Machine Gun Messiah

Heck. I'm liking this. Why? Because apart from very assured, capable writing, it's DIFFERENT. It's something that demands attention and careful reading (which I shall do over the next couple of days.) I had not seen your book, or heard of it before your comment on the thread. I'm going to shelve this - it's accomplished, different, and deserving.
Cariad.

Great story, brilliant title and I can't understand why it isn't in the top50 and climbing!

Matt Sylvester
Shattered Lands: Torquemaster Rising
http://www.authonomy.com/books/32130/shattered-lands-torquemaster-rising/

Awesome writing. I think I read it awhile back, but I remember the schoolyard, not the Sister and the penknife. I was concerned your italicized points came too frequently, but I think it works. And just when I thought it was overkill (sorry - pun unintended), you brought up Red.Clumps. ... which was brilliant. This is a massively intelligent, terrifying book and I wish you all the best in finding representation.
Genevieve
"Under the Same Sky"
published 2012 by Berkley/Penguin US

Truly stunning.
The writing flows, the MC's voice is clear and the contexual descriptive prose excellent.
Backed

In your novel, a reader can find a subtle encounter between belief and non-belief. You are satirically storm on against some established things in the society. These ‘things’ are believed to be as a part of belief. The message of this novel is that belief is formed by a man himself not by the compulsion of others.

Joy J Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

Steve, I'm losing my marbles. The moment I started reading, I remembered this....read it positively AEONS ago. The cover must have confused me (easily confused). What I had also forgotten was how much I loved it. In fact, I think I love it even more now than I did then. You know, I don't wanna read this on screen...this is one of those books I want to scribble all over with purple ink....underling bits and making notes in the margin. I want to turn down corners so I can go back and read bits out to friends...or steal them shamelessly for something or other.
I just love the juxtapositions in it - it's so darn playful and assured. You make me nearly cry and laugh out loud within three minutes, which has to be some kind of record.
Backed before and will be backed again but not right now as I'd like to give it a loooong time on the old shelf. For now I'll be the star fairy... :)

MACHINE GUN MESSIAH-Steve Tee
Hullo Steve. golly, what passionate, viiolent interactions. Think I'll just stay home but great story anyway!
Already shelved and backed.
Please take a look at my book if you have not and thanks for that if you have.
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

Now that's what I'm talking about. Usually with my most erudite friends, while, as the Doctor puts it, 'Walking with the King'. Backed like a son of a bitch.

MACHINE GUN MESSIAH
How to begin? I was at first speechless after I had read chapter 1, 2 and 10.
I have to say that this is not an easy read as I found myself going back to reread cetain parts to make sure I was on track. Your chapters jump around too or maybe that was just how my mind was reeling.

There are questionable convictions in J C's mind. He rages about the atrocities in every day life; just who is his God and why does he do nothing? The doubt and uncertainty is all there. He sees it all through a stench; a world in decay. (I always liken it as '' the World is one big cess pool'' or more graphically, full of shi*.).

Chapter 10 is a case in point. So sad this world of paedophiles who are obsessed by little boys. And just who wrote ''suffer the little children?''

Steve, this is certainly ambitious, daring and written with style. Some parts are so deliciously disgusting and repulsive.
You write with a strong and focused voice, that leaves the reader mesmerised. Backed
Faith
The Assassins Village

Marmite (marmon) #1

marmon wrote 7 hours ago [send message] [reply]:

Steve tee,
Not sure how I came across this.... wouldn't call it a book really, more a set of notes. And I read through a few of the numbers ....wouldn't call them chapters. Not sure why you have put this up on this site, but it seems quite sad really. Sad that you are clearly confused and not able to re-arrange your thoughts to make sense.

The writing shows very little knowledge of anything indepth enough to make any kind of purposeful impact. So it is just like wild, senseless rantings, and incoherent. Never mind, we're all different.

Marilyn

Steve tee,

Not sure how I came across this.... wouldn't call it a book really, more a set of notes. And I read through a few of the numbers ....wouldn't call them chapters. Not sure why you have put this up on this site, but it seems quite sad really. Sad that you are clearly confused and not able to re-arrange your thoughts to make sense.

