Jan
01

Hello 2011. Welcome, welcome, welcome

Welcome 2011.

I’m so glad to see you’ve arrived safely, and wearing a fresh coat of hopes ready to be realised. I love your free flowing scarf of possibility. And is that the scent of determination?

It’s reassuring to see you so bright with promise, daisy fresh like a pristine page waiting to be written on.

I see the notebook in your hand headed with a list of goals and enough white space below for more to be added over coming months.

Indeed you look energised and champing to be on your way. The spring is in your step. Aspirations and dreams no doubt spark your renewed purpose.

I’d wave you on your way, but… wait, I’m coming with you.

Thank you so much for the clean slate, the clear and open view ahead, and all the bright promise you’ve brought with you. I can see we’re going to be friends and together we’ll accomplish much.

Let’s go. I’m totally ready.

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Comments

Fran Dowsett

I love it,

lets all link arms and take a positive step and say give it to me baby!

What a clever sister I have !!!

xxxxx

January 1, 2011 at 7:04 pm
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Karen Tyrrell" alt="Karen Tyrrell">

Karen Tyrrell

Hi Chris,
We both share a positive outlook and motivation for 2011. Wishing you every success with your writing :))

January 1, 2011 at 7:26 pm
Reply
alison reynolds" alt="alison reynolds">

alison reynolds

Chris,
Love the image of a fresh coat.
I wish you a fabulous year in every way, and look forward to reading the novel soon.
Alison

January 1, 2011 at 10:07 pm
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Categories: My writing journey

Tags: Writing Inspiration

Praise for No Small Shame

Christine Bell’s No Small Shame is impossible to put down. Her writing is wonderful, wise and empathetic. No Small Shame is a masterful debut novel, and an excellent addition to Australia’s historical fiction genre. Full review.

- Better Reading

Bell’s evocation of setting is an outstanding feature of the novel. Her social and physical landscapes of the years 1909 to 1919 are vivid with sensory and historical colour. Full Review.

- Westerly Magazine

Once I started reading No Small Shame, I could not stop. I was utterly swept up by Mary’s story and her refusal to settle for the life she is expected to lead.

- Kate Mildenhall, Author (The Mother Fault, Skylarking)

This is a novel of darkness and hope, full of insight, and written beautifully, with intelligence and sensitivity. A wonderful debut … Full review.

- Robyn Cadwallader, Author (The Anchoress, The Book of Colours)

Be prepared to be transported into the past, to be caught up in a slice of Aussie history but, mostly, swept away in a completely relatable and beautifully told tale that will move and, in the end, fill you. Outstanding. Full review.

- Karen Brooks - Author (The Chocolate Maker's Daughter, The Darkest Shore ...)

An absorbing, convincing and heartbreaking picture of a woman trapped in an impossible marriage. I ached for Mary and grew to love the defiant spirit shining through her doubts and fears.

- Jane Sullivan, Literary Critic and Author (Storytime, Little People)

Mary O’Donnell’s journey to self-awareness will have you turning the pages until the heartbreaking climax.

- Lauren Chater, Author (The Lace Weaver, Gulliver's Wife, The Winter Dress)

Mary’s compelling journey and her indomitable spirit are heartbreaking, moving and inspirational. This novel is a well-researched examination of the roles and rights of women at that time, the struggles and discrimination they faced, the hardships they were expected to endure and the small victories they celebrated, often silently.  Full review.

- Cass Moriaty, Author (The Promise Seed, Parting Words)

No Small Shame is a beautiful and inspiring story about female power. Christine Bell gives us a brilliant story of female heroism and shows us that women are capable of much more than we could ever really know. Full review.

- Courtney Dyer, TheBookSlut.com

Compelling and addictive. … a rich and absorbing experience. Full Review.

- Angela Wauchop: Backstory History Journal

What distinguishes the novel is its rich characterization. Each character in this carefully drawn work lifts off the page, evoking our enduring interest and empathy.

- Nadine Davidoff, Freelance Book Editor

An epic tale of a woman who finds her voice and ultimately, her agency. Meticulously researched, ambitious in scope and compelling in realisation.

- Christine Balint, Author (Salt Letters, Ophelia's Fan)

My heart hurt, my heart soared, and I was left thinking about the amazing women who paved the way for women today. Full review.

- BJs Reviews

No Small Shame is an important reminder of how far we have come in Australia … and how much we need to protect. It is a story crafted with great empathy – and immense believability. Full Review.

- Dr Wendy Dunn, author/poet (Dear Heart, How Like You This? Falling Pomegranate Seeds: The Duty of Daughters)

No Small Shame is an exquisitely written, absorbing and intelligent story of love, betrayal and the painful journey to self-awareness.

- Alison Goodman, author (Eon/Eona, Lady Helen and the Dark Days series, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies)

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