Geoff,
Thing is, I can’t identify the problem because I’ve chewed around with it so much I’m flummoxed. I was very worried that it was a bit cheesy. However, I’ve just read a couple of comments from Nahed and Ani. They have been following the story from the beginning and they both like this chapter so maybe it’s just as Ani said – I’m too close to it.
Tez, glad you’ve sorted your problems.
As you’re an experienced critter
I’d be very interested to see what you think about my work. However, it is a long chapter and it’s about a third of the way into the novel so it might not be easy for you to pick up on the plot. So here’s a little background:-
The novel is set in Stanegarth, a Yorkshire Dales village, in the summer of 2001 when the foot-and-mouth outbreak was, among other things, destroying the rural tourist industry. This chapter takes place in the village hotel, The Stanegarth Arms, run by Emma and Tom Bonner (manager and chef respectively). Philly Black is a watercolour artist with her own gallery in a converted barn in the village. She is struggling to save the gallery from bankruptcy. Lewis Harland is a property developer who is buying up property while the tourist economy is depressed. He has just bought the hotel and spends almost every weekend there. He’s never explained why he does this but we could hazard a guess it’s because he’s got the hots for Philly. The feeling is mutual but, in the last chapter, Philly discovered the existence of a Mrs Harland…
So there you have it, Tez. I’ll look forward to hearing your views – but don’t let it become a chore – I’ll understand if it’s not your thing. Feel free to not comment if you change your mind.
Thank you both,
Dee.
xx
ps Tez, it's not old age - it's enthusiasm. Brain working faster than fingers. I usually compose everything on a Word document and then cut and paste onto here. Saves a lot of hassle.