Book Jacket

 

rank 3065
word count 10044
date submitted 17.01.2011
date updated 17.01.2011
genres: Fiction, Thriller, Fantasy, Young A...
classification: moderate
complete

Persuasion

Marcus Woolcott

When an irresistible force meets an immovable object.

 

It's become known as the "cursed" insurance claim. Nobody has been able to reject it. Donovan doesn't believe in curses, and he's never seen a claim he couldn't reject. Donovan will reject it and nobody will stop him...

 
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tags

clever, dark comedy, different, fantasy, fast paced, gripping, humour, new, original, short

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43 comments

 

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Marcus Woolcott wrote 92 days ago


Thanks a lot for the feedback, glad you enjoyed it. If you really do want to read more by me head on over to Amazon and put in my name.

Regards,
Marcus

Shain Knowles wrote 93 days ago

Love the story. I would like to read more by you. The ability to keep the reader intrigued is perfected in this story. Six Stars. GIVE US MORE.

Best of luck
Shain

Marcus Woolcott wrote 115 days ago

Thanks for the feedback.

You were right, Donovan was too smug, stubborn and beligerent to find another way.

Good luck on the Editor's desk.

A G Chaudhuri wrote 115 days ago


DARK, QUIRKY AND A TOTAL PAGE-TURNER

This was a remarkable story, quite unlike anything I’ve read on this site so far.
The dialogue was brilliant and authentic, and the powerful narrative made every small unspoken gesture come alive. It was like watching a film. It’s a cleverly written story that managed to surprise me every time I felt that I had things figured out.
Donovan’s mounting frustration and confusion were utterly engaging and I loved the way he tried reasoning with himself every time Lincoln pulled off a new trick. A collection of such shorts is bound to be a runaway hit.

Magic moments:
# The single pot of mustard in the morning
# ‘Donny…?’ ‘Give it a second, beautiful.’
# ‘Is Uncle finished… with him again?’
# New girl Frances and the meeting thereafter
# ‘I WON.’

While the very nature of the story requires one to suspend disbelief, there is however one nagging question. Donovan was afraid of falling out of favour with his boss, but he also made a nifty fifty grands a year. Faced with such bizarre odds, why didn’t he just settle the paltry claim and then compensate his company from his own account? But then again, maybe he was too damn smug to see the truth. Some irony.

My rating: 6 stars (absolutely!)

Best regards,
AGC


Marcus Woolcott wrote 257 days ago

Thanks for the feedback. I'm afraid that's it, there is no more. Persuasion is just a short story, and I'm only here for feedback. But saying you want more is a compliment.

I don't aim for any target audience, I just write and let the story go where it wants.

Thanks again.

Roald's Girl wrote 257 days ago

Ok, I've read the rest. Please up load more.

The only feedback I have asides from the fact that I absolutely love this, have enjoyed it enormously and want to see the rest asap is a question over the target audience. It says next to your book, fantasy, fiction, thriller, young adult.

I've read as widely as I possibly can to find out how far I can push the cross over book and the lines are very blurry in places. This book is so close to fitting in to this bracket but I think it might be creeping in to the adult rather than young adult or cross over in places. I might be wrong. It's just an observation.

Asides from this, I love this, please upload more.

Roald's Girl wrote 257 days ago

The first thing I was to say is that the picture you paint is immediate, it's effective, it's incredibly evocative and it's wonderfully seedy in a way that only the world of insurance can be.

Your protagonist is immediately capivating because of their obvious self assured arrogance and I love it when a hero gets me on their side when if I knew them in real life I'd probably dislike them from that first meeting. The greats can do that. Mario Puzzo did it when he wrote The Godfather. We find ourselves liking a degenerate slime because he is sucked back in to the mob. I know it's an extreme example to give, but I found what I've read so far to be marvellously refreshing. Starred and on WL! I will be back.

