On the Big White Oak

Corrine,

Great story. Extremely well written. I have to point out, you appear to have a fabulous knowledge of the subtle psychologicals one in the field typically only notices. I assume this continues as time only allowed me to read a couple of chapters. Those little intriguing points will bring me back for more.
Rivetting and Wild dynamics that is the recipe for the things we love.
Good Luck!
Backed!
Sammy Sutton
King Solomon's '13'

Corrine,

From time to time I'll come across a book, a gem sparkling amongst the sooty coals, possessing some indefinable element about it that draws me in. Time evaporates and the world stops turning. All that remains and all that is important are the characters within and their lives. I'm glad I gave your work a look because, for me, this is one of those kind of books.

Backed with pleasure.

All the best,
Nit

After a slightly awkward tension between the 70 year old lady and the gentleman who, she presumes, is going to 'fix her', the moment of realisation by the man of her loneliness is one of genuine pathos and, this early on, I already felt in confident hands with characterisation.
When we learn 'Marian was a dreamer' you have certainly established this in your opening chapter.
Recollections of Adam, through flashbacks to earlier encounters, neatly bring in essential backstory without interfering with the pace of your story.
When the lady's patient listener 'wanted to rip it [her book] away from her, free her from the book and the story that he knew she couldn't escape' you returned me to that opening pathos of which I spoke and, in it, most importantly, you evoked something which is getting so much rarer in contemporary fiction - tenderness without mawkishness or false sentiment. Shelved
Ray
(A Child from the Wishing Well)

This is a beautiful book. Marian walks straight into our hearts, and seeing her as a sad lonely woman towards the end of her life, and then as a child happy with her good friend Adam, we wish things could have worked out differently for her. The inevitable meeting of Adam and Delia, and their instant love, is the end of any remaining hope for Marian, and although we can empathise with the young lovers, Marian's heartbreaking pain is the strongest emotion in the book. You write well, with a easy flow which makes the story a delight to read. Backed.
Gerry McCullough,
Belfast Girls.

An elegant, and emotionally challenging story with gentle, equally elegant prose, and characters to match. I immediately felt right at ease with all of them, as if I'd known them all of my life. This type of writing style is as rare as a four-leaf clover, and as lucky to find. Backed with reverence for the writer's art.

Corrine,
This is beautifully written. I love the characters and the scene you set up in the first chapter. I'm only wondering when it takes place? It almost feels like the 1950s, but I'm not 100% sure I'm right.
Backing this piece!
Emily

I like it. I think the phrase "curl those facts up into a bitter ball" is fantastic. I like Marian already and care what happens to her. I've added it to my watch list.

As a top talent spotter who clearly knows a thing or two about all this I'd love it ,if you have a few moments spare sometime, if you could to take a peek at my attempt "The Reanissance of Dr Kaisonn"

Any critique can only make it better.

Thanks
Richard

Corrine, read the first chapter and showed it to my wife. Amazing how closely it mirrors our meeting. The only thing different are our ages. We were 14 and 15; Marion and Adam are what, 7 and 9? So, I read with bias and tried to get a feeling as to how my wife might have felt back then. I think that's what a good book is supposed to do' get you into the story. You have, my dear, even though this was 50 years ago for me. Well done.

Please do me a favor; take a look at a chapter or two of my book, A PLACE IN LIFE, and let me know your first impression. If you read through Chapter 3, you may see what I'm talking about.

Good luck with your book.

Old Bob
A PLACE IN LIFE

On the Big White Oak
From the first few paragraphs, I knew I was reading something exceptional for a couple of reasons. First, because I could picture the woman and feel her age, the wisdom and melancholy that comes of strife and loneliness. Second, because of the expert flow of the material. And third, a very personal observation, because I too have a therapy session, but mine is at the end and after reading your and then into the flash back, I seriously am pondering my organization. I've already created a Seaweed Test, bringing in a part of the flashback from my youth. But because of your expert handling and organization, you've truly instructed me on "how to." This should move quickly up the charts. Good luck to you. I will back as soon as possible.
Lenore
Surviving the Seaweed

What a page-turner this is! Cracking!!
Backed and Good Luck
All the best. Backed,
S.vinay kumar,
The ark and the aroma of peril

Hi Corrine,

Really a wonderful work. Congrats..

