Book Jacket

 

rank 649
word count 12175
date submitted 02.01.2010
date updated 12.09.2011
genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance,...
classification: universal
incomplete

WEEKEND CHIMNEY SWEEP or Happy New Year

Marija Fekete-Sullivan

Comedy drama: Two attractive Sarajevo ladies, courted by a patriotic accountant , a poet pickpocket and a highly strung tradesman navigate between reason and madness.

 

An antiquarian book shop in Sarajevo. Two good looking ladies, very young Dreamy and middle-aged Grace, are courted by three suitors.
Patriotic and prone to unusual urban adventures, in order to survive his boring job as an accountant, every Friday, Faithful poses as a chimney sweep, thus stealing smiles from passers-by and occasionally getting into extraordinary situations.
Nothat is a poet who is one day in love with translucent Dreamy and the next in love with vital and intelligent Grace. In order to get out of financial difficulties, common among writers in the region, he indulges in the less common craft of pick-pocketing. He genuinely loves people, especially women, which seems to be his sweet downfall…
Crackpot, the third suitor, is an average nice guy, but one with experience of life in a mental hospital because of alcohol problems. As a result of this, other people are often in awe of Crackpot. However, he cannot escape real fears or those that are caused simply by his highly strung disposition.
Read about their predicament and their virtues – a funny, in-depth portrait of a divided post-war society, urban heroes and petty criminals lingering on the edge of mental and moral well-being.

 
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tags

banter, chimney sweep, city, comedy, courting, craft, disposition, drama, edge, fiction, fiction agent, friendship, funny, genuine, happy, happy new y...

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360 comments

 

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fletcherkovich wrote 680 days ago

Marija.
Two thumbs up for your creative mind.
I admit your masterpiece is very unique in Authonomy. I have not read anything like this in this site. This is fresh and full of mannerism. There is perfect mixture of drama, comedy. I thought I was watching a beautiful drama before me when I was reading the dialogues. This is very interesting and clever manipulation of language. I will not get surprised when it is going to be played in theatres.
Good luck to your writing career.
FLETCH
STORIES FROM A LEAKING MIND


Anthony Brady wrote 781 days ago

Marija - Hello!

This is a clever combination of drama, farce, satire, slapstick comedy, pantomime, all with undertones of pathos. The dialogue is measured and runs smoothly. The stage directions all make sense and the action is well modulated. Like most of your Commentators, I am not qualified to make constructive criticism but could see the play working well on TV. The characters are well drawn and their roles quite credible. You have made a most entertaining piece of theatre which could be turned into a musical. I do hope it finds a suitable impressario. I would join a group of Angels and back it.

Tony Brady - SCENES FROM AN EXAMINED LIFE - Books 1.2 & 3.

Sona-Energy wrote 806 days ago

Major Motion Picture Should be the Goal for this book... As a visualist I see a Movie for this read... Two Thumbs Up.... Seriously...

Bob Steele wrote 859 days ago

The pitch for Weekend Chimney Sweep sets out an unusual and intriguing story that is very effective in making the reader want to take a look at the book. I have to confess I've never come across a 'dramedy' before, let alone reviewed one, but this is unique, quirky, funny, well paced and even without that I'd back you for your originality. Well done!

FRAN MACILVEY wrote 65 days ago

Marija

This is a lively and affectionate piece, well scripted and interesting. It reminds me a bit of a fairy tale, with a fair smattering of serendipity. Your dialogue between the two women, in particular, feels convincing and well done. I am pleased to see this posted here, as plays are unusual and difficult to convey, on line especially, but I think you do a good job with the presentation.

Fran Macilvey, "Trapped" :-))

AuroraNemesis wrote 106 days ago

A great read, with a strong and interesting story.
I think the story is the most important part of the book.
This shows you are a natural storyteller.
Your language is good and the story flows.
Enjoyed what I read and will recommend to others.
Well done

sensual elle wrote 110 days ago

I can't believe you are the 3rd author who's referenced Sarajevo in the past few hours, including a woman I interviewed earlier today. What a popular subject! This is intriguing and creative, and I back it!