M
x

Walden Carrington wrote 265 days ago

Marcus,
I read the opening paragraphs of Persuasion and found your writing style very vivid. When Donovan comes home to find a strange boy had entered uninvited, he has every reason to be upset. The strangeness of the situation is made worse when the police officer arrives and sees no intruder. The very mysterious Lincoln is only visible to Donovan. And to think this is concerning an insurance claim Donovan wants to get out of paying. From what I read, there is no legal obligation to pay the claim and Donovan is quite determined not to. This story has a one of a kind plot which has great appeal to readers of thrillers who relish these fantastic tales filled with suspense. The dialogue was easy to imagine being spoken and while the situation you described was unrealistic due to Lincoln only being visible to Donovan, I found it believable and I enjoyed a willing suspension of disbelief while I reviewed the prose in this captivating account. Six stars for originality and a very unusual situation you have imagined and crafted into a riveting piece of fiction.

Walden Carrington
Titanic: Rose Dawson's Story

Marcus Woolcott wrote 374 days ago

Thanks a lot for the detailed feedback. Much appreciated. I will take a look at yours also.

Kind regards,

Marcus

(for the record, Lincoln is a kind of genie, demon thing)

Ivan Amberlake wrote 375 days ago

Hi Marcus!

I bumped into your story tonight and thought I’d comment on it.

The appearance of the youth intrigued me highly. I got eager to find out who he really is. What he says increases my interest in this character: “It’s exceedingly difficult to keep up with trends when you sleep for as long as I do.” – curious :)
I love the allusion to “Oliver Twist” and the “Artful Dodger costume” gives me a clearer image of the character.
Just a few nitpicks – I hope you do not mind:
- ‘Sorry kid, principals.’ [principles];
- ‘Right there, Officer.’ Donovan pointed at the youth still sat [still sitting]
- The sickeningly sweet smile upon the boys face made Donovan’s blood boil. [boy’s]
He was searching for a handle on the moment, trying to explain the last ten minutes rationally. – I love this sentence!
The mustard trick is funny! I love the games Lincoln plays on Donovan – what’s next, I wonder.
Lincoln stared right back, calm as a Hindu cow. – nice and original simile.
- ‘Sure? The steering wheel hasn’t turned into plasticine? [Lol!];
- Donovan was by the sofa, hauling the still-laughing youngster … He slammed his forehead into the kids face. [kid’s face];
- I like Donovan waking up and being wary to everything around him. “The single pot of mustard” is ingenious. The joke about an exorcist is nice. On the whole, this ‘joke/joke/joke’ keeps my interest in the story and its resolution MORE than ALIVE!!!
- ‘I’ll heed your warning,’ Donovan took on board … and probably couldn’t even spell scruples. [consider putting scruples in brackets];
- ‘Honey, I’m home!’ LOL!!! … What a great idea of Donovan unable to satisfy Amanda, poor Donovan :)))
- “Eau de Carrion” and other types of Eau … can this story get funnier?!! :)
- ‘Sir, your car was seen at the Arkham Cemetary [cemetery? Or is it intentional?];
- the ending is chic!

Marcus, your story kept me glued to the monitor of the screen though it is 0:37 a.m. and I have to get up at 6:30 a.m. for work. It’s a superb 6* story!

Ivan
The Beholder

Graham Jon Don Lench wrote 375 days ago

I have just joined Authonomy, and this is the first book I have read on here. I really liked this story. Intelligent banter between the characters, nice twists. Reminded me of the clever horror stories I used to read years ago, which you don't seem to find any more. I have backed this book as I feel it doesn't deserve to be overlooked.

Graham Lench
The Eighth Day

Graham Jon Don Lench wrote 375 days ago

I have just joined Authonomy, and this is the first book I have read on here. I really liked this story. Intelligent banter between the characters, nice twists. Reminded me of the clever horror stories I used to read years ago, which you don't seem to find any more. I have backed this book as I feel it doesn't deserve to be overlooked.

Graham Lench
The Eighth Day

Graham Jon Don Lench wrote 375 days ago

I have just joined Authonomy, and this is the first book I have read on here. I really liked this story. Intelligent banter between the characters, nice twists. Reminded me of the clever horror stories I used to read years ago, which you don't seem to find any more. I have backed this book as I feel it doesn't deserve to be overlooked.

