Seka

They say one should write what they know; that old adage has evidently paid off here. It's obvious that the characters and events you have created have come from you and your husband's noble experiences -- it's the only way to explain how you have been able to portray such authentic struggle, pain and hope amid such a vivid landscape.

Kudos. Seka is on my shelf!

Best,

g
Notes on an Orange Burial (a tragicomedy)

Hi Sharon, An involving, hopeful chronicle. Isaac’s preparedness for his mother’s death and his responsibility towards his sister are told with picturesque details that extend to the community and his finding of the bicycle tools. In the same way, the pastors are rendered with the energy of their service. The characters bring this scenario into strong focus. Shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

I just want to say, from what I have read so far, I have really enjoyed. I shall, indeed, be returning. I like the way you write. It drew me in immediatly. It looks as though you have a talent!

Yip, backed with pleasure.

Hope you get the chance to take a little peek at mine.

Sincerly
Brendan Doherty
The Russian Hat

You have a very visual style, which I really like, with lots of description and detail. This is a charming, well-written story and your characters seem like real people with real problems. I like stories that deal with positive aspects of humanity, as there are so many that want to dwell on the negative possibilities of behavior. I wish you the best of luck with this.
---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

You paint a whole world for us to see. It touched me. I thought Issac was terrific, and his story tragic. His poor mother! And all he wanted was the chance to earn money for his family and to go to school. What a good heart he has! And that is the most beautiful part of the story to me. Thanks for the read and good luck!

I've added your powerful story to my watchlist and I will read more of it this week when I'm off of work. I found it very real and am anxious to read more.

Can't wait to read more - but read enough to put it on my shelf. I have already fallen in love with Seka and his struggles to do what is right and good. Blessings to you, Sharon.
Marjorie Wilhelmsen
Exact Places

Hello Sharon,

I am a Ugandan, born and grew up in the village called Kyakasa-Butsibo, in Shuuku Sub-country in formerly Bushenyi district.

I searched for "Uganda" and your work came up in one of the occurrences. My book, "Destined to Triumph" - its first 1-4 chapters massage reminisces your book , Seka. My book's first 1-4 chapters are about my early childhood hardships as an orphan without both parents.

Would, please, peruse through my book and see if it is worth of backing up.

Thank you in advance.

Julius Babyetsiza

This book is exactly the type of work I enjoy. Indeed, my book is similar in many, many ways. I hope you have a lot of success with this inspiring work of human triumph. I caught a typo: In the first chapter you write, "but the Isaac's eyes adjusted."

Keep up the great work.

Rob

This is a beautifully written story. Very moving and inspiring. A story of great courage in the face of adversity. Happy to back. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

A lovely story and well told into the bargain. I hope it soon ends up in print! Gordon - The Harpist of madrid

Hi Sharon,

a quick scan through ch1 - looks sound to me - good luck. Only nit pick is starting with the weather - my pet hate and overdone so much on this site. Go on...start with something different.

Cheers Rob(When...?)

Sharon,

I don't read much fiction, but Seka builds a realistic atmosphere and interesting characters. I think you have a winner here, and wish you the best of luck with it. I have placed it on my bookshelf.

I would appreciate your reading The DiVine Code if you can find time, and backing it if you feel it is worthy. It is a Bible study with a compelling message that I believe many Christians need to hear.

Good luck and God bless!

Dan W

Seka is written in an understated tone that really brings the boy's sense of struggle and endurance home to the reader.

This is an excellent book so far. As I read, I got a good visual and I was able to sympathize with Seka. I look forward to reading more of this. Tina

Beautiful description which conveys place from the boy's pov. This is faultless. What you might want to consider is whether you have a sufficiently strong dramatic hook to draw the reader into the story even if it's only as slight as a sense of unease.
Melanie Kendry The Boy Time Forgot

This is a story written from the heart that will touch many hearts. Right from the first sentence, I knew I was in for a treat as your prose stands out as lyrical even when describing difficult circumstances and the hard truths of life. Seka (love the name and title) is an inspiration in his quest for a better life and things that we all take for granted. A touching story brought to life with rich, beautiful writing which deserves to do well.
Backed earlier which left me wanting to read more and more.
Rakhi (Sir William...)

