Moonbeam Highway

Thank you. It is fairly clear from your comments what still needs doing with the book. I did make a deliberate choice to have Eddie live in the present, and look towards the future. It seemed to be natural survival strategy. I know it worked well for me when I was in a similar fix. As far as the stories go, they are advertisements for himself, and what sells better than sex? To a cultured Plutocrat like Eddie, that is what his teamster audience would enjoy. But they also belie his impotency, which becomes much clearer in the chapter headed Some Purely Gratuitous Sex and finally, in the barn with Cheyenne. Basically, I envisioned the stories as a progressive deconstruction of the lies he has been telling himself all his life, since he first lost his mojo by leaving the only woman he loved. In the end he accesses the memory he has spent his life denying and the insight gives him his mojo back.

Dear Tim --

We cannot top the praise given you by the multitude of commenters who got here before us, but we can heap our accolades upon theirs. Moonbeam Highway is, quite simply, brilliant. Eddie is a mix of humanity at its most arrogant, but with that undercurrent of self-doubt that forces him to justify his existence through Author Buddy. He is the rise of the bloggers, the tweeters, the facebookers who just have to post about the sandwich they just ate... Can't say that he's likable, but in his fictional way, he's quite real. You made us think of Tom Robbins and Hunter Thompson and Norman Mailer (perhaps altered on a chemical substance)...

Backed, of course. Of course. -- Delhui, The Long Black Veil

Moonbeam Highway

[return backing]

What a joy. The concept is fresh and original and I like Eddie. I got a bit mixed up to begin with as I struggled to understand the concept. I love that Eddie is writing his story, but Author Buddy shows him his idea and THEN Eddie does it himself, where he left off. But it took me a while to figure that out. Then the drive and CB conversation. I thought Eddie was in a truck and I realised what he was doing, viral marketing, but it was a nice twist when I realise he’s in a car and then it’s even better when he forgets one vital bit of information. Nice twist.

Chapter two, an entertaining read, nice characters and good dialogue. I can’t relate it to chapter one, but I hope it will make sense later. chapter three is great. I’m used to the format now and Eddie’s back into his story. Great dialogue and Eddie’s found out. I liked this. And just when I thought he’d got away with feeding in his “outfit” as well.

The dialogue with Author Buddy is, funny and a great idea. Now Chapter four is just great. It makes chapter two fit in. But you say in the pitch it’s all from eddies POV. And NOW we get to it. Start of chapter five. NOW you link the two narratives. I’m happy now. And I’m going to bail out here. Before you throw me another curve!

I found the structure took some getting used to, but the quirky concept intrigued me to get on your wavelength. I do like writing where the rules are broken or where games are played with structure, as in your case.

I’m backing this and thanks for having backed mine.

Hi Tim!

From what I've read so far, this is really VERY funny! I spent about three years in the deep south with long dusty roads, broken down cars and pride in spicy chili... Traumatic time in my life! (Just kidding, but it WAS colorful, to say the least...) Anyway, this hit a nostagic button for me, then made me hungry!

One nit - I did get a little lost reading through the dialogue with no quotation marks. I ended up having to back up some to change my mind's POV once I realized there was a change back and forth from quotes to story. It may just be your style to not use quotes, and if it is, then disregard.

Overall, though, I found this a very enjoyable read. I haven't gotten through all of it yet, but because of its quality and humor, I know I will - and shortly. Shelved! Best of luck to you!

Kim
Invisible Justice

Hi Tim;

Here are my promised comments, not that I can type without coughing...

Moonbeam Highway is still on my shelf four days after I first backed it. Yes it's that good.

First, you know how to tell a yarn. In fact, you know how to tell many yarns. You know how to tie those seemingly unrelated yarns into a tight complete story. Anyone who only reads chapter one will totally miss the point. If they keep reading, they will be engrossed in the ultimate road trip.

Second, and most important in my way of thinking, you have something important to say. It's a theme that has repeated itself many times over the past few years both in my country and yours, and I suspect, around the globe.

