Sorry to hear that about George. A very memorable and likeable face for sure.
PS: I once shared a house in Melbourne with a single mum, and when I felt her conversation was too adult for her child, I’d mutter “John Newcombe!” Which was code for “Too much information in front of the kid mate!” Lord knows why I chose his name as a warning…
Hugh, I've read all the stories so far, and love them. Remembering to the minute when the red-haired girlfriend "dumped" you is so funny but so self-deprecating - I think the most endearing quality of all your writing. And of course, your brilliant ability to write with such honesty through the eyes of the child you were. I never tire of Over the Top!
What a lovely Era you lived in Hugh. It would be amazing and wonderful if the new generations could experience the excitement of that time. Your story is heartfelt and endearing. Kind Regards Karen Brown ( nee Kidston) Great to know you!
You are proving to be a tremendous supporter of mine: but I have to tell you I don't do it "effortlessly". But I suppose a writer has to make it look that way,
Yes I agree with Bec, the last line is beautiful. You're not saying "she'll be right" or being a Pollyanna. You offer...uhm, solace. We can have gratitude for what we had.
Ah - the Story behind the story. Thank you for a courageously honest account. So who did Denise end up with? The question begs! Your writing makes my heart sing - oh please never stop.
Your comment will keep me going ... because a writer needs to know people what to read what he has to say.
I met Denise again at the unveiling of Ken Fletcher's Bust in Ken Fletcher Park and we had a long chat. She re-married: that's all I know. She was a lovely as ever. I think we would have made a good pair.
Hughie I loved, loved, loved this story. The last line was the best … beautiful xx
Thanks Bec, even people in London and Singapore said they loved that ending.
So, as usual, you're on the ball.
Hughie
And here it is again Bec!
I also loved the last line.Hughie
Funny story, but sad. I love the way you see humour in unsettling situations.
That's a nice summary of my writing life: I'd like it on my tombstone:
He saw humour in unsettling situations"!
That' a very nice way of summing up my story.
Thank you
Sorry to hear that about George. A very memorable and likeable face for sure.
PS: I once shared a house in Melbourne with a single mum, and when I felt her conversation was too adult for her child, I’d mutter “John Newcombe!” Which was code for “Too much information in front of the kid mate!” Lord knows why I chose his name as a warning…
Hugh, this is better than a creative writing course and I knew everyone you mention, even Olive and Fred
But no poetry in that one Maureen!
Hugh
Hugh, I've read all the stories so far, and love them. Remembering to the minute when the red-haired girlfriend "dumped" you is so funny but so self-deprecating - I think the most endearing quality of all your writing. And of course, your brilliant ability to write with such honesty through the eyes of the child you were. I never tire of Over the Top!
Thank you, Mary, for never tiring of Over the Top with Jim.
People tell me they've read it three times -- one woman said she'd read it 100 times.
It's a bit like "Sound of Music".
Absolutely loved this endearing story. You tell it so well. I also loved the last line.
It's so great when you're a writer and people notice your best line.
It just came to me while I was finishing the story.
What a lovely Era you lived in Hugh. It would be amazing and wonderful if the new generations could experience the excitement of that time. Your story is heartfelt and endearing. Kind Regards Karen Brown ( nee Kidston) Great to know you!
Thanks Karen -- what a lovely review quote "heartfelt and endearing".
I often think newspaper and magazine reviewers have no heart -- because they never seem to notice any.
Hugh
Dear Karen,
Thanks for your generous assessment of my little short story.
Everyone seems to love it -- as I do myself!
Hughie
David Mackintosh's drawing of George Negus is worth more than a thousand 60 Minutes! Even the typewriter text with full stop! What an imagination!
Yes, David a little genius -- a Brisbane boy who has made it big as an illustrator in London because he can be moved by a story.
That's why I use him.
Hugh
This story has given my day a brilliant kickstart. Only you , Hugh Lunn, could nail a romance and professional rival so effortlessly and humorously..
Julia,
You are proving to be a tremendous supporter of mine: but I have to tell you I don't do it "effortlessly". But I suppose a writer has to make it look that way,
Hugh
Yes I agree with Bec, the last line is beautiful. You're not saying "she'll be right" or being a Pollyanna. You offer...uhm, solace. We can have gratitude for what we had.
You're the third person to praise my last line. Thanks.
Ah - the Story behind the story. Thank you for a courageously honest account. So who did Denise end up with? The question begs! Your writing makes my heart sing - oh please never stop.
Dear Kathleen,
Your comment will keep me going ... because a writer needs to know people what to read what he has to say.
I met Denise again at the unveiling of Ken Fletcher's Bust in Ken Fletcher Park and we had a long chat. She re-married: that's all I know. She was a lovely as ever. I think we would have made a good pair.
Frank, coming from one of Australia's top foreign and war correspondents like yourself Frank that is high praise.
Hugh