The Randle Chronicles : Lord Randle's Wee

You are totally fantastic, Stewart/Vanessa!! :) How can I ever thank you enough for backing my memoirs/testimony book? :) God bless you. :) Love, Susie :) p.s. I just looked to see if I had ******-ed your book & it is ******-rated (6 gold ******'s) :) Every ****** -ing & backing more than 24 hours moves our books up authonomy's lists. :) I want to ask you if you could please keep my book on your bookshelf because I'm #6 on the editor's desk & have to be in the top 5 to be chosen, the end of January :) - I had a mini-stroke Nov. 10 with slurred speech for an hour & numbness of tongue still & over 24 smaller ones where I couldn't speak since & I"d sure like to cross the finish line of the editor's desk after 10 months trying on authonomy. :) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me :) - I have lost 3 sisters to strokes & my last sister, Mary had 2 heart attacks this past year.

I didn’t read a lot of this, but what I did read made me laugh out loud. Not backed because of lack of space, but definitely starred and enjoyed.

Stewart - just read chpts 14 and 15; I may never have sex again!! I love Lady Randle! But she's so cringe-making!! Yr description of her garter as a 'frivalous tourniquet' nearly made me spit my tea out - the horror, the horror!! But so funny. Am going to give you six stars just for Lady Randle's appalling attempts at seduction! Argh!!! Ceeds

I've had a good scan of the 'Anniversary Surprises' Chapter 11. Beautifully written as per usual - and some superb analogies; my personal fave being the barman's response to the 'cold and unpleasantly lumpy' soup!

I really don't think I could add anything to this. Hugely enjoyable as ever. This truly delightful writing shows an author who has totally cornered the market in expert and flowing comic prose - and I just can't recommend or rate it highly enough.

What good style! Flowing, comprehensive, easy on the eye. Not my genre of choice, but interesting none the less.
A good command of the English language (not something everyone on Authonomy can boast about, sadly) a devilish sense of humour, and quirky characters ... oh, why can't our bookshelves be longer!!!

Jaydee - The Chronicles of Eva

This is beautiful narrative and a stunning opening to what I believe will be historical fiction with a strong plot and fascinating characters. The opening dialogue endeared the characters, and the story itself, to me immediately, and the contrast of evocative description works well. I loved the short narrative snapshots that made up the balance of chapter 1. Humor interlaces this chapter (via dialogue) and that's another added plus. There's just so much to admire in this book. The author has written this with flair and inteligence. I will happily back it as soon as a spot is open on my shelf.

Lizzi
(Out of Sync)

Amongst the mediocre, the unoriginal, and the downright shite on authonomy, it's heartening to know that there are still authors here who can command the English language. Beautifully written.

I simply adore Lady Randle! You have a wonderful, light comedy touch and I am highly jealous! Good luck with this book, you deserves. Will put you on my book shelf now and come back to read more when I can. Thanks for backing my book 'Joe's Nan'; knowing that you enjoyed it, really makes me happy. All the best, Ceeds

ps I love your Nom de Plume - Vanessa, my nether eye!!

I came back to read more and use the new star rating system. It's time more people realised that a 'light-hearted read' would sell. Well done. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

What a fun read read! A few minor typos but otherwise a great book for an otherwise very dull morning. :)

This reads like a cross between Tom Sharpe and PG Wodehouse (with more of the former than the latter), and hence likely to have a large audience. Lots of invention, wacky characters, clever turns of phrase and outrageous incidents. Not really my kind of thing, but I got more and more into it from Chapter 3 onwards. Minor typo in Chapter 2: ‘lent forward’ should be ‘leant forward’ and, further on, a sentence I could not understand however hard I tried: “Whatever about resorting ... ”. You use “Whatever about” elsewhere, so it may have a meaning I’m not familiar with. And there’s one thing that really troubles me. Your photo of Vanessa Darnleigh is not at all how I envisage her from the story!

Thank you Stewart for your backing - re-backing yours. It is a literary delight.

blessings,
jim

Stuart -

The Randle Chronicles - I thought I did but can't find the comment I thought I left. Oh, this site seriously affects my sanity. A celebratory banquet, indeed, with a great take on the English gentry. Wonderful characters. Cathartic English humour has a faithful readership, so this should find a publisher.

On my WL, trying hard to shelf books. For now a bright star. Pia

A scan through CH1 - I really like this Stuart - very impressed. My only advice would be to get banging on some agents doors, me auld mucker - shelved.

Irish oysters should do the trick, but viagra does not result in the retching and all the chamber-pot activity. At least, that's what I heard. The mags from Ivan's store a little more effective than the oysters. But still, the days before viagra or the Internet were tough for the gentleman of leisure. "I can see you are a gentleman of refined tastes," and so I've placed your entertaining book on my shelf for another go.

This is unlike anything I have ever read. New genre for me. I read ch1 to orient myself. Then, because my inbox was filling up with read requests, moved to ch 5-7 to see how things went.

The language and subject matter was so new to me I found myself learning "the story" rather than seeing a big picture to critique. That's an apology.