Any one who feels that their life's course has been long decided by fat pople in pinstripes and bad haircuts, will be affected by your book.

The dark undercurrents are skillfully balanced with bright spots of well placed humor.

I believe that is the main reason your book will do well. Yes it is "American", but in reading it, people will recognize the currents that sweep their own lives along no matter where they live.

well done.

Bob
The one true bank

Thank you. It is fairly clear from your comments what still needs doing with the book. I did make a deliberate choice to have Eddie live in the present, and look towards the future. It seemed to be natural survival strategy. I know it worked well for me when I was in a similar fix. As far as the stories go, they are advertisements for himself, and what sells better than sex? To a cultured Plutocrat like Eddie, that is what his teamster audience would enjoy. But they also belie his impotency, which becomes much clearer in the chapter headed Some Purely Gratuitous Sex and finally, in the barn with Cheyenne. Basically, I envisioned the stories as a progressive deconstruction of the lies he has been telling himself all his life, since he first lost his mojo by leaving the only woman he loved. In the end he accesses the memory he has spent his life denying and the insight gives him his mojo back.

The first few paragraphs of this page really hooked me.
Just checking- would Anne use "pensive"? In my mind as I read, I saw her Ivy league hiding in ratty jeans. That what you mean?

First sentence, did you write "where he was at" for the sound of it? Might have worked better for me, unaware that you do know your grammar, per rest of page, if the whole thought had had a twang:
"If Eddie'd known where he was goin', he'd never left where he was at."

"not living up to his expectations, (since) he was on his own...." or are you going, again, for a Gomer Pile sound in the narrative?

Actually like the story. I've had my share of friends with "handles". "Gopher Anus" is new to me, though.

Um stalking who???? Wish I did have someone to stalk! May make life more interesting! Are you crazy?
Go away!!!!! Virginia

Hi there
I've been looking for HP's comments on your book but can't locate them anywhere...how's it doing?
Cheers
Stewart

Came across your book after reading you on a forum thread, was enjoying the read and only then noticed the star. Not surprised. Hope you have reconnected with the family.

Thank you for reading and commenting. It's always good to hear that someone enjoyed it.

Excuse me if I don't sound more excited, but I was informed of it by email this morning, my first message from authonomy in six months time, and thought it might be my long overdue review. Alas. But nice to hear.

Came across your book after reading you on a forum thread, was enjoying the read and only then noticed the star. Not surprised. Hope you have reconnected with the family.

congratulations
tom bye 'from hugs to kisses'

Congratulations and best of luck!
Sharon Cooper
Seka

congrats on winning a review. They're lucky to get the opertunity.

Well done, Tim. We might not agree on everything but your success is well deserved.

Philip John

Dear Tim,

I can't remember whether or not I already left you a comment, but I will do so now just in case. I definitely enjoy your style of writing, and the story itself is one readers will definitely delight in. I have backed your book, and hope you will return my read by checking out Redemption.

~Jess
Redemption

How do Tim,

thanks for backing 'When...?' Always pleased to meet Americans who get 'British Humour.'

Had a look at your baby - 'total rubbish' - just messin' - British humour.

Love 'slow dogs and fast women.'.

BACKED!

Good luck on that Ed's desk.

Thanks again,

Rob
(When...?)

Well, this is distinctly off-centre, but I loved the opening for its unashamed (albeit eccentric) American-ness and the way the reader gets an immediate sense of heading somewhere interesting. Classic allegorical road-story then, executed with uncommon erudition and writerly skill. I hope you get the review you deserve.

Have to say there are some things I can relate to here....the Florida heat and the flat landscape with nothing of interest to look at as you drive down good old I-10. Truck driver lingo is unfamiliar to me but I got the feeling you definitely know exactly how to use it and it made for some engaging conversation. Got a snicker out of his handle, "Gopher Anus"....too funny. I will be reading more!

Its exactly where it should be in the top 5, best of luck.