Emily M wrote 224 days ago

Hi Marija,
I'm not really used to reading plays, but I did enjoy this one. Very humorous, and great dialogue (obviously a must with a play!). Very memorable cast of characters, too!
Best of luck!
Emily

Jannypeacock wrote 265 days ago

Wow this is certainly unique. That’s a very good thing. With the industry so highly saturated it’s lovely to stumble across something a bit different. You’ve a great sense of humour flowing through this and the beauty of it is that it never seems like your trying. Almost seems like the atmosphere is just a naturally fun tone and it makes the reading very easy. The dialogue was spot on and I would really love to see this on stage.
Janny

Marija F.Sullivan wrote 267 days ago

Hm, reading your other comments on other books, it appears that in most of them you like using the word 'generic'. I find it a bit odd. Good luck to you,
Marija
...

Hello Marija
COVER: Not really clear at this scale.
SHORT PITCH: Ok but somewhat generic.
LONG PITCH: The cast of characters (and their names) are potentially highly interesting.
TEXT:
I do have a lot of experience reading plays, being a playwright for a long time, but it might be a problem for some.
“ask your colleague and niece.” Too expositional.
Grace’s phone call seems a bit sudden, almost rude in this context. Perhaps this is what you are trying to convey?
Enters Dreamy should be enter.
I almost felt you excessively used parenthesis to explain what should come across in the dialogue. I felt the point being hammered in.
Good luck and I hope you find some of this useful.
Daniel
‘Headless’

cheesehoven wrote 278 days ago

Hello Marija
COVER: Not really clear at this scale.
SHORT PITCH: Ok but somewhat generic.
LONG PITCH: The cast of characters (and their names) are potentially highly interesting.
TEXT:
I do have a lot of experience reading plays, being a playwright for a long time, but it might be a problem for some.
“ask your colleague and niece.” Too expositional.
Grace’s phone call seems a bit sudden, almost rude in this context. Perhaps this is what you are trying to convey?
Enters Dreamy should be enter.
I almost felt you excessively used parenthesis to explain what should come across in the dialogue. I felt the point being hammered in.
Good luck and I hope you find some of this useful.
Daniel
‘Headless’

katjay wrote 297 days ago

Weekend Chimney Sweep or Happy New Year
Hi Marika,
Unlike anything else I’m come across on the site so far. Very visual, with the stage directions - and the dialogue is sharp and witty, yet totally natural and does exactly what it has to do in a play: tells the story – and very well too. High stars.
Kat x Hens from Hell

Skoob Press wrote 355 days ago

Marija,

I'm a bit confused about someone else's comment about Act 3, which I didn't see, I love theater and have read many plays. In addition, I worked with a Serbian professor during the war and so am somewhat familiar with the former Yugoslavia. I love this play and am backing it.

If you have time, maybe you could take a look at my work. I am most interested in constructive comments on Vermilion Wants to Go to the Movies. It's a short story that I wrote about characters I want to write a novel about.

Again, I love the play and wish you lived in Athens so the local theater, which is excellent because so many MFAs from the university are in the plays, could produce it.

Karen Schwind
Her Life As She Knew It

PCreturned wrote 379 days ago

I've read this and backed it before a long time ago. On a second reading, I find it even more fascinating. I love the way you manage to derive so much characterisation and personality from such simple dialogue. By the end of your 1st chapter, we really do know and care about all your characters. Nothat's my favourite, though. ;)

I also really enjoyed the strange sense of humour threaded through your writing. I found it unusual and effective. On several occasions, I had to stop myself laughing aloud. :)

I'm rating this as highly as possible with 6 stars. I think it's a v accomplished piece. :)

Best wishes,

Pete x

Weaver Reads wrote 385 days ago

I've got both your books on my watchlist now. Sorry it took so long! You forgot to remind me... ;) S'okay. Look forward to the reads! Good luck!