You describe so well a world far removed from us. A child just thirteen taking on the hard task of surviving. Very descriptive and captivating. Tiny little typo’s but nothing that wouldn’t be picked up on the final edit. Happy to back
Keith

Seka:

Charming and very well written story that has sentiment without going sugary. The way the young boys faith in all around him is tested is a good lesson to all of us. Your descriptive writing brings the reality into our own homes and opens our eyes.

backed with pleasure

Rev Raven Scott

Beautiful, evocative, heartbreaking, joyous, terrifying, a testament to the human spirit.

They say one should write what they know; that old adage has evidently paid off here. It's obvious that the characters and events you have created have come from you and your husband's noble experiences -- it's the only way to explain how you have been able to portray such authentic struggle, pain and hope amid such a vivid landscape.

Kudos. Seka is on my shelf!

Best,

g
Notes on an Orange Burial (a tragicomedy)

A touching and affecting book to put before YAs, well done!
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 possible backing of your book.

Dickens used to write about people like this. You've managed to make a lovely character fascinating which is something not many writers dare attempt. It's beautifully described. And full of compassion. Backed. Lynn

Your feedback was incredibly helpful and right on. thank you. I've made many of the changes you suggested, as well as others that your critique caused me to be more attune to.

'It was the time of day when he could pretend that life was good', which tells us a great deal. The straw rhino is a nice detail, a remnant of the child in the thirteen year old. His ambivalence to his little sister is understandable. Is the dark cloud over him partially guilt about the fire? 'He wondered if having the intention to help someone was as good as actually helping them'. He's an enterprising lad, making the most of his skills and his luck. Then to Jacob, from whom pleasure and enthusiasm positively oozes out along with his open-minded appreciation for this different culture. The service is just a wonderful gathering of folk, talking building, arranging looking after the guest, meeting and greeting until the music plays. Hm, a celebrity wants to adopt an orphan from the not-yet-opened orphanage! Back to the time when Isaac had been happy with his dreams of university and football, the slow disintegration following, and then the fire, and then worse.

There's a flavour to the Isaac side this story that reminds me of something from childhood, something perhaps like the 'Brer Rabbit' tales. Despite the serious nature of Isaac's predicament, he's both innocent and crafty (in a resourceful' way). The true tragedy that emerges is surely a threat to these qualities, but I hope they survive and are eventually nourished by Jacob and the church. An eye-opening and thought-provoking story ... backed.

Possible nits: 'were pecking at the dusty ground' maybe 'pecked at the dusty ground'. Similarly, to add variation, 'he carried a bunch of matuke'. And to avoid a repeat of carry, 'balanced clay pots'? 'but the Issac's eyes'?? 'as he stepped ... as his eyes'. 'for her and for the boy', use 'for Isaac' or 'for him' as it is his point-of-view. It's probably just me, but as absorbing as the religious service was, I'd have liked it shortened a little so we didn't spend so long away from Isaac.

SEKA: Love this, Sharon! You have painted a picture of Ugandan village life that rings true. Isaac is a great MC. I've just started to get to know Jacob and his family as well. I worked for a Christian org that drills water wells in Africa and our World Vision child is from Uganda, so I am definitely intrigued with this story. Well done!

Heidi
Pearl Edda

'It was the time of day when he could pretend that life was good', which tells us a great deal. The straw rhino is a nice detail, a remnant of the child in the thirteen year old. His ambivalence to his little sister is understandable. Is the dark cloud over him partially guilt about the fire? 'He wondered if having the intention to help someone was as good as actually helping them'. He's an enterprising lad, making the most of his skills and his luck. Then to Jacob, from whom pleasure and enthusiasm positively oozes out along with his open-minded appreciation for this different culture. The service is just a wonderful gathering of folk, talking building, arranging looking after the guest, meeting and greeting until the music plays. Hm, a celebrity wants to adopt an orphan from the not-yet-opened orphanage! Back to the time when Isaac had been happy with his dreams of university and football, the slow disintegration following, and then the fire, and then worse.

There's a flavour to the Isaac side this story that reminds me of something from childhood, something perhaps like the 'Brer Rabbit' tales. Despite the serious nature of Isaac's predicament, he's both innocent and crafty (in a resourceful' way). The true tragedy that emerges is surely a threat to these qualities, but I hope they survive and are eventually nourished by Jacob and the church. An eye-opening and thought-provoking story ... backed.