Like it

Bizarre - and really well done - backed

Hi Tim, I havn't tried the Chili recipe yet but I back the book. Harold Alvin (ICON)Wesley

Tim,

Your book felt so... Human to me. Which is so strange, because though Eddie's life is so unlike my own, i felt i could relate uncannily to him.

I hope you make the ed desk. (3 days to go!)

Backed with pride,

Shawna Logue
It's a Kind of Magic

Love chapter one. Gopher Anus!
Will come back for more.
Karien (A Bird in a Pram)

Wow

By this I mean it is a stunning piece of work--the best thing I have read on here and I'm not surprised it has done so well.
Eddie will become a legend--to be sure--if Harper and Collins don't pick this up--it's only because it has been?

It has, hasn't it?

If it hasn't --we're all doomed.

Best Steve

Hi Tim,

A great story and I'm not surprised it's found it's way to near the top of the rankings.

The concept of the characters coming to life and arguing with the author has been done before - as I'm sure you know - but it's rare enough for it to at least seem unique.

I've only had time to read the read the first two chapters, but found no errors in that section, so all I can say is - congratulations.

Ron

I backed your book, knowing you are going somewhere. I am very humble reading my own work. I wish you the best. Your book is an example of what I see this site is all about.

Chapter one: This was different. A unique perspective. Almost fun to read, with the Author Buddy--I laughed a few times when they argued. It was enjoyable. You have a solid groundwork laid for an engaging, amusing read. The voice of both Author Buddy and Eddie are distinctive and the text is informative without being a drag--there's humanity in it, a distinctive flair--voice, rather--that gives it life.

You switch perspective-- jumping from third, second and first person with ease. It is rare that a writer can do that. The tidbit with Yorrick's skull really stood out for me, for some reason...can't put a finger on it.

Overall this first chapter is awesome and I'd be happy to make room on my shelf for Moonbeam Highway.

Best of luck with the ED!

- M

Hi Tim. I am not really qualified to review your Moonbean Highways because it has a strong literary feel to it, and I am strictly a genre reader and writer. However, I will give you a few quick thoughts. Please take them at their value, which may be zero! I'm on shaky reviewer ground here.


First, my poor brain could not wrap itself around your opening section. It was far too ethereal for me to comprehend. The writing was beautiful, but I kept losing the thread, so I ended up skimming it. It was your next section that really grabbed me:

>> If Eddie had known where he was going, he never would have left where he was at. <<

I love this line. It got my attention.


>> Half slumped down in the driver’s seat, he was leaning a little to the right, elbow deep in the armrest, left hand draped on the wheel, left foot planted on the edge of the seat where he kept it for highway driving. <<

This does an excellent job of painting me a picture of him. If I were reviewing genre fiction, I would lodge the minor complaint that this smacks of the voice of an omniscient author. But given your style, I'll avoid such a criticism. You clearly know what you are doing, and I will not dare to intrude.


>> He'd kept them up with polish and spit but, along with everything else about Eddie, from the sun-dried skin to the grey-brown hair, they were starting to show some age. <<

Nice. You have a lot of skill with words.


>> slow dogs and fast women <<

Wow, I'm jealous!


>> He gave Eddie an education. <<

Would this be better in past perfect: HAD GIVEN


>> What was I doing buying calls when everyone else was shorting? <<

I know what this means because I have worked in the financial industry, but I suspect that most people will not.


SUMMARY:

Usually when I do a review, it's long and detailed. But I found myself unable to criticize you. Between the fact that this is more literary than my usual reading, and the fact that you are an excellent writer, I have almost nothing useful to say to you.

My one suggestion, given with great timidity, is that you remove the disjointed (to me, anyway) beginning and begin with the first line that I quoted in this review. This is the point at which the rubber hits the road. Everything before that felt like rambling to me. I didn't get it. But once we settled into the Caddy's seat with your MC, the story hooked me. Well done!