The dialogue in the bar scene seemed to really anchor things for me.

I found myself laughing and able to relax in ch 6--being acclimated now to the style of the prose.

There were a lot of bizarre twist and turns and people which added a lot of color to your story. My closest reference was Montey Python--but that doesn't at all do justice to what I found in terms of plot and humor. I found myself settling in and enjoying it.

I am so far out of my league here. I imagine you're working in an established genre and I fret to say anything about changes because I'm uncertain of your rules. I had a feeling that if I had more context (culturally and historically) the prose would have been richer. As if I were missing allusions and jokes due to my own ignorance.

I don't offer that last statement as a critique of your work--but of this reader.

This is, indeed, a lascivious romp. However, I didn't feel sufficiently engaged with the characters to fully appreciate the humour. (P.G. Wodehouse's tales are absurd - but one laughs as much at the characters - whom we feel we know, as at the situations they land themselves in.) I feel the tale would benefit from some tweaking of the characterisation.

First I must note that the "cherry pick" feature is not in use, most likely because all the comments are favorable and I must add to this list as well. Oh, should say "Firstly" but I never liked the word. Historical fiction is a great place for comedy, I write with that in mind as well. The gift of this writer is dialogue, especially the names of characters (Countess Darnleigh, Lord Bunton) and the things worthy of "being obsessed about." I'm not sure how to assign star ranks because of the site changes, but I read the definitions and this work rates them all (six in number) in my opinion. Chuck & Mr. Nom de Plume.

As others have said it is funny however not my normal read.

The dialogue seems to be trying too hard and feels as though it stop starts for me. Picked a few chapters at random and the pace is good just not my thing, sorry.

Good luck,

Red

Perhaps one needs to be a bit more British than I (lol) to enjoy this fully, but I did read the first three chapters and sampled some others. If I find it funny, I suspect others across the water will too. Good luck.
Lenore
Surviving the Seaweed

I'm looking forward to the day (in about a week) when I can return the reading. In the meantime I took a quick peek at your book, laughed, and put it on my bookshelf as a placeholder. It reminds me of Cold Comfort Farm and I'm hoping it will prove just as funny.

The scenes are funny and well written, immediately putting you 'there' as you read them - a very visual style. I was reminded of many different things (all British) as I read - Black Adder, Python, and every so slight tinges of George MacDonald Fraser, with whose work I daresay you must be familiar? It moves around a bit in the early going, which would be the only thing I can suggest you might look at tightening up - other than that I think it is very well done!!

This is wonderful, great fun. I love the snide tone and the innuendo. You had me hooked at the oysters.

Stewart, however hilarious, not to say slapstick, this story may be, I'm never sure what is the focus of readership, and consequently how it would be received by a publisher.
High-flown dialogue (hardly Elizabethan, more Wodehousean) and more anachronisms than Shakespeare could have dreamed of, might raise many an eyebrow.
It is of course a fantasy, but what sort of world are we living in here, when Henry (VIII?) was warring in Europe, Lord Randle had a "prostate" problem, guests were rushing home for a "shower" - after drinking "burgundy" - the hostess was drinking "gin," and Singapore and Hong Kong were already on the map? (Which map?) All great fun, though It just makes me wonder when these proceedings will break down into some sort of farcical comic strip.
Best wishes for your success,
David Grant.
It's great fun, but

Tom Sharp at his best! Delightful!
Regards
Magus

Haha! I did enjoy the salmon mousse! I can tell you enjoy Tom Sharpe, its a cross between him and Jane Austen! ok, maybe not her, but its funny and well put together.

And yay for starting a novel with dialogue! I salute you!

Good story telling and very funny. Really enjoyed it.

This is hilarious!!! i hope to someday be considered in "excellent second hand condition" myself.
Backed!

I really love this... and at times genuinely laughed out loud. This is definitely not something I would normally pick up off the shop shelf, so you caught me completely by surprise.

I'm backing this one and shall return when I have time, to read some more. Loved it...Fab!

Thank you for your comments on my work.

Natalie.

Hi Stewart.

This is totally delightful nonsense and I loved every minute. It is a pleasure to find a novel that flows at such a slow pace and yet still appears to hold tension. I only wish I had the time to read more. Backed. James,

Wonderfully written humor! Totally preposterous, which I find endearing. Best of luck with this, Backed.
Jedward (Knut)

I read one paragraph and already I was laughing. This looks like it's totally up my street! It's gone straight on my bookshelf, and I shall get back to you with more comments, as soon as I've read some more.

Hello Sewart, I started reading your work awhile back. I enjoy the consistency of your story telling. Sentences string together logically and effortlessly. I'm re-backing because I've been told that a lot of my backings haven't been registering. Hopefully, my last comments made it your way!

blessings,
jim
jack & charmian london

Hi Stewert,

I liked this. I thought it was very funny. I totally got the characters and i think you did a great job of describing this set of oddballs and toffs. When Lord Randle chokes on the embedded fishbone, I thought you described it excellently. Humour is subjective to the reader yes, but you can't knock good writing. Backed with pleasure.