Possible nits: 'were pecking at the dusty ground' maybe 'pecked at the dusty ground'. Similarly, to add variation, 'he carried a bunch of matuke'. And to avoid a repeat of carry, 'balanced clay pots'? 'but the Issac's eyes'?? 'as he stepped ... as his eyes'. 'for her and for the boy', use 'for Isaac' or 'for him' as it is his point-of-view. It's probably just me, but as absorbing as the religious service was, I'd have liked it shortened a little so we didn't spend so long away from Isaac.

Sharon,
I noticed - there may be some confusion with this sentence "Moses, the girl's father, waved to Isaac as he rode by on a bicycle." Who 'he' is might be a little uncertain. Maybe change it to "Moses, the girl's father, rode by on a bicycle and waved to Isaac."

"Isaac had spent many hours practicing correct the pronunciation of the English..." Is it supposed to be "correctly"? I would maybe even write it as "Isaac had spend many hours perfecting his pronunciation of the..."

Just a couple of suggestions. Otherwise, this is a very strong first chapter. You're a natural storyteller. I want to read on when I get a chance. I will definitely back it.

This is very good. I think your style evokes images of Uganda so well. I am also impressed by the storyline, very real and moving. Thought the portrayal of Isaac was emotional and truly outstanding. – Great book.

Yours is beatifully written with precision and imagination that mede me feel for Isaac - good luck with this and it truly deserves the success - andy and vesna

Sharon Cooper:

This certainly seems to me an accurate betrayal of life in these third world countries. Not only is this a current issue, it is an issue that is being brought to light in various TV commercials in late night TV. It must have been difficult to revisit Isaac's experience; my heart certainly goes out for these people. You have done a wonderful job in capturing their essence. Backed.

There was, however, one sentence that I wanted to point out: "It was dark inside his mother's hut, but the Isaac's eyes soon adjusted" (Did you mean to leave the 'the' in front of 'Isac's?

Ida L. (Silent Storm)

I only read chapter 1, this book is very well written and truely heart breaking. It provides a very vivid picture of absolute povery. Being so poor one couldn't even imagine it. Backed with real pleasure.
BADD

SEKA

Dear Sharon,

Thank you for writing such an exquisite description of a place I've never been.

A Zoomer
Going Out in Style

Thank you for backing Seka. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Blessings!
Sharon Cooper

Thanks so much! Further along in the book I describe matuke, but maybe I need to do it earlier on. Basically, it's plantains. They're cooked many different ways, but often steamed with a g-nut (short for ground nut, which is what we call peanut) sauce. Very starchy and filling.

Your descriptive writing is wonderful! I want to know what a matuke is as well?

Good job and happily backed
Denise

Sharon, I liked your first chapter. You have a good sense of setting. Good descriptions also.

Happy to back this.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Your descriptive writing is wonderful! I want to know what a matuke is as well?

Good job and happily backed
Denise

I love how i feel like I need to swat a fly. I can see the bike going past. You paint a vivid image in my mind. Great work. I can feel the people around the river and his fear of the crocs. This is very well put together to pull me into a world that I'm not use to and excites me with all the detail. Your book is gladly backed. Good luck with the book.

Hi Sharon,
I read two chapters and enjoyed them.

The description of the church service ending in a quote from Revelations was well done.

I wondered if instead of, "The night chill was gone, but it was not hot yet." you might say, The night chill was gone, but it was not yet hot.

what is matuke? -- I'm sure you explain later but maybe better to explain as you go?

'Shooed a fly' seemed a bit weak for the tropic and I'd suggest 'shooed the flies', in the plural.

He remembers mornings 'long ago', but he's only thirteen, so it can't really have been 'long ago' even if it feels like it to him. It's not made clear at what age he left school, but as you say he was considering university, he must have been ten (to think in that way), so that's only three years -- not really 'long ago'. I hope you see what I mean.

I hope these few thoughts are helpful.

It's a pleasure to back you.

Best wishes,

Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

Sharon,
I enjoyed the read. Your writing is solid, and the MS polished. I found no mistakes.
I found the pace a little slow and would suggest two things.
If this is non-fiction, you should say so. A 'True Story' carries much weight, and allows for extended character development in the beginning. If it is fiction, you need to do some editing to quicken the pace, so that it doesn't read like a verbose diary.
Otherwise, well done.