Sandy Samson

Dear Tim --

We cannot top the praise given you by the multitude of commenters who got here before us, but we can heap our accolades upon theirs. Moonbeam Highway is, quite simply, brilliant. Eddie is a mix of humanity at its most arrogant, but with that undercurrent of self-doubt that forces him to justify his existence through Author Buddy. He is the rise of the bloggers, the tweeters, the facebookers who just have to post about the sandwich they just ate... Can't say that he's likable, but in his fictional way, he's quite real. You made us think of Tom Robbins and Hunter Thompson and Norman Mailer (perhaps altered on a chemical substance)...

Backed, of course. Of course. -- Delhui, The Long Black Veil

Cool concept, but the execution.. I'm a little uncertain of this. A CB radio? Very dated. Who is the audience for this book? What do they look like? What type of job do they have? Where do they live? (Middle America?)

In the longer passages you need a better mix of simple and complex sentences. Overall, there's WAY too much alliteration. It becomes distracting and makes reading difficult at times. You've got a great talent for writing, there's no doubt about that.

Thank you, Calvin for looking at Windshadow and giving it your backing. Best of luck with yours.
Ann Mynard (Windshadow)

And what right would i need to earn to defend myself against a confused, insecure, and tired person such as yourself i wonder?
You're not confused you say? I would like you to quote one time for me the one time i said i was better than anyone else? I can quote however, the times that I've said i was no better than bug. You look old enough why not act your age?
You are tired and sad my friend. Your insecurities brought you to that forum and you're a joke if you say they did not. I can tell that you're a smart man so listen very carefully to these next words:
You have been bagged and tagged by someone a little quicker than yourself.
I wanted to draw out the ass's of insecurity and the talent of strength with in. Passion. I found what i wanted. What have you have found out about you're self? That you're easily duped? That you are actually insecure? Or that you feel you have earned the right to bully anyone? Which is it. I leave you're comment up as it only draws the positive out of the negative for me once again. Maybe you should try the concept sometime. Look for hidden good before assuming bad..
Good luck to you..
Eric Shira

Hi Tim,

There is very smart wit here, all along the way. It’s great to actually feel humane sympathy for The Mighty That Hath Fallen, this poor dodo of a main character, bless him. I think you're a Writer’s Writer, and it’s a story for storytellers. Every sentence has attitude - this is wonderful.

I wish the basic set-up had been explained up front! I confess (sorry!) I might not persist, if I were thumbing through this book, in a bookshop. Please tell me what’s going on? You would have truly hooked me, if so, becasue i like the guy, and i like the general wise-ass atmosphere.

because there’s a wonderful funny voice here, I will take my hat off to this story, and back this book.

best wishes from a fellow wise-ass
Eileen Kardos (The Noodle Trail)

Bear with me and I will add more comment (constructive of course) further down the line...
Stay Well
Stewart
Backed!

Crazy enough to work

A wonderful picaresque novel, bursting at the seams with manic humour and character. Reading it really feels like a crazed journey along America's loopier byways. There is such a marvellous contrast between Eddie's tall tales and the sour-mouthed reality of things. There is a clear Gonzo element to the narrative and I can't wait to see what further lunacies lie in wait way down the road. Backed.

This is certainly different, and will either delight or irritate readers. My impression is you're making your readers work to understand what is going on, and we are supposed to grab their attention with action from line 1. You may well prove that wrong though. Backed.

Brave approach, bringing the author's voice in. I'm not sure it works for me, though, in this case. This format really works wonders in a voice-over narrative in movie format. Here, it sounded a little too self-conscious and somehow distracting.
I can see the need to balance Eddie's own self-image with a more cynical look at him from the outside, but you could say that the truckers are already doing this for him.
For me, the story didn't start until his first conversation with the trucker in chapter 1.

The dialogue is very funny and the conflict between Eddie's internal and external self-images is clear enough without having to prop it up with the author's voice.

I like the story. It's going places.

The novel dialogue format works most of the time, but it does trip up occasionally.
For instance:
~ I'm Anne, you say, like a practiced liar.
It takes just that bit longer to put the speech marks around 'I'm Anne' in your mind, which makes the narrative falter momentarily.
But the format's widespread enough in other languages and it works there. So, it's probably just a matter for the reader to get used to.

