Born on Friday 13th

****HARPER TRUE REVIEW *****

Congratulations on reaching the HarperTrue Top Ten titles in March.

What an interesting, and in places, sad tale. Although I felt that I connected with your story on the whole, I felt that in places it lacked a bit of pace and as a result at times it struggled to hold my interest. As a reader I needed more indication of time passing as it was difficult to keep track of the timescale of events especially as you moved frequently. You must also be careful in your recollection of events as on occasion I felt a particular event seemed unrealistic – for example you and Anthony escaping from Ted – Anthony managing to pass you things from a window and climb out despite being extremely young.
I was shocked by the tragic death of Anthony which very movingly told and I almost feel that if you could bear to expand on your feelings at this time of your life then readers may gain more insight into this devastating tragedy.

Thank you so much for submitting your book, unfortunately I fear that your story may struggle to be commercial enough for mainstream publishing but I wish you all the very best for any future writing that you may do!

Anna, this is supurb writing and a wonderfull piece of story telling. I was hooked from the first paragraph, swept along by the pace and voice, and impressed with your ability to create such vivid images and characters . Top notch work that I would buy in an instant from the bookshop. Shelved.
Michael Croucher (Bravo's Veil)

"In these days of lightning travel" 1949....how marvelous to look on a world so long ago and hear the voice of your Mother in her journal notes...what would she make of the world now.I wonder?..Sadly I think it has changed for the worse in some ways...we don't make the time to be in the moment...Africa..a continent, an experience, a beautiful place touched frequently by such devastating sadness.

You write with such love in your writers voice, it shines through the prose, as you bring Africa to life...your story is one of more than survival...some people do only that, they survive. You clearly did more, you lived it. All of it. This is a world of experiences both painful and gloriously colored. I was so certain I had read it and commented...Thank you for the reminder...I would hate to have missed your journey through life...I will read further as time permits.

Backed with pleasure.
Suzannah Burke

In chapter five you tell us about the relationship with Ted, so destructive and like many people you stay and try to make it work until in your case there was, thank goodness, a final straw. Your narrative flows at a rolicking pace moving us from one event to another this keeps us hooked and turning the pages. I'm in awe of the bravery and determination shown
Backed
Christina
From Under the Bed

This makes fascinating reading. As far as I'm concerned books set in Africa can do no wrong and this being a true story added a piquancy to the read. These sort of books not only give an interesting story but information too, the learning skilfully woven into the narrative.
A fine tribute to a remarkable story which you have written well. Backed. Margaret.

An unusual and extraordinary story which will appeal to anyone who has lived in Kenya. The bravery against all odds, especially the loss of her beloved son, and the determination to go on makes Anna a memorable character in her own life story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book having gone through many similar experiences myself.

Hi Anna!

Since you haven’t been to Authonomy for a while, I hope it’s okay that I’m sending this through your book comment:

I’d like to thank you for backing BRAINRUSH (a Thriller) last year. Because of you it hit the Authonomy Number-1 slot, attracted an agent, and landed a film option. Now that’s a brain-rush! The formal book launch is September 1st and the sequel will be released in December. None of this would have been possible without your help. So, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Sincerely,
Richard Bard, BRAINRUSH

PS. If you want a good laugh, check out the temporary book-trailer video on the BRAINRUSH website. It’s there as a placeholder for the upcoming professional video. The current one features children and it’s guaranteed to make you smile! And yes, the younger kid on the screen is really me. You can see the video at www.RichardBard.com. The link is also on my Authonomy profile page. Special offer for former Authonomy backers between now and the formal launch on Sept 1st: If you would like to receive a “Review” copy of the eBook (plus 2 FREE thrillers from the Kindle Top-20 PAID Bestseller list – yes, really), go to the website, click the “Contact” button, and leave a message that includes your Authonomy username and the secret code words “I Feel the Rush!” Details of this promo will be emailed to you. Thanks!

Dear Anna,
Your book is well written and so descriptive of an exotic life and place. It's too bad that the unhappy events are true. You have a very good read here!

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)

Here is your chance to get a double backing. My friend, homewriter, and I have similar taste in writing and trust each other's judgment. Back my book and leave it on your bookshelf. Then do the same for his, "The Harpist of Madrid." Once the backings register, he will give you a return backing guaranteed. Just let him know in an email that you've backed my book as well as his. You might have to be a bit patient as we're 6 time zones apart. But you'll have two backings guaranteed on your excellent book. Of course, comments are always welcome too!

