The Gift

This is a beautifully written book for children with a hugely important message. As a fellow writer for children, I must salute your accessible writing style which is utterly appropraite for your target audience. This is very difficult to achieve and you do it so well. I am not coming at this froma spiritual point of view, just one as a fellow kids writer and I can find nothing to fault in the five chapters that I have read.
Carl
The Time Hunters

This is so well done that I had my ten year old daughter, a budding writer in her own right, read it with me. She is also an acolyte at our church and attends Sunday school. She loves it and would like to see it published and buy a copy to take to our pastor. I agree with her, you have a beautiful storytelling voice and tone. Backed.

I hope you will give mine read and back it if you like it.
Best,
Robert
Golden Conspiracy

THE GIFT
This is a unique kind of book in that it includes questions parents can ask a child to initiate discussion. I think you’ll find an audience for this in a Christian bookstore. I’m adding it to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Valerie,

This is a wonderfully enchanting approach to evangelism that is so simple a little child can comprehend it, and so can this 65 year old grandfather.

I loved the gift box of many lights and gifts that reminded me of the Urrim and Thummim, "lights and perfections." that spoke for God in the Old Testament. God is light and children love light, and sparkledies, and glowing things, and things that talk. I really had fun with the stars and sun and multi-colored lights in the box. Nice way to explain salvation. It was also nice for me to visualize the scene.

I do desktop publishing and I wrote and illustrated a children's book for my then three year old granddaughter. It was based on one of her favorite toys, a plush horsey. I can't publish it because I ripped off all the wonderful characters I could find to support the book. She loved it. I can see this story loaning itself to an illustrated high gloss, high resolution book. You really did the storyline well, developed the box and contents in an extraordinary way, rounded out the story and brought it to an exciting climax.

You do write in a smooth style with a creative imagination that is up to the challenge to develop such a work.

I am impressed with your efforts and wish you the best with its success. I back the book and wish you God's most bestest blessings.

PawPaw Mike LaRiviere
Eden's Door

A nice story with good ideas at the end. I would have used this in our family prayer time a few years back. Don't think my now teenage daughters would go for it now. Still it is well written and a useful resource for Christian families. Backed with pleasure. Alan "The Right Yoke".

Hi Valerie!

Since you haven’t been to Authonomy for a while, I hope it’s okay that I’m sending this through your book comment:

I’d like to thank you for backing BRAINRUSH (a Thriller) last year. Because of you it hit the Authonomy Number-1 slot, attracted an agent, and landed a film option. Now that’s a brain-rush! The formal book launch is September 1st and the sequel will be released in December. None of this would have been possible without your help. So, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Sincerely,
Richard Bard, BRAINRUSH

PS. If you want a good laugh, check out the temporary book-trailer video on the BRAINRUSH website. It’s there as a placeholder for the upcoming professional video. The current one features children and it’s guaranteed to make you smile! And yes, the younger kid on the screen is really me. You can see the video at www.RichardBard.com. The link is also on my Authonomy profile page. While you’re there, check out the “Feel the Rush” promotion that will get you BRAINRUSH plus 2 FREE thrillers from the Kindle Top-20 PAID Bestseller list – yes, really!

Wonderful allegory, Valerie! And a good job breaking it down for your readers! Backed and many starred!

Love Christian reads. Always enjoy the insight and love of Christ expressed by others. Will read.
Tom Balderston
The Wonder of Terra

Dear Valerie,
Your story has touched a very deep chord within me. A beautiful piece that Christians around the world will love and cherish. The Gift is a heart warming novel filled with the joy and peace of God's infinite love and forgiveness.
Backed with utmost pleasure
Helen
The Last Dream

The Gift.

The finely captured narrative voice teaches and entertains through allegory that is not limited to the enjoyment of Christians alone.

An imagination centered, wide lens and intelligent piece of Christian writing.

Backed.

Azam Gill
“Blasphemy!”