Paul ( www.pauldaytonscifi.com )

We've Seen the Enemy

Hi Sharon
You have some beautiful descriptions of Uganda here and I love the detail you go into whilst still maintaining a strong plot. A powerful, poignant and emotional read.
DP Walker
Five Dares

This is a finely crafted, well paced well written story that is both heartwarming and tragic. Your use of imagery is excellent and your character development superb. Backed with pleasure.

Cheers,
Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

You have a very visual style, which I really like, with lots of description and detail. This is a charming, well-written story and your characters seem like real people with real problems. I like stories that deal with positive aspects of humanity, as there are so many that want to dwell on the negative possibilities of behavior. I wish you the best of luck with this.
---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

You paint a whole world for us to see. It touched me. I thought Issac was terrific, and his story tragic. His poor mother! And all he wanted was the chance to earn money for his family and to go to school. What a good heart he has! And that is the most beautiful part of the story to me. Thanks for the read and good luck!

I just want to say, from what I have read so far, I have really enjoyed. I shall, indeed, be returning. I like the way you write. It drew me in immediatly. It looks as though you have a talent!

Yip, backed with pleasure.

Hope you get the chance to take a little peek at mine.

Sincerly
Brendan Doherty
The Russian Hat

Seka's life seems so barren and so difficult. Excellent job of painting that picture for us.
Lee Ann
(Slightly Dented Halos)

Hi Sharon, An involving, hopeful chronicle. Isaac’s preparedness for his mother’s death and his responsibility towards his sister are told with picturesque details that extend to the community and his finding of the bicycle tools. In the same way, the pastors are rendered with the energy of their service. The characters bring this scenario into strong focus. Shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

A beautiful but savage country but what a setting for such a tale. Life is so hard and yet Isaac needs to be brave and adaptable. I am a couple of chapters in and really enjoying it so far so happy to back.

Pete

Hi Sharon,

Love the cover and the pitch. This is very well written and is an enthralling story. You’re a wonderful storyteller. This is bound to be a great success.

“No. I am not going to pick you up. Okutambula, You walk,” You walk should be you walk – the y in lowercase.

The story truly came alive. The imagery was great. Good pacing and well-crafted characters. A fascinating read.

Shinzy :)

I read the first two chapters and backed this. Those chapters are very atmospheric and the reader is taken straight into the environment of Seka. I don't doubt Seka is Everyman in Uganda, a prototype for thousands of youngsters. all the more poignant. I don't think your later chaptes are as compelling, although the story line is carried along. Is it the Christian theme which hampers the flow? Perhaps it is justthat you are not as familiar with those rooms and people. There's a distance.

Readers here will not know Uganda. They will want to know more on the basis of those first chapters. Keep the detail, of the scenes, the thinking of the characters. There's so much which is really special here.

Good luck
Rosalind
Good For Him

SEKA
I like stories that take me away from my everyday world and transport me to a new and different one. And this book certainly does that as it moved me to a poor village in Uganda. Seka is a wonderful main character; he’s both likable and sympathetic in the way he has to help his family survive under abominable living conditions. His struggle makes this a good read. I’ve added this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

This is poignant, inspirational work. Backed with pleasure!
Abi xxx

Hello Sharon. Your story is really inspirational. The surroundings are well depicted and Isaac's lovable character comes across well. I liked the little bit with the bicycle repair kit, it really was as if he'd found gold. Wish you the best of luck with this and the next story! mariecapri (Cosmic Linx)

Looking for a few books I can put on my shelf so it's not empty. I don't have a lot of time to read while I'm trying to write (if I do read something new and good I can't concentrate on my writing till I've had time to process what I've read) but neither do I want my shelf full of stuff I would never read anyway. Your book looks like one I could get into, so I'm shelving it.

Vreneli
With Such Enemies

Love the pitch, excellent writing displayed

A wonderful read set in a fantastic setting. Not my usual type of read but your writing hooked me and encouraged me to read further.

An emotional read with a premise that promises to keep the reader engaged for many a good hour.

Happily shelved
Melxx
Impeding Justice