The writing shows very little knowledge of anything indepth enough to make any kind of purposeful impact. So it is just like wild, senseless rantings, and incoherent. Never mind, we're all different.

Marilyn

MGM - You Sicko - but it does sort of grab your attention, and would hold it, if you could tidy it up a little bit - give me some idea of the whys, whos and wheres a bit earlier on.
So - your a lazy sicko.
Try harder
The writing's worth it

An original work, and a good satire on religion.

Lynne Ellison

The Green Bronze Mirror

Machine Gun Messiah - This is not an easy read. But I don't want an easy read - I want a rewarding one and I'm willing to work a little, exercising patience, to get it.
I laughed, when to my mind, it was not appropriate. I really liked the way the story jumps around. I liked the quotes, real or fictional and found the author's work compelling.
Jeremiah Corn, to my understanding, rages against the gods who do nothing to stop atrocities seen and read about every day. Here's the question, shouldn't Jeremiah's rage be focused on so called humanity who, having free will, exercise it by using indifference because its the easy thing to do and they certainly don't want to take the risk of being involved, let alone stand up and be counted. We get what we deserve and on a few rare occasions, what we really don't and if giving a s.... has somehow transmuted into cowardice - who is really to blame?
This is thought provoking reading and well crafted.

Child - Atramentus Speaks

Ambitious and daring style; it requires some work to stick with it but there are rewards. You do Dark superbly, Disgusting decently. There is dystopia, then ther is institutionalized madness; but, of course, what counts is the madness inside and you masterfully draw us in it. Not for everyone, and I don't mean Dawn's connecting-of-the-dots. Which is too bad because this would have been the only advice I could have given you. This, really, can be made more accessible without sacrificing the fundamentals.

I, too, have been accused of writing stream-of-consciousness but at the end of the chapter the reader ends up knowing where she stands (if you care to take a look at my Crystal Butterfly Club--sorry for the shameless plug). Really, it can be done!

backed with admiration

A.P. Constantin

Actually, this is not bad. You stir up quiet a head of misanthropic passion. Although I do not have a religious bone in my body, I do understand the alienation y'man feels sitting there in his chair. I understand the sense of repulsion from the functions of life that we are supposed to revere. I understand his state of loveless despair. All seems bleak, nothing pleases. This is not an uncommon state of mind. You capture this sense of revulsion at being very well. And the urgency and focus of the voice is strong. I can imagine myself reading on out of curiosity, to see if you can keep your plate spinning and how you will develop this malevolence. I find nothing shocking in your opening graphs which capture what sounds like a fairly standard alientation. But as I say, I have no religion in me and so am indifferent to notions of golgotha and heaven. Ach, the Pope was so true when he recently described Britain as full of aggressive atheists for I am one of them. So perhaps in this godless society a book about regicide might seem oddly out of date. But then many still do have to kill off the gods that crimp their lives.

I was intrigued by the title and like the first two lines of your synopsis. But the rest of your pitch is hard to undersatnd. I confess I raised an eyebrow at the final remark 'everything made perfect sense. Much as I quite like the notion of a world without religion, I like the thought of mounds of corpses even less...it sounds too much like a London commuter train.

Let me guess: You are the editor of The Daily Sport.

I was intrigued by the title and like the first two lines of your synopsis. But the rest of your pitch is hard to undersatnd. I confess I raised an eyebrow at the final remark 'everything made perfect sense. Much as I quite like the notion of a world without religion, I like the thought of mounds of corpses even less...it sounds too much like a London commuter train.

I have to say that your work, as far as I am concerned, is well put together with alot of lasting and great ideas. Yes there are areas that need some editing "Possibly" but we are all in that boat. For me constructive points of view are useful but aggresive paragraphs would be best left to the side.

