The Fiddler's Gun

I absolutely loved this tale!! I instantly cared about Fin from the beginning, and drew closer to Peter and Bartimaeus as I continued to read on. I suppose, since you didn't upload the rest of the book on here, I'll have to buy it. :) This story deserves all stars. Thanks for the good read!
Sarala
Hope Restored

Love the book cover...very atmospheric. Enticing short and long pitch. I read to the end of what's posted and did like the pace of this. Fin is extremely likeable in her unruliness and the supporting cast are humerous and well characterised. You've set the scene for a rip roaring adventure to follow, just a shame that there wasn't more to read on here. I see that this is published, so I know where to go to finish the tale. Thoroughly enjoyed this and rated accordingly.
Babs

It's been in bookstores for a year :)

The Fiddler's Gun
A. S. Peterson
I managed to read all six chapters without getting a headache, which alone should give you a place on my shelf. However, you also managed to allow the readers to build up their own image of time and place - an art even published authors sadly lack - without block information. A good submission with delightful characters, if the rest of the story holds true we should see it in the shops before long.

Troodo.
The Rose of Gildvadane.

It seems I upset the Lord, for daring to ask for any kind comment or criticism, he could offer me to better my work. Instead his scathing attack, although entitled to his opinion. I can only imagine that his nastiness came from nothing more than envy. I have looked over his pathetic attempt to hide behind historical fiction, [ He calls it ]. or snippets taken from others. But it can be the only explanation for his cruelty. Perhaps if my work was more immature for your taste, then you would find it in your pompous heart to shelf my book. [ There is a clue to everyone's character, if you are willing to look ]. I apologise for asking you, for any part of your precious time, and perhaps I did ask for your heartless attempt to belittle my book. But as I told you before, A book is only as bad as the reader. And now I am glad that I didn't read yours. Because it was that boring. May you continue to churn out your crap to any unsuspecting fool that will bother to follow it. At least it will keep you from the bookshelves of any good book shop, [ As long as it languishes here ]. No hard feelings My Lord. But before you bully others, perhaps you'll learn that a little benevolence is better than being you. Best wishes, Cicuta, [ Carl, Arcane ].

I'm sorry you aren't able to take my advice. It was given in your best interest.

It seems I upset the Lord, for daring to ask for any kind comment or criticism, he could offer me to better my work. Instead his scathing attack, although entitled to his opinion. I can only imagine that his nastiness came from nothing more than envy. I have looked over his pathetic attempt to hide behind historical fiction, [ He calls it ]. or snippets taken from others. But it can be the only explanation for his cruelty. Perhaps if my work was more immature for your taste, then you would find it in your pompous heart to shelf my book. [ There is a clue to everyone's character, if you are willing to look ]. I apologise for asking you, for any part of your precious time, and perhaps I did ask for your heartless attempt to belittle my book. But as I told you before, A book is only as bad as the reader. And now I am glad that I didn't read yours. Because it was that boring. May you continue to churn out your crap to any unsuspecting fool that will bother to follow it. At least it will keep you from the bookshelves of any good book shop, [ As long as it languishes here ]. No hard feelings My Lord. But before you bully others, perhaps you'll learn that a little benevolence is better than being you. Best wishes, Cicuta, [ Carl, Arcane ].

A clever YA historical with well-developed characters. Arresting settings. Impecable attention to detail. Lively dialogue. Tense narrative. Well thought out plot. Splendid writing. Backed.

Thank Goodness! A YA novel that isn't paranormal, magic, or witchcraft! Well, i really loved this for other reasons than that as well. I think your writing is very smooth and I love historical fiction. I think a lot of kids and YA will love this. :-D
Backed!
Sofia (The Lost Inheritance)

The fiddler's gun
Backed
Lenny Harry
(Like a dot on the horizon)

This is a very clever story - most enjoyable! You have done exactly what you intended to your audience - I was so sad for Fin at the end of the first chapter. But in chapter 2 I was cheering her on - she is a sympathetic creature from the get-go, and the reader can't help but become involved in her fascinating story. Well done!
The story moves along at a nice clip, great detail and imagery through-out. I would buy this book.
Write On! :)
D.C. Grace
The Sacred Oath

What a cool first chapter! I am backing it now, but I will be back to read more later. Jen

It is usually extremely difficult to write a period piece well and capture the time frame accurately but you have done so masterfully. Excellent use of imagery with solid character development especially with Fin. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

It is usually extremely difficult to write a period piece well and capture the time frame accurately but you have done so masterfully. Excellent use of imagery with solid character development especially with Fin. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

The Fiddlers Gun

This is a master class in how to write characters and get the reader to engage with them, your characters are sublime!
You have the skill of being able to trust the reader to build the story in their own head and not giving massive explanation detail. Some of the best reading in my mind is when I the reader take ownership of the story and the writer leads me through the plot.
You are a very skilful writer and this is a great book

I think Fin just may be one of the best written characters I've read on Authonomy. Maybe I simply felt attached to her, but whatever the reason, I loved her story.