Have a great day!
Ellise
(The Governess)

Amy Craig Beasley wrote 387 days ago

I like the image in ACT 2 - 3 friends sitting on the empty bed across for hospitalized NOTHAT

I also like the idea of nothat missing seeing a stranger - but wondering why she is brought up before Joy -
feel like the addition of a narrator might help readers understand the characters more -

I am slowly understanding the role of the chimney sweep as faith talks about clever people -

Overall - a nice read - - Would like to hear it read by actors - or better yet see it on a stage -

Amy Craig Beasley wrote 388 days ago

very put off by NOTHAT - and I am guessing that I am supposed to be

LIte the setting and appreciate the description -

am wondering how as the play open, we know that NotHat has taken dreamy's seat

I like the question -" How Can a poet be a pick pocket"

I am hooked - will continue reading

Amy Craig Beasley wrote 388 days ago

I love the names of the characters - I like that CRACKPOT is handsome - and NOTHAT can be read as No THAT or Not HAT - am wondering if NOTHAT is a man or a woman

I like the relationship between Dreamy and Grace - and reflecting a bit on this

It is a bit funny to me that Faithful is normal - I do not know why

Needing a bit of a description of the settings - propabally will get that as I get into the play ?

I like the New Years Eve to New Years Eve timeframe -

Inkfinger wrote 435 days ago

Hi Marija, I'm up to chapter three. There's no way I can critique this because I haven't got a clue about scripts or how they should look. But I did enjoy reading it. I haven't come across anything like this on Authonomy before, so it's very refreshing. Starred for now, and I'll read more so I get an more of an idea of the plot.
Becky x

KW wrote 455 days ago

I was so happy to include this on my shelf once more. I went back to see what I wrote over 300 days ago. I decided to reprint it here:

I love drama and so am very happy to see this here. The characters are very well done. I love Dreamy, Crackpot and Nothat. The setting of a bookstore is very nice as well. It provides a good environment for the fringes of society to linger and interact. It reminds me of an old "alternative" bookshop in my hometown. Not much was sold in a business day, but great conversations and life experiences were exchanged. "Did you come here to save the world and your homeland or to take me to lunch, as we agreed?" Nicely done.

Marita A. Hansen wrote 458 days ago

I am happy to give you a star rating as I remember this story very well, and it's clever play formatting. Even though I reviewed your story over 4 months ago, I still remember Nothat being my favourite character. Kind regards, Marita.

Ivan Amberlake wrote 458 days ago

Marija,

Drama is one of my weakest spot, so “WEEKEND CHIMNEY SWEEP” comes as a nice complement to a fine day. The setting (Sarajevo is not so close to Belarus, country where I come from, but still) and the characters’ names win my favour.

The dialogues are ravishing. Perhaps the brackets at the beginnings of the lines are too frequent, but, on the other hand, without them the dialogues would wane.

A shining piece of drama, with a lot of potential. Way to go!!!

Six star rated with pleasure. Good luck with it, Marija!

Ivan
The Beholder

Writenow wrote 466 days ago

I am not agreat fan of plays but I do like central european stories, so this has much to offer. Qurky, atmospheric, funny. Just don't know if there's a market for this, but good luck with it.

Hi,Really very impressive work. i am very much impressed the way you narrated the story.
All the best.
backed with wishes,
S.Vinay kumar,
"10 roses for love"

Asma wrote 467 days ago

Wow, this was not what I expected (I read till chapter 3 but will continue). It's a script!! Something original and different - congrats on that.
The names I found kind of hilarious - Grace, Crackpot, Dreamy, Whatnot - they seem so unreal. Whatnot is an abnormal name and he is a weird character. I thought he liked Grace but he seems quite taken back by Dreamy. You write very well because I was immediately caught in your story and the characters' lives. I love the setting.
Starred and on my WL for further reading.
Asma.

GillC wrote 467 days ago

Really refreshing to read a play and the dialogue is very engaging already. Will keep reading but will back!!

