'I want to be a Dolphin Trainer...'

Sian,

I was very moved by this heartfelt, intelligent, and - yes - witty story of your beautiful life. Your superb writing skills add to the excellence of this fine work.

My highest complements - on both your courageous life and heart, and your storytelling talent.

Backed with true pleasure,

Johanna Kern
Master and the Green-Eyed Hope

Sian,
I want to be a Dolphin Trainer is a true story filled with the suspense and melodrama of a soap opera, but without all those annoying commercial interruptions. I love it. Backed with pleasure.

Your pitch is interesting and attractive and made me want to read this book. You have sad episodes, serious episodes, but above all, funny episodes. I loved your introductory chapter, where you told the careers' teacher that you already had a job as a Dolphin Trainer, although it was far from the truth. I like the way your mind wanders from one thing to another in your past life; for instance, you tell us about leaving school, remember some of the things that happened there, such as the murder of a girl by her brother on the games field; and then go off to tell us about the murder you were involved in yourself. This is told in such a light, entertaining way that we hardly realise what a serious business it was. You are a skillful writer, with a relaxed, easy narrative voice, and you hook us in quickly to want to read more. Backed.
Gerry McCullough,
Belfast Girls.

This is such an entertaining read. For some reason, I was expecting a rather frivolous tale. But there is so much more to it than that. Told with joy, pain, gutwrenching honesty and a lovely sense of humour, this is just a book that I feel deserves to be out there. I read four chapters and the time just flew. I found nothing to nitpick so I'll just offer my congratulations.
Good luck and backed
carl
The Time hunters

Dear Sian, You have an amazing story. :) I love that you have shared it with the world. :) It is is a good read because you create interest by having short paragraphs & 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 :)

Loved the way you drew me in, Sian! you have a way of making the atmosphere immediately sensed and known. I love the little details - the pencils falling out from the teachers pocket - I love the way you know that those pearls makes the story alive and radiating with style. I know YOU through the style, and am hungry for more. I will put you as nr 1 on my watchlist - and I wish your book was published, so i could buy it.
Wonderful!
best wishes from Leelah

Captivating bio and the pitch.
After reading Chapter 1 I immediately thought: Why not start this story with 'I want to be a Dolphin Trainer' and then describe why and how. I think that would be even more interesting. Cheers, M

- Weekend Chimney Sweep or Happy New Year
- Sarajevo Walls of Fate

Good, solid voice, I like it. Your narration is a little heavy on “telling,” some “showing” will go a long way to draw the reader. The dialogue sounds real and moves the story at a good pace.
Second, third and beginning of 4th chapters are all narration. Try some dialogue or at least internal dialogue.
I did enjoy your writing and I’m backing it.
Good luck.
Dan
PS. Could you please look at mine? Comment/backing will be appreciated.

Sian,
I want to be a Dolphin Trainer is a true story filled with the suspense and melodrama of a soap opera, but without all those annoying commercial interruptions. I love it. Backed with pleasure.

The story of your life is fascinating to say the least and I am glad you have shared it. You have a smooth flowing writing style that is a pleasure to read. Your work is heart warming, at times heart wrenching and other times very funny. Backed with pleasure.


Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

A catchy title, good pitch and the book cover is simple but effective. I think many would pick this up from a store shelf for those reasons alone. Once the pages are opened the reader is hooked by your fascinating life story that is portrayed in such a skilled and entertaining way.
Backed.
Laurence Winchester,
The Cross of Goa

Dear Sian Banks,

"There's always a drama.." Yes, that's clear, but how did you get time to write 100,000 words of it?

Backed and best wishes with I Want to Be a Dolphin Trainer.

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School

I want to be a dolfin trainer
Yes, one can be an animal trainer
Backed
Eveleen
(Turning a new leaf)

Good pitch.

Backed.

Gabriel(It Goes On Forever.)

Sian,

I was very moved by this heartfelt, intelligent, and - yes - witty story of your beautiful life. Your superb writing skills add to the excellence of this fine work.

My highest complements - on both your courageous life and heart, and your storytelling talent.

Backed with true pleasure,

Johanna Kern
Master and the Green-Eyed Hope

Lovely! I liked this. Backed.

Ariel

'I WANT TO BE A DOLPHIN TRAINER .... ' by Siân Banks.

Siân - I urge you to reconsider. A dolphin drowned its trainer recently. I will not pretend that I read the whole 70 + Chapters, but those I did read convinced me you have written a very worthwhile book that I have no hesitation in Backing. You have an attractive style that draws your reader smoothly through the text and there is a pace, rythym, tone and atmosphere that you are in assured command of all the way through. I will return to reading your book from time to time: so long as it is posted on Authonomy.