This is such a well written and inspiring book that I would use it in my class for Social and Personal development. I would have to use thoughts from other major faiths as well to back up the issues but you have done the hard wok in bringing them together in an easily digestible form in the first place. Thank you for sharing this and bringing it to my attention.
Jim Darcy
the Firelord's Crown

Valarie,

I have already backed your book and I went back over to skim the chapters again. Just one very minor recommendations for this delightful read. One, you may want to italicize thoughts within quotation marks. This ets thoughts off from actual dialogue that is said.

I still think this is such a neat idea.

PawPaw Mike LaRiviere
Eden's Door

Very much like this very well thought out and instructional book.
Brilliant use of open questions to facilitate discussion and great stories.
Great structure and a great Christian values. Good luck with this!

Very well written book that is sure to better the lives of the young.

Much pleasure in backing this

Hi Valerie, Written nicely for the beginning reader and with much active description. Tom’s response to his embarrassment is so human for a child yet it could lead to more embarrassment. The discussion questions would make this a Christian reader. The story involves so that when the discussion comes, that should bring some repartee. Shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

This is a beautifully written book for children with a hugely important message. As a fellow writer for children, I must salute your accessible writing style which is utterly appropraite for your target audience. This is very difficult to achieve and you do it so well. I am not coming at this froma spiritual point of view, just one as a fellow kids writer and I can find nothing to fault in the five chapters that I have read.
Carl
The Time Hunters

Clever premise. Thomas is a sympathetic character. Your imagery is effective. For example, Thomas in the puddle. This is a well-crafted, thought-provoking children's story about important issues. Backed

My neice had a go at reading this. She is now a confirmed atheist. Thanks for that!

Hello Valerie. Thomas is a great MC. I love the way you have set out his emotional challenges and then discussed the topic The quotes are really good. You have a good voice and have done this is a clever way. Backed and wish you all the best with it! Maria, (Cosmic Linx)

Hi Valerie,

What a nice story! I'm sure children will love it. I felt that the length was just right and the message is an important one.

Backed with pleasure, Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys (adult)

A nice story with good ideas at the end. I would have used this in our family prayer time a few years back. Don't think my now teenage daughters would go for it now. Still it is well written and a useful resource for Christian families. Backed with pleasure. Alan "The Right Yoke".

A wonderful unique read. Can definitely see this being handed out in schools far and near.

Happy to shelve such fine writing.
Melxxx
Impeding Justice

THE GIFT
This is a unique kind of book in that it includes questions parents can ask a child to initiate discussion. I think you’ll find an audience for this in a Christian bookstore. I’m adding it to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

This is original & presented in a unique manner - it is interesting and thought provoking & certainly makes you think about what you have just read. I think this will be a really useful book in schools & should do well. Best wishes - Paula (Cuthbert: How mean is my Valley?)

Backed with pleasure. Well crafted and polished.

Liz
The Cheech Room

Hi Valerie,

I have backed your book because I was hooked by the pitch, loved the introduction and read on. How much more I read depends on time and commitment.

Enjoy everything and good luck.

Rusty Bernard
Psychiatric Evaluation

This is a a unique and engaging piece of work designed to allow easy and calm discussion between parent and child about real life issues. There was the occasional punctuation error, but other than that, it's clear that you've put a lot of thought into this piece.

Backed with pleasure.
Abi xxx

Entertaining and engaging parables that can be read by schools and Sunday schools as well as at home. 'Its' doesn't need an apostrophe when it's possessive, only when it's an abrreviation of 'it is'. Sometimes there's a comma missing before the closing inverted comma. But these are little things, easily put right. It's your ingeniously thought-out book that's important. Backed. Lynn

Thank you so much! I appreciate the encouragement!!

Hi Valerie! I read the first chapter of THE GIFT and I absolutely loved it. You have a real flair for writing narrative. Thomas is a great kid - I really like him. BACKED!

Thanks Mary, I will check it over again. I appreciate your insight and encouragement!

