Northwind

Welcome! I hope you will enjoy these opening chapters of my book, NOIRTHWIND. Please accept my invitation to leave behind this historical era that we were born into and dare to "Enter Another Age" - the world of early Viking Europe. Put aside our modern ways of thinking and immerse yourself in the hardships and joys, struggles and triumphs of early Eighth Century life. Meet the Ivarssons and their complex family relationships from Moira's eyes as she strives to enter their world and understand this new, frightening and yet exhilerating way of life.

Hi, I have enjoyed reading your book and I have backed it . Perhaps you would like to have a look at mine, Penrose - Princess of Penrith, also set in the Viking era. If you like it, will you back it. Many thanks if you do. Best wishes, John

Dolores,

I've read the first couple of chapters of Northwind, and there's a lot I like. You have a strong sense of characters and setting at the outset - the scenes between Moira and her father are beautifully done. I don't know enough about the Ireland of the late eighth century to speak on the accuracy, though the language at times seems to come from a bit later time. In that same vein, I don't know if "Ireland" and "Norway" were the names the inhabitants of the time used for their lands. "Eire" might fit for Ireland. Prior to 872 Norway was a variety of petty kingdoms, all with different names. One of the challenges of good historical fiction is how much the author want to (or feels they need to) delve into the time period in which they set their tale. Part of what bogs me down at times is getting so deep into the research that it slows down my actual writing.

Your plot really takes off fast, and I have a very strong sense of Moira, of who she is. I have a less concrete sense of Eirik and his family. Midway through chapter one, the dialogue starts to drive the narrative, and the descriptions start to take a back seat, other than some really lovely setting language. I'd like to know more about the "Gaill", how they look, how they sound, who they are. It would make the breakneck plot easier for me to follow.

All of this is intended in the spirit of shared striving and the quality we're all aiming for. You are an imaginative and gifted storyteller. I look forward to reading more.

Thanks,

Joe

You make great use of dialogue that allows the reader to form s strong picture of your characters and their kinship. I was slightly confused by the POV at times and a few other niggles, but overall it was good start. As a reader (and attempted author) of historical fiction and I do think it has promise.

Well done,

Linton

i really like your premise, so i am taking advantage of the new system and supporting this book again...
j

Dear Dolores, poor old Moira, looking for passion and understanding, maybe in a harsh, unkind world! But where old Paramours, awaken your passion, to stand and fight, for what you believe in. I loved your book, [because I wish I could be there]. It enveloped me enormously, with the emotional content, reflecting what other's see as a cruel time, [but coming from a a ladies point of view, rather than some, testosterone fuelled troglidyte, thirsty for the sight of blood and guts. I wish you well for the future! And I can't thank you enough Dolores, for everything you've helped me with. Take care, until we meet again. Cicuta. [Carl, Arcane].

Hi Dolores,

I had great pleasure reading "Northwind". Your language skills bring the reader back in time; your descriptions and narrative are very vivid with emotions, colors, sounds, and smell. The story is engaging and your writing style is poetic.

Glad to support your work.

Hope you can take a look at my book and let me know your thoughts.

David Placeres
Sunless Shadows

HI Dolores. I have enjoyed reading your novel. The prose is good, plot is strong and the story flows well. Dialogue could do with tightening in places, unless it is purposely written to portray the old way of talking. I am still unsure of whether it would be right for today's readers though. Also cut down drastically on the number of exclamation marks in the dialogue at the beginning of chapter 1. They lose their impact when used so freely. There are some, who believe, they are redundant and should not be used. I just use them sparingly.

Hope this helps, backed. Best Wishes. James.

I enjoyed reading some of this. I like in particular how the north wind has a personality of its own. All the best, Sana

From the pitch, this sounds like it'll be a great story. The writing is good, and I was immediately hooked by the prologue. There is great dialogue between the characters, and Moira is a great MC - she's a tough, spunky character who is easy to like. Wonderful descriptions and fantastic action-filled plot!

Good luck!

Selena Hallahan - 'With Teeth'/'Thicker than Water'

I usually read science fiction and horror novels, but this peaked my interest. I don't know if this is all historically accurate, but it's quite interesting how society and interactions between one another were those many years ago. Backed. :)

Hi,

have read the first two chapters and have to say you are a great writer. I was totally in the story. I like Moira already and Eirik. I've backed with pleasure.

Good luck to you

Sar

Charming! A Viking saga slash soap opera....I love the fiesty heroine Moira.

Patricia
Super-Nature Heroes

This was like stepping back in time, a genre that has always fascinated me. Brilliantly written, exciting and compelling. Happy to back it. Eunice - THe Temple Dancer.

What a fascinating beginning. Very well done. I came to look at your book after I saw a comment you made on another one. You are a very good writer. I hope you do well with this book.

I would truly appreciate your comments on my fantasy novel, Earth Reaver.
Herschel Shirley

Good historical drama. Well crafted and a good read.
Backed.

Hi Dolores!

