Whither Thou Goest

Naomi, I've read the entire book. Not intentionally as I'd intended to read the opening chapters, form an impression. The best compliment a reader can pay any writer is an inability to put the book down!
Your pitches work very well - enticing and sufficiently detailed to interest a potential reader. I've read as a reader, not with an editorial eye, but even so I saw nothing that caused me to pause. You're a fine writer, that's evident by the end of the short piece following the introduction, with a good eye for detail.
The period is intriguing, focussing on the effects of the Children's Blizzard, which I'd always called the Schoolhouse Blizzard, and its devastating effects on the inhabitants of the prairies in those difficult days of the late nineteenth century. A Historical Novel makes very specific demands on a writer. The research has to be impeccable and yet the story around which the facts are woven has to be sufficiently engaging to work as a separate entity. You succeed in both respects.
This is a novel on a grand scale with many issues to bring to the fore and Its cinematic quality is immense. What a film this would make! There's dignity, hardship and a rare depth of understanding of the human spirit here. I'm hugely impressed. It will be on my shelf at the earliest possible opportunity. Until then a plethora of stars, and my profound admiration, will have to suffice.
Jake

The last chapter of this reduced me to tears! The resolution that Jem and Seth find beyond their grief is moving and beautiful. What a dreadful thing the blizzard was, and what a harrowing time the whole community must have endured. You tell it with such dignity, respect and reality - a beautiful testimony to their suffering. A book I had to read to the end.

Hi again,
Well, I can't think of the last time I stayed up into the early morning hours in order to finish a book. I couldn't bring myself to stop! When this is published I'll be first in line for a copy.
I did spot a few typos here and there (receipt for recipe in chapter 12, for instance), but they in no way impacted my enjoyment of the book. I was in tears toward the end.
There was something I noticed, and I don't want to give away anything, so I'll be circumspect. A certain someone knocks on Grizz's door during the blizzard, and it felt a little odd to me that this person was never mentioned again. I think it would be a very important thing to Jem.
I've given you six stars. I can definitely see why this book has risen so high in the rankings so quickly. Congratulations!
Emily

Naomi,
The poker-faced, informative beginning of "Wither Thou Goest" packed as much of a punch as a tsunami alert on CNN. Hooked, I settled down with ample coffee to follow the struggles of Jem and Seth through the harsh realities of rural Nebraska in the 1800's. The unfettered dialogue and descriptive prose carried the story well. I've six-starred your work and put it on my watchlist in line for the next shelf vacancy. Thank you so much for sharing this treasure of a book with us.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'm into it and have a hard time leaving any for later. The content is so compelling I forget to look for ways to improve it. I don't think I can. With the number of book shelves you are on I can only hope you have time to look at A Wolf In She's Clothing. Leila Lee

Naomi,

I found Wither Thou Goest both entertaining and engaging. I could so relate to the sisterly banter and it was so fun to be tricked by Jem and Seth’s game at the punch bowl. Your writing has a way of wooing the reader on with subtle wit hovering just above that feeling of pending doom for this lovely couple. Then you tease the reader with a sense of scandal right before the reader is assured of authenticity as husband and wife don’t always see eye to eye. Your prologue does well to set the right amount of trepidation as Jem dutifully bows to her husband’s will. This promises to be a winner in my book. Highly starred!

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

I absolutely loved this, Naomi. On my shelf.

The prose is just so smooth with a terrifically involving rhythm to both the phrasing and sentence structure. Some of the descriptive passages are sublime with an arresting originality to much of the imagery and character observations. The sense of place is clear and convincing but never intrudes on the narrative (it’s obvious you’ve done your research but at no point did I get the impression of a writer desperate to demonstrate their knowledge; the period detail is just there, in the background, adding colour and depth to the story) Fantastic stuff.

The dialogue feels real and involving and works well both to flesh out the various characters and add good energy to the scenes. The novel’s various players feel three dimensional and distinct with plenty of scope for character development and dramatic interplay. I particularly enjoyed the characters of Jem and Seth (their playful verbal sparring at the tea party is a delight!!) and, even after a couple of chapters, I feel sufficiently invested in their plight to read on.

