The Devil's Maw

Hi Frits

When I read the pitch I was afraid the book was going to be rather preachy and stiff, but in fact you have a great narrative going, with lots of tension and suspense driving it forward, natural dialogue, likeable characters that the reader can empathise with, and a terrific villain in Mamaw. Backed.

Nicole
Chosen

Excellent your use of religion along with animals is exceptional... Great book for kids

A very entertaining story for children, and some good ecological insights

Lynne Ellison

The Green Bronze Mirror

The synopsis drew me in and so I read chapter one and really enjyed it. You got to the point right on and kept with it all through, the pace never slowed down and that's what kept me reading. One small thing I think you must've transponded these two words in this sentence:," they would in say awed whispers. I think you meant they would say in awed whispers, but it's not biggie. The lenght of chapters is just perfect and it's not too long that just keep going on and on. And if I must some word choice I think may be a bit too grown up for YA, like preamble, prelude. But all in all one engaging story and backed with pleasure.

I’m half ashamed to confess, I rarely read more than a few paragraphs of a story before deciding that the author is capable or not. Occasionally I get drawn into a story by some exceptional writing. The Devil’s Maw rang those bells for me. I’m not going to dissect Mr. Haverkamp’s technique—I liked this about it and that about it. I’ll just say, he knows his craft. I believe what he is saying. I believe his characters are real people. I feel comfortable with the pace, and find it easy to slip into his groove. Am I getting too technical?

I believe there is some top notch writing happening in The Devil’s Maw. I’d for dang sure (you’re welcome to steal that phrase for your next story… a gift) buy this book, were I to find it somewhere for sale.

May the world be kind to you…
Rodney Jones
Bible Stories (a thriller)

I always love animals stories and this one is great because it comes with some wonderful lessons. I love the farm, it seems like a mysterious place, exactly the kind of place two boys would end up loving, full of adventure and mystery. I really liked the progressive stance on this, you've given us something a little different and that is what makes it special. Very enjoyable.

Missy

Hi Frits,
I enjoyed chapters one and two , when you and Noah squabble and play together until the summer vac ends so quickly -- childhood captured nicely. Great dialogue especially in chapter two.
Chapter three, off to the farmhouse and the meeting with Mamaw is also excellently written. She's quite a character. Well done.
No nits.
Backed with best wishes,
Barry
LITTLE KRISNA AND THE BIHAR BOYS

Hi D, Good opening and showing the intensity of the game feat. It would bring the young reader in nicely. I wondered why the father would have trouble with knives when he uses a drill pretty well? There's good dialogue here and concerning Mamaw. This is intriguing, the farm setting where she lives and that the boys get close to the animals instead of her. The writing makes the scenes immediate and the action tells about the characters yet it sticks with the story. Happy to shelve - Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

A strong story line spoken through a well crafted narrative.

BACKED

Great first chapter, weaving a picture of two normal young boys on the verge of a family secret. The writing is clear and concise and an incredibly wonderful storyline.

Happily backed
Denise

Would you take a peek at "Road to Redemption: From Cop's Daughter to Convicted Felon?" Thanks

Dear Frits,
You weave a compelling story in your first chapter. I like the culmination at the end with the famiy secret. This is good writing. You might want to break up your pitch a bit for easier reading. Otherwise, really great!

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)

Dear Frits

I would like to commend you on the skill you have applied, the imagination and the talent you have in writing this work of art of yours. I feel sure you feel like me that it is your baby and you so want to see it succeed. I do wish you all the best in rising and also getting this book of your published

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

The devil's maw
Backed with pleasure
Eveleen Turning a new leaf
Lenny Harry Like a dot on the horizon

What an unusual story this is. The sense of mystery takes us into the world of the two boys,, which changes from present-day to something from the past in a couple of chapters. Well-told, with rounded characters and good prose. Just a few niggles in ch 1 (punctuation mainly), but happy to back this. If you have time, would be grateful for a swap read of mine.
Best wishes, Adelina
A Distant Family

Interesting and engrossing read. Some great ideas woven into this. :)
If you like good fantasy you might like my friend Jim Darcy's book, The Firelord's Crown. :)

You have finely crafted a most unique and quite interesting story for the YA audience. I really like your use of the first person narrative voice as well as your use of imagery. Your messages clearly shine through and your descriptive writing is sure to appeal to the youth market. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

DEVIL’S MAW
This is both an interesting and complex children’s story: it’s scary (Mamaw is a strange woman) and inspirational (the connection to the Biblical stories). I think you’ll find an audience for this among schoolagers and young teens (Harry Potter fans) who will enjoy being scared by such scenes as the snake eating the turtle rather than the usual magic they see in books today. 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

Lovely. The realistic narrator and the boys' authentic relationships pave the way for the "magical realism" of the animal characters. Great writing makes this a pleasure to read.

Memphisgirl
Ashes By Now

Good pitch!

Dear Frits, I love that all of the animals have their cute names - your Biblical characters are excellent :) - what a creative mind, you have. :) I love it. :) I hope you write many more books. :) Your paragraphs & dialogue are crisp, so your store moves me right along. :) I've backed your book :) - hope you'll back my 2 memoir/testimony books. :) Thanks. :) Love, Susie :)

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