This is a true story that will encourage people to keep going on in life

Backed.

Gabriel(It Goes On Forever.)

You've got a compelling story, and the writing brings across the exotic time and place with typical British restraint. You do quite a good job of weaving your greater themes into your personal story. Happy to back this for you.
Craig
The Job

What a fascinating place to grow up. The political systems always seem to ruin anything near to paradise. I wish you luck with this book. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

The writing is very polished and easy to read. The only error I think I found was:
lightening travel - lightning?

You tell your story in an engaging way that flows well. The opening witht he python worked very well and also gave us a nice picture of the father. I found the diary entry from the mother's trip to Cape Town a little long and i felt it slowed things down a bit. It does give a nice picture of a young woman's adventures but I just felt there was too much of it. A matter of taste though.

I liked the way you dropped in info from other people now and again to give a slightly different perspective.

I wondered in what capacity the mother ran the hotels, as owner or manageress or what? I would have liked a clearer idea of that.

I got the impression you were a little spoilt as a child but I think that added to the story. It all felt very authentic and convincing in terms of time and place.

Overall it's a solid piece of writing with a lot of charm and an enjoyable read. Backed.

Judging by the comments, I am rendered speechless. This is a situation where a little plagiarism is considered acceptable. 'Congratulations on a wonderful piece deserving of it's recognition here'. And already on my shelf.

Congratulations on a wonderful piece deserving of it's recognition here. Glad to support a fellow SPS member, good luck, backed with pleasure. E.Loraine Royal Blood Chronicles book one

What a wonderfully written if truly harrowing story. Congratulations on being able to tell this story, it must have been hard to write - and on your Harper True review!

Best

Karen
The Kid: A True Story of Cocaine, Corruption, Deceit and Betrayal

Nicely judged and crafted. Opening few pages build a convincing entry and the story so far makes me want to read more, which I will endeavour to do as time on here allows.

Clive
Cincinnati Dancing Pig

Wow. Normally non-fiction would bore me to sleep but this was excellent! Your characters (or I guess I should say people) have great voices and it's an interesting story to read. Congrats on the your Harper True Review also.
xBeccaX
The Forever Girl

Having spent a lot of time in Kenya and Uganda in 1952, I can appreciate your mothers dairy entries about the game she saw and the Mountains of the Moon. I will try and find time to read more at a later date but for now I am backing this book in the hope it goes all the way to the top. Take a look at mine and anything you can do to help it would be much appreciated. My book is called 'Three Stayed Home' and although so very different to yours, I hope you enjoy it. JohnJ

I see the Harper True Review was the last comment. I hate to put mine in. I think the review was encouraging... meant they want a rewrite with more personal feeling and emotion to your story. I am not an editor though, so.. My comment is that this is extremely interesting story, and I felt the pace was a little slow, and not enough emphasis on the importance of each event..but I am patient and liked it. Best wishes.. Cookie Gawain "BEING"

Born on Friday 13th

I think it is so special when people let others in to their lives like you have. Your writing is very powerful emotionally and your style and voice portray this so very well. Thank you for making my day special.

Anna, this is wonderful. I've read a few bios on the site and his is by far, one of the best written, but also compelling. You are a talented writer.

Lockjaw

****HARPER TRUE REVIEW *****

Congratulations on reaching the HarperTrue Top Ten titles in March.

What an interesting, and in places, sad tale. Although I felt that I connected with your story on the whole, I felt that in places it lacked a bit of pace and as a result at times it struggled to hold my interest. As a reader I needed more indication of time passing as it was difficult to keep track of the timescale of events especially as you moved frequently. You must also be careful in your recollection of events as on occasion I felt a particular event seemed unrealistic – for example you and Anthony escaping from Ted – Anthony managing to pass you things from a window and climb out despite being extremely young.
I was shocked by the tragic death of Anthony which very movingly told and I almost feel that if you could bear to expand on your feelings at this time of your life then readers may gain more insight into this devastating tragedy.

Thank you so much for submitting your book, unfortunately I fear that your story may struggle to be commercial enough for mainstream publishing but I wish you all the very best for any future writing that you may do!