Plot-wise, the novel feels well thought out and multifaceted and should appeal to a broad cross section of readers. In essence, it doesn’t feel like a particularly original premise but I really don’t think it needs to be. It’s the quality of writing that’s going to make or break a book of this type and, to my mind, WTG simply oozes quality. I can't praise it highly enough.

In short, a beautifully written, very polished, impressively involving opening. I will read on. Thanks and best of luck. A


Observations on Ch1:

I like the way you subtly introduce period detail (eg trundle bed, sod house, cast iron stove) to build up the sense of time and place.

‘Hot,’ he chanted, hissing the word with pleasure. – love this!!

‘scuttled across the still form’ – I got an image of a scarab or cockroach here which threw me slightly??

‘Pa had talked about his big muscles’ – lovely! very evocative of a caring father/son relationship.

‘And I’m [the] better [delete ‘off’??] for it.’

Love the lieutenant comparing his respect for Jem’s reputation with his regard for the soundness of his horse’s legs!! Funny, real and very revealing re his character.

The fact Seth and Jem are husband and wife makes their verbal sparring all the more funny/endearing. Nicely done.

The exchange between Seth/Jem/Sophie re the Colonel’s instructions, while realistic and informative, does feel slightly over extended and a little like an info dump?? The dialogue is usually so well judged and effortless that this exchange jarred slightly. Maybe trim a little??

‘I’m sorry; I know…etc’ – probably me, but semi colons look rather odd in dialogue!! Maybe just use a full-stop??

‘handle some business’ feels a bit modern?? maybe, ‘attend to some business’??

By the way, I don’t see Jem as ‘spoiled’ (as per your pitch) She’s pampered, privileged etc but doesn’t come across as particularly spoiled??

I love it. You write excellent! The fast pace, the tension, it all got me going. I want to read the entire book, and I will. I am backing it, and giving you 6 stars. Excellent!

D. S. Hale

Hello Naomi:

I just saw the announcement for your book release.

Congratulations!!!!

Dear Naomi,
I am so glad I came across your story today! I was immediately drawn into your setting, with the help of a "cast iron stove," "stocking feet," and a "wool hat..." Within a paragraph I was swept away. You have an amazing gift of truly transporting the reader to a completely removed time and place in history. Thank you for this wonderful story. I can't wait to read more! From your profile I see that this book is now under contract... I can certainly see why! :) A marvelous piece.
All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

I'm really enjoying this book and plan to finish it. I love the struggle of the rick, spoiled southern belle trying to fit in and survive on the harsh prairie frontier. Can't wait to continue. This book could certainly sell in any Christian book store! Great work! Being new to authonomy and searching for a title to read, yours was my first pick. I was not disappointed!

I have added your book to my watchlist. I was completely drawn into the story through your summary and look forward to giving "Whither Thou Goest" a complete read! I hope you will check out my book "Ana Grace - A Heart's Journey" and return the favor. Thanks and keep on writing!

WOW! Big stars. Will be back for more.
M. Wilhelmsen
Exact Places

WOW! Big stars. Will be back for more.
M. Wilhelmsen
Exact Places

Oh, I was a little skeptical at first. I thought it would be the rich girl who has to work pop kind of story but goodness did you prove me wrong! You're writing style is so effortless and matches the setting perfectly. It moves natrually, even the characters dialouge flows natrually. The character's are so well developed already although I am wondering what's wrong with Alice. it seems like she's envious a little bit but i'm not sure if you wanted that vibe since the sister's relationship seems pretty close. I loved the part where the husband comes home and they have their little role play scene. It was so cute! lol. Anyway, it's a shame there's only three chapters. You should let me know if you post anymore up!

Neicy

I personally loved the entire book and will continue to back it.