Graham Lench
The Eighth Day

Graham Jon Don Lench wrote 375 days ago

I have just joined Authonomy, and this is the first book I have read on here. I really liked this story. Intelligent banter between the characters, nice twists. Reminded me of the clever horror stories I used to read years ago, which you don't seem to find any more. I have backed this book as I feel it doesn't deserve to be overlooked.

Graham Lench
The Eighth Day

Kenneth Edward Lim wrote 375 days ago

Marcus,
Wow, all in one chapter even. I couldn't help it, I read it right through. What's so great about "Persuasion" is how easily I got into Donovan's POV and everything started happening in realtime. Like watchiing a tennis game, the lobbies back and forth, Lincoln then Donovan, then Lincoln again, and so on, though Donovan never really gets a solid point in, everything being illusory. This book is a work of genius and with its length, good material for Kindle which is the rage nowadays. Thank you for the incredible ride.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

Marcus Woolcott wrote 375 days ago

Thanks for the feedback, appreciated.

Donovan doesn't believe Lincoln has any "powers", he won't let himself believe it - hence why he never queries it.

Thanks again, I'll take a look at yours.

lizjrnm wrote 376 days ago

I really enjoyed this - I like that it's all on one page so to speak. The stubborness of men just astounds me sometimes. You did a fabulous job of carrying me straight through the read without pause. Donovan is an intriguing character and I kept waiting for him to ask Lincoln if he had such powers of influence why didn't he just make him sign the claim or sign it himself? You have developed your characters quickly from the moment you introduce them into the story and it was very easy for me to imagine say for example, Lincoln watching TV in this artful dodger garb. Patiently picking lint from his hat - Donovan discovering his hair is pink - you have the mannerisms and dialogue down to a tee of people who are quite familiar to me yet they don't really exist. Wonderful and entertaining - I was completely immersed in it from start to finish.

Liz
The Cheech Room

fletcherkovich wrote 379 days ago

Marcus-


I have unfinished reading your work yet but I found it fascinating and intruiging at the same time. There is a dark feeling in your theme that I can really feel it in your words. There is a good element in your structures and the language is very transparent. I feel that it is a great pity when writers, who are obviously keen and dedicated to their craft, find it hard to become published. This is one of the wonderful things about Authonomy, that writers can share their work with other keen writers or readers. Your work certainly does not seem out of place on Authomony, and I can easily imagine it finding its way into print some day. I have backed your book as I felt that your efforts deserved my support.
Best of luck with your writing.

FLETCH

Ariom Dahl wrote 380 days ago

Just read it all and this is VERY clever! Well done. I'm not entirely sure I'd put it in the YA genre. But then again, maybe I would....

Cariad wrote 390 days ago

Freaky beginning. Horrible to find that he was talking to a boy that no one else could see. You wonder if he's just nuts, or if something else is going on. Lots of horrible decaying flesh and murders. The right audience will love this. Any more to come?

And yes, the very small font idea works. Not seen that done before. lol. Let me know when you've uploaded more and I'll have a read.

Jed Oliver wrote 391 days ago

Absolutely marvelous! This is so good I wish I had written it myself. What a wonderful (albeit sick) sense of humor.
This is the first piece in quite a while that i absolutely couldn't quit reading before the end. I commend you!
Best regards, Jedward (The Hill) (and others). Backed with pleasure.

klouholmes wrote 391 days ago

Hi Marcus, This is droll and it has twists of surprise such as Jake's also having dealt with the young visitor. I really thought Donovan was going to get his delivery food when the credit card wasn't his. The dialogue and scenes are so focused that you had me trying to figure around each of Donovan's barriers, and then I was surprised with the next trick of the young visitor. It's an unusual plot that keeps a person reading, having both realism and a poltergeist to that. Shelved and stars - Katherine (The House in Windward Leaves, The Swan Bonnet)

Red2u wrote 391 days ago

Long first chapter but enjoyed the read. Realalistic dialogue as Don is quite the character rated well
Red

elmo2 wrote 393 days ago

hi, read your short piece "Persuasion" i thought it fairly maniacal, reminds me of a stephen king thing, you want to say no this is a little too simple but then you say ok, i'll go with it, it hooks you, would like to see more, perhaps a series of shorts, i think that would work, would enjoy it if you took a look at my piece "Ghost Dance"

Marcus Woolcott wrote 396 days ago

Thanks a lot for the feedback. I really enjoyed reading someone elses perspective as the story went along.

