Book Jacket

 

rank 523
word count 26398
date submitted 03.11.2010
date updated 08.09.2011
genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Children's, Chris...
classification: universal
incomplete

How Katie Moonlight got her name

Karen Rosario

Whatever you do, never give your name away.

 

When Kate finds the name of a princess abandoned by a river, she promptly throws her own name away and assumes a new identity as the carefree Chiti Lita. But far from being treated as a princess, Chiti Lita is kidnapped by a miserable bear and taken to the Garden of Black and White, a mysterious place where the grass is grey and the flowers are painted by a band of talking goats.

For as long as anyone in the Garden can remember, a deadly war has been waging between the wonderful Darlin De Vurthoope and the elusive Man in the Moon. A tower reaching to the moon is under construction and Darlin vows that as soon as the war is won they will all live as kings and queens.

Captivated by Darlin’s promises, Chiti Lita renounces her old life in favour of a new one in the Garden. She is initiated into the brotherhood of goats and quickly becomes friends with the merry Lucky, simple Lonan and melancholy Noble who is pretty sure he hasn’t always been a goat.

HOW KATIE MOONLIGHT GOT HER NAME is complete at 57,000 words & available on Amazon.

 
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tags

adventure, allegory, fantasy, friendship, heaven, hope, love, moon, promise, prophecy, truth

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58 comments

 

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Joshua Jacobs wrote 356 days ago

Wow. You write with one of the strongest, most consistent voices I've read on authonomy. Heck, there's more voice in the first chapter of this than in most novels I've gone out and purchased. I must say I'm completely jealous! I loved the interaction between the narrator and the reader, and the occasional asides just strengthened this even more. You know your target audience, and you've spoken directly to them. I can't imagine a kid would be able to put this one down once they started reading it. You've also created two uniquely flawed yet likeable characters. I love the parallels between them despite the fact they've been raised in two extremely different environments. The contrast makes for many interesting possibilities.

This is also polished and ready for print. In fact, the only problem I foresaw may not be a problem at all. My one hesitation is that the majority of the opening chapter is backstory. There's a lot of infodumping going on. Does it detract from the story? No. Did it make me want to stop reading? No. The only reason I bring it up is because it's there. Do with it what you will. :)

Awesome job. Oh, and for those reading this comment, The Blooming Tale of Katie Moonshine is what six star stories look like.

LuvingSolitude wrote 515 days ago

I honestly can't find the words to describe this story. Once I started I couldn't put it down, and am pleased to say I have finished reading it!!! Your character portrayal is excellent, the way the personalities are so diverse and well formed is something you don't see in many books now days.
The air of sensitivity, mixed in with suspense, wonder and heart wrenching emotions made me laugh out loud, as well as feeling extreme dislike for Darlin, straight from the get go, almost as though it felt like I should like her in the opening chapters, but something about her portraiyal made me hate her with a vengence.
All in all, I think this is an excellent read, as good as any I have ever read.
I hope there are going to be many more books to come, for you are one writer I would be proud to support when you are formally recognised as a universal Author.
Bron

The Endless Awakening

PATRICK BARRETT wrote 555 days ago

This is the most amazingly charming tale I have ever read. Where on earth did you conjure this convoluted fairy tale from? My children would have adored this and no parent would feel foolish reading it aloud. Congratulations, please don't trample poor old Cuthbert on your way to the top. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

AudreyB wrote 154 days ago

Hi, Karen – this is your CCRG review from AudreyB. I am often accompanied on my reviews by my English teacher alter-ego, The Grammar Hag. If I say anything you don’t like, it was probably her idea.

As I double checked to see if I’d already reviewed your book, I noticed the nice comment from Joshua Jacobs. High praise indeed (=:

I agree with him that you have a fresh voice. I’d love to read this to a very young child or help an older on read it. I especially like the paragraph in which you warn the reader to try another book.

I love how Chiti Lita’s tears have fallen from her face. A wonderful image for children.

The large gray bear wishes for a heavy fog to cover his tracks…yet he is rowing in the water. It seemed to be the wrong image. Perhaps the heavy fog could cloak his mission in mist or something like that.

“I’m not touching anything.” Just adorable. Kids will relate.