I love the concept of your book, little vignettes with a lesson and verse referral. Definitely needs a proper edit for some grammar and punctuation issues, but I love your voice--it's perfectly suited for children. Good job!

---Mary
The Qualtiies of Wood

Thank you so much! I appreciate your encouragement!

Nice story and excellent writing - BACKED! -Elizabeth Wolfe (Memories of Glory)

PawPawMike, You have earned a place in my heart with your clear and beautiful spirit. I can hear your heart in your message to me and I would like to encourage you to write!! I would appreciate any further feedback or advice you might have for me! You must be a wonderful Grandpa and a blessing to the lives you touch. In Him. Valerie

Valerie,

This is a wonderfully enchanting approach to evangelism that is so simple a little child can comprehend it, and so can this 65 year old grandfather.

I loved the gift box of many lights and gifts that reminded me of the Urrim and Thummim, "lights and perfections." that spoke for God in the Old Testament. God is light and children love light, and sparkledies, and glowing things, and things that talk. I really had fun with the stars and sun and multi-colored lights in the box. Nice way to explain salvation. It was also nice for me to visualize the scene.

I do desktop publishing and I wrote and illustrated a children's book for my then three year old granddaughter. It was based on one of her favorite toys, a plush horsey. I can't publish it because I ripped off all the wonderful characters I could find to support the book. She loved it. I can see this story loaning itself to an illustrated high gloss, high resolution book. You really did the storyline well, developed the box and contents in an extraordinary way, rounded out the story and brought it to an exciting climax.

You do write in a smooth style with a creative imagination that is up to the challenge to develop such a work.

I am impressed with your efforts and wish you the best with its success. I back the book and wish you God's most bestest blessings.

PawPaw Mike LaRiviere
Eden's Door

Thank you so much. I appreciate your encouragement!! I am so delighted to find other authors enjoying The Gift. This book has been a "gift" to me in so many ways!!

Valerie, What a beautiful analogy and not just for Children. I think this will also be a beautiful reinforcement for parents as they read this with their children. My brother is a Chrisyian Minister and what a beautiful gift this would be for the childrens ministry.

I love teh set up with the Q &A because it opens up discussions and communication in the family. A Beautiful gift you have..Thank you for sharing....Patricia aka Columbia Layers of the Heart

Wow, what an honor! I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate your comments! My own daughter is 11 and she was my biggest fan while I wrote this. She encouraged me to take The Gift to our church where it has been circulating with enthusiasm. Such a confidence booster! This story was given to me in the middle of the night while I was sleeping. All I did was put it down on paper! May the Lord bless and keep you and your family!

This is so well done that I had my ten year old daughter, a budding writer in her own right, read it with me. She is also an acolyte at our church and attends Sunday school. She loves it and would like to see it published and buy a copy to take to our pastor. I agree with her, you have a beautiful storytelling voice and tone. Backed.

I hope you will give mine read and back it if you like it.
Best,
Robert
Golden Conspiracy

I love your voice!! I can hear that you have a lovely sense of humour and I am honored that you took the time (even being on the sunny side of 40) to read my book!!

Being the wrong side of 40, this isn't the sort of book I would usually pick up! But younger readers will be captivated – this is brilliantly well written for that audience. Backed with pleasure!

Karen
The Kid: A True Story of Cocaine, Corruption, Deceit and Betrayal

Thank you so much for the encouragement! I think with all new authors there is a need to hear that our abilities are worthy of notice. I am no exception and while I take no credit for this ability, I am delighted to find others deem me worthy of reading!!

Very interesting construction with excellent writing. Backed on bookshelf. Chuck (Paperboy Adventures & Literary Agent Blues)

Thanks so much for your positive feedback! I am honored to be backed by you and thrilled that you enjoyed my book!

I always love stories that relate the Bible to current and personal issues. Very well done, a great book for the parents to share the Gospels with their children while reinforcing life's lessons. Backed with pleasure.

