This collection of stories and poems, created by members of the Published Authors Forum on the world wide web, reflects the bond of friendship between writers from all over the world. Forever Friends is a celebration of the power of friendship and human relationships. The breadth and depth of the stories cover all ages from young to old. Filled with love and respect for family, friends, pets and even a telescope, these stories are guaranteed to entertain the most discerning reader. Thoughtful poems of friendship and love will bring smiles or tears and encourage readers to read the next story. The fiction and non-fiction works in this book express friendship as timeless, enduring and forever.
Shelagh Watkins is writer, editor and publisher at Mandinam Press. She is the author of two novels, Mr. Planemaker's Flying Machine and The Power of Persuasion. She published the anthology, Forever Friends, in 2008 and a follow-up anthology, Forever Travels, in 2010. Shelagh set up Published Authors groups on Facebook, LinkedIn and Goodreads. She is also the administrator of publishedauthors.org.
This book is filled with heartwarming stories and poems from more than 40 members of the Published Authors Forum on the World Wide Web. The book is, in itself, a testament to the friendship and love between writers who share a common passion.
This book is a terrific and uplifting read. Read it for yourself, or give it to someone you care about.
I love this book and I'm not just saying that because I short poem of mine appears in it. In these days of chaos, what better time to focus on friends in stories and verse! There are many views of friends here and each one pulls us farther into the book and reminds us of the best parts of our lives: our friends.
I also truly enjoyed the story My Hero, My Dad...reminded of my relationship with my dad. I enjoyed the books so much that I will be buying a couple copies for friends as Christmas presents. Think is will be a fantastic choice for two of my best friends.
This book contains a variety of tales that will appeal to everyone. There are short verses of poetry between each story, and it is a difficult book to set aside once you begin reading.
(My Hero, My Dad) I enjoyed your story – “My Hero, My Dad.” The tribute you gave your Dad was most thoughtful and deserving. While reading the story, there were things you did in your youth that reminded me of the same things – like rising early in the morning to check on traps. With me it was muskrats and skunks. I suppose people of our generation did things like that.
(My Hero, My Dad) This is a great story. ... It is one I recommend to every reader.
(My Hero, My Dad) It was great.
(My Hero, My Dad) Your dad sounded a lot like mine. It made me remember and smile.
If everyone had parents who supported them like we obviously did, they wouldn't be as cruel. Every child deserves a father like yours. Not all get that blessing.
(A Good Day Fishin’) ... I would probably prefer to write a beautiful story like Rhett DeVane’s "Good Day Fishin'" … I'm still enjoying the one about the fishing.
(Jason’s Best Friend) I really liked Jason's Best Friend.
(Not Alone) Your 'Not Alone' in the anthology was very timely for me. I recently lost a niece in just such a scenario. Well done.
(A Dog’s Best Friend) I liked your story.
(A Dog’s Best Friend) My brother liked your story.
(Debt, Paid in Full) ... Your poem is a wonderful tribute to Mr. Henry and I, too, am sorry that he’s not around to read your splendid poem.
(Tigger -- My Buddy)... his favourite story so far is: Tigger -- My Buddy. He said he liked the description of the harum-scarum cat who had taken over the place and ruled the household. He also didn't predict the ending, which added to the enjoyment of the story. Well done, Abe!
(A Friend in Need) It almost made me cry!
(A Friend in Need) ... Your story was poignant, too and elegantly crafted.
(Friendships) I particularly enjoyed the friendship poem that you included at the end, and found it very touching.
Comments about the book:
The book is beautiful!
It's beautiful and more than I had imagined!
The book sure looks good to me.
I’m a little late in getting my copy--but it looks TERRIFIC!
This really is a book with something for everyone.
From the contributors:
Thanks so much for doing such a wonderful job. I am so proud of this!
Shelagh, You have done such a terrific job with this book. It looks great, and I also read your foreword in the preview which is fabulous.
Shelagh...you have given us the opportunity to share part of our souls (yes, because that's what our words reflect) with the world and each other.
What joy, to get to know people from around the world on this forum! Then, to actually be able to read their words in one collection. Amazing.
Book signing
Thought you might get a kick out of this. Attended a book signing at a coffee shop last night. It was held for a group of local (within the county) authors. A lady showed up at my table with two copies of Forever Friends and asked me to sign. I asked how she happened to buy them, she said she had googled all of the authors advertised for the signing and then perused their websites to find out more. Then she looked up the book and decided to get one for herself and her Mother.