For those who missed the post, ‘Tales From Under The Rainbow’ is a novel that I started writing in 2012. For 8 years, it has remained in the archives of my computer. I decided to publish the first 539 words of it on my blog and asked for feedback.
As a result, 539 words got reduced to 437 words. Thanks to feedback from Geoff Le Pard, it also has a new and (in my opinion) better opening. I hope it will hook in even more readers.
I’ve created a Page on my blog where you can read rewritten parts of the story. To access them, click on ‘Tales From Under The Rainbow‘ on the menu bar.
‘Tales From Under The Rainbow’ follows the adventures of Danny Johnson. Set in 1986, Danny is about to face life-changing events when he travels to work and live in London. You can find out more about Danny in the first part of the published story.
Each week I’ll be introducing new characters. This week, readers will be introduced to Dougie Marsh, a coach driver who plays an important part in Danny’s life.
Everyone is welcome to leave feedback on each new part.
A new part of the story will be published every week. Each one will be no more than 550 words, so it shouldn’t take up more than 10-15 minutes of your time to read and leave feedback. I will rewrite the part from the feedback and publish the new version on the ‘Tales From Under The Rainbow‘ page.
If you’d like to know more or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave me a comment.
Thank you for your continued support and for joining me on this journey. I hope you will stay with me and find out what and who awaits Danny Johnson in London.
Click here to read the first completed part of ‘Tales From Under The Rainbow.’
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Hugh's Views & News 
What a fascinating concept Hugh, both brave and ingenious! As Debby noted, I do see a link with your personal stories you shared a little while ago 🙂
Yes, that earlier series from my blog will certainly come into play, later on, Sam. It’s two years away from the current setting of the book.
It’s hugely brave of you to seek input from fellow bloggers!
I wouldn’t know where else to go. I think the blogging and writing communities are the best for asking for help, advice and support. They’ve never failed me.
What a fab idea Hugh. And that image would make a most excellent book cover for this story. And hmm, I feel like some of the upcoming stories may sound a tad like some of your own adventures you shared on your blog a year or so ago? Great idea! Hugs xx
I created the image on Canva. Debby. I’m not sure I’m going to keep the title I’ve given the book yet. Somedays, it looks brilliant. On other days, not so good. I’ve a long way to go, so I hope to have made up my mind by then.
I’m glad you’ve seen the link from the series I ran a few years ago. Those events are way off in the story yet, but if I get to them, I’ll be using that diary from 1988.
All sounds exciting. And I know how many times I change my mind on covers too. It’s a writer’s prerogative. ❤
Interesting idea I have seen novels written in the blogosphere but never one that readers could comment on. Do you think you can keep to your own vision with all the comments??
Stay well and laugh
Oh, absolutely, yes. The story is already over 40,000 words long, so it won’t be changing its direction. The feedback I’ve had so far has been brilliant and is helping to make the story even better (well, I think so, anyway).
Good luck on the project I will be sending comments
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
I think this is a brave step, Hugh – you could be inundated with comments to the point where your head explodes! Having said that, count me in 👍
I had an excellent response for feedback last week, Clive. That’s led to an even better opening and structure for the first part of the first chapter.
Thanks so much for agreeing to help me out on this journey.
I’m glad to hear it. Happy to help if I can.
This is a great idea to get your story out into the world and make improvements along the way – your readers can all be critique partners! Like you once pointed out to me, though, if you ask for advice, you can and will receive plenty of differing opinions. Yet, it’s up to us which ones to implement, pound on, or discard. Happy rewriting!
Thanks, Liesbet. I’m sure this idea is not new, but it seemed like the best route for me to take in getting the story of Danny Johnson out of the archives.
I agree about too much advice, but I think fresh eyes help point us in the right direction of the gut feeling many of us have for something. I’ve always believed in gut feelings. They’ve never let me down.
Agreed! Mark and I rely and survive on our gut feelings. 🙂 I’ll have a look at your first chapter again later today.