I'm intrigued. I'll have to read on to see if the whole author-protagonist interchange starts to work eventually.

Best wishes.
Huseyin
All Things Noble

Well written for what it is although how to define it might be rather more challenging! Apart from truckers and hitch-hikers, I'm not sure who this would appeal to...good luck anyway!

Tim

I’m not an editor or grammarian. What I can tell people on Authonomy is what works for me as a reader. This works. The language rings true. The line “ Florida heat...marathoners jockstrap” captured Florida humid heat perfectly and I immediately wanted to shower. The one line that didn’t ring as true to me was “fast cars and slow dogs” It is not bad just seems to have been done before. Maybe it stands out because everything else is so original. Just a thought.

Best of Luck
Keep Writing
WSS
HAKTAW HEART

Moonbeam Highway: With Apologies to Miguel de Cervantes
Tim Chambers

Tim,
I believe I read, commented and backed this sometime last year. I've placed it on my shelf again and am happy to see it at No. 2 at the moment. Inventive idea for a novel and wishing you a great review from HC.
Zan

What a pleasant read!
Full of surprises and joys. Your concept, your theme and plot are quite original and defintely beyond the norm. The synopsis is eye-catchy and I was immediately grabbed by your description of Eddie as an adult child who has a quirky world but also caters to the inner child in myself. I think the website might be having a technical problem right now with loading the first chapeter, which therefore made me unable to catch up with the first chapter. But the next few chapters are just way too amazing. Your style is pretty wise and I also like your way to narrate. The dialogues are full of humor, while they do also serve well to reveal relevant info of the character and the plot. Finally, this is an engaging story. I was totally drawn by how Eddie struggled with his self-awareness, that "his autobiographer in his head", "his highpower" and how he managed to make choice, to navigate his way through a crazy world in a spate of quirks and jerks.Backed! Your book of course deserves to be reviewed by ED!

CJ

Hello, I have added this book to my watchlist.
Thanks!

Hello, I have added this book to my watchlist. If you get a chance, please check out Crazy Mama's "Tryin To Figure It Out" http://authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=20199

Thanks!

Original idea, great style and most amusing! Backed.

Fancy a read swap with recprical backing Tim? If so, please take a look at Parallel Lives and I will take a look at Moonbeam Highway: With Apologies to Miguel de Cervantes. Good luck, Jon

Hi Tim
Not my usual type of book, but the writing is good and, once you work out the format, is certainly a bit different to the norm. I'm backing it because of it's style which I think will appeal to younger readers than me.
Good luck.
Kristen Stone
Kianda Mala - The Monkey Man

Hi Tim,
Wow. Quite unusual! Not my kind of read, but I'm backing it because you write well and 'hats off to you' for trying a different tack.
Marion Phoenix

Hi Tim,
Wow! You write well. I like the short, sharp paragraphs and the visual imagery.
Not my usual read but I respect your efforts to break the mould. I am backing this.
Marion Phoenix

OK, I am backing your book, but I will have to boot somebody else's to do it, which I hate to do. Why am I backing? Firstly, because I liked the way you laid it on the line in the self description. Secondly, because you had me chuckling as I read The Character Versus the Author. That was enough for me. You deserve to be backed.

OK, I am backing your book, but I will have to boot somebody else's to do it, which I hate to do. Why am I backing? First, I liked the way you laid it on the line in the self description. Secondly, because you had me chuckling as I read The Character Versus the Author. That was enough for me. You deserve to be backed.

Despite the quirky humour, Moonbeam Highway has a serious message...I think!
Took me a bit to understand about the CB radio etc, but once I got into it, I was OK. Occasionally had to read back to find out who was speaking, but most of the time it was clear.
Can see where Eddie's coming from and he seems a bright guy...so how did he lose all that money? Ah yes, the bankers. Those bankers have destroyed a lot of lives and the sentiment makes this story universal, not just for the deep south of America.
Enjoyable, dark and with a good chili recipe at the end.
BACKED.
Cherry g.
The Girl From Ithaca