Sar

Hotel Carousel

Humour is to an extent subjective, and this didn't particularly appeal to mine, but it's an original writing style with lots of action. There seem to be passages of pure dialogue, and then passages only of narrative, but overall it flows well and clearly a lot of readers found it very funny.

Your command of english is very good, but there is a LOT going on and many characters are introduced very quickly. The first thing the editors will think is "marketing". As a novel, I feel you're looking at a niche market - this doesn't have mainstream appeal. Truth be told, I think it would work a lot better as a radio play, and I would seriously consider looking into adapting it for this.

You've definitely got something, but I feel you're in the wrong pond.

Marcus

I'm sure it's good but I can't seem to wrap my head around the old words and the jokes fly right over my head. It's just hard to read a single line.

Sorry but I'll put in on my watch list

Oye that's some rough humor, I like it! Took me a bit to get into the accents, for someone not familiar with the slang it takes a moment to figure out what naughty words translates into an American naughty word. ;) Good attention getting first paragraph, though the characters are a bit....horrible. I hope they get their just desserts at some point. :D

Haha..delightful! Don't think I've ever read anything written about puking in such an elegantly amusing way! your characters come to life..backed!

Hello Stewart, A very enjoyable read! Apart from being a very good writer of modern prose, you seem to have a pretty good command of historical English as well. Delightfully irreverent with wonderful well-rounded characters (especially the 12 year old in the opening paragraphs).
Best not to try drinking whilst reading this; you're liable to wind up spilling most of it.
Backed with pleasure. Best of luck! Hudson, (The Power of the Pegalore).

What a delicious romp! Very much in that rich vein of British drollery that goes back to Henry Fielding.

Take my sincere advice. Retire now. Write full-time.

Backed with a good whump to the rear, by Jove!

Particularly enjoyed the description of his complexion.
BACKED
Raquel
Foxblood

A great read. Very well written. In stories set in this time period a little crudeness is to be expected and helps set the tone. I can already sense the intrigue and upcoming conspiracies. Backed with pleasure.

Thank you for your support of my novel.

Herschel Shirley

First impressions: very funny - crude in places, but very witty and well thought out. That 16th century bunch were a randy lot. Writing flows well and is suited to the humour and historical setting. Good job.

--R.N.

Can't help but take to this book, it's hard to put down once started.
The humourous side of it is wonderful, and a great deal of thought has gone into writing it.
I have only read to Ch. 3 but intend to come back to it, its such a laugh and also an excellent story.
I back it of course. SHELVED.

Thanks for backing my 1st book, much appreciated.

kind regards,

Neville (The Secrets Of The Forest - Series)

The Randle Chronicles.- backed
Hi Stewart, I loved the humour in this - a great dig at the astrisos. But I wasn't sure about the very first bit from long ago. I also thought some of the asterixes between paragraphs were unnecessary. You only need these if the following paragraph is unrelated to the one before. Good luck and thanks for your backing.
Kristen Stone
Kianda Mala - The Monkey Man
Shattered Dreams

Hi Stewart ...

Good solid humour with a touch of Henry Fieldings Tom Jones about it. Good strong characters and period dialogue. The plot appears to be developing well and the story flows steadily onward.

I do have a few suggestions to make. The ellipsis should be: 'word ... word' with a space before and after. At the end of dialogue it should be: 'word ...' with a space before only. At the beginning of dialogue it should be: '... word' with a space after only.

I would also cut the number of ellipsis in the first paragraph.
Line 4 the ellipsis is unnecessary: line 7the last one is unnecessary, also missing quotation mark: line 8 last one unnecessary: line 10 ellipsis not necessary: lines 11 & 12, the last ellipsis is not necessary.

The sentence that starts: 'The Wee was ...' seems an awfully long sentence (54 words) and it contains the line: her ladyship, who had had one sherry too many ...' I would prefer: 'her ladyship who had drunk one sherry too many ...'

Finally, words ending 'ed' are past tense, so 'had' before them is not always needed: 'had returned'. 'had claimed', 'had intervened', 'had organized'.

I now apologise for my pickiness and hope I have been of some help. Please remember these are only my thoughts. 'Backed'. regards ... Duncan.

I love the title :)

More, please!!

Dear Stewart,
A true feast for the Anglophile and I enjoyed every wit filled moment. I had to look up several words--I love that and your horrid characters. I read three chapters. Do we ever find a nice one? The only thing askew I noticed was that I didn't know exactly when in history the story landed. Perhaps throw in a date here and there. You may have and I may well have missed it. Great writing.
Caroline
KC Hart
Summer Rose

Dear Stewart R Carry,

As an Anglophile, I thought I knew the Brits. Then I came on Authonomy and realized I had a lot to learn. Now, I stumble upon The Rangle Chronicles and know I know nothing at all. However, I do believe some of your predecessors Chaucer and Shakespeare would have a great big feast with this.

Best and backed and feeling very wee, indeed.

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School