Lockjaw

Very well written - lively, creative prose. I am interested despite the over-done pirate concept. Your characters are alive and interesting, and I'm really interested where this will go. I have only a concern about your character's age, I know that she's seventeen, but if you wouldn't have told us that, I would've assumed she was no older than fourteen, in fact I kept forgetting that she's already a young woman. I think it would work better if you made her fourteen when she met this pirate guy who turned cook, and then fastforward to when she's seventeen (perhaps when he dies and she has nothing else binding her to the orphanage?). I also think that this could use a dramatic prologue, especially if the book will later include a good amount of action, it will capture more potential readers who might not be as interested to read about a child in the orphanage (although I was). Good luck with this, and I hope to read more soon.

E. Yazykova (Silver Flows East)

AS, they say either you have it or you don't. In that first chapter you prove you can definitely write. Nothing to nitpick in that section.

Good job overall. Happy to back your work.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Brilliantly done...delightful prose, lovable characters, pace and comedy, this has it all...eagerly awaiting new chapters...

I love your writing style. The way you describe the father's 'discovery of an unacceptable mistake' is both comical and sad. I look forward to digging into this.

Your pitch attracted me as soon as I read it. A female pirate with a fiddle and a gun belonging to an old cook, and a secret. I particularly liked the end of your first chapter. '...a crooked path...Some call that road a tragedy and lose themselves along it. Others, those that see it home, call it an adventure.' What a great, inspiring, beginning to a book. You promise all sort of delightful things in those few words: fun and adventure and some pain, no doubt, but a way of dealing with it that's not depressing, but which manages to turn it into something beautiful. Fin is a great character, feisty and sweet, likable and admirable. Bart is a great person, too, and when he plays for Fin and Peter in the woods, the beauty of his fiddle, which he has chosen over the blunderbuss, impresses both them and us. Your writing moves along steadily, pulling us with it. You have an excellent narrative voice, strong and individual; and your dialogue is amusing and authentic. Backed.
Gerry McCullough,
Belfast Girls.

Hi A. S., The skip from Fin's being dropped off at the orphanage and her 17th year was satisfying and her formed personality well-depicted. The style evokes the age and Sister Baab's dialogue, the influences on Fin coming through with that impact. This is a character that I like following into a time of conflict when she'll be connected to the male issues. An involving beginning - Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Dear A.S., I love literary fiction. :) Your story is a good read because you create interest by having short paragraphs (the longer ones, I'd cut 2 for an easier read) & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing/commenting on your book to help it advance. Could you please return the favor by taking a moment to back/comment on my TWO books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & the unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories." Thanks, Susie :)

Your writing is amazing. Although the characters and settings are wonderfully desciptive it does not slow the pace of the story. If there was an authonomy award scale I would give you five stars. Backed with pleasure. Bud Carroll All That Ends - Book i - The City.

It's rare to get comedy and painful feelings in the same book for kids. I know kids will love the pigs running amok and the dung in Hilde's shoes etc. Anyway, you're right up the top, so you don't need my praise but well done. Rosalind (Good for Him)

This had a wonderful pitch, drew me right and the book itself lived up to all expectations and surpassed them. Its a wonderful piece, well done

Backed 100%
Clair
Left Behind

TO me this is professional standard writing. It is exactly what I wanted it to be after reading your pitch.
I have absolutely nothing to say in terms of changing or criticism. All I will say is keep writing because this is a novel which I really feel should be making the Ed's desk one day soon.
Backed
David
Bailey of the Saints

I read all of this and enjoyed it all. I like the title; that's what made me start reading. You have an engaging way of telling the story, so that even though the set-up of the daughter-who-was-one-daughter-too-many getting abandoned at the orphanage is something I've seen many times before, it made me smile and want to keep reading. The whole thing feels a little like a familiar friend. I also like the way the characters are affected by music. And I really like the characters themselves. The dialogue between Fin and Bartimaeus works. I laughed at rosemary smelling like chicken. I am very happy to have found this.

The Fiddler's Gun
A. S. Peterson

A willful young woman leaves home in search of her independence is a nice foundation for a novel - and the historical context adds much substance to your plot. I like your overall plot. The story bounces along energetically and vibrantly to keep the reader interested. I am happy to back this. I have read your pitches and your opening and believe this has good potential. I have been a member of this site for over eight months and have read and commented on about 350 books so far. I am not able to read any greater portion of yours because constant electronic reading has begun to affect my otherwise 20/20 vision, which I fear will deteriorate further, and the responsibilities of daily life do not allow me to read more or leave a longer, more specific comment.
I wish you success in finding a publisher.
Best wishes,
Zan

Hi,

I'm backing your book to speed it along to its inevitable date with the Editor's Desk. Historical fiction is not something I normally enjoy, nor something I should comment on, but your style is accomplished and readable.

My book is currently in a very competitive position at 10. I would deeply appreciate it if you would have a look at it.