However, I guess everyone has a view point and who am I to say what that might be, other than my own. I know what its like to get hit up the face with deep cutting words put in a way that arnt really necessary but as someone else has mentioned. The bad coments caused me to stop and read and so drew me to you work.

I guess it all works for a common good :)

Backed with pleasure!

Your pitch - is it the beginning of your book or - well it is not a pitch 'cause I do not have a clue where you are taking us. What is the inducement to read you book? "Mine is the Kingsom!" Is this a letter form God. Did not read, because I was not encourage or given a clue? Sorry - and I read just aboput anything Christian. From the comments I would read on, so please tell me more.
Tom Balderston
The Wonder of Terra

Quote: “Sorry - and I read just aboput (sic) anything Christian.”

In all honesty, Tom, I doubt you’ll like my book; even though it is a stunning piece of literature!

Q: Your pitch - is it the beginning of your book?
A: You could answer that question yourself by reading the beginning of my book.

Quote: …it is not a pitch 'cause I do not have a clue where you are taking us.
Response: You can find out where I’m taking you by reading the book.

Q: What is the inducement to read you (sic) book?
A: It is a stunning piece of literature.

Quote: "Mine is the Kingsom!" (sic) Is this a letter form (sic) God. Did not read, because I was not encourage (sic) or given a clue?
Response: I decline to spoon feed my audience. It is my firm opinion that a reader will derive far more pleasure from a book that involves them than they ever will from one that merely informs, tells and/or preaches to them.

Quote: From the comments I would read on, so please tell me more.
Response: In order to “read on” you must first begin the process of reading. So, read some of my book - stunning piece of literature that it is! - and have the pleasure of discovering for yourself why people leave the comments that they do - good, or bad.

Jeremiah bless you,
Steve Tee

Your pitch - is it the beginning of your book or - well it is not a pitch 'cause I do not have a clue where you are taking us. What is the inducement to read you book? "Mine is the Kingdom!" Is this a letter from God. Did not read, because I was not encouraged or given a clue? Sorry - and I read just about anything Christian. From the comments I would read on, so please tell me more.
Tom Balderston
The Wonder of Terra

This is perhaps the strangest piece I've read yet on this site. You are most definitely a gifted writer but I have my suspicions about that imagination of yours. Well done. Backed.

I echo another of your reviewers in saying that the writing in the opening of this book is compelling. It's well written, yet different in form than anything I've read. I don't quite know what's happening, but I'm mesmerized by the cedance of phrasing.

Bakcked. Francene. Still Rock Water.

view all messages between me and scorselo
Part 1
I only read the first 11 chapters. I like the book, enjoyed the read, and I’m speaking seriously.

The italics in the first chapter interfere with the rhythm of an intense and beautiful narrative. Remove the italic font and your words will have more power.
The reminiscent cut and paste Dada structure is admirably done. It might scare off a few readers, and some might label you as a would be Dadist , but fuck them both. It works and you have made it your own.
The structure injects power into the work and reflects the ever present despair, disgust, disillusionment, and absurdity of the text. I do not know what happens beyond chaper 11, but judging from what I’ve seen so far your cut paste to text ratio is too balanced (too equal /equal) and lacking in dynamic balance. As mentioned before you writing is powerful. I want to see more of it, I want it to dominate the read. Chapters like 5, Initiare are far more powerful and effective than the usual blended cut/paste, and text affair. Some may call this too Modernist, fuck them too. I could go on but I think you understand my basic considerations and I have not read the entire manuscript.
PS: Good humor (I'm happy to see you listed this as a religious genre)

Profile and pitch do not interest me very much I read them, but....
Your profile, however pays you a great disservice. Nobody wants to hear what did not happen to this book, why it did not get published and what a terrible thing it is that it didn’t. This is a useless whine. Stop it. I can very effectively argue that the reason for this book’s lack of success with publishers is probably the failure of its author. I’m a life time artist. I know what all of this agent, dealer, social, great rap, cocktail party, and don’t fuck the host’s wife bullshit is all about. Act as intensely as you write and get your ass and the book on the street and start hustling.