Naomi,
I read the five chapters you have posted, and I was pleasantly surprised. I'm not a Christian, so I though I wouldn't like the book at all, but it is a rather interesting story so far.
I only had two problems, though they are just my opinion so feel free to ignore me.
At the beginning of the book I was unsure of Jem and Seth's relationship. I actually thought they were brother and sister until I went back and read the pitch.
Also, I didn't like how suddenly everyone was mad at Jem for not helping out. Surely they would have eased her into helping from the beginning instead of suddenly expecting her to do everything, especially since she had no experience at all. It just seemed a little odd and unrealistic to me.
Thanks for the interesting read! I do enjoy historical fiction, and it's nice to learn about a part of history that I knew nothing about.

Cora

Hello Naomi:

I read the first few chapters. What a rich storyteller you are! I was particularly impressed by the contrast that you painted between the cold of death of the present and the warmth of life in the past. As I was reading the flashback to earlier days, in my mind I could almost hear the light violin music in the background.

James

What an excellent first chapter! Your section at the beginning with Charley pulls you in immediately, and it's nice to see their life in St. Paul in the first chapter as well, giving you the distinct difference between the two. Unfortunately I don't have enough time to read the rest in one sitting, but know that I will be back! Really great job so far, and I'm looking forward to more!

excellent!
kathleen

An excellent book and well worth a backing. Good luck
Alice

Read the opening chapter. The 'Note to Readers' reads like a blurb for the back cover and isn't necessary because getting stuck into the story works better, I think. I like the temperature contrasts - cold blizzard, hot stove. Am left wanting to know what happens to Charley. Enough to get me hooked. Well done, Naomi.

Excellent opening and a great broody setting to start us off. I read some of your book following others recommendations. They were not wrong with their praise of your style. I will give this another read soon.

Pete

Good start with the storm an the child alone. It give the reader something to grip their attention and draw them into the story. I will keep this on my WL for now but hope to find space soon on my shelf for it. Great job.

The promise, Naomi, of reading a re-creation of rural life in an earlier time led me into your novel. I was interested because of my similar attempt in "The Doctor of Summitville," a love story set in a mid-eastern farm town during the great depression. From the start of "Whither Thou Goest--the gripping scene of Charlie in the storm--I saw that you'd made a fine start. I kept on reading, and paused only after ten chapters to comment. I mustn't fail to mention how well you've drawn character--the determined husband, the spoiled wife, her gradual adaptation--and how vividly you portray the grim frontier life.

A minimum of nits. I'm uncertain, but "Not to worry" (Chapter 2) may be an anachronism; at least it doesn't sound old-timey. And I stumbled over the dialogue at the end of 2, puzzled as to who was speaking. In Chapter 10, you'll want to fix "my days of been a lady." All in all, "Americana" at its best. It will find a wide audience--and soon a place on my shelf . --Truly, Bill

Naomi, I've read the entire book. Not intentionally as I'd intended to read the opening chapters, form an impression. The best compliment a reader can pay any writer is an inability to put the book down!
Your pitches work very well - enticing and sufficiently detailed to interest a potential reader. I've read as a reader, not with an editorial eye, but even so I saw nothing that caused me to pause. You're a fine writer, that's evident by the end of the short piece following the introduction, with a good eye for detail.
The period is intriguing, focussing on the effects of the Children's Blizzard, which I'd always called the Schoolhouse Blizzard, and its devastating effects on the inhabitants of the prairies in those difficult days of the late nineteenth century. A Historical Novel makes very specific demands on a writer. The research has to be impeccable and yet the story around which the facts are woven has to be sufficiently engaging to work as a separate entity. You succeed in both respects.
This is a novel on a grand scale with many issues to bring to the fore and Its cinematic quality is immense. What a film this would make! There's dignity, hardship and a rare depth of understanding of the human spirit here. I'm hugely impressed. It will be on my shelf at the earliest possible opportunity. Until then a plethora of stars, and my profound admiration, will have to suffice.
Jake

My gosh. Thank you so much. You've got your messages set to friends so I hope you see this. Thank you.