The Hag notes:

In the paragraph starting “Sadly, because of their selfish behavior…” at the end you can drop the word ‘to’ so that it reads, “…who’s told your family, ‘Pick up your ugly little house…’”

You might want to check on the number of times you have used ‘simply’ and ‘simple.’ Neither one of them adds much value and they appear often. But it’s a matter of ear.

I’ve not written nearly half as much as I usually do. I think that’s because your story is ‘finished’ in a way that many here on Authonomy are not. I enjoyed reading without stumbling over awkward phrases, and because you’ve written a genuinely entertaining tale.

Best wishes to you, Karen!

~AudreyB
Forgiveness Fits

Betty Dye wrote 178 days ago
Betty Dye wrote 178 days ago

I loved the way words sparked off ideas which moved in unexpected ways. I was delighted with the speed of the narrative however the story was a bit too fey for my taste and I often felt as if it was being told from the outside looking in whereas I prefer to be on the inside with the characters. I think girls of a certain age will just dive in with Kate/Chiti Lita.

Betty Dye wrote 179 days ago

I loved the way the ideas , asides and illogical jumps bounced the story from side to side so that you never knew what was coming next. If I have a criticism it is that the story seems to have been written from the outside looking in , rather than from a child's view point peering out at a dangerous world.

InspiredbyFaith wrote 192 days ago

My wife and I have a saying that we use when when something is simply to good for words,and your book bring those words to mind. "You are the bomb.com," that is it. This is are expression of a grand complement. You are a writer for the ages to come and forevermore. You have created an instant classic with a message that will burn into the hearts and minds of all ages. I am truly honored that you graced us with your literary arts. You are like the Rembrandt of words. I am going to buy several copies of your book.

earthlover wrote 200 days ago

Loved this. Loved the concept of the girls' shadows, the rose bush, the losing of the names. I will read more. So imaginative! I was pulled into the world you created.
Georgia Peck
the Woman From E.A.R.L.

Dianna Lanser wrote 201 days ago

This is a review for the Christian Critique and Review Group

Karen,

Now I know why Jonie suggested this book… I could not put it down until I had read every last word! A parable surely inspired by the “Author and Perfecter of our faith” The concept of your book is so very original. The man in the moon who deceives and makes life miserable for all; the great, yet just, Darlin’; a tower to the moon, and a promise to be fulfilled - and all are but reflections on the water… This is brilliant - shining like the gems hidden within every line of your work. C.S. Lewis’ quote at the beginning of chapter one sets the stage for what you are trying to say.

Your voice is gentle and honest, always comforting and assuring the reader through this strange, mysterious tale. It makes your story play like a song ever leading the reader on to truth.

My favorite line: “What good is a title? What good is gold? What good is a palace… what good is anything at all if you are very much alone?” How true!
“The wind aghast at her frivolous behavior, blew with all its might to prevent the letters from drowning.” Wonderful personification!

The competition between animals, Pharisaic Rats, the incessant attempt to cover a gray garden with color, the “judgement” of sinners - all rich with meaning if one cares to look for it. And if one doesn’t? This story is still an incredibly, fantastic adventure - one that will captivate children and inspire adults.

My only nit - it is not available to read in it’s entirety on Authonomy. :-)

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

Jonie M. Julan wrote 210 days ago

Hey, Karen, just read your third chapter. The mystery is building. I like that you have used the bear's reluctance and discomfort to help reveal that the Wonderful Woman is not as wonderful as she seems. And the actions of the Wonderful Woman herself hold an air of impatience and superiority. Her true nature is becoming clear, but not revealed so obviously that Chiti Lita knows what is happening. Nice subtlety. The Wonderful Woman's behavior reminds me of Tilda Swinton in the film version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Judging by your quote, I'm guessing you're a C.S. Lewis fan.
Jonie

Jonie M. Julan wrote 213 days ago

Just finished your second chapter. Intriguing! Your story is very creative and your characters' personalities are consistent. Chiti Lita is obviously a happy but simple little girl who has no idea what's going on, and her personality is emphasized by her actions and responses to Mr. Largelumps, who is evidently experiencing regret. You've also employed the element of mystery, leaving readers wondering what exactly is going to happen to Chiti Lita. Beautiful and detailed description as well. Well done.

Jonie

Jonie M. Julan wrote 218 days ago

Hi, Karen. I'm in your Christian critique group. Just read your first chapter. This story is both profound and creative. Your style reminds me of the children's classics. Having your characters live on a planet of confusion, the reflection of the moon, is brilliant. I also like that you personified the character's reflections, and transformed names into objects that can be cast away for another. It's early to tell, but perhaps you are conveying a message illustrated by an Oscar Wilde quote: "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken." Here on this planet where impressions and reflections are so significant, where you abandon your identity by abandoning your name, there is so much to learn and see. Excellent work. Thank you so much for posting this. I hope that when you have a moment, you'll check out my Christian novel, Leave Me Asking. Best of success in your work.
Jonie

QuinnYA wrote 219 days ago

I think you've done it again!

Great dialogue and you've got such a wonderful imagination. I couldn't find any fault in this. I've been in a huge fairytale phase lately and this is comparable to most things I've been reading. Good luck with this, I deserves success.

Starred for now and I'll back soon, about 4 days I hope!
Missy

Charlotte12 wrote 223 days ago

Hi there,

I love fairy tales and that sort of thing, so I was really happy to come across your book. I like the fact it's written in the “classic” fairy tale style. Also, someone had commented that there is a nice interaction between the narrator and the reader, and I agree with that.

Most of my comments are about content, as I am not adept enough in grammar and punctuation (and all that) to comment on those things.

As I read, I found that some of your imagery didn't always seem to work. I kept telling myself it's because it's a fantasy world, and encountering strange things in new worlds is part of the game. But I still could not accept some of the descriptions. For example, how could the king's “foul mood” burn his food, or the queen's “hatred” sour her wine? Was disappointment really dripping down the wall? I stopped reading for a few moments to ask myself, “Are these things actually happening, or is the author using these images to demonstrate the emotional reactions of the characters?” I just found it confusing, as I found that the way the imagery is written implies that these things are really occurring.

Also, I questioned why the queen would hate the little girl because she had put off her name? It might help to add a line, for example, stating that above all things, the king and queen cherished the importance of one's name and therefore considered anyone without one as unworthy. That way, their choice to reject her makes more sense.

Another note about an odd image: “Bitter disappointment began to drip down the wall like gloomy wax.” How does disappointment drip? Why drip down the wall? And how is wax gloomy? Perhaps I am taking things too literally, but these are my honest reactions to what I read, and so I feel obligated to include them in my comments.

Another one was, “...took the cloud of sadness, rolled it into a small ball, and tucked it in her pocket.”

My conclusion about the imagery is this: I think that if you want to use these kinds of imaginative descriptions that border on the surreal, it would be helpful to mention earlier on, that in this land, unusual things can happen. That way, the reader expects right off that he will read of strange happenings which might make the surreal images easier to accept.

I also thought it might be nice to add a phrase or two about the reflections. They seem to have their own personality, and I kept wanting to know more about who or what they are, as well as their purpose, etc.

One grammar note: “The princess had been sat on a horse...” It should read, “...had been sitting...”

Also, the middle section where you warn the reader that things get worse: I like that you included that section, only I think there is a little too much repetition in it (it's mentioned three times that “it's going to get worse,” for example).

Very nice story, and I love the theme you are building into it. :)

Dyane

Mollie J. Rushmeyer wrote 241 days ago

Wonderful work as always Karen! Your writing is amazing. Nothing else new to add to the comments already made. Well done. Blessings to you, Mollie
P.S. Thank you so much for backing Defenders of the Faith. I really appreciate your support, especially from such a talented writer:)

FRAN MACILVEY wrote 241 days ago

This is a very well written story, brimming with imagination, flare and wonderful imagery. I love it, and fancy that I could easily get lost, diverted, within its pages. There is lots here to ponder, ideas to make you smile, quirks and twists and interesting thoughts from an original mind. Thank you so much. Highly rated and on my WL.

Fran Macilvey, Trapped

leelah wrote 241 days ago

I love the feeling i get when i read this: I am almost 67, but inside is an eternal child who feels she has got a new friend: a girl who uses her velvet-rimmed scissors and cut of her name that make people avoid her.
What a wonderful metaphore.
I am also one of those who has a big bear as power animal - and frequently hug him in dreams. (Mine is black, though.)
Such a voice. Starred you 6 and watchlisted you: soon to be on my shelf.
Leelah saachi, "when fear comes home to Love."

faith rose wrote 249 days ago

This is magical! Such a charming, delightful read... my daughter would love it just as much as I do! Your dialogue is effortless and your voice is higly engaging. I love this! Giving you all six stars. A wonderful piece.
~Faith Rose
Now to Him

angelwithabullet wrote 259 days ago

Thank you for such a delightful read.
I have no children of my own, but I know of several adults that would love to see this tale on the big screen - including me!
Kaye

luckyfish09 wrote 260 days ago

Just read your first chapter and loved it! Your style and narrative remind me of Lemony Snicket! I think children and adults would love this book. It's full of childish fancies and dreams that, at one point, we all belielved in. The writing style is easy to read, but at the same time fun to read!
Six stars!
Luckyfish09

Walden Carrington wrote 277 days ago

Karen,
You seem to effortlessly transport your readers to another world which exists inside your brilliant imagination. The Blooming Tale of Katie Moonshine is very impressive work for a housewife who is just learning how to iron. Kate from England reminds me of Kate Winslet of course, but your Kate has an adenture which is sure to delight readers of the fantasy genre. I sometimes feel like we are living on the Planet of Confusion with all the conflicting ideas people have about what is right and wrong with the world and how humans live their lives. The plot outlined in your synopsis is filled with suspense and all the magical qualities needed for a story written in the fantasy genre, one which I couldn't begin to write in myself. But I'm always amazed with the imaginative depth of these types of stories for readers who can imagine themselves in places which only exist in our imaginations.

Walden Carrington
Titanic: Rose Dawson's Story

baughmama wrote 315 days ago

Wow. I hardly know what to say, but that was brilliant! It's quite clever and captivating. Very well thought out and put together. Children will love it and I bet one day it will be a classic. No doubt in my mind and I've only read the first chapter. I definately look forward to reading more! The only thing I found amiss is when Kate is talking to her reflection, Katie Ripples and the big white bird, there should be a comma after the word 'Hello' because she is addressing them. I didn't find any other punctuation errors, or grammar or spelling errors, either, although I was so drawn in that none of that really mattered at the time :D. I had to laugh when I read "never, ever give your name away', it brought back memories of a sweet little boy I know. At a restaurant, a waitress, dressed like a witch (it was Halloween) and very pregnant, asked him his name. When his mother told her what it was, she told him, "I think I'm going to steel your name" and he cried the rest of the night because of that. Back to your story, though. Absolutely perfect! Just amazing, really. I wish I had the time to read on, but it will have to wait til another day, unfortunately. I can hardly wait, though! You're a very talented author!

All the best,
Trista Herring-Baughman
The Magic Telescope and other stories

Kristina Gerke wrote 320 days ago

Excellent writing, Karen! Just got onto the site in the last few days, but this is the best story I've seen so far. Wonderful voice...it really creates a tone for your story and establishes an almost dreamy, very fantasy-ish feel. The very first book on my shelf ;D

The one thing I did notice is that you use quite a few adverbs. For example, "he said plainly" could be just "he said"...cuz it's fairly obvious to the reader that the king is saying it plainly. Or "she began to bawl loudly" could have the "loudly" cut out, because bawling tends to be loud, and after all the bear is trying to shush her. Also "he said resentfully." You do have a lot of strong verbs in here, which will be able to stand on their own without the adverbs propping them up.

The other thing I would cut down on is your dialogue tags. Sometimes you do leave them out--and sometimes they're necessary--but a few times I thought you could streamline them a little more. Didn't notice this as much as the adverbs, though.

Kristina

ClaireLyman wrote 324 days ago

Oh Karen - this is just beautiful, beautiful writing. From the very beginning I could hear it being read out loud in my head - and of course many children's books are just for that. I love how you address the reader, your descriptions, the fairy-tale like statements of people - "I'm the King, I deserve as much as I desire". And the cadences of things like "come and dance, the reflections whisper, watch me fly, they squeal in delight". I'd read this to my kids for the beauty of the language but also for the wonderful moral of the story contained in the first sentence (which could also sum up my book!).. .becoming who you really are - I love that. Starring this with six (which I hardly ever do) and keeping an eye on its progress to back at some point :)

RonnyBobby wrote 328 days ago

I am truly enjoying your book so far. Bravo.

JamesRevoir wrote 345 days ago

Karen!

You have absolutely done it again! Amazing, amazing, amazing story!

Fantasy and children's stories are not even remotely my genres, but each time I read your stories, I am absolutely captivated. There is so much true-to-life metaphor embedded in your tales.

Thank you for gracing the world with your gifting.

James

Chipper10 wrote 349 days ago

Love the C.S Lewis quote. I am a big fan of his. Will read more when I come back. I liked how you mixed first person with first person. very hard to do, yet you do this effectively. Backed.

Best wishes,
Chipper Newman

Maria Briere wrote 352 days ago

I love your creativity! I could actually picture these two girls ripping their names off. I can imagine children enjoying your writing!

arlene.k wrote 352 days ago

Hello again Karen,

It has only just dawned on me that you are also the author of Isobel. Wow. My hat is off to you! Arlene

arlene.k wrote 354 days ago

I've only just finished chapter one and I'm hooked. You've created a very interesting world and your voice is so distinct I'm impressed. I look forward to reading more and more and I love your narrative interraction! Great work!

Arlene Karbashewski

Undeserved Blessed by God wrote 355 days ago

C.S. Lewis would be proud of you, as am I. This was a delightful fantasy tale of how faith and God's promise can change our sinful lives anew. I loved every chapter, every word, every sentence. I would love to see it published and made into a motion picture. You wrote in such a way that I could see each character vividly in my mind. You transformed me into another world for a space of time and that is exactly what a good book is suppose to do. Best of luck with you. I am placing you on my bookshelf and hope and pray that you go up and get on the editor's desk and some publishing company will see and read and want to publish. If you get the time and opportunity, please read my little book and let me know what you think. I long to plant a seed in the minds of children that God can use to bring them into a close relationship with Him and His dear Son Jesus. Thanks for a wonderful book. Janet

Inkfinger wrote 356 days ago

Oh wow, Karen! I just finished this. 'The Dog Delusion' made me laugh. I actually love the rats, although I know I'm not supposed to :D And I was so sad about poor Logan. The part where Kate goes behind the waterfall messed with my emotions, and the chapter when all the animals change is my favourite; it's so funny.The ending is such a surprise although it makes perfect sense. I'm your fan forever! Becky x

Joshua Jacobs wrote 356 days ago

Wow. You write with one of the strongest, most consistent voices I've read on authonomy. Heck, there's more voice in the first chapter of this than in most novels I've gone out and purchased. I must say I'm completely jealous! I loved the interaction between the narrator and the reader, and the occasional asides just strengthened this even more. You know your target audience, and you've spoken directly to them. I can't imagine a kid would be able to put this one down once they started reading it. You've also created two uniquely flawed yet likeable characters. I love the parallels between them despite the fact they've been raised in two extremely different environments. The contrast makes for many interesting possibilities.

This is also polished and ready for print. In fact, the only problem I foresaw may not be a problem at all. My one hesitation is that the majority of the opening chapter is backstory. There's a lot of infodumping going on. Does it detract from the story? No. Did it make me want to stop reading? No. The only reason I bring it up is because it's there. Do with it what you will. :)

Awesome job. Oh, and for those reading this comment, The Blooming Tale of Katie Moonshine is what six star stories look like.

dee farrell wrote 362 days ago

"What good is a title? What good is gold? What good is a palace? What good is the Entire Universe if you are desperately unhappy? What good is anything at all if you are very much alone?"

Just one of my favorite parts of this delightful book. The title begins the magic and happily it continues to unfold. My kids would love to read this, and I would love to read it to them.

6 stars easily.

Dee Farrell
Warrior Heart

Inkfinger wrote 370 days ago

Karen, this is amazing. How can it be sad and funny at the same time? I don't know, but it is! It's just the way you write, and I'm very much in awe. Isabel has the limelight at the moment, but I hope next month when Isabel's on the desk, Katie Moonshine will have her green arrow revived. She deserves to be on the desk too.
I'm trying to get through all the books in our crit group now. I had forgotten you had a second book up or I would have read it sooner. Anyway, I've only read the first chapter so far but it'll be one of those books I read for pleasure at bedtime.
I love your style,
Becky x

Emily Rebecca wrote 402 days ago

Just wanted to let you know that I think this story is absolutely delightful! I love the images you conjure up and the way you play with ideas like names as if they were physical things.
Best of luck!
Em

Emily M wrote 422 days ago

The Blooming Tale of Katie Moonshine: Children’s Book Crit Group review
First off, I'd like to say this is like reading a published novel. I'm impressed.
The idea that the characters can throw away their names, and therefore their identities, is intriguing, as is the ability of a passerby to find that name and take it for their own. Everything is fanciful and imaginative; kids will love this, but parents should, too.
You aren’t afraid to deal with darker themes, either, and especially in the later chapters there are many, all without being too scary or overwhelming for your target audience. There are a lot of deeper meanings explored here; this is no mere fairy tale.
A few tiny bits of constructive criticism, meager though they may be:
‘hoard’ should be ‘horde.’
In chapter 6 there is a typo…paining instead of painting.
I would make more of a deal of Carl’s death, including saying that he died rather than that he was gone.
I can’t remember the chapters, but jewellery should be jewelry.
Chapter 7
‘There beneath her lie…’ present tense…should be ‘lay’ for past tense.
Oh, I see who Mr. Largelumps is now… very nicely done!
After this point I couldn’t be bothered to even try to critique this…I got swept away by the story. In my opinion, this doesn’t belong on authonomy; it belongs on the shelves of bookstores everywhere. There are a few minor things that I might change, but everything is really so well polished here that I think that those things are more my personal preference than anything actually wrong.
I really am sorry I don’t have anything more constructive to offer you. I really feel this is ready to submit to agents, and I hope you are doing so.

Kairi wrote 447 days ago

Your opening chapter was quite compelling; especially the scenes where the princess is being ignored by everyone except for her reflection (someone who she cannot escape). Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, well done

Tim Waters wrote 506 days ago

Wow you have quite an imagination and a very clear direction for the storyline to flow. There's detail that takes you by surprise throughout the book and you're always left wondering what on earth could happen next.

Tim
The Water Works of Clear Wash City

gotiko wrote 514 days ago

Good story for children and the young adults.

Backed.

Gabriel(It Goes On Forever.)

LuvingSolitude wrote 515 days ago

I honestly can't find the words to describe this story. Once I started I couldn't put it down, and am pleased to say I have finished reading it!!! Your character portrayal is excellent, the way the personalities are so diverse and well formed is something you don't see in many books now days.
The air of sensitivity, mixed in with suspense, wonder and heart wrenching emotions made me laugh out loud, as well as feeling extreme dislike for Darlin, straight from the get go, almost as though it felt like I should like her in the opening chapters, but something about her portraiyal made me hate her with a vengence.
All in all, I think this is an excellent read, as good as any I have ever read.
I hope there are going to be many more books to come, for you are one writer I would be proud to support when you are formally recognised as a universal Author.
Bron

The Endless Awakening

RainyDayTreat wrote 519 days ago

Adorable.

Cariad wrote 528 days ago

Fabulous. I can think of a great many young readers who would love this. and lots of parents who would have great fun reading it out as well.

It's unusual and funny. A fairytale with a twist. It's on my watchlist for now, space all taken atm. I shall read on to the end while it's waiting.
Cariad
STONES.

Kaimaparamban wrote 533 days ago

You are trying to spill the beans of mind of a girl. Amid your effort, you are finding out mysterious sides of it. Perhaps a reader does not get any clues of such element through your novel you are brining them to that laborious sphere. This is a good novel, not only to read but to understand mysteries.