This is astounding! I like reading various dialogues 'cause probably it builds an intriguing part of the story. Good descriptions and narration of the setting and atmosphere. Backed :)

- Ches

Going further into Three:

The summer was closing. Set the scene. I presume we're in Moira's pov. Who is walking beside her? Why are they there?
There is a jump between scenes, I think. Halva turned away from her vigil of watching the girl...which girl? Is Halva walkig? Or, are they at home watching Moira walk outside? Then Maegrith says...Watch that girl. Does she mean keep an eye on her outside? Or watch continuously?
Next para it's winter. I'm floundering. I'm sure you can ground the reader with a few more sentences. Something like: Time slid by. Moira walked, Halva and Maegrith discuss watching her, and before they know it, it's winter. ...but now she kept Halva with her at all times. Is this Maegrith's pov?

I've read up to the scene break and must admit to being confused. I think you could fix this by remaining in one pov for the whole section. Hope this helps.

I always think it's a difficult task to re-create characters and places in an historical setting , of which we know little other than from history books. IN such situations finding a voice for the characters must be a particularly daunting task. Northwind introduces us into dialogue almost immediately and I believe it works well . Backed K.J>

Sensitive characterization, a spunky heroine, and a good mix of lyrical passages. The story line is intriguing, and you're able to sell it well.

Congratulations.

Wendy Bertsch
(Once More...From the Beginning)

Northwind is one of those novels that will appeal to a very wide audience. You’ve got the relationship angle between Moria and her suitor/captor Eirik. Then you have a somewhat historical tale of life as a Viking. And you have some action and adventure to boot. I started reading and ended up plowing through all seven of the available chapters. Author Dolores A McCabe does a wonderful job of pacing, keeping the reader hungry for what happens next. And even though these characters lived hundreds of years ago, their emotions and reactions and human interactions is perfectly realistic. The dialog is simply the icing on the cake, as it is believable and serves to remind us that these are rustic, tough people not of our own comparatively comfortable modern times. It its my sincere hope that McCabe writes more and finishes this delightful tale.

I like what I've so far read; chapter one, you've gave a vivid picture of the viking age--something I've never experienced in a story like yours. I'll return to back once I can get to pop books on my shelf, got a little bit of problem.

This story is really well told, with realistic dialogue and wonderful characterisations. Backed with pleasure. Colin

In the second half of (2) I read of the great tragedies between the feuding families. This is beautifully told in a linting language which combines the Irish and North lands.

I have other duties to see to first..." Missing quotes at the beginning.

It was very late when Moira woke with a start. In this para the 'they' words are confusing. You start with the men being they, then go on to their animals, which should be Eric & Moira's animals. It just needs some rewording.

Great story. Big. Tragedy and love, what a combination.

Francene.

Dolores, I don't think we share literary interests, but I do think you have a lovely voice in your writing. Also, you have persistance, which more than anything is the thing that will get you noticed in this busines. I wish you all luck!
Backed with genuine pleasure
Peter Wild

This looks like an interesting read. Also, an interesting premise for a book. However, I am not convinced that the year is 795 AD. Backed because I believe one your straighten out the issues of time this will be worth reading. Lisa

Interesting

Hi Delores,

I'm reading Chapter 2.

In the para beginning: 'Eric shoved Moira toward the old woman' I feel confused. All the women's names, three different ones. I don't know who is who.This could be cleared up. You don't say how Moira is able to understand their words after she is taken in to live in the shed. Because she can't understand them in the boat before they arrive home. Can the Vikings understand two languages?

I'm only half way through the chapter. Well--it is a long one. I'll get back to the latter part later.

Francene.

Delores,
Northwind is lovely, a fresh arctic wind. I loved the beginning and the prologue, too. Your characters are rich and real. Your prose melts in the heart like chocolate cake in the mouth. I know Northwind will go far.
Caroline
KC Hart
Summer Rose

Delores,

This is beautiful. I'm staggered. I haven't read anything else so stunning in haunting beauty. I'm backing your book with all my heart and hope you get the credit you deserve--a book deal.

Ms McCabe, I read your preface and first chapter. What is there to say? I'm a sucker for good dialogue, and you have definitely roped me in. Nothing to nitpick in those two sections.

Happy to back your work.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

It starts with the promise that we will hear all of Moria's story, that she will grow old and have her sons around her at the end. From there, we're more than happy to go back and risk her past alongside her. It's not an auspicious start, 'It's a shrew you are, Moria', and that's her dad. But he has worse things to say, and a weight to lay on her. Then disaster strikes. And Moria now belongs to a Viking youth, not that the fact makes her any better behaved…

The dialect is a delight, 'It's a fine wall you're building here, Fen', the brogue clear without resorting to odd spellings. And the writing is full of charm and mythic style: 'The breeze mourned with her', 'I will take you in spite of all Ireland can do to hold you'. The Vikings are a fascinating subject even to those not normally drawn to historic fiction, and the expertise will impress the most critical aficionados. This novel should do really well … backed.

Possible nits: 'Leave off, Rea!' struck me as a bit too modern. Maybe tell the reader earlier that the Vikings are speaking Irish some of the time, if they are doing, e.g. '"I chased her. I caught her. She's mine." This spoken in a guttural Irish that Moria could just make out'.