Naomi, I've read the entire book. Not intentionally as I'd intended to read the opening chapters, form an impression. The best compliment a reader can pay any writer is an inability to put the book down!
Your pitches work very well - enticing and sufficiently detailed to interest a potential reader. I've read as a reader, not with an editorial eye, but even so I saw nothing that caused me to pause. You're a fine writer, that's evident by the end of the short piece following the introduction, with a good eye for detail.
The period is intriguing, focussing on the effects of the Children's Blizzard, which I'd always called the Schoolhouse Blizzard, and its devastating effects on the inhabitants of the prairies in those difficult days of the late nineteenth century. A Historical Novel makes very specific demands on a writer. The research has to be impeccable and yet the story around which the facts are woven has to be sufficiently engaging to work as a separate entity. You succeed in both respects.
This is a novel on a grand scale with many issues to bring to the fore and Its cinematic quality is immense. What a film this would make! There's dignity, hardship and a rare depth of understanding of the human spirit here. I'm hugely impressed. It will be on my shelf at the earliest possible opportunity. Until then a plethora of stars, and my profound admiration, will have to suffice.
Jake

Hello 'Naomi ' Whither the breeze'

your pitch brought me in the read, like a good frontier saga.
read the first four chapters, and your book has certainly grabbed my attention.
wonderful descriptions which creates a great sense of being there.
great lines ' The drizzle had subsided ,allowing the sun to break through the clouds' birds chirping in harmony with the rustle of the leaves etc--- and there's more throughou , yes, plenty of attention paid to detail John Banville eat your hear out !!!
This is great stuff. It's just waiting for someone in Hollywood to issue it with a summons ???
yes, film rights
will read more, good luck
tom bye ' from hugs to kisses'

This story isn't the type I would go for to tell you the truth - nothing against the story itself, it just doesn't suit my taste. Besides this, I a read through a few of chapters and I can found this to be evocative and a nice easy read and I imagine a lot of people would enjoy this. Throw in a treasure hunt or a few gunfights then I would be fully on board! A good read anyway. Backed.

The Nomad

THE ISLAND EXPERIMENT

I’ve finished reading all of Whither Thou Goest and have some comments to make. This book is very well written. The major characters are well drawn, and the scenic descriptions of the 1880s prairie are vivid. It was easy to visualize the scenes being described, throughout the seasons that Jem and Seth experienced on the prairie. I have only read one other Christian novel, a published book by an author who had published several other Christian novels (sorry, I don’t remember the author or the book’s title), and yours is better written than that one.

I have some observations to make about the book. I have not read through the comments that other people have made, so I don’t know if you’ve heard these before, or if other people have made comments that are the opposite of mine. Since in general I do not read or write fiction, my comments may or may not be on the mark.

1. Early in the book you introduced a friend of Jem’s who left St. Paul to become the mail order bride of a man who was said to have four children. Jem later ran into this friend and her husband, but they had no children and the husband and wife seemed to be cold toward each other. I thought this was a plot element that was going to be developed later, with an explanation offered for what happened, but I didn’t see that it was ever resolved. (I had trouble keeping track of all the minor characters in this book, but that’s just me, not a problem with the book; if this couple’s situation was explained with a quick sentence or two someplace, I missed it). Without a resolution, I’m not sure what the scene where Jem met them later accomplished in plot development.

2. Jem’s father showing up on the prairie struck me as quite a coincidence. Granted, it became a major plot element that brought about the subsequent tension between Seth and Jem, but why did he end up where they were? Perhaps we’re to assume that he deliberately sought them out to either take them back to St. Paul or take Charley back, but I don’t recall that point being said. Other readers may not see this as a coincidence, though.

3. I felt no sadness when Charley died. The reason is that I hardly got to know him. In the book he was slow to develop in speaking, or maybe he had a larger development problem of some kind. You undoubtedly chose for him to be this way for a reason, but I couldn’t see what that reason was. I could have gotten to know him better if he showed more of a personality, such as by having some conversations with Jem and/or Seth that were longer than one word (on his part). Then I probably would have felt a greater loss when he died.

4. This last comment may be on shaky ground, because I am not familiar with how the characters in Christian novels “should” develop. I offer this comment only as an observation, not a criticism. This was basically Jem’s story, as she faced problems in her life: whether she should actually do work on the prairie, and how to deal with several issues between Seth and herself. It didn’t appear to me that facing and then resolving these problems brought her any closer to God. She demonstrated some knowledge of the Bible as she went through her time on the prairie, but her problem resolutions didn’t seem to bring her closer to God, only to Seth. Just a thought.