Regards

Joy

This is wonderfull and I wish I had all afternoon to read it all. The start of the story and regression promise a landscape of things to come. I love the relationship you create between Maria and Adam from inocent children to adolecence. I think this could be one to watch.
Regards

Sue Mackender

Knowing Liam Riley ...I hope you have a moment to read it

ON THE BIG WHITE OAK.

Elegantly written. Backed.

TMN
"NEVER LOSE..."

I came across 'On the Big Whjite Oak' and was intrigued by your pitch. It promised to be a little different ... and it was. I love the start, and you have a lovely flow to the writing. Backed.
Gill
If you get a chance, could you take a look at 'Chasing the Wind' for me.

As children, sometimes I think there's always a 'Delia.' Your story is well written. Great job!

Hello Corrine, This is splendid writing within the Romance genre. Your descriptive prose flows beautifully. I especially loved the prologue to your story: it is a tremendous hook and forces the reader to go on. I would buy this book if it was published. I wish you every success with it. SHELVED with great pleasure. Thank you for backing A PASSING STORM - much appreciated.

Best wishes,
Phyllis
A PASSING STORM

Consider reducing the number of exclamation marks. Overuse diminishes their effectiveness. Other than that, this is an intelligent, fascinating romance. You skillfully captured my attention, and then my heart. Relatable characters. Authentic dialogue. Accomplished, evocative storytelling. Artful writing. A wonderful read. Backed.

Corrine, they say either you have it or you don't, and I am pleased to report that your writing definitely measures up. Your prose is vivid, descriptive, and controlled in that first chapter. Nothing to nitpick there.

Backed with pleasure.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Hi Corinne

I love the opening and somehow there's something so sad about starting with seeing the old lady that Marian became, but it also anchors the reader into the story and leaves me wanting to know more. Nice simple prose style, not too wordy. Your book shows every sign of being a great summer read for the romantic at heart like myself. Backed.

Nicole (Chosen)

Corrine,

Great story. Extremely well written. I have to point out, you appear to have a fabulous knowledge of the subtle psychologicals one in the field typically only notices. I assume this continues as time only allowed me to read a couple of chapters. Those little intriguing points will bring me back for more.
Rivetting and Wild dynamics that is the recipe for the things we love.
Good Luck!
Backed!
Sammy Sutton
King Solomon's '13'

Hi Corrine! Firstly, thank you for backing LONDON. I'm liking yours very much. Nice narrative flow, nice journey!
I'm not a critic, just a screenwriter who enjoys a good visual.

many blessings,
jim

I like the start of your story. It intrigues the reader as to what is actually going on and is a good use of foreshadowing. Is it the Prologue? There is no title to it and then Chapter 1 starts. This is a fascinating love story covering decades and explores deep moral, ethical and emmotional issues. Your development of your main characters, Adam, Delia and Marian, is well done. Your descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Corrine, kudos!
fine writing, masterful tone, perfectly weaves your intriguing story.
on my shelf.
very best, andy

On the big white oak
Backed
Eveleen
(Turning a new leaf)

What a great story, Corrine. I backed it and wish you every success. Maybe you'd like to have a look at mine, The Harpist of Madrid. Best wishes, Gordon

Corrine,

Simply put, great read! I didn't know what to expect from this, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

Lockjaw

Corinne -

On the Big White Oak - Love your writing all over again. Realise I must have backed your book a while ago but put it on my shelf again.

Best success, Pia (Course of Mirrors)

What a dilemna! I'm glad it's fictional. Your pitch is really great. I think most women especially will enjoy this story.
BACKED

Elizabeth Wolfe
Would you comment on and back MEMORIES OF GLORY? I thank you for taking a look.

