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My Year of Stories
In December 2015 Abigail came to the decision that she was finally going to be a published author. She began writing and submitting short stories, as well as trying once more to find a home for her young adult novel. The year that followed was an extraordinary journey from unpublished writer to debut novelist. In this book you are invited to follow that journey, with twelve stories to represent each month, preceded by an excerpt from Abigail's journal, giving not only background to her work but an intriguing insight into a writer's mind.
71 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2017
3 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Shepherd
2 books23 followersAbigail Shepherd is the author of teen historical fiction novel Victoria’s Victorian Victory, which she’s hopes will encourage teenage girls to think about their futures, set goals for themselves, and insist on being treated with the respect they deserve. She is also the author of numerous published short stories, some of which can be found in her short story collection, My Year of Stories. Her hobbies include fishing, napping, and drinking exceptionally good wine.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 17, 2017
This is a truly delightful little book of bite sized stories, some sweet, some bitter, some a mixture of both. They chart a year in the life of author Abigail Shepherd, from raw, hopeful, would-be writer, to published novelist of the wonderful YA novel, Victoria's Victorian Victory.
There are twelve stories in all, one for each month, and each one is preceded by a diary entry letting us know the author's state of mind, and the circumstances in which the following tale came to be published.
This is a charming book, well written and nicely paced, it is ideal for those with busy lives, each story perfectly timed to last as long as it takes to drink a cup of coffee, and is a book I will definitely dip into time and again.
Having read this author's novel, I was thrilled with the delightful surprise of a prequel to it, and, being December's story, it seemed particularly apt.
In a life of stress and endless pressure, this book was a refreshing oasis of calm, making me put my troubles to one side and simply enjoy the beauty of the words.
There are twelve stories in all, one for each month, and each one is preceded by a diary entry letting us know the author's state of mind, and the circumstances in which the following tale came to be published.
This is a charming book, well written and nicely paced, it is ideal for those with busy lives, each story perfectly timed to last as long as it takes to drink a cup of coffee, and is a book I will definitely dip into time and again.
Having read this author's novel, I was thrilled with the delightful surprise of a prequel to it, and, being December's story, it seemed particularly apt.
In a life of stress and endless pressure, this book was a refreshing oasis of calm, making me put my troubles to one side and simply enjoy the beauty of the words.
October 20, 2017
This is such a delightful read. Twelve short stories, some funny, some edgy, some sad, all together beautiful. It's hard to choose a favorite but if I must, January is my number one choice. The story about dandelion is sweet but it packed a punch so deep I had to pause at the end of the story. What a meaningful lesson there.
Abigail's writing is precise, not a single word out of place. I love it!
Abigail's writing is precise, not a single word out of place. I love it!
December 11, 2017
My Year of Stories is wonderfully inspiring.
A fantastic collection of stories, all tied into a year of the author's life. These are so very cleverly interspersed with diary entries and a little explanation of each. Along with details of publication, these all map the authors journey to becoming a published writer.
The stories themselves all have the authors distinct twist of the unexpected, sometimes light but sometimes a little unnerving... brilliantly written, even the shortest delivers a punch.
Uplifting, inspiring and empowering, we travel the year with the author, proving that steadfast dedication can pay off. A credit to Abigail Shepherd and a great addition to my bookshelf.
A fantastic collection of stories, all tied into a year of the author's life. These are so very cleverly interspersed with diary entries and a little explanation of each. Along with details of publication, these all map the authors journey to becoming a published writer.
The stories themselves all have the authors distinct twist of the unexpected, sometimes light but sometimes a little unnerving... brilliantly written, even the shortest delivers a punch.
Uplifting, inspiring and empowering, we travel the year with the author, proving that steadfast dedication can pay off. A credit to Abigail Shepherd and a great addition to my bookshelf.
October 16, 2017
This is a delightful book that follows the journey of Abigail Shepherd from unpublished writer to debut novelist, with the release of her YA book Victoria’s Victorian Victory.
In My Year of Stories, we follow Abigail’s journey with twelve stories to represent each month, preceded by an excerpt from her journal. I like the addition of this diary extract as it gives the reader an idea how each story was created and when.
This is a book you can read in one sitting or go to when you want to read another story for the first time or as a reread. You’ll find you’ll want to do that. I read the first story, The Dandelion Clock when it was first published in Whim online magazine but I enjoyed reading it again as January’s story in this book. There is also a prequel to Victoria’s Victorian Victory.
The stories are each different, some sweet and moving, others humorous and some a little dark.
I highly recommend My Year of Stories. You'll enjoy the read.
In My Year of Stories, we follow Abigail’s journey with twelve stories to represent each month, preceded by an excerpt from her journal. I like the addition of this diary extract as it gives the reader an idea how each story was created and when.
This is a book you can read in one sitting or go to when you want to read another story for the first time or as a reread. You’ll find you’ll want to do that. I read the first story, The Dandelion Clock when it was first published in Whim online magazine but I enjoyed reading it again as January’s story in this book. There is also a prequel to Victoria’s Victorian Victory.
The stories are each different, some sweet and moving, others humorous and some a little dark.
I highly recommend My Year of Stories. You'll enjoy the read.
October 15, 2017
A pure delight! I loved this book, not just for its charming short stories, each one quirky and unique in its own right, but also for the author’s endearing introductions to each one. A captain’s log, of sorts, the twelve preambles give us a glimpse into her writing journey, a winding road full of disappointments, celebrations, second guesses, and plenty of humor to which every writer seeking publication can relate! I highly recommend this collection. Reading each story felt like taking a quick dip in the pool on a hot summer’s day.
October 13, 2017
Well, of course I'm going to say that my book is good! However, I think that the diary extracts giving the background of each short story makes this quite a unique collection. You will especially enjoy it if you're a writer yourself. It's quite a slim volume, meant for dipping in and out of, but each story is very different- some are sweet, some funny and some a little dark!
December 20, 2017
A charming, slim volume of a year in an emerging author's writing life. Shepherd's delightful micro fiction is interspersed with 'Bridget Jones' style diary entries for each month of the year tracking the author's emotional roller coaster ride to publication.
The stories have a 'cosy' literature feel and are reminiscent of past eras. This gorgeous book is suitable for lovers of womens fiction, historical fiction and short stories.
Well done Abigail Shepherd on producing a lovely book.
The stories have a 'cosy' literature feel and are reminiscent of past eras. This gorgeous book is suitable for lovers of womens fiction, historical fiction and short stories.
Well done Abigail Shepherd on producing a lovely book.
February 26, 2018
I don’t write reviews but this book will get a few words anyways! It’s a quick and easy read yet very enjoyable. I liked it a lot - Nicely done Abigail Shepard. Hoping for more short stories in the future.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews