Yeah You Blackie

I'm backing this enthusiastically. Gritty, well-written, colloquial, fully deserving. The only small point I'd make is to remove the formality of the "whomever" in the last paragraph of chapter 1. Whoever is more in keeping with the language of the narrator. I am so impressed.

Jay Squires
"Eddie and the Boxcar Painter"
"Keeping Score"

Cynthia, you are a lady of great courage to write so openly and frankly of you pain. You have written in your own style and that gives you story an intensity and sense of reality and truth which no amount of polishing or tuning up could achieve. I read only ch.1 but will return for more of what is probably one of the most heartrending and honest tales on here. I repeat: you are a lady, a lady of immense courage. Gordon - The Harpist of Madrid

Cynthia:
I think this certainly is an inspiring project that can bring hope to many. Your honesty and transparency are certainly amdirable. I think, however, your book might benefit from some more intentional crafting of the pieces into a more focused story. Of course, it's YOUR story and no one can take that from you, but in order to broaden your potential audience, I think the average reader has to connect with and understand the bigger story arc from the outset. But as I said, you have good raw material to work with here; just continue to fine-tune the storytelling element.
Best of luck with your book. Backed.
Peace,
Christian Piatt
PULLING THE GOALIE

YEAH YOU BLACKIE by Cynthia Harris.

An african american girl, confused and uncertain of her identity of colour, experiences her innocence violated at 9 years old. She is exposed to perverted sexual exploitation by a close relative and, all too soon is deeply immersed in drugs, sex and violence. Her development into womanhood is hampered by feckless unloving parents and her life is shaped by hopeless, negative partnerships. The pattern of her whole life seems determined by social forces against which she has no control. Brutalised by a series of male partners, she lives through rejection and abortion. Somehow, Cynthia comes through it all to tell it how it is. It's all written down in 18 short, illuminating Chapters: raw, rough cut and lacerates her reader's deepest sensibilities. Against what is just about every setback - her struggle with breast cancer is all part of the mix - she stumbles into abiding love with a man who respects and cherishes her and the crushed beauty that was always in her, at last, blossoms in a positive, fullfilling and lasting relationship. All the ingredients of an inspiring story, stirred, blended and graphically presented, is the result. What a woman! The message is: change can be wrought by trust in a loving, saving God; restored self belief, leading ultimately to a way out. With some minor added editorial expertise this edifying biography is destined for the bookstores. Backed & Re-Watchlisted.

Tony Brady - SCENES FROM AN EXAMINED LIFE - Books 1,2 & 3.

You know I read some of this and skipped to chapters here and there, then I went back to have another look at your pitch to see if i could get the point of your story. Mostly, I cant. You write well, and it flows but it seems to be too subjective. If you want this to be a book that sells, the reader needs to feel a sense of where you are going, or at least if you are going... I felt like i was peeping into your personal diary. Everyone has a story. Not every story has a point. If yours has a point - other than you came out ok and on top, then the reader needs to see what is different. Mostly, you are a good writer, but your story rambles too much for me. Perhaps tighten it up. Backed for potential.

Hi Cynthia, The voice and anecdotes evoke the childhood atmosphere, one that could be confusing except that the narrator recalls herself as coming to terms with her father and the neighborhood drugs. It would seem then that she would be open to a call beyond that. Candid and concretely told early chapters. Shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Stunning, in-your-face immediate writing that takes you and says, "Look - this is what it was like!" You've done what I wish I could do, which is to just WRITE. There's nothing unnecessary here. Like Coetzee, you just get on with it: "My favourite cousin Too-Too is dark and pretty and has a boyfriend with lots of money." "Brigette is my sister because we have the same father." Bang. All you need to know.
And the title is the best title I have ever come across. Genius.
Backed all the way.
Peter Wild
Double Action

Dear Cynthia,
Your use of first person narrative makes the story so compelling. I like the casual, ungrammatical writing which comes across very real. Some of your phrases are wonderful, too - "needed a laugh on my lack of." - just great!

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)

A very inspirational book. You give us an intimate look into a world not a lot of people know, or think, about. I like the way it's written too, getting into her head and hearing her thoughts really round this out, especially since it's written exactly how she would talk. I think a lot of people can learn from and appreciate this.

Missy

You are a true inspiration to others, and to put it out there to share with maybe other victims is brave, heartbreaking, disturbing, hopeful and encouraging

Cynthia,
Yeah You Blackie is a harrowing and inspirational account. I applaud your bravery in writing it. Backed with pleasure.

Hi Cynthia,

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
The Mental Pause

This story feels real. So much like "Precious" or "The Color Purple." As I read it, I could almost hear a woman's voice-over speaking the words in a subdued yet emotional tone. That's powerful stuff. There's not a pretentious sentence to be found.

Good luck with this, Cynthia.

Backed with enthusiasm!

RH Ladd
Rachel's Confession

Your story, which is well written, is powerfull, gritty and both heartwrenching and heartwarming. All of your intended messages, including your faith in God, clearly shine through. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Hello,

Wow, this is very real and direct. First, I've never heard of Blaxican food, great! What a sad way to grow up. I read through Chapter 5 and some of 6. How sad to have seen and experienced all of it before high school.

