The Life and Times of Philomena Carlisle - Volume One - Sanctuary

Although your descriptions are lush, I felt distracted by the heavy language and overly-wrought stylizing. Sometimes simplicity is best.

This book has a great premise backed with strong writing. I love how you began chapter one also. Have a great day! I have gladly BACKED you book!

- Scott

The narrative is exceptional - filled with rich sensory stimulating descriptions and a witty literary charm that pulls the reader towards your MC. Lots of psychology at work here, setting up nicely for the inner struggle that's in the offing.

I loved your imaginative use of English: suckled the grass, evacuated skin. Brilliant! Gordon

Hi, I enjoyed the first two chapters. Very visual and well-written. I particularly enjoyed Phiomena's thoughts as she looked around the garden - knowing 'the cost of everything and the value of nothing' - it reminded me of a line by the Dalai Lama -- much in the window, but little in the room'.
Your imagery is lovely -- 'the somnolent flora, my errant mind...'.
Not much dialogue in the first chapter (it's very short), but lots in the second and of high quality, too.
Backed with pleasure,
Barry
LITTLE KRISNA AND THE BIHAR BOYS

A beautifully visual piece, words and images used to create pictures of emotions. A very remarkable and skillful piece of writing.

I like this a lot, from its ceentral concept to the society you have created as well as touching on the human equation themes of what males life bearable and our inner thought processes that make us settle in the world as well as coexisting with others whose lives can echo off ours in ways we never expected.

16 August 2010
I have a great admiration for Dorothy Parker but mistakenly believed she only made caustic, albeit witty, remarks. The depth and feeling in the lines accredited to her in the opening to The Live and Times of Philomena added an extra dimension for me.
Descriptive vivacity is brought to bear on these pages, the discarded membrane of a burst balloon, together with an obvious mastery and exceptional command of the English language . The concept of mental sanctuary is to me original and worthy of consideration although doubtless one would require an amount of inner strength. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run.

Hello Maureen.

I have really enjoyed what I have read so far, and have found it to be an engaging, entertainng read leaving me looking forward to the rest of the story.

Backed.

Mark

Hi. This is a story full of colourful characters who display the elements of treachery and friendship in equal measure. It captures well the intrigue of a small community of 'souls' seeking salvation only to discover there really isn't any. Or is there? Can't wait to find out. Good luck.

Hi Maureen ...

Nice story line and a good plot building. Strong believable characters and good dialogue. Backed. Regards ... Duncan.

Good structure, consistent in tone, nice journey you've painted! I'm not a critic, just a scriptwriter who loves a good tale.

sincerely,
jim
jack & charmian london (love it if you could give mine a look, thank you)

Hi Maureen, This starts out in a contemplative way that also confronts Philomena. Her desire for a perfectly satisfying life and feeling like a sycophant to her employer is told wistfully and, comparing it with her garden achievement, lacking. An immersing thoughtful style tells the disgruntlement. Wish I could read more today. Easily shelved - Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Maureen: I read Chapter 5 and this and it works well. Nothing to slam you on. Short pitch works. The long pitch is my niggle. Perhaps you oughta break it up so it reads faster. BACKED for the good writing.

I can use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

This is such an engaging read! So far I love it! backed easily.

Liz
The Cheech Room

Brilliant. It's not often that writing brings tears to my eyes. I'm actually kind of speechless. I've only read the first chapter but I want the whole book; the one in print. First person narratives can often be self-indulgent, but you very skilfully manage to avoid this. This book will touch many souls I'm sure, and I want a rocking chair in my foxhole too. Great stuff.
Katy Christie
No Man No Cry

I do like what I have read to date and I especially like your use of the first person narrative voice. You have crafted a most compelling storyline and your character development of Philomena and Victoria is well done. Your descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

This is writing that is pristine. I enjoyed your descriptions and characters. The garden of Mr Patou was exquisitely painted. It is not often that I will gush about someone's writing but the artistry of your style and the structure that you create has a real passion to it. Wonderful.

BACKED

Brilliant work. Backed with pleasure
Helen
The Last Dream

Your writing style is the thing that stands out for me here. I would read your work if you re-wrote the telephone book!

The first paragraph is a triumph! I will not find anything to critique negatively in this, I can tell from the first two chapters. Every now and then you come across a writer that totally blows your mind. You are one of them. There is a craft to your words that is a natural thing, it cannot be learned and it cannot be taught.

BACKED

A cerebral journey with great narrative and dialogue. At times your obviously broad vocabulary gets in the way of the story (or maybe mine needs to be improved on!), but in most places your prose are very smooth and polished. I enjoyed the book. Backed!

Craig Ellis
The Sun and the Saber

PHILOMENA CARLISLE
I like this story. I like the fact your main character is wealthy; that’s rare to see in most stories these days so that makes her unique and also gives the story greater depth. You have a good balance between dialogue and descriptions which keep the story moving forward. I think you’ll find an audience for this among people who are looking for “sanctuary” themselves and want to follow Philomena to see how all of this plays out. I’m adding it to my shelf. If you have a moment, would you look at mine (Grain of Salt)? I’m in 3th place but only holding on by my teeth. Burgio

Well done, feel like I am involved with these characters. Look forward to watching its progress.

a fascinating read. this has a good flow, and has many layers...i hope it does well, i shall help it along the way:- watchlist for now...
read SEASONS...

Dear Maureen
with a title like this , tell me who is going to turn away. The n there is the book cover, for sure people are going to read it. And I might add they will not be disappointed. Your characters are just golden, full of thought went into this also and it shows. You have a definite winner here, and I cant wait to see this in the book stores.......SO I will back this now so that I can assist your climb to the top which I feel sure you will be before long
THE VERY BEST OF LUCK
with your book
and i really hope you find he time in all this to COMMENT (positive I hope) and BACK my book, but if you dont that is OK also.
Denise
The Letter

Spellingbinding narrative to open this intriguing story of philomeno carlysle (nice name too)and grab the reader. professional and polished presentaion for sue and good command of english

Humbled

Very good

backed

Dear Maureen, I love that you have put me right there with you in your story to feel what your characters are feeling - the quest is what life is all about. :) Great story. :) Your pitch is excellent, so set the hook for me to read your book. :) When you use short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, it makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing your book. :) Could you please take a moment to back my 2 memoir books? Thanks. :) Love, Susie :)

This is information from authonomy (so beware of any other untrue information you may receive that is spam & not quotes of authonomy):
"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"
"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."