I'm quite intrigued by your style and use of language rather than the storyline which is not so intriguing or indeed accessible. Your imagery is extremely graphic and sensual which I presume is warranted by the subject matter. Somewhere in here I can hear the demonic ranting of one Marilyn Manson...
Cheers
Stewart

Dear Steve

I have started to read your writing and must say that it is compelling. Already you have established your animated characters in my head, ( they are not leaving soon) and i feel strongly to back your book now. Very orginal storyline and very well crafted , loved it loved it. I do wish to be part of your climb to the top on this site. CONGRATS and I will comment more as I read more

BACKED BY ME FOR SURE.
Please take a moment to look, COMMENT which is important to me, and BACK my book. if not that is OK also

The VERY best of luck to you

Denise
The Letter

You are totally fantastic, Steve! :) How can I ever thank you enough for backing my memoir book? :)
God bless you. :) Love, Susie :)

Read the beginning of your 2nd chapter. Scary!! My mind is too sensitive. Hope you do well Steve.

Not an easy read but a very thought-provoking one. Anyone un-versed in religion will miss a lot of the references and symbolism and that is a shame but there is no way to cover that. This could well become a cult read and even a very dark movie. Patrick Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

MickR – The Nightcrawler, I thank you.

Is = His: This is now dealt with.
Re: MC on Sister Clair refilling earthenware bowl. I note your concerns over omnipotent POV (so difficult to rein in when your MC IS omnipotent) and have dealt with this accordingly.
(comma) lashed to “whose” timbers are… This is entirely correct and so remains unchanged.

Thank you for your time and most valued input.

Steve.

Steve,
I started to read this months ago and at that time it wasn’t for me. Since then you have made quite a lot of changes and it has worked superbly. Very well done. Your autho ch2, Desolo Nulius Filius grab me and held me. This is a very accomplished piece.
I did make a few notes of small nits for you to consider.
Desolo Nulius Filius
2nd paragraph : …carries its weight, accepts is [his] burden.

Your MC on Sister Clair I hear her refilling her earthenware bowl with tepid grey water from the tap. POV gets muddled for me here. How does the narrator know the temperature of colour of the water by the sound of the water running through the bathroom door?

…lashed to whose[those] timbers are the bones of someone I do not know…

like demented moths drawn to the flames of a billion burning tomorrows. (this is an awesome line)

I read through the end of your autho ch4 where I found what I remember to be your opening from before and it fit perfectly with the new opening.(this is based on my memory of course which has been questionable sometimes so if I got it wrong I apologize)

Good luck with this, Religious themes can be huge successes or unaccepted or even a source of threats of harm. You are brave to take it on.
MickR – The Nightcrawler

Stunning writing, combined with the shocking and the unexpected. Turning to each chapter, I have no idea what I'm about to read, but each time, I know it's going to be good.
So backed it hurts.

Backed Machine Gun Messiah. It takes a different breed of reader to read this. However, we wish you the best of luck. CC Brown
Dark Side

This screams style right from the apocolytic pitch which makes the reader stop and look twice, very visual in the tone of Constantine, Underworld and almost Biblical in places, superb characterisation in a story you have to read and to be honest, would translate to screen very well.

Dear Steve,
I can't pretend to understand your book. For example, I don't understand why Sister Claire can be cleaned from your MC's body, but his can't be cleaned from hers. Are you saying that man is superior to woman? That somehow man makes his mark on reality while woman's mark is fleeting, unimportant and easily erased? That's what I'm getting from it, but it's not really clear to me. But I am backing you because clearly your writing style is experimental and unique, which I find interesting if not comprehensible.

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)

Steve. Glad I noticed your book this morning. Will read a bit more before I made any specific comments [only minor!] All the best. Oh, and I have backed it!
I would appreciate any comments / backing, if you think my childrens' story is fun.
Jerry - paperbat

As dark as the pit.
Your knife of words is long enough for me. It cuts me and I bleed.
Backed with grim pleasure, Barry
LITTLE KRISNA AND THE BIHAR BOYS

I didn’t really know what to quite expect when I started reading Machine Gun Messiah. While I like to keep an open mind, I admit that I can be offended by stories mixing religion and violence. And while there is a healthy dose of both in this book, the master wordsmith Steve Tee kept me wanting more.