Marija F.Sullivan wrote 485 days ago

Thank you very much for your comment. I will naturally spend some time pondering on it. One thing, though, I must point out: I have uploaded only a half of drama, and the climax normally happens in the second part, right?
Look forward to reading and commenting on your book. Very best wishes,
Marija

(QUOTE] Hi Marija,
Took a read as you asked. I especially enjoyed the stories Crackpot is telling the women about dressing as a chimney sweep and what others ask him to do. The way you format a screen play/stage play where you live and where I live are really different. But dialog is still dialog, right. I thought it well written, though a little long in places and wondered if you could tighten it up a bit by omitting anything that did not progress the play. Though I only read to chapter five, I did not find an arch/climax to the story nor the solution. Here, that is a crucial part of writing whether it's a book, stage play, or screen play, however, I found it an interesting story. Best wishes.
Janell (tomewriter)

tomewriter wrote 485 days ago

Hi Marija,
Took a read as you asked. I especially enjoyed the stories Crackpot is telling the women about dressing as a chimney sweep and what others ask him to do. The way you format a screen play/stage play where you live and where I live are really different. But dialog is still dialog, right. I thought it well written, though a little long in places and wondered if you could tighten it up a bit by omitting anything that did not progress the play. Though I only read to chapter five, I did not find an arch/climax to the story nor the solution. Here, that is a crucial part of writing whether it's a book, stage play, or screen play, however, I found it an interesting story. Best wishes.
Janell (tomewriter)

Stuart & Victor wrote 488 days ago

backed AS PROMISED!!!

Stuart & Victor wrote 490 days ago

Have 6 starred this and added to our WL which means you WILL make our shelf in the next (+3) round of backings (its 11pm for us). Check our comments trail if u want to confirm this and do feel free to chase at ANY TIME to know exactly how long till ur going up...

Joel Juedes wrote 503 days ago

Smooth, accurate and believable dialogue. You paint a good picture of your characters actions and carry the story well in play form. I would like a little better description as to body position at times, but I'm not sure if that's necessary for plays. Also, they appear to change scenery often and it seems to me that would be difficult. The characters could probably spend a little more time talking in each segment. Patience. It's okay for the people to repeat some lines in back-and-forth banter to get the idea across and into the audience's heads (in other forms of course).

And don't be afraid to push the limit vocabulary-wise. People go to plays to feel smarter because they can determine what a word means through the surrounding dialogue, and give the illusion they are at the table with affluent guests, making them one as well. Overall, a unique, well-fleshed story that feels just the way a play should. It mixes drama and humor perfectly and gives viewers something to walk away with.

Joel Juedes- Purple Eyes

SusieGulick wrote 507 days ago

How totally fantastic you are, Marija!! :) Thank you so much for again backing my memoirs/testimony book. :) May God richly bless you. :) Love, Susie :) p.s. I just looked to see if I had ******-ed your book & it is ******-rated (6 gold ******'s) :) Every ****** -ing & backing more than 24 hours moves our books up authonomy's lists. :) I want to ask you if you could please keep my book on your bookshelf because I'm 4 on the editor's desk & have to be in the top 5 to be chosen, the end of January :) - I had a mini-stroke Nov. 10 with slurred speech for an hour & numbness of tongue still & over 24 smaller ones where I couldn't speak since & I"d sure like to cross the finish line of the editor's desk after 10 months trying on authonomy. :) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me :) - I have lost 3 sisters to strokes & my last sister, Mary had 2 heart attacks this past year.

Lara wrote 507 days ago

It's great to read a play for a change. The characters and theme remind of the old morality plays. Amusing and entertaining. I've starred and WL. Lara
GOOD FOR HIM and
A FEAST OF TALES under Good for Her avatar

mrsdfwt wrote 507 days ago

Marija.
Your story is delightful. I'm only on Chapter three, but i will put it on my WL as i want to make sure i read it all :)..
Happy New Year to you.
Maria

curiousturtle wrote 510 days ago

I enjoyed reading your dramedy. The names are very clever, the dialogue is constantly flirting with absurdism, and just when you think the characters are going to go off the cliff, they gather an enduring twist

There is a lot of Beckett in this, starting with the choices of names, following with the taste for slapstick and ending with the philosophical absurdity.

This is a treat, 5 stars, (I can't give you 6 until I know how it ends)

david

Kaimaparamban wrote 519 days ago

A good joke. An accountant makes time to make more money. It may a clear-cut picture of Sarajevo. At the same time you are pointing out to the difficulties of a middle aged men to live. This is a good comedy with life touch.


