my problem was deeper, and I would be wasting money if the books were re-edited before I was happy with the content. So I was about to remove my books from sale and stop writing. Steve had retired, so I planned to do the same.
So I sent off the story with an apology, explaining that a friend had read the story and thought it would fit their criteria, but I was sure that it wasn’t good enough.
The reply came quickly with such praise and such kind words that I was overwhelmed. A feeling that was repeated when I read the finished stories. They are deep, delightful and so poetic. I am so proud to be a small part of a treasure trove.
Aquality:
Tales from the depths
A quote from the Forward
‘This book is a collection of of stories built around water. Some of these stories have water sprinkled on them, but most are borne by the water…of oceans, seas, rivers, streams, rills — sometimes majestically calm, sometimes tumultuous, sometimes dark and ominous, sometimes gentle and happily gurgling.“
There are stories by writers from all over the world, but its heart beats in India, with its richness and variety. One or two of the authors are male, but the book speaks to the souls of women, their experiences and their resilience.
This is not a frivolous collection. The stories echo the things we feel deeply about but often dare not express. It will make you laugh and cry, and the stories will affect you so much that you will dream about them.
I am reading here excerpts from two, Hema Iyer Ramani wrote the first. She is one of the many friends I have made as a result of being a part of this venture. The second is my story.
I wish I could read with the beautiful poetic lilt of the Indian ladies, but sadly I can’t and for that I apologise.
She
By Hema Iyer Ramani
La Percebeira
By
Abigail Thorne
Being a part of the group of authors responsible for this book has been fun. I’m sure that the publisher is concerned about costs and the book being profitable, but the sisterhood of authors has been enthusiastic, noncompetitive, and un-materialistic. Their generosity of spirit shines through the stories, making the book quite magical.
There are so many more stories that filled me with delight that I cannot mention them all so please just read the book.
As for my writing, I read more books on craft, more books on editing and had another go. I’m happy with the result, not because the books are as good as I want them to be, but because they sound like my stories.
My next book will be better, more authentic. For me that is the trick, don’t concentrate on the writing trends that make the book commercial, instead focus on the story as I would like to tell it. It’s a bit old-fashioned, the genre might not be on point, modern rules of grammar are bent, but the voice is becoming mine at last.
In the meantime, read Aquality. If you live in India, contact your local bookshop or library and ask for a copy.
Also, it’s available on Amazon India.
At the moment, the book is only available in India, but contact me if you live elsewhere. I will pass your interest to the publisher.
In the meantime, read one of my books. Available on amazon worldwide I like them so I hope you will as well.
Abigail Thorne 