I also noticed a few issues with wording in a few of places.

Chapter 6 and 24 appear to start mid-sentence, with lower case letters

Chapter 14 – “people treat can themselves” should probably be “people can treat themselves” or simply delete “can”

Also chapter 14, “He also very opposed” looks like it should have a “was” or an “is” in it

Chapter 15 - “spoken her” should be “spoken to her”

Chapter 18- in the first line of the chapter, “thirty five” should be hyphenated

Chapter 22 – “hours before got’ should probably be “hours before he got”

Chapter 25 – “Seth’s returned his attention” should be “Seth returned…”

Good wriing, overall!

Dave Lensner

Plodding.

Naomi,
Fantastic writing! Read the whole 26 and found it a moving and well constructed story with wonderfully 3 dimensional characters. I don't agree with a previous crit of removing the reason for writing it gives it emotion and power and does in no way tone down the arc of the storyline.
Good luck with this it should not only do well on this site but sell well too!
:)
Diane

Naomi, Sorry I only had time to read a selection of chapters. You asked for thoughts for improvement? Well, I'm not a fiction author, but I think I'd scrap the "note to readers", and get straight into the plot. Keep us guessing a bit more. Brief opening section also seems unneccesary to me, and then the unanswered calls of characters for "Ma" could be developed a little better too. I mean, what do you wish me to conclude from the fact that there is no reply?

I really like the way you develop character's conversations in later chapters. Once or twice, however, I tended to agree with Sue50 "you seem to spend an inordinate amount of time on inconsequential scenes" (but Charles Dickens did the same, I think!).

Really, you fiction writers, I'm not in your league! But I hope my brief comments might help the polishing of your book, which deserves to do well. Backed with pleasure.

Whither Thou Goest was recommended by CC Brown author of Dark Side. I read the first 2 chapters. Love your writing style. Happy to BACK your work.
Sue50

I think the general premise will story is good. It's easy see the drama and tension inherent in the idea. Technically, the writing is excellent. It reads very well and has a nice flow to it.

The preface you use about the actual children's blizzard was interesting and laid a foundation for the story, but I felt you went too far when you told us about the lull in the cold followed by the big storm which seems to give away a major plot development.

In terms of character, Jemima is engaging and likeable MC and her initial spoilt nature is handled well to make her quite an endearing spoilt brat.

The other characters aren't quite as well drawn. You introduce her sisters, but you give Alice a rough sketch as the spinster and Sally you don't really give anything to. Later on you indicate she is the religious one, perhaps you could have had Sally break up the argument between Jemima and Alice using that side of her.

Seth is a little unfocused. He seemed to switch between gallant beau, nervous husband (when he's worrying about how to break the news to her), and tyrant. Obviously we all have two aspects to our personalities but the way he switched between them seemed a little arbitrary and random at times. You didn't really show the causes for his change of moods. Even though it is possible to guess what's going on it wasn't always clear.

The plot structure is probably where I had most issues although this is particularly subjective so please keep the salt handy.

The prologue with Charley alone worked very well, was very well written and made for a suspensful start to the story. On a minor note, I didn't understand why you stated the next chapter was 17 months later when you gave dates.

The first chapter at the party felt quite long and drawn out. One of the issues I had with your narrative structure is that you seem to spend an inordinate amount of time on inconsequential scenes and then skip over major plot points. Here for example I get that you're setting the scene for life before the change, but if you think of it as a movie this was like a party scene where the camera is on the character's face and we never get to see the actual party just her reaction to it. I'm not intimating that you should go into lengthy descriptions of tablecloths and people pouring tea or whatever, I'm saying that if she's feeling bored or restless or frustrated by what's going on around her then we should have an idea of what is rather than just her stating it to her sisters. In my opinion the scene needs to be more interesting which may seem an oxymoron considering the whole point is that she's finding it boring, but it's meant to be boring for her not for the reader (especially at the start of your story when you're trying to pull people in). There are various ways around this for example she could be saying how boring it is just as the host comes over to say hello, or she might see other people having a good time when she isn't. It just felt like it needed to be more creatively handled rather than directly showing us what she's feeling and that's it. Flet liek youwere choosing the easiest option. I enjoyed the sisters' banter (Think of all the poetry I've written!) but it needed more going on around them.