Mary McDonald -- Heartstrings

Very interesting construction with excellent writing. Backed on bookshelf. Chuck (Paperboy Adventures & Literary Agent Blues)

Being the wrong side of 40, this isn't the sort of book I would usually pick up! But younger readers will be captivated – this is brilliantly well written for that audience. Backed with pleasure!

Karen
The Kid: A True Story of Cocaine, Corruption, Deceit and Betrayal

This is so well done that I had my ten year old daughter, a budding writer in her own right, read it with me. She is also an acolyte at our church and attends Sunday school. She loves it and would like to see it published and buy a copy to take to our pastor. I agree with her, you have a beautiful storytelling voice and tone. Backed.

I hope you will give mine read and back it if you like it.
Best,
Robert
Golden Conspiracy

Nice story and excellent writing - BACKED! -Elizabeth Wolfe (Memories of Glory)

Valerie, What a beautiful analogy and not just for Children. I think this will also be a beautiful reinforcement for parents as they read this with their children. My brother is a Chrisyian Minister and what a beautiful gift this would be for the childrens ministry.

I love teh set up with the Q &A because it opens up discussions and communication in the family. A Beautiful gift you have..Thank you for sharing....Patricia aka Columbia Layers of the Heart

THIS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK. Well crafted and really gets your point over. BACKED and I hope you will comment on my book also
BEST OF LUCK

Denise

Valerie,

This is a wonderfully enchanting approach to evangelism that is so simple a little child can comprehend it, and so can this 65 year old grandfather.

I loved the gift box of many lights and gifts that reminded me of the Urrim and Thummim, "lights and perfections." that spoke for God in the Old Testament. God is light and children love light, and sparkledies, and glowing things, and things that talk. I really had fun with the stars and sun and multi-colored lights in the box. Nice way to explain salvation. It was also nice for me to visualize the scene.

I do desktop publishing and I wrote and illustrated a children's book for my then three year old granddaughter. It was based on one of her favorite toys, a plush horsey. I can't publish it because I ripped off all the wonderful characters I could find to support the book. She loved it. I can see this story loaning itself to an illustrated high gloss, high resolution book. You really did the storyline well, developed the box and contents in an extraordinary way, rounded out the story and brought it to an exciting climax.

You do write in a smooth style with a creative imagination that is up to the challenge to develop such a work.

I am impressed with your efforts and wish you the best with its success. I back the book and wish you God's most bestest blessings.

PawPaw Mike LaRiviere
Eden's Door

I love the concept of your book, little vignettes with a lesson and verse referral. Definitely needs a proper edit for some grammar and punctuation issues, but I love your voice--it's perfectly suited for children. Good job!

---Mary
The Qualtiies of Wood

I enjoyed this a good deal. I think the area you write in is very important because it is essential kids gain a love a reading, and build their vocabulary—and the money is not bad either. lol The first couple of chapters read very fluidly with a string voice. I did not red enough to comment on your plot, but based on the first couple of chapters and your fluid prose, I will back your writing and wish you well. Please read some of my book, The Age of Rhinestone, when you have time and let me know what you think. Feedback is always welcome. Take care and goodluck with your manuscript.


blueboy

Dear Valerie , I love that your story tells how to get Jesus in your heart - it's the difference of Heaven or Hell, most important in this life & the life to come. Great that you have them memorizing the most important salvation scriptures. :) May you write many more books. :) God bless you. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your pitch, which was very well done. :) Your story is good 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" your book. :) "When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"...authonomy quote. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
additional authonomy quote: "Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs." :)backed :)
Love, Susie :)

Welcome aboard, Val. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. I'm a bit of a pitch doctor, having read thousands of pitches in my time on this website, so I want to share my insight here with you. You have to think of your pitches as your sales tool to grab the casual reader's eyes. The short pitch actually works for this genre. The long pitch needs to be written. Expand the mini story arch, give us more detail. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

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

JC
The Obergemau Key