For the record, Lincoln is a demon/genie/thing. If I'd explained exactly what he was it would have ruined the story and given him a weakness.

PCreturned wrote 396 days ago

Hi Marcus,

I just spotted your book, so I've popped over to read and leave a comment. :)

I'll comment as I read since I find that the easiest way to keep track. Please don't be offended by any suggestions. After all, they will just be my thoughts. You can always ignore me if you think I'm wrong or stupid. ;)

(Sorry in advance for any typos, but my keyboard’s a bit knackered :()

I love the pitch. Sounds like this book's gonna be fun. ;)

Reading on... wow Donovan's obviously an odious bastard. You make that clear in record time. He actually seems to take pleasure in denying claims, regardless of the consequences for the 1 claiming. This guy's a real shark. No, I take that back. It's an unfair comparison to sharks. He's slime. ;)

I was as surprised as Don when I learned somebody was in his home. I almost jumped too. The intruder seems singularly unbothered by any of the threats, though. Why is he so confident, I wonder? + why's he here in the 1st place? Mysterious.

I've a tiny suggestion here. I think "In Donovan's eyes..." takes us out of his POV a bit. I think something like "Donovan sneered. The youth was wasting his time. That top hat..." would keep us in his head better + make us get his thoughts direct, without filtering. ;)

Reading on... Wow Don's dialogue's aggressive. He really is a charmer, isn't he? I blinked when the intruder referred to "you humans." New question: what is the intruder? I'm really mystified now as to what’s going on. ;)

I've another tiny suggestion here. I think, on occasion, you overexplain a little. eg in "he nodded his head to Donovan in appreciation..." the reader can figure out the meaning behind the action, so you don't need to tell them. I think just "he nodded his head to Donovan..." would do the job fine. ;)

Reading on... Hmmm the intruder is there about the claim, after all. I was starting to suspect more supernatural things were going on here. Interesting to see this stranger threaten Donovan so coolly. I'm getting the feeling Don should really heed the words and just pay. The mentioning of summoning and ancient clothes really get me thinking the intruder isn't human. What is he? Does he have strange powers?

I blinked when the officer arrives and can't see the intruder. This kid must have powers. Either that or Don's going mad. I almost laughed when the officer asked if Don was on medication and treated him like a loony. I bet that got Don's blood boiling ;).

The kid suddenly becomes threatening to Don when he wrecks the table with just a touch. I think it's the seeming relaxation and lack of effort that's really eerie. It's as if the kid's saying without words he could do sooo much worse. ;)

Still Don doesn't get the message. He thinks he can beat the kid. Don really is a fool, isn’t he?

aha a name for the kid at last: Lincoln. I wonder, did he make the steak go off? It couldn't have got that bad naturally in such a short time frame. Yup it must have been Lincoln. Looks like he's filled the cupboards with hated mustard, too. I still don't know what manner of creature he is, but I'm starting to get a leprechaun vibe from him. I think he enjoys tormenting people in inventive ways. ;)

I can't believe Don's sill trying to play Lincoln. He'll never learn will he? Chilling news that nobody's ever lasted more than 4 days of Lincoln's torments. I love the dialogue between Lincoln and Don. Lincoln's so deadpan. I bet Don must find that unbearable. And Lincoln’s impossible to shift. There’s no getting around it. He'll only ease off hen the claim’s paid.

I almost laughed aloud at the little aside Don's laptop has a virus. Oh dear. Could that be the last straw? Will Don blow his top now?... Yup, he seemed pissed. ;)

Lincoln seemed to know everything. Whenever Don tries to bluff, Lincoln isn't fooled. It's as if he's omniscient or he's studied Don thoroughly for a long time. Either way, things look really bad for Don.

Things just keep getting worse. Monopoly money. Then nobbled credit cards. Suspicious Lincoln lets him eat cheese on toast, though. I wonder if he put something in it. I was v surprised he so readily agreed to let Don go out. Hmmm I'm guessing Don will either find he can't leave or Lincoln will just follow him wherever he goes....

Yup don can't open the car. It's so cruel that Lincoln left the car functional and just nobbled the batteries. It must be so frustrating to know salvation’s only just out of reach. Funny too. ;)

Ah interesting to learn Lincoln seems to have been casing Don's home. There's a bit of a Columbo moment when Lincoln deduced Don slept alone from the state of the bed + he stated the shower had obviously been used. I'd pretty much come down on the side of a supernatural explanation by this stage ;).

The saga with Don trying to turn off the TV was great. I could almost sense him getting more and more frustrated with each failed attempt. I guess destroying the TV was the only recourse left, by the standards of Don's petty mind. Still Don's denying the claim. Even after all this! He's obviously got no imagination if he thinks things can't get too bad as Lincoln needs him alive. Biiiigggg mistake. That's like a challenge to Lincoln to make things as miserable as possible. ;)

I laughed when Lincoln rolls out similar tricks with the stereo, with the added problem that the equipment's unbreakable. When Don explodes into violence, it seems to have no effect at all. I bet that pissed him off more than anything that's happened yet :). What options are left to Don? He must cave in soon. Surely. Aww Lincoln just knocked Don out. I'm gonna have to read on and see what happens tomorrow. ;)

Hmm things are suspiciously normal the next day. Why do I get the feeling this is the calm before the storm? The tension builds and builds as he gets to work without problems. I’m on the edge of my seat now. It couldn't have all just been a dream could it?
Ah looks like Don's not the 1st to have been plagued by Lincoln. That’s news. It also means he's going to have no chance of palming the case off to somebody else. Even when he gets the full story of Jake's woes, Don still isn’t thinking about validating the claim. This guy's crazy!

Yup Lincoln's there again when Don gets home. Otherwise, things seem normal, though. Too normal. Again, I can feel the tension. What's Lincoln planning? It must be something bad...

Still everything normal, right up to the bedroom. Aha at last we learn what Lincoln's done. Bye bye sex drive ;). the ultimate insult for a man like Don. Still not enough to convince him to do the right thing, though. :(

Will the pink hair do it? No. The awful shower gels/smellies? No. Mustard toothpaste? No. Wrecked shirts? Still no. Don seems determined to keep to his plans. I'm actually starting to wonder who'll win this crazy battle of wills. This really is an irresistible force meeting an immovable object. :)

Uh oh ... the dead body and condoms in the boot were a touch of genius. Grave robbing and necrophilia. Id' love to see that case in court! Then a brilliant laugh out loud ending. Don's life as he knows it is over, and yet all he can think as he's dragged away to prison is that he can't sign the claim now. So he's won. ;)

What can I say? I think this is a great short story. It’s possibly the funniest thing I’ve read on authonomy. Simple concept: battle of wills leads to a spiral of destruction. Very well handled. Have you tried submitting this for publication? I think it has a great chance. :)

I’ve given this 6 stars with great pleasure, and I do hope you get it published.

Seriously, good luck. :)

Pete

markwoodburn wrote 399 days ago

This is not normally my kind of thing but once I started it I had to read it through. Inventive and told with elan, I just see it as what it is, an enjoyable macabre read that could have came from Roald Dahl, Irvine Welsh or Stephen King. I note some over-analysis in previous comments but there is no real need for an overt review, just enjoy the creativeness and the fast paced style. Had a vision of the Scots comedian Jerry Sadowitz as Lincoln in his top-hat and also the character "Sadowski." Is this just coincidence??? Starred. Regards, Mark

Marcus Woolcott wrote 403 days ago

Thanks for that, great to get feedback.

triciapixel wrote 403 days ago

This is an excellent read. I won’t comment on dialogue, technique, etc, because all is well. So, on to the story…
The moment I began reading, I was reminded of Stephen King’s Thinner. Donovan’s arrogance, his refusal to believe in a curse…his reactions are hilarious. I love the way Lincoln tortures Donovan…first the food, then the hot water, laptop, the girlfriend issue, and my personal favorite- the shower gels. I laughed out loud as poor Donovan began to get ready for work. And the ending…perfection!