When Seth arrived you made a far too obvious that he was her husband. Telegraphing the gag can work in some situations, there is a pleasure you can get in recognition and seeing a classic routine played out, but it went on far too long and was handled in far too obvious a way. It's classic in that even though it's been done before people enjoy it, but the execution was cliched in that it was a very straightforward ‘Sir, I'll have you know I'm a married woman’ giggle giggle.

That was quite a lengthy opening scene, but after that it started jumping around quite manically. The main crux of the situation is that he resigned his commission and they end up on the frontier, but the way you presented it sort of skims over the conflicts and resolutions of how that develops. He goes to see the father-in-law and the conversation is just brushed under the carpet. He mentioned to her that they might have to move to somewhere like Kansas and she goes to see her dad who brushes it under the carpet. They end up at his brothers and he mentions her father might go to jail and just as they start talking about it, it gets brushed on the carpet. You don't have to go into full details about every aspect of the plot, but you seem to avoid it at every single opportunity.

The important scenes are the ones where decisions get made and conflicts are at their most heightened and these are the ones that aren't here. She goes to see her dad when Seth mentions they might go to Kansas which seemed unnecessary. The time to go to see her dad would be when he tells her they ARE going to Nebraska. That's the time to also see the scene where her dad denies stealing and accuses Seth of making stuff up, a scene we don't see. When Jemima and Seth are at his brothers and they start talking about it, the conversation ends up going off at a tangent about the science of farming and never returns to what they're talking about which felt very unconvincing. When your life is heading out of control you don't just let things go at that easily. At these times it just seems like the writer is conveniently leaving things to be dealt with later. Your habit is to build up to the point where the issue is revealed (We're going to Nebraska!) and then cutting to after the deal is done. The important part isn't the reveal of the problem, it's how poeple deal with it, how they reach a decision, or compromise, how they react and you consistently avoid those scenes, or just touch on them and get out as quickly as possible. Had had had had

The problems she has in her new life are also skipped over. The reasons why Susan and family have issues with her aren't shown, just referred to. At one point Susan offers to finish off the butter, then her husband pulls her aside and when Susan comes back she's angry. Why? I get that Jem's not pulling her weight and being a burden on the others, but I only get this because Seth tells us I don't really see it. It ends up feeling very patchy and Susan almost comes across like she's faking her illness because we don't really see what's making her unwell.

Overall I can see the attraction of this story and I think it is perfectly possible to understand what's going on, but I found the transitions between scenes very rough (we just jumped straight in and out of them), the connection between how people act and the reasons for acting that way don't seem joined up, and the scenes which I would want to see dealt with in depth regarding the important choices and consequences at the start of the book seem to be wholly absent and only referred to in retrospect. An example would be the fact that Seth resigned his commission. I get the father-in-law stole the money, but how does that affect Seth’s standing in the army? Whether you have plans to deal with it later or not, it's not something a wife heading off into the wilderness is going to save for a fireside chat in the future, so it just feels unconvincing. I can make assumptions that would make it make sense, but I don't really have knowledge of how the Army worked back then or what the culture demanded of people in his position so it would just be guesswork, and there's far too much guessing required here, and that's not why I read a story.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'm into it and have a hard time leaving any for later. The content is so compelling I forget to look for ways to improve it. I don't think I can. With the number of book shelves you are on I can only hope you have time to look at A Wolf In She's Clothing. Leila Lee

I cannot fault your writing, your research or your story. In the very first chapter, you give us a great reason to go with the drama of the blizzard. The beginning bit of history is also good to include. By the fourth chapter there is some real conflict starting. I think you have a winner. Well done and to be backed, Marj.