Tony Brady - SCENES FROM AN EXAMINED LIFE - Books 1,2 & 3.

I really like what I've read so far and I will come back to it shortly. Thanks for pointing me towards such an eclectic collection of life stories.

Phil

Danny Murphy

Sian, this is a gem. I laughed out loud all the way through your first chapter. Your encounter with the careers master was hilarious. Congratulations on a very funny book. I've backed it.

People obviously interest you and you have the writing ability to make them interesting to the reader. I've loved reading about the characters in your life, and the humour and sadness they've inspired. a brilliant book. Backed. lynn

I Want to be a Dolphin Trainer:

Sian, how delightful to have a record of your life right at your fingertips.

Love your sense of humour and your writing keeps us entertained throughout.

You keeping a journal right now? Would be interesting, in thirty years, to read a continuation of this, eh?

Will back this, now.

Cáit ~ Muckers ~

You have such a casual relaxed style that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I like your voice. I didn't get the impression that this was a study in literary prose, that you trying to impress the reader. You simply told your story and you tell it well. Your sense of humour is retained throughout. Nice work.
Backed
David
Bailey of the Saints

Hi Sian

This is a fun read and reminds me of my time at school. I like all the little details, the smells and the pens.

To be young again... Happy to back it for the memories it brought back.

Anthony.

Hi Sian, There’s good momentum to the narrative voice. I liked the first scene with the career directive and the answer – a strong outset. The other characters are nicely set in with the action. The third chapter is quite an initiation, June’s grooming, the fight and the police investigation concerning the serious crime. It builds to a plot of realism, drawing on. Happy to shelve – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

hullo Sian. Your story is compelling and draws the reader in so we wonder, could it be me? Very good. Already shelved and backed. Please give mine a look and thanks for that.
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

This is such an entertaining read. For some reason, I was expecting a rather frivolous tale. But there is so much more to it than that. Told with joy, pain, gutwrenching honesty and a lovely sense of humour, this is just a book that I feel deserves to be out there. I read four chapters and the time just flew. I found nothing to nitpick so I'll just offer my congratulations.
Good luck and backed
carl
The Time hunters

I had backed the book earlier but wanted to take a moment to comment. I have only read a couple of chapters but I'm hooked! This is a great read. The teacher in the first chapter reminded me of my 7th grade science teacher, right down to the smell of stale tobacco smoke. Best of luck to you.. J.B. Reed - Deadly Shamrocks

Your story is compelling. It draw the reader in and before long several chapters have wisped by. You bring the eighties back to life with your funny (and poignent) tales. Well done. Backed.

Richard Bard
BRAINRUSH (2010 ABNA Quarter-Finalist)

Hi Sian

I read the first chapter and I was hooked. How does so much happen to one person? I can't wait to read the full book. I keep thinking - "what has she left out?" - there must be more that you haven't wanted to write about - are you planning a "part two". It very funny but every now and then it makes you think. Is this your first book?

Ellen

Hi Sian, I've been enjoying your book and have read up to chapter eleven.

I'm really enjoying it and finding that I can relate easily with you and your experiences back in the roaring eighties.

The driving test is a classic tale. I failed three times and re-lived it with you.

I would suggest you add more dialogue to really bring your story to life and make it slightly less diary-ish.

Your characters are well described - the geography teacher was at my school too!

I'll certainly finish this one when I have the time.

Backed with pleasure.
Good luck and best wishes, Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

Hi Shawn (!). Read the first six chapters and i'll be definitely back to read more, so thats an endorsement in its self. This is really well written and full of humour and you set each scene very well with enough enticing lines at the end of the chapters to persuade the reader to keep page turning. Shelved.

This is a cracking read, you know what I could be reading about yours truly!! I had a career's office who said I would be a shelf filler at Tesco's. I ended up being a Manager with the Co-op. I used to be an Ann Summers party organiser but we won't go there...and I've always wanted to work with Dolphins, I'm in awe of Dolphins and Whales. My favourite place is SeaWorld in Florida.

Your writing is so fluid, I had read to the end of chapter three before I'd realised. Terrific and I'd love to read further, will keep this on my w/l and keep dipping in.

Oh and btw the comparison's between your life and mine stop there, I haven't been married three times, once was more than enough.

Happily shelved

Melxx
Impeding Justice

Hi, Sian -

This was a very interesting mix of both humor and gut-wrenching emotion, a blend not many writers are able to pull off convincingly.

You succeed mightily.

Delighted to back Dolphin Trainer.

And, I would love it if you could have a look at my book.

Thanks.