DEAR CORRINE' ON THE BIG WHITE OAK'
the story unfolds beautifully in the pitch, no ambiguity,
compelling read as the story unfolds.
a well rounded tale for the romantics, it will find its way off the racks into the hand of many women,.however i did enjoy the first few chapters. it has it all ,guilt, love, etc
TOM BYE ' FROM HUGS TO KISSES'

What a juicy pitch, perfect for a summer read, in my opinion. You have engaging characters and it's interesting that we start with the perspective mostly of Marian, so that she is the first with whom we have true sympathy. I like when love triangles are portrayed as tragic but yet positive. Perhaps with the birth of the child, you will pull this off with your story, but I haven't read enough to find out. A strong start, very well-written.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

Dear Corrine --

You've added an unusual twist to the love triangle with the necessity of having Delia committed, but it's Marian with whom we especially identified in the four chapters here. You captured her pain well at the wedding, and showed what a fundamentally decent person she is as she worked so hard to hide her feelings for Adam. The story begins a little bit slow, but your pacing picks up once you move us into chapter 2. BACKED. -- Delhui, The Long Black Veil

On the Big White Oak
Corrine Coleman

Not an original theme, but you certainly have an original voice. The writing here is most compelling and backed on this basis. "My life is mundane. My life is one of ordinary, every day chores....Such as going to the grocery store. Or, watching my television shows.... I go to Bingo - and I enjoy it. I find I have a talent for crocheting. It's relaxing. I read." You possibly just described thousands of Authonomy writers - is this why we're all here? I wonder. Lots of food for thought in this first chapter. There are many strengths here, including good characterisation. Very hot at the moment in my part of the world and your lemonade stand sounds very enticing! Enjoyed this so far and hope to return to read more as time permits.

Really good narrative here, and I say that as not a big fan of romance. Your writing has a dreamlike nostalgic tone that suits the story perfectly. The way you bring your characters through their childhoods in Chap.1 is quite effective. Every now and then you drop in a sentence fragment, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't so much. I'd reserve it for when the content has a lot of impact. But that's the only critique I can offer. I think this is fine work, and I'm happy to back it for you.
Craig
The Job

I agree, a gripping pitch. Well written with great dialouge, I am backing this as I feel it could go all the way. Many thanks for backing Three Stayed Home, Regards JohnJ

I agree, a gripping pitch. Well written with great dialouge, I am backing this as I feel it could go all the way. Many thanks for backing Three Stayed Home, Regards JohnJ

What a fantastic pitch. Gripping, intriguing and loaded with potential drama. Your prose didn;t disappoint either. This must be one of the most polished pieces on the site - fluid, accessible yet full of rich detail and great dialogue. I can't find anything to nitpick. You have a fan in me.
Carl
The Time Hunters

Hi Corrine,

This is an emotional story about true love and the pains of infidelity. Well-written with three characters that the reader will easily care about. I'm happy to support your work.

Backed 100%

Patrick Armstead
Dark Lands

I really enjoyed this. I want to read more, to see where this story goes! Well-developed characters, intrigue, romance and a hint of something going terribly wrong in the future. Well done! Backed with pleasure.

Amy
Love Match

This is a good story. First, because you have three very likable characters. Next, because you've entangled them in such a bad situation. A reader can't help but keep turning pages to see how all of this turns out. The way you've written this with Marian looking back on her life is clever. Makes it a good read. I’m adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

The pitch was what drew me in and made me back this book almost a month ago, and the writing itself delivers. You have created something compelling and enchanting with this piece. My only suggestion would be a grammatical check for erros such as "I have a chocolate bar[.]" he said. That full stop should be a comma, but other than that minor technical aspect, this is a great piece of which you should be proud.