Absolutely LOVED what I read. This is one of those books (and I haven't found all that many here) that I want to read sitting on a couch with a cup of tea and a blanket. Just beautiful. Backed, and I wish you the very best. Don't know what will happen here on Authonomy, which seems heavy with vampires, demons and thrills....but this deserves an audience.

Excellent work. I like Vikings and the sea sick poem. Backed. Chuck (Literary Agent Blues) (Uboat Officer)

Ver well written and easy to read. Deftly drawn characters and a strong start.

I was a little disappointed how she met Eirik. The pitch made it sound better than the actual story, which sort of skimmed over it. i think how they first meet and clash is quite important and the pitch version preferable to him just picking her up and walking off.

Overall the prose is very accomplished and it's an entertaining read. Backed.

This new first chapter seems excellent


Lynne Ellison

The Green Bronze MIrror

Beautiful prose and a perfect, feisty, wilful main character. The perfect read for a cold night in front of the fire.
Backed with pleasure

Jo G

The MC reminds me of Queen Maeve, my favorite female character in literature. I love period pieces that wrap me up in a completely different time and place.

Memphisgirl
Ashes By Now

I was sure I read this before, but I guess I was wrong. It's a fascinating time period and setting since parts of Northern Europe were still pagan and weaving in and out of the semi-literate societies in existence after the breakup of Rome. I like that you use a gutsy Irish lass as the protagonist who gets swept away by the Vikings. "I chased her. I caught her. She's mine." Backed.

An impressive feat of imagination written with vitality and lyrical insight. Nice contrast with the intimacy of homelife and the tempestuous events outside threatening its tender domesticity. Moira is immediately engaging as a character as is all the visual imagery. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

Dolores,
I love your delicious descriptions of Ireland in Chapter One of Northwind. They remind me of my own descriptions of the coast of Ireland in Chapter Eleven of Titanic: Rose Dawson's Story. As a writer of historical fiction, I can truly appreciate the research that went into writing this captivating tale. Backed with pleasure.

A wonderful story told with exquisite lyricism. Backed.

Miles A. Robinson
Song for My Father/ Loud Lucy Ludlow

Consider reducing the number of exclamation marks. Overuse diminishes their effectiveness. Other than that, this is a good story with well developed characters. Vivid writing. Backed.

The period is brilliantly painted by yourself and the writing is tight. Human issues done across time that is broken down to themes of family, very good indeed

Dolores, This has a very poetic feel and your descriptives are wonderful, however the problem I had was in following the storyline I got lost and found myself re-reading quite a bit There is alot going on and I had a hard time following the characters I felt like I was watching instead of participating in the journey..

I think if we would have met them individually first, gotten some background on each the story would have flowed better and given us an emotional connection. I think with some tweaking this will be great.

Backed with Pleasure Patricia aka Columbia Layers of the heart

Dolores, This has a very poetic feel and your descriptives are wonderful, however the problem I had was in following the storyline I got lost and found myself rereading quite a bit There is alot going on and I had a hard time following the characters I felt like I was watching instead of participating in the journey..

I think if we would have met them individually first, gotten some background on each the story would have flowed better and given us an emotional connection. I think with some tweaking this will be great.

Backed with Pleasure Patricia aka Columbia Layers of the heart

Well. What to make of this? Not my usual read. I like strong female leads but....Simple and straightforward writing with short sentences. Rebellious female and some history. There is some poetry in the writing and I think it worth backing. Cheers, B. Cameron Lee (Diary of a Serial Killer)

This is a very entertaining story with a very engaging MC in Moira. Great period of history to explore, and lots of unusual angles here. Description is evocative and dialogue has good 'voice' to it.
slight nit: in your long pitch, who is the they that are permitted to return home?
Jim Darcy
The Firelord's Crown

Dear Dolores,
I have not read all your book, I jsut love the book cover but I have already said this and more before...I have already commented and backed your book a while ago, but cannot see the backing anywhere. So i am taking the time to back it again because I believe your book is WORTH IT

BEST OF LUCK

Hi Dolores, you have a talent for writing in a historical mode. Your book is well researched and comes across very well. I wish you good luck with it.
SHELVED.

Many thank's for backing my book.

regard's,

Neville (The Secrets Of The Forest - Book One)

Dear Dolores, I read your first chapter till nearly the end. I always look for what I dont like in someone's work than what I like. For the good bits I always back the book, but for what I dont like I leave a commnet. I 'm not a great writer or native English speaker. I critique a book from what exactly I feel about it. Of course, this book deserves all the good comments here. What I found difficut was to connect with the charachters, which means I did not like your characters. The reason is probably too much dialogues between your characters, in the first chapter; too much. I would have liked lots of texts than lots of dialogues in your story. I could not follow the story either, you could blame my english for that, or blame the way you have chosen to tell your story; which I still think could be the amount of dialogues. What I am telling you is only my thoughts and how I feel. There is nothing wrong to keep them in your mind and do what you think is best for your story. As I said, I always look for the negitive. Of course, there are lots of good things in your book which I am backing it for.

Shah