Happily Backed
Denise

This is raw and direct. I haven't had any Mike and Ike's for years. Vacationing in a "gang infested area with lots of dope" and fresher candy than at home almost reads like a travel brochure. Right from the start, you paint the page and set the stage with growing up pangs: "being teased for not having enough titties to wear a training bra" and "the worst of all . . . being called 'blackie, skillet, and flat chested,' by all the cute boys." I love this and will read more when I can since so much of this rings true for so many of us: "Argo is full of drug addicts on every corner. Of course we live right across the street from the dope house." It could be worse, of course: living in the dope house. Backed for now.

Great voice, good pace, nice balance of Naration and dialogue.
If only you could transform some of the narative "telling" into more "showing" the value would skyrocket.
You've got my vote.
PS. Could you pls look at TO KILL A DEAD MAN?

YEAH, YOU, BLACKIE
This is both an interesting and an inspirational book. It takes courage to write this type of book because it reveals so much about yourself and your life. I used to work in south central L.A. so I appreciate what staying there must have been like. I think you pegged the flavor of the inner city just right. The mark of this book, tho, is not what your life used to be like, but how you came through this with such a feeling of self worth you’re able to write about it (and provide hope for others who are wondering if they can make it as well). I’m happy to add it to my shelf. If you have a moment, would you look at mine (Grain of Salt)? I’m in 3rd place but only holding on by my teeth. Burgio

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I willl read the entire book and then comment more thoroughly but alreday I can tell you are a brave and talented writer who deserves to be read!

Backed with pleasure.
Liz
The Cheech Room

Powerful!


backed

Ah important story. The voice is wonderfully direct and true. Captivating.

You are a very good story-teller. I'm generally not into this genre, but I recognize talent when I see it. The style is very similar to Claude Brown in "Manchild in the Promised Land". Backed.

Inspirational and horrifying at once. These kind of stories break my heart. All I can say is that I hope writing has had a therapeutic effect. I enjoy the voice of the narration, as it is authentic and personal. Keep doing what you're doing, Cynthia.

Dear Cynthia
courageous, open, vulnerable, open hearted, compelling,sad, heart wrenching. you know i dont know what to say. when one experiences the courage of another human being the heart is touched and no words can express. i am so proud of you right now, so in awe of you right now, so wish you success right now. it is my honor to back you with this well written, vulnerable piece of art and work .
BACKED BY ME FOR SURE.
Please take a moment to look, COMMENT which is important to me, and back my book. if not that is OK also

The VERY best of luck to you

Denise
The Letter

Yeah You Blackie

Cynthia Harris

An unhappy story which could not have been easy to write. Your chapter one "In the beginning" sets the stage well. Thanks for the definition of "blaxican food" by the way! Your style of writing makes this readable and authentic.

I truly thank all of you for the kind words - this was very hard for me to write but I am glad that I did. Life throws some curve balls and I have learned that what God Brings Me To - He Will Bring Me Through - I am so excited about reading all of the different books on this site. I am an avid reader so send me your books as well!!!!

Make It A Wonderful Day!!!!!

very nice flow. it was a compelling read.

Dear Cynthia,
Yeah You Blackie is an original piece which I am so proud to back. You story is heartfelt and your relationship with God has given you the strength and tools to write this story. I commend you for your work
Backed with pleasure
Helen
The Last Dream

You certainly dive us right into the story with that fantastic voice. It's like listening to the narrator tell it straight to your face, not like reading words on a page. Unusual. I normally groan a bit when I see it's going to be 'misery memoir' - partly because it makes me so angry and sad for the person telling the story - but also because it's become an industry. You, however, are not part of the 'misery memoir for money' brigade. This story rings true and honest and very raw. I'm impressed. Well done. And brave.
Polly.
STONES.

This is a slice of life which is far removed from anything I have experienced and that makes it an important book for me. A really authentic look at life from an authentic voice. All the best for the future, you should do well with this. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

A sad story that takes some guts to write about.
Well written and the best of luck with it.
There are some harrowing stories on the site and yours is one of them.
You have had to dig it all up again to write it - you've done well.
I back your book and hope you have success with it.
SHELVED.

kind regards,

Neville (The Secrets Of The Forest)

Dear Cynthia, I love that you have shared your story :) - I shared mine, too, in my 2 memoir/testimony books. :) Thank you for speaking up & letting the world know that God can help & it isn't hopeless. :) May the Lord richly bless you for your encouraging testimony. :) I've backed your book :) - hope you'll take a moment to back my 2 memoir books. :) Thanks. :) Love, Susie :)

Cynthia, all sorted now, reading on.
Jared.

An intriguing premise, even if only the pitch is available at this stage. I'd certainly like to read your story and will come back to it soon.

I have uploaded twice - I thought it was available - am I doing something wrong?

An intriguing premise, even if only the pitch is available at this stage. I'd certainly like to read your story and will come back to it soon.