Abi xxx
"Everyone knows the rule: Stay inside the Wall, but Tisha believes rules were made to be broken.” - Relic

On the Big White Oak

An oasis in a world (albeit great) horror.
Your writing style is perfect for this genre. One this to watch out for is great visual narrative sometimes can loose auditory description.
I really engaged with your story – very good

Seems like a perfectly good melodrama. I do like the short pitch. The long pitch needs some work on it. Less is more in this regard. But I will SHELVE for the content.

I can use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key
Authonomy's #1 rated commentator

I'm not able to read everything you have up here but the way you've handled it so far, in the way the children meet, there's no reason to think the rest of it would be a disappointment.

I'd be more than happy to back this if you'll have a look at mine.

Tim Chambers
Moonbeam Highway: With Apologies to Miguel de Cervantes

Others should take note, that is the perfect pitch! You tell everything we need to know without over stacking it with detail. Just reading this pitch I knew I wanted to read this book. It's such a nice change to have something to read on Authonomy which is character driven and doesn't contain fantasy elements and the world needed to be saved. So your tale my at first seem typical of a kitchen sink drama, here it is highly original. There is a touch of The Notebook in reading this, and that's not a bad thing at all. The opening shows the tenderness in which you write. I like the slowed pace, it allows the reader time to gain connection with your characters. I'd consider splitting the first chapter. It reads a little long here and there are natural breaks where it could be done. Even though this is more of a woman's read, you wrote with such empathy to your characters it's impossible for the reader not to feel some of that too. Even your more sexual scenes are dealt with in such a tender way. More than happy to back this and I hope you continue with it. It's a very good piece of writing.
David
Bailey of the Saints

Thanks for your story, Corrine. Hope you'll read mine, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not & my unedited version, Tell Me True Love Stories of He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not.
Please back my TWO books.Thanks, Susie :)

Hi Corrine
Wow, what a pitch and an opening! I liked the way you built up the tension. You develop your characters well and portray real emotion. Good luck with this.
DP Walker
Five Dares

A compelling, polished manuscript that caught my attention and held it. You have crafted something wonderful here, and I am only too happy to back this book.
Abi xxx
"Everyone knows the rule: Stay inside the Wall, but Tisha believes rules were made to be broken. " - Relic

I just wanted to let you know that I have backed your book. It is well written and it certainly appears that you have put a lot of effort into it. I wish you great success here at Autonomy and in your publishing effort.

Jan Long
Cosmic Love? Reconciling Divine Benevolence with Tragedy
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=18191

This is so well written and polished. I absolutely love your characterizations of all! So awesome I will be back cause this is my kind of book! BACKED

Liz
The Cheech Room

Reset the page, the gap is too wide from the top I think.
Your intro blew me away. Great book, one filled with emotional realities.

I am very glad to find your book and your name to put on my shelf. The pic of an infant holding hand with a woman, may be the mother, inspired me. I love your story and your pitch. I have no time to read all the chapters but I wish good luck to book. Backed.

This is charming, thoroughly enjoyed and backing it.

Anna
Born on Friday 13th

Corrine, I'm so glad I found this book. You write with a delicacy that is perfectly suited to the Romance genre, sensitive and precisely weighted prose that flows so smoothly I found myself reading far more than I'd intended - I've read all your chapters and would have read more if they'd been available. In the book itself, nothing stood out that I'd even consider changing. In the long pitch, however, I'd consider taking another look at, ' Eventually, the depression consumes her to a point so low that she stops showering, eating and even getting out of bed' - it scans awkwardly for me, 'consumes her to a point so low' in particular. I also wonder if 'the difficult decision to have her involuntarily committed' needs the inclusion of 'involuntarily' - we get the point.
A work of rare delicacy, I love your use of language and am delighted to back this.
Jared.
Mummy's Boy.

Beautiful and expertly done!
Backed!
A look at Sicilian Shadows would be greatly appreciated.
Frank.
If you back my work, you may want to approach BJD (a big supporter of my work) for a read of your book.