Joy J. Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

ccb1 wrote 540 days ago

Backed The Blooming Tale of Katie Moonshine. Great title for a children's book. for children, make believe becomes real with a good story teller. Great job. Hope you will find a place on your shelf for our book.
CC Brown
DArk Side

minx2minx wrote 541 days ago

Enchanting. I would love to buy this for my grandchildren, though it holds the attention of this adult as well. You have been backed and starred and I wish you luck with getting in to print.
Lizze Scott :-)

Lenore wrote 545 days ago

The Blooming Tale of Katie Moonshine
The words to this ingenious children's fantasy seem destined for stage even more than print, with the author's injection of narrative asides that connect the "author" with the reading or listening public. Charming development of various socioeconomic personalities and societal expectations place. Specifically,I'm not sure why, but I feel I need detail as to where the names are - on each person in this world? - so that I can understand how they are "cut off." The story is definitely enhanced by the use of reflections, which can serve as alter egos.
I think I need more on Kate in the beginning - perhaps you can rob a little from farther into the first chapter and I'd like a definition of simple, to understand how she sees her reflection. Simple can have so many definitions and it might be helpful to have a greater focus on her personality for identification. Oddly and masterfully, when Kate assumes the princess, we see a regal personality - or at least an expectation of one. I wonder too if our Girl With No Name shouldn't be capitalized? It is, in fact, her name when she decides to give up her regal status.
The is a risk of confusion here, but then the narrator rescues readers with a synopsis and a foreboding about what is to come. I do think the narration and contact with readers can work, but I find myself picturing a Mark Twain on a stage storytelling or a gray-haired grandmother cuddling children in her rocking chair. To put it into print, I'm wondering if the author had considered introducing our narrator as a viable presence, an actual character who is talking to an audience or reading from a book, so that whenever there is this aside, we will understand that this is a treasured book we are sharing as part of an audience or with my siblings (like the Nutcracker) at the edge of my grandmother's knee.
Either way, a delightful manuscript which I can back in a couple of days.
Lenore
Surviving the Seaweed

ccb1 wrote 548 days ago

Looks interesting. Added The Blooming Tale of Katie Moonshine to our watchlist.
CC Brown
Dark Side

Herschel Shirley wrote 550 days ago

Karen, this is truly wonderful. I've read several so-called children's books on this site and they don't come close. Your book is a breath of fresh air. Backed with pleasure and I wish you well.

Herschel Shirley
Earth Reaver and The Jaded Throne

David_C_Lewis wrote 553 days ago

"The Blooming Tale of Katie Moonshine"... what a - pun alert - bloomin' good title. In fact, it's one of the best I've seen in a long time. I can't get it out of my mind. :)

Tom Bye wrote 553 days ago

hi KATIE ' THE BLOOMING TALE OF KATIE MOONSHINE'

LOVE the title of this book, it suits the story like a glove, just made for it , as is the cover , looking so delicate, just like a child's picture on the wall and to sum it up, the pitch opens the door for the beautiful adventure story to follow,as we enter into the fantasy world of Chiti Lita and all the wonderful characters on the other moon.!

This brilliant book is so different from all the other fantasy i will have no hesitation in buying it for my grandchildren when it is published and that it will i have no doubt. i read five chapters, to the planet of confusion and could not put it down and turned the next page ' wake up wake up! it said its a Darling Day and then had to read the next chapter Dog Delusion and the rats thinking that they were dogs.
this is children's fantasy story telling at its very best , like your descriptive style and visualazation.
backed with pleasure 6 stars well done
TOM BYE ' FROM HUGS TO KISSES'.

Tom Bye wrote 553 days ago

hi KATIE ' THE BLOOMING TALE OF KATIE MOONSHINE'

LOVE the title of this book, it suits the story like a glove, just made for it , as is the cover , looking so delicate, just like a child's picture on the wall and to sum it up, the pitch opens the door for the beautiful adventure story to follow,as we enter into the fantasy world of Chiti Lita and all the wonderful characters on the other moon.!

This brilliant book is so different from all the other fantasy i will have no hesitation in buying it for my grandchildren when it is published and that it will i have no doubt. i read five chapters, to the planet of confusion and could not put it down and turned the next page ' wake up wake up! it said its a Darling Day and then had to read the next chapter Dog Delusion and the rats thinking that they were dogs.
this is children's fantasy story telling at its very best , like your descriptive style and visualazation.
backed with pleasure 6 stars well done
TOM BYE ' FROM HUGS TO KISSES'.

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