Tim Chambers
Moonbeam Highway: With Apologies to Miguel de Cervantes.

Reading this has been the BEST fun I've had on site for days and days.
Yipee!
Backed

First of all; a nice short first chapter, second- written with skill and authourity; third- will back...

This is now my favorite book on Authonomy (okay, well, next to Helena's Load of Rubbish). From the first sentence to the heartwrenching (though quick) hand-off of this lovely girl to the antics of the orphans, I am hooked. I love the last sentence of the prologue. It lets me know I am in for some fun and unusual antics.
Your writing is refreshing; the dialogue genuine; and the characters real and likable.
I think your young Fin and my Eliza would surely be the best of friends.
Backed 110-million percent!
Ellen (Thoughts of a Teenage Girl)

A. S.-

Great characters, and I loved the scope of this book. Which is a pretty tall order, since I don't normally read much in this genre.

That said, I inhaled the first three chapters.

Delighted to back Fiddler's Gun.

Best of luck here, and I would love it if you could take look at my book.

Thanks.

-Jeff Lee
THE LADIES TEMPERANCE CLUB'S FAREWELL TOUR

I absolutely love the cover, it's stunning. The title is also brilliant as is the pitch. Chapter one is excellent sad yet makes you want to feel stronger for the thirteenth baby who is not wanted by her father for a reason that is not her fault. I love the way you wrote it and can imagine that this was a common problem back then and possibly still is. The era is a brilliant one to write about and I especially love the end of the first chapter, excellent, brilliant wriing with excellent descriptions, backed with pleasure.

Sandie
The Crown of Crysaldor

Love this era and have done a lot of reading about the Carribean about this time. Will gladly back this for you. Dave

Wel written and interesting . I think you must have done a lot of reserch to make it so realistic. Mrs O

Great cover art, fantastic pitch. Really excited the reader to open it up. So glad I did. This was a fast-paced interesting adventure with well developed characters. The world you paint is rich and visual. I thoroughly enjoyed what I've read so far. Going to back with the hope to get back for more! Backed!

Tawn Anderson (Providence)

What a good opening chapter! I'm totally sold on finding out what happens to this good little baby. Backed!
Marianne (Saint Paddy and the Sundial)

Hello A.S. I really enjoyed reading The Fiddler's Gun. Your main character, Fin, turned out to be a really fiesty young woman, which wasn't surprising when you know what a bad start she had in life. You draw very colourful pictures with your writing. I particularly enjoyed the last chapter that you uploaded: the fiddler's way of treating 'all that hurtful stuff' was beautifully done. Pity that there is not more on he site. SHELVED with pleasure. Good luck with this.

Phyllis
A Passing Storm (Would be grateful if you would look at this for me please)

Hullo Arthur. I will say that your book kept me reading to the last. Good charecters and flow. All I will say is that you could maybe seperate your dialog lines and keep your paragraphs short. Great book. Already listed and backed Please give mine a look and thanks in advance, Lord Arthur!
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

This a novel full of intrigue with charcters that are well developed and create at dynamic voice. C W Shelved.

Clever, original and witty! I have thoroughly enjoyed what I've read so far and am going to back!
By the way - great cover and pitch as well.

M&J
GRAEMOR

This story is full of adventure and intrigue. Your characters are well developed and enjoyable to read about. I absolutely love the cover. Backed with pleasure.

Kristin
Demon in the Knight

Hi A.S.,
I thought this was a most enjoyable read, full of adventure and thrills, realistic dialogue and strong characters. the pace is good and descriptions really put me there. I hope there's more to come. Like a few others, i'd recommend you break your long pitch into two sections for easier reading on line.
Backed with pleasure, Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

A.S.,
The Fiddler's Gun has all the makings of a good young-adult historical novel. Finn is a feisty protagonist who must overcome the prejudices and unfair cruelties of the time to succeed; she will be placed in a dangerous and exciting predicament during the war; she has a romantic interest in Peter and a kind and unusual friend to remember in Bart. The start to this book reminds me a bit of Tom Sawyer, though it looks as if the pirate adventures in your story will be for real. Happy to back this!
Niobrara Kardnova (The Trouble with Wives)

Backed with pleasure! Good Luck!!
A look at Sicilian Shadows would be greatly appreciated.
Frank.
If you back my work, you may also want to approach BJD (a big supporter of Sicilian Shadows) for a further read and possible backing of your book.

a natural storyteller you are, greatly engaging read

I truely enjoyed what you have posted. Using an archaic turn of phrase help to convey the period. That skill in your craft is reason eough to add to my bookshelf. The promise of many more adventures for Fin makes me think I would like to read it in its entirety one day.


On Bookshelf

This is absolutely great. I love this kind of story and you tell it so well! Backed with pleasure.

BD Nelson
Abigail's Cries

Kinda reminds me of a movie because the description is just that good. Though the short pitch sells me, think the long pitch could be edited down to a few paragraphs spaced apart. SHELVED for the good writing.

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

JC
The Obergemau Key
Authonomy's #1 rated commentator