-Jeff Lee
THE LADIES TEMPERANCE CLUB;S FAREWELL TOUR

I Want to be a Dolphin Trainer:

Sian

The opening description of Mr Boyer as the stereotypical Geography teacher rings true as you describe him.
The characterisation continues to be spot on, presumably because, as Harper True Life you have based the characterisation on an amalgam of people you have known or impressions of people.
Sarah's announcement to the Careers Officer that she wants to be a dolphin trainer is natural and spontaneous - to her - but slightly confusing hor him. In capturing his slightly patronising summary of Sarah's prospects you show again the sharpness of your character observation and it's this, as much as the powerful storyline that makes me want to read on.

Backed.
Ray
(A Child from the Wishing Well)

You should use a bigger font size...the writing is interesting and funny...your MC is adorable...

i like this its witty and a fun read, backed

alison

Your pitch is interesting and attractive and made me want to read this book. You have sad episodes, serious episodes, but above all, funny episodes. I loved your introductory chapter, where you told the careers' teacher that you already had a job as a Dolphin Trainer, although it was far from the truth. I like the way your mind wanders from one thing to another in your past life; for instance, you tell us about leaving school, remember some of the things that happened there, such as the murder of a girl by her brother on the games field; and then go off to tell us about the murder you were involved in yourself. This is told in such a light, entertaining way that we hardly realise what a serious business it was. You are a skillful writer, with a relaxed, easy narrative voice, and you hook us in quickly to want to read more. Backed.
Gerry McCullough,
Belfast Girls.

Sian, there is good flow and rhythm in your first two chapters. This reads like a good piece of fiction, if I am allowed to make that comparison. Nothing to nitpick in those two sections.

Backed with pleasure.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

I liked the wry sense of humour running underneath all this, its good to see you managed to retain a sense of humour in the face of such odds.
I will be honest, I think its just a little long and could do with some pruning, but you write in a highly readable style and the whole thing moves along well.

This is an intense and emotional ride. I think it's brave of you to share this but also it's something that can maybe help others in similar situations. Sprinkling it with humor is a nice touch too. This is well written and easy to read, I think it will attract a lot of readers. I wish you the best with this.

Missy
Mark of Eternity

Sian:

This a true life story? Simply amazing! BUT, think the pitches need to be redone. Give us more on the long pitch and with the short pitch, focus on the darker side of domestic violence. Being Authonomy's #1 commentator and amateur pitch doctor, trust me, spend some time on your pitches; I cannot overemphasize how you need to master this basic sales technique to grab the casual reader whether here on this website or in a book shoppe. That's how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. SHELVED!

Though I have been a very active member for over a year, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key
Authonomy's #1 rated commentator

Hi Sian. It certainly is an emotional rollercoaster. Told with a subtle sense of humor too. I've enjoyed what I've read and can tell from your writing that you really enjoyed putting pen to paper. It must of been tough as well as helpful. Really well written, best of luck to you! mariecapri

Dear Sian, I got so excited when I saw that you had backed, "He Loves Me." Thanks so very much. :) Since I have already "backed" & "commented" on your book, I came to your "comment" page to help it advance more. I will also put it on my "watchlist" to hopefully help it move up (everytime someone comments/backs my book, it moves up. Could you please take a moment to back my unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories." I'd be ever so grateful. :)
Love, Susie :)

This is without doubt one of the most touching, emotive and powerful pieces of true life writing on teh site. I consider you a hugely courageous person for committing this to paper and pray that it does excptionally well here. You deserve it. Fantastic stuff
Carl
The Time hunters

A moving story that is so beautifully told. Full of both humour and then emotion - best of luck and success - backed.
andy and vesna
When Spirits Break Free

A marvel! Beautifuly told life story. After chapter 3 (alas, I will have to leave it at that) It makes me think that you can turn every event into an amusing story worth telling. Congratulations and best wishes,
M (Weekend Chimney Sweep)

This was a challenge to read because of the small font. A bit too taxing on the eyes.

An interesting mixture of humour and emotion. Only a small part of the book deals with the dark subject of domestic violance and it covers it well by using humour and a positive approach to life. It is also interesting because it shows how the problems of domestic violance can exist alongside a normal, enjoyable and busy life. I found it interesting to read how an obvioulsy intelegent young woman could allow herself to be abused for so long until she had the chance to escape.

Dear Sian, You have an amazing story. :) I love that you have shared it with the world. :) It is is a good read because you create interest by having short paragraphs & 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 :)

This is an amazing book so far! BACKED 100%

Liz
The Cheech Room

This is an interesting book to read. It takes courage to write this type of book because it reveals so much about yourself. It also reveals that you are a feisty, in-control type of person - and that makes it a good read. I’m adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

This true life story gets a backing from me.

Rodney