Dear Anna, I got your message. Thanks. Did you back both of them? :) Since I've backed yours, I'll put you on my watchlist to hopefully help your book to advance. :) Love, Susie :)

Dear Anna, I backed/commented on your book 11 days ago. :) I don't know if you've backed mine or not. If not, could you PLEASE take a moment to BACK/COMMENT on my TWO Books? ... "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" ... and the UNEDITED version? ... "Tell Me True Love Stories"
Thanks, Susie :) I'll put you on my watchlist to hopefully help advance your book. :)

Anna, this is supurb writing and a wonderfull piece of story telling. I was hooked from the first paragraph, swept along by the pace and voice, and impressed with your ability to create such vivid images and characters . Top notch work that I would buy in an instant from the bookshop. Shelved.
Michael Croucher (Bravo's Veil)

Anna, you write about a time when sub-Saharan Africa was a place of romance and adventure, not a place of poverty, corruption and petty wars as it is today. I fear my country may yet fall victim to tha African malais. I will return to read more because I like what I've read so far. You may want to take a look at my offerings The Brass Bring Down and The Golden Goodbye because you may find much of the settings familar to you.

Anna Murray:

This is very well written, your part, as well as your mother's notes. Your mothers writing is very fluent, her descriptions are sound and we can experience the trip from Kitale to cape Town along with her thanks to her unique but endearing writing. Best of Luck with this. Backed.

Ida L. (Silent Storm)

"In these days of lightning travel" 1949....how marvelous to look on a world so long ago and hear the voice of your Mother in her journal notes...what would she make of the world now.I wonder?..Sadly I think it has changed for the worse in some ways...we don't make the time to be in the moment...Africa..a continent, an experience, a beautiful place touched frequently by such devastating sadness.

You write with such love in your writers voice, it shines through the prose, as you bring Africa to life...your story is one of more than survival...some people do only that, they survive. You clearly did more, you lived it. All of it. This is a world of experiences both painful and gloriously colored. I was so certain I had read it and commented...Thank you for the reminder...I would hate to have missed your journey through life...I will read further as time permits.

Backed with pleasure.
Suzannah Burke

In chapter five you tell us about the relationship with Ted, so destructive and like many people you stay and try to make it work until in your case there was, thank goodness, a final straw. Your narrative flows at a rolicking pace moving us from one event to another this keeps us hooked and turning the pages. I'm in awe of the bravery and determination shown
Backed
Christina
From Under the Bed

In chapter five you tell us about the relationship with Ted, so destructive and like many people you stay and try to make it work until in your case there was, thank goodness, a final straw. Your narrative flows at a rolicking pace moving us from one event to another this keeps us hooked and turning the pages. I'm in awe of the bravery and determination shown
Backed
Christina
From Under the Bed

Great read! Having spent time in South Africa and Zimbabwe, it was so nice to read such well written descriptions. Great Job!

Randy
Bound By Birth
www.randallwheeler.com

I've never been to Africa. Now thanks you you I feel that I have. I especially enjoyed the Kitale to Cape Town writing in italics. The change of tone and pace really worked for me. I read up to and including chapter 6 as you trundled along the pot holed road and was fascinated byt the Italian POW church..will have to search for pictures of that. Needless to say I've backed the book. A very good read.
David
Bailey of the Saints

Brilliant. You capture the exotic and often frightening potential of a foreign land perfectly, making it accessible to all readers, whether they have ever been to Africa or not. You skillfully lay down your information without succumbing to tedious exposition. Excellent work.

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

Anna, your first two chapters read smoothly. I like your narrative style. Reads like a piece of good fiction.

Happy to back your work.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

I've found your book a fascinating read, as someone who studied African independence movements. Bella's poem to Mwaneki was touching, and the account of the trip to Cape Town was superb. It captures what I imagine real Africa to have been like. It feels like I am a privileged reader of an intimate personal story, and I like the changes of pace in the narrative too. Backed.
Mark (Stand up and live)

Dear Anne, Out of Africa, To Kill A Mockingbird, & Jane Austin. You are the first one to like more that one of some of my favorite books (I haven't found out how to list more than 5 on my profile, the way one man has). Your book is very graphic as if I was there with you. Thanks for sharing your story. Since I already backed your book, I'll put you on my watchlist to help your book go up. Thanks for backing, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not. Would you take a moment & back my unedited version of it? Tell Me True Love Stories
Thanks, Susie :)

This makes fascinating reading. As far as I'm concerned books set in Africa can do no wrong and this being a true story added a piquancy to the read. These sort of books not only give an interesting story but information too, the learning skilfully woven into the narrative.
A fine tribute to a remarkable story which you have written well. Backed. Margaret.