Marcus Woolcott wrote 404 days ago

Thanks for the feedback and backing. Much appreciated.

Marcus

eurodan49 wrote 404 days ago

I’m not much of a fantasy reader but…
The writing’s crisp. Narration shows and tells the reader what s/he must see and know about. Dialogue has a realistic ring to it. Most important, from my perspective, there is enough tension to make you turn the pages, the pace is just right and the characters intrigueing...
I honestly enjoyed it and you’ve got my backing.
Good luck.
Dan

HAA wrote 421 days ago

I laughed out loud at a couple of things - really enjoyed it!

M. A. McRae. wrote 438 days ago

Well written, and it certainly kept my attention. Just one typo that I noticed - 'Sorry kid, principals' should be 'principles.' To be backed, Marj.

Marcus Woolcott wrote 444 days ago

Thanks for the review.

Lincoln is kind of a genie/demon thing. It was tricky to establish his character without giving backstory and ruining him.

Nanty wrote 444 days ago

Persuasion.
Donovan's smugness, I knew I wasn't going to like this character much. Donovan in his office, then the electronic gates to his home are opening. Perhaps consider using a double space or something like, to let a reader know the setting has changed. Liked the intruder's top hat, odd but very good, giving a reader an intimation this person is other worldly, which is endorsed by reading a little further. Lincoln, shattering the table, seemingly without effort, is a very nice touch. Many others too, steak off and reeking, mustard in every cupboard, pink hair, the clothes, a permanent erection, just a few.
Donovan is a butt-headed moron, constantly looking for angles to outwit an adversary who can't be beaten. Despite this, I began to feel slightly sorry for him, but came away from that thinking about the lives of those insured with his company that he has probably imposed gret hardship on by finding ways not to pay out on a claim. The slow but sure deconstruction of his life, his vast ego simply cannot accept, is hilarious. Lincoln is fabulous, the ultimate demolition man. Just one thing concerned me. Donovan's hand passed through Lincoln when the police turned up following his call and later, he grabbed hold of him and apparently smashed him up. Not sure if Lincoln is actually a figment of Donovan's overwrought imagination of if he was real, but perhaps this is a conundrum you want the reader to work out for themselves.
Fast paced, fluid writing with tremendous energy and a huge range of comedic happenings that will keep readers laughing from start to finish.

Nanty - Chrys!

Marcus Woolcott wrote 471 days ago

[Thanks for the review, glad you enjoyed it. I'll have a look at your work also.

Donovan is very much based on my time in claims, haha.

Marita A. Hansen wrote 473 days ago

This was bloody funny. Donovan was a complete idiot in his stubborn attitude, but was utterly hilarious with the way he went about things, singlehandedly stuffing his life up because he refused to do as he was told. I'm not sure whether you've added comedy in here, because my computer doesn't show it, but if you haven't you should. Though, I don't know why you've put Young Adult as a genre as I couldn't see anything in here that would fit that category.

Anyway, back to the laughs. I thought it was hilarious with what Lincoln told Marie when she was leaving. I also found the pink hair, hard-on, and Donovan's glee at the end that he won all funny. I can't see that as a victory. I would've found a loophole and accepted the claim. Stuff the loophole, I would've just signed :)

Donovan was a great character. Yes, he was a complete arse, but it was this aspect of his personality that made him so entertaining. I loved his language-dialogue, etc. Also, when he smashed the TV on the ground-talk about cutting off the nose to spite the face :) Lincoln was an excellent character too. All that mustard, the way he was so calm, and the other mischief he got up to. For a short bit at the beginning I was thinking he was like one of the ghosts (past, present, and future) in a Christmas Carol, but what he did soon dispelled this. I also liked the mention of the previous employee who dealt with the claim. So, with that warning, Donovan still doesn't sign? Talk about bullheaded. I must say, I have definitely come across people like him. By the way, my husband used to work in Insurance Claims a while ago (But, he's nothing like Donovan).

This was very original. Thanks for an entertaining read - Marita.

SusieGulick wrote 477 days ago

Dear Marcus, Here I am to read & comment on your 2nd book, "Persuasion" :) - I loved your 1st book, "The Perfect Man," for sure :) - delightful. :) So far, what I love about your 2nd book, is that it's all on one chapter so that I don't have to keep waiting for chapters to come up. :) I love the intrigue of an irresistible force meeting an immovable object & the "cursed" insurance claim, no one being able to reject & that Donovan doesn't believe in curses & he's never seen a claim he couldn't reject & will reject it & nobody will stop it, as your pitch portrays. :) I love Donovan's stamina & determination & never having lost a claim & that he would not be intimidated & strong-armed on Van Barrett's so-called life-saving operation claim, as your story begins. :) WOW!! :) - what a hook to make me keep reading what would happen next. :) It is totally unbelievable all the things that happened to him & he should have taken the advice, "pay the claim or your will lose everything!" :) - he should have :) - this was totally, "Persuasion." :) What an ending - a decayed body over 5 years, too. :) I have now gold ******-rated your book & have read, & commented on both of your books. :) Thank you so very much for backing my book :) - could you please keep it on your bookshelf to help me, after almost a year of trying, to be chosen in the top 5 Feb. 28? :) I would so much appreciate it. :) Love, Susie :) p.s. every ******-ing moves our books up authonomy's lists, as does backing more than 24 hours & the longer on our bookshelves, the more they move up :)

SusieGulick wrote 477 days ago

How totally wonderful you are, Marcus!! :) Thank you so very much for again backing my memoirs/testimony book :) May God richly bless you. :) Love, Susie :) p.s. I have gold ******-rated your book :) - hope you've ****** 'd mine, too. Every ****** -ing & backing more than 24 hours moves our books up authonomy's lists. :) I want to ask you if you could please keep my book on your bookshelf because, I'm #1 on the editor's desk & I don't want to lose traction to remain in the top 5 to be chosen February 28. :) Please read my profile page: I had a mini-stroke Nov. 10 with slurred speech for an hour & numbness of tongue still & over 24 smaller ones where I couldn't speak since & I"d sure like to cross the finish line of the editor's desk after almost 1 year of trying on authonomy. :) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me :) - I have lost 3 sisters to strokes & my last sister, Mary had 2 heart attacks this past year.

Pia wrote 478 days ago

Marcus -

Persuasion - uh, the cost of being right and principled is piling up here, promising an illusion of power. This story has great pacing. You tagged it for YA, why? Surely it touches a surreal streak in all of us.
Will there be more? Rated well :) Pia

Old Bob wrote 485 days ago

Marcus, is this the first chapter, or is this the whole book. It reads almost like a short story. It's gripping and fast. Leaves me needing to think about it a little more.

You write well and think quickly. Well done.

First impressions are important. If you have the time, please take a look at a chapter or two of my book, A PLACE IN LIFE, and let me know what you think. Thanks.

Old Bob
A PLACE IN LIFE

Marcus Woolcott wrote 490 days ago

I've rated Persuasion with six stars and look forward to seeing the complete work.

Walden Carrington
Titanic: Rose Dawson's Story



Thank you for your comments and rating.

Marcus

Walden Carrington wrote 490 days ago

Marcus,
I never could have imagined that taking on an insurance claim could cause someone so much trouble until I read the first chapter of Persuasion. This work has the element of suspense throughout the prose which is needed for a successful thriller. Your dialogue is realistic and the scenes described are easy to imagine. I've rated Persuasion with six stars and look forward to seeing the complete work.

Walden Carrington
Titanic: Rose Dawson's Story

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