Best wishes,

Joy J. Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

Laurence Howard wrote 528 days ago

I love it! Brilliant. A real treat to read.
Backed with pleasure.
Laurence Winchester, The Cross of Goa

cicuta wrote 529 days ago

Dear Marija, couldn't sleep last night! So turning to your book I was overcome in your beautifully written drama. That definitely portrays a passion for life. Little wrong with your blend of styles, that blends slapstick with a little Sol-volatile of passion and pizazz that really pulls the reader in. Such many great moments to remember, in what is a marvellously written piece of literature. That will live on in my mind. May you have all the luck in the world when it comes to publishing. Good luck and best wishes, Cicuta, [ Carl, Arcane ].

Dan Manole wrote 536 days ago

This is most definitely the biggest surprise of this site. I enjoy reading theater plays, so I enjoyed reading your work. Nice characters, nice dialogues, it is, as the French say magnifique. Top rate for your work Marija.

Dan

ClaireLouise wrote 537 days ago

Excellent Marija! Clever, funny, great dialogue. I look forward to reading more. I have sprinkled many stars for you!
Best wishes,
Claire-Curious Cooper and the Screaming Skulls

scargirl wrote 540 days ago

just taking a moment to support good books once again under the new system...
j

Cat091971 wrote 541 days ago

Slight overuse of the word "that", but otherwise interesting.

Backed and rated.

Cat
"Lies & Love"

Marija F.Sullivan wrote 542 days ago

Lizzi, thank you so much for your lovely comments. It would be such a fun if we could organize internationally produced play with you as Dreamy. Fingers-crossed.
Very best wishes,
Marija


Hi Marija - I actually feel qualified to comment on this work. I've been in dozens of plays onstage and have written and produced a few, too, so I truly appreciate the difficulty of playwriting - without a great script the actors are crippled and the audience yawns. Some leave at intermission. To depend on dialogue rather than action to move a story takes a gift, and I was thrilled to experience your gift in this play. Your characters ROCK. Wish I could play Dreamy. What you are able to do (and this should and will be on stage, I trust) is take your "audience" out of the confines of the theatre. They no longer see a stage, or actors reciting lines. They go right into that bookshop, and from then on they travel wherever you want them to go. The timing is essential (and this is where so many plays fail) but these characters play off one another flawlessly. And even more important, each one of them is unforgettable, from their names to their mannerisms to their outlooks. Wonderful work - if we weren't in a recession I'd be out looking for investors right now to mount a production...maybe Greenwich Village. My only observation - some of the directions, i.e. hugs her in a consoling way - work for this site so readers are led into the story. I suggest that if you present it to theatre groups or investors, you can leave those instructions out of the script. The directors and actors will work out those types of things, and most playwrights leave them out to give the director and actors creative freedom.

Brava,
Lizzi
(Out of Sync)

Elizabeth.NYC wrote 542 days ago

Hi Marija - I actually feel qualified to comment on this work. I've been in dozens of plays onstage and have written and produced a few, too, so I truly appreciate the difficulty of playwriting - without a great script the actors are crippled and the audience yawns. Some leave at intermission. To depend on dialogue rather than action to move a story takes a gift, and I was thrilled to experience your gift in this play. Your characters ROCK. Wish I could play Dreamy. What you are able to do (and this should and will be on stage, I trust) is take your "audience" out of the confines of the theatre. They no longer see a stage, or actors reciting lines. They go right into that bookshop, and from then on they travel wherever you want them to go. The timing is essential (and this is where so many plays fail) but these characters play off one another flawlessly. And even more important, each one of them is unforgettable, from their names to their mannerisms to their outlooks. Wonderful work - if we weren't in a recession I'd be out looking for investors right now to mount a production...maybe Greenwich Village. My only observation - some of the directions, i.e. hugs her in a consoling way - work for this site so readers are led into the story. I suggest that if you present it to theatre groups or investors, you can leave those instructions out of the script. The directors and actors will work out those types of things, and most playwrights leave them out to give the director and actors creative freedom.