I felt angry with the nonreactive, was totally in the scene. For those wanting to experience Africa in a vivid way before going there - an excellent read. Backed.

Catherine (The Golden Thread)

Anna,

I really enjoyed reading part of this. The opening certainly grabs your attention! An eighteen foot python, now there's something to make a readers mind crawl! It's set at a fast pace, pulling the reader along to find out what's happening.

I noticed a little error or two at the beginning and just in case no one's mentioned them before. It's at the end of the paragraph starting 'Malandi was where I spent...' . At the end should it say 'loved it so MUCH', not just 'so'?

I wish you the best of luck with this! Backed!

Aimee
His Pride, Her Prejudice

Dear Anna, Thanks for sharing your story. Hope you'll read mine, He Loves Me,He Loves Me Not & also the unedited version, "Tell Me True Loves Stories of He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not. Thanks, Susie :)

Backed.
Great story. I don't generally do non-fiction because of the emotional impact, knowing that there is really someone out there that has been through, is going through the ordeal. Fiction let's me step away from that.

This is a big adventure though and has quite a bit of fun mixed in.

Dan-
Eunice Stubbins, among others...

Born on Friday 13th
Anna Murray

Anna,
I found this recollection beautifully written and the African experiece was enlightening. It is not easy to write non-fiction and I admire the way you have done it, enabling the reader to experience so much through your use of language. One cannot help but bond with the young Anna who loses her father and then must separate from her mother to go to South Africa at the tender age of twelve. Your recreations of the past and the perspectives placed now as you write this as an adult are moving. I enjoyed this very much and wish you the best in getting it published.
Zan

I do love biography, and this is most entertaining. I particularly liked the python story. Backed with pleasure.
BADD

You have written a really charming book, interesting in both story and setting. You immerse the reader in your recollections of Kenya with your evocative prose. Backed! Tania, This Last Summer

Hi This is beautiful writing and I love books like this where you can be entertained but learn something as well. I travel to Africa in my job and Kenya is next on my list - would love to go there.
DP Walker
Five Dares

Flowing and vivid, this is a beautiful piece of work. Your writes voice is strong and engaging. I felt completely engrossed in the story. I like the way it appears to be written as a diary. I was most impressed with this book and read the first four chapters. I may well come back for some more.



Sue Mackender

Knowing Liam Riley

You have a very good descriptive voice. And I like the premise of the story. Backed.
Krystiana
Surviving the Earthquake

This is more of a memior than a novel.

I wonder how you approached a screen play. You have a great deal of back story here.

It is the reason i was forced to re-write I Remember to UPROOTED.

Is this under True Life or fiction?

You have written a lovely book, a memoir with a story intertwined. It is of literary merit as the pace ambles and the descriptions are vivid and beautiful. Backed, Mary

This is the sort of book that pulls you right along and leaves you breathless! What a well crafted and polished piece of literature this is. I can see this making a gripping emotionally driven movie! BACKED 100%

Liz
The Cheech Room

From the pitch and first chapter I can tell you've had quite a life! Losing your father and having to leave your mother at the age of 12 must have been incredibly traumatic, and I hope Harper True recognise that too.
Cheers,
Simon

This is a great setting for a story and a descrption of a life totally different from many of your readers. Your writing has great detail which makes this come alive. Backed. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Hi Anna, Your writing has the panoramic feel of memory and yet the detail made clear pictures of the many African settings. The letter was also a document of the time - so rare for a woman to be traveling such a distance then! And she knew that and could write paragraphs like postcards. I don't know what you'd do about sentences like "It was from Fort Portal..." Then your telling about your father, living at the hotel and riding, and the plan to travel gave a crisper picture of these places. It's fascinating and you have impressed upon me the vastness of the African continent while the English people are like those in English literature about Africa, fathers leaving women to fend for themselves, a wilder lifestyle it seems than in England. Fascinating! And shelved - Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

What an amazing and poignant statement for women of all walks of life made by these characters! So polished and well written! BACKED


Liz
The Cheech Room

Born on Friday the 13th

While I loved the story here, you migth think about writing it as a novel. Long passages of narrative can be very tiring and many readers would skim it in search of real action or dialogue. This story is too fascinating to risk that! I'll back this. -Barb (Silent Hoofbeats)