This book is unapologetic to say the least. Characters are believably insane, or perhaps are actually more sane than any of us, it’s hard to tell for sure. The violence is in your face from beginning to end, yet the novel is so much more than an adolescent romp with guns. Believe it or not, there are statements to be made. I know this is hard to believe, but I can see shades of Catcher In The Rye in Machine Gun Messiah. You don’t really know if you should root for the main character, or hope he dies a painful death. I guess I ended up rooting for him.

Machine Gun Messiah is a guilty pleasure. It’s both absurd and absurdly good and will no doubt find a large audience when a publisher with enough balls decides to put this one on paper.

This book will rest on my shelf for quite some time. It has everything to make for a best seller and I can see it having great support on this site. Good Luck. BACKED

Frank James (The Contractor)

Strong, illuminating and brilliant. Thoughful, thought provoking and at times decidedly gross. OMG this is one helluva book!

J.S.Watts
A DARKER MOON

I havent been on this site for too long but have to say I have trawled through some absolute rubbish . this is NOT one of those. I love it. On a level with Chuck Palahniuk and Selby Jnr . Dark, confident , unapologetic writing. Backed backed backed.

All I can say is holy crap. This is some weird-ass creepy stuff. I think sometimes we're all in the mood for something like this. Come on, admit it. Backed.

I love your descriptions, its like im seeing it for real.

Hi,

I just wanted to leave a comment after reading the 1st couple of chapters of your work.

Unexpected start. I love a bit of shocking irreverance.

Your writing style is unusual. Short, sharp sentences that hit the reader like a slap in the face. While I think it's a very effective writing style on 1 hand, on the other I worry it may become a bit monotonous for the reader at times. The technique does contribute well to your story, though.

I notice the sentences seem to settle down and lengthen by chapter 4, to be fair.

The prose is descriptive and flowing, and the dialogue feels real and bounces around at a good pace.

Great cover, too, by the way.

I'm happy to back your book. I think it's 1 of the most polished works I've seen on authonomy.

Best of lick with it. :)

Pete

This is easily one of my favourates. Dark. Daring. And a pleasure to read.

McIntosh Polela
My Father, My Monster

Greetings Steve, You've unquestionably assembled a record potpourri of irreligious morsels,an innovative Devil's Dictionary--and gone beyond that in quoting scriptures and other sacred texts to set them off. Altogether, a compilation certain to excite raddled priest to orgasmic laughter and render the depressed suicidal. For sheer depravity, I'll back your labor of love and implore you to consider in return my own effort "The Doctor of Summitville." All kidding aside, yours is one hell of a book. Regards, Bill

Hi Steve, This starts like a prose poem, full of imagery and association while conveying the narrator’s disgust with religious passion and obligation. Going back to the scene with Sister Claire and the irony of her duties enhances the impact of the contemplation. It’s a fascinating, courageous start. Your strong word choices and play with words kept me reading. Shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

It ain't pretty but it is pretty powerful. Provacative and thought provoking. Backed.

I’m a bit dumbstruck; the intensity of your work is both alarming and amusing. Its probably genius but I feel quite unworthy of judging it, only fair to say each page was totally different, irreverent, scary, immoral, brilliantly poetic, cleverly honed and utterly mad. There you see I enjoyed it.

Wilma1
Knowing Liam Riley – I hope you can spare a moment to take a look

Just the name alone is worth a backing. The cover as well. I thought I backed this before. "As he stood in sombre silence by a rain-filled pit, Jeremy heard the ghostly voices of the Khmer Rouge* 'To keep you is not benefit. To destroy you is no loss.' He wept." I don't know about fire bombing churches, but this is a very powerful fantasy/horror/crime novel swirling around various manifestation of religious manipulation and consequences. Backed for now and forever. Amen.