Brava,
Lizzi
(Out of Sync)

Marija F.Sullivan wrote 546 days ago

Dear John Breeden II,

I'll make sure there will be a front row ticket for you. Cheers and best wishes :-)
M

Weekend Chimney Sweep or Happy New Year


Weekend Chimney Sweep is a delightful play that mixes in romance and comedy in a delightful, upbeat way. Author Marija Fekete-Sullivan has certainly captured the flavor of the city and the Sarajevo ladies being courted. Like any good play, the dialog is snappy and pulls us through the story quite effortlessly.

I’m not sure what kind of market there might be for a book written in a play format, but Weekend Chimney Sweep would be something I think any theater worth their salt would want to perform. And I would want a front row ticket.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

Stark Silvercoin wrote 546 days ago

Weekend Chimney Sweep is a delightful play that mixes in romance and comedy in a delightful, upbeat way. Author Marija Fekete-Sullivan has certainly captured the flavor of the city and the Sarajevo ladies being courted. Like any good play, the dialog is snappy and pulls us through the story quite effortlessly.

I’m not sure what kind of market there might be for a book written in a play format, but Weekend Chimney Sweep would be something I think any theater worth their salt would want to perform. And I would want a front row ticket.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

karenrosario wrote 547 days ago

I was intrigued by your choice of character names- excellent. And Nothat's poem is fantastic hahaha! How refreshing to see a play on here. I had to adjust my brain to it but I think it has a lot of promise. Would be interesting to watch!

Jennie Lyne Hiott wrote 555 days ago

This is the first book I have ever read in a play format. I like the plot. The characters work well with each other. I read the first few chapters and it's going on my watchlist. Hope to read more of it soon!

Linda Lou wrote 556 days ago

WEEKEND CHIMNEY SWEEP-Marija Fekete-Sullivan
hullo again Marija. This is how I mark my 24 hour timeline. yours is shelved for a good read. thanks
Already shelved and backed and starred.
Please take a look at my book and thanks for that if you have.
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

Marija F.Sullivan wrote 556 days ago

Dear Sabi,

It means a lot to hear such a lovely comment from the editor of influential satirical magazines in the Balkans, as well as the remarcable 'Diogen' magazine. To mention just a few of your numerous duties, being an established writer and journalist in Bosnia and the region, as well as my dear colleague and reviewer.

Very best wishes, M

- Weekend Chimney Sweep or Happy New Year


Dear Marija,

What to say that I have not wrote within my review. Just simply...whoever decide to publish the book you are working on right now will gain not only an excellent, sensitive and worth reading author, but also a person who lives as she wrote. Openly, sincerely and hopefully...Marija...Sincerely, Sabi

Sabahudin Hadzialic wrote 557 days ago

Dear Marija,

What to say that I have not wrote within my review. Just simply...whoever decide to publish the book you are working on right now will gain not only an excellent, sensitive and worth reading author, but also a person who lives as she wrote. Openly, sincerely and hopefully...Marija...Sincerely, Sabi

whostercogburn wrote 557 days ago

Very cleverly written pitch and opening chapter. One of the rarest commodities to be found on authonomy is a fresh and original voice - and add that to the unusual setting and odd characters, this has been achieved admirably. I wish this book every success.

Gefordson wrote 560 days ago

I think this is great. There are all kinds of influences here - Becket, Pirandello, echoes of Woyjeck (and there's a strangely Italian feel to the whole thing - reminds me of Sciascia). I can see why you would put in so many stage directions for this site but they are redundant when it comes to submitting them to a dramturg.
I agree with fh's comment below that it needs tightening up but, unlike books, plays get tightened up during the rewrite/ rehearsal period. I'd be interested to see Act 3 before adding any more comments.

fh wrote 560 days ago

WEEKEND CHIMNEY SWEEP
Dear Marija.
Good pitch - lots of info written to get a reader interested. As an actress too I was particularly keen to read this. You have set yourself a difficult task on here as I suspect not too many people will have read plays - or not since school anyway.
This actually reads well - I can visualise the setting and the players in their various colourful roles and guises. Good MC, dialogue funny, could be tightened I places, but you need the visual for a lot of this. On the whole it does work and I would think targetted at the right people will do well.
Very best of luck with this. I've starred it too.
Faith
THE ASSASSINS VILLAGE