Ribbons

by David Ward

Sara Wilson has always dreamt of a successful writing career. When the writing assignment of a lifetime lands in her lap, she suddenly questions her ability. Does she have what it takes to pull it off? Sara’s big assignment - interview Greg King, a once big name in pop music for a tell-all autobiography that she’ll ghost-write. Sara soon discovers that she’s not the only one struggling with her sense of self when Greg reveals a side of himself that he’s kept hidden from most everyone. Greg discloses more than just stories from the old days with his band the Princes when he introduces Sara to a mysterious someone named Carley. As Sara digs into his story, she meets people in his life, some supportive and some very much not. They will help Sara to tell his story - the good, the sad, and the secretive sides. All will challenge and inspire Sara and Greg to face some of their own problems that have kept them from happiness. The assignment brings forth much more than either one expected, and what they learn will ultimately shape the lives of so many searching for their own sense of place and purpose in the world.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2020

About the author

It looks like I've spent my life re-inventing myself. After too many years of office work in London local government I studied theology and became a parish priest in the Southampton area from 1983.
I then moved into health care chaplaincy in a busy south London acute hospital trust.
In between times, I've also sung semi-professionally in London and Spain, and have had short stories published in the UK and Spain.
Now I have two books published - "Ribbons" (2020) and "Finding Mercy" (2021).
And my interests? Reading, cricket, travel, interesting food, most music, and anything that might take my fancy.
I mostly read crime and thrillers, but I like autobiographies and history too.

Reviews

[Suzie Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of editing this amazing debut novel for David Ward. This story is delightfully vulnerable and full of feels. When I first sat down to read the first draft, I did so with the notion I'd spend thirty minutes with it that morning. Well, a few hours later, I realized I'd long since passed that initial notion. I couldn't stop reading it because David created a set of characters I adored. I wanted to see their stories through. That's a sign of a great storyteller.

David is a natural storyteller. I believe he's got many more stories in him to share.

[A.A. Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story of changing mores, showing that the "good old days" were only great for some.

[MR B E HUNTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story with true humanity

I have just finished reading this story and felt compelled to write a review. At it's surface this is a story about an ageing pop star / singer looking to write their biography however along the way we find there are shades and depths to Greg that are often not told. We get to know Greg but also the other characters who each support and add further colours to his story.

The story is so beautifully told with depth and warmth. As we progress through Gregs life we find he had a difficult child hood and elements of his character unwrap with a delicate warmth ...we find that he has at his heart a feminine soul and the author dies well to show the differences between the male / masculine and female/ feminine. Too many fictional books of this genre descend into secure theme but this book doesn't and instead as per my heading it is a real human tale. Crossdressing as a subject is something that is still seldom discussed with balance and this book does that with a real warmth. Sara who becomes a Greg's biographer also goes on a journey as she writes his story and I think anyone reading this will journey with her and discover and learn something.

A real warming story with a real message about what it is to be not only male but be a whole person.

I would heartetdly recommend this book as not only an insight into a world seldom talked about but as a heart warming story.

This is the author's first book and they should be very proud of the result of their endeavour ...beautifully written. I actually know the author and their warmth and humanity pours out of the pages.

[Angela Walford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written with many sensitive passages.

[Janet]

Well written and a challenge.