I have read only seven chapters so far but I plan to come back for me. Very well written scenes and the characters are well rounded and grounded within their world. You did some great research on Nebraska too it seems. I've given your work 6 stars. You are an excellent writer and I can't see this work not getting published. Have a great week! :o)

I've glanced over your novel. You are certainly a capable writer with a story to tell. Hope to pass on to you what I have myself picked up on Authonomy.

In the second part of Chapter 1, the POV (point of view) character (Jem) should really be established in the first sentence. This should be the rule for every scene.

When structuring a novel, a good way of maintaining a good pace and keeping the reader enthralled is to keep to the following formula:-

Scene: Goal / Conflict / Disaster

followed by

Sequel: Reaction / Dilemma / Decision

and thus repeated over and over.

I'm presently using this formula to rework my own work and have been surprised to find myself having already used it many times without consciously doing so. Hope this has been of help to you.

Laith

Captivating from the very first lines, the characters stand out and draw you in... the writer's style is engaging.

Hi Naomi
This isn't my normal genre, which you know having looked at mine, but I think you have a nice writing style. Lots of telling, not showing as you advised to me. I think this is one that will do well with an ED's review, I've starred for you.

Good luck
Silvachilla

This is well written and brings home the tragedy of the 1888 blizzard. Jem is a wonderful character to follow as she goes through the changes of growing up.

Naomi,
The poker-faced, informative beginning of "Wither Thou Goest" packed as much of a punch as a tsunami alert on CNN. Hooked, I settled down with ample coffee to follow the struggles of Jem and Seth through the harsh realities of rural Nebraska in the 1800's. The unfettered dialogue and descriptive prose carried the story well. I've six-starred your work and put it on my watchlist in line for the next shelf vacancy. Thank you so much for sharing this treasure of a book with us.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

Naomi,
The poker-faced, informative beginning of "Wither Thou Goest" packed as much of a punch as a tsunami alert on CNN. Hooked, I settled down with ample coffee to follow the struggles of Jem and Seth through the harsh realities of rural Nebraska in the 1800's. The unfettered dialogue and descriptive prose carried the story well. I've six-starred your work and put it on my watchlist in line for the next shelf vacancy. Thank you so much for sharing this treasure of a book with us.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The Northt Korean

This is the first book I've read on Authonomy. I'm on Chapter 5 and have enjoyed reading. I won't comment on small things here and there, as others have done, but would say that the scene where Jem loses her temper in the first chapter seems to come too quickly and doesn't quite work for me. For the most part, though, the characters really live; I like the humor amongst the overall seriousness of the work. I wanted to rate it but couldn't get the rating button to work. I did back it, though, despite the fact that I'm not sure what it means to back a book. If I can get the rating button to work, I will certainly give this 4 stars.

Great!
I have given you six stars.
Just started reading but it is really an excellent work.
DAELLE WORTH~ REBIRTHED... FROM ON HIGH

Great!
I have given you six stars and backed your book.
Just started reading but it is really an excellent work.
DAELLE WORTH~ REBIRTHED... FROM ON HIGH

Hi again,
Well, I can't think of the last time I stayed up into the early morning hours in order to finish a book. I couldn't bring myself to stop! When this is published I'll be first in line for a copy.
I did spot a few typos here and there (receipt for recipe in chapter 12, for instance), but they in no way impacted my enjoyment of the book. I was in tears toward the end.
There was something I noticed, and I don't want to give away anything, so I'll be circumspect. A certain someone knocks on Grizz's door during the blizzard, and it felt a little odd to me that this person was never mentioned again. I think it would be a very important thing to Jem.
I've given you six stars. I can definitely see why this book has risen so high in the rankings so quickly. Congratulations!
Emily

I love this, Naomi, it reminds me of Gone WithThe Wind with Jem very much in the mode of Scarlett O'Hara. I love these saga type stories and this looks to be a block-buster. Great stuff! Backed with stars and on w/l.

Kate Grimes -LIZZIE -CUPPA TALES - TALES OF WILLOW GREEN

Well done.

Backed!
Rebecca
"Someone Else's Diary"

Hi Naomi, I am up to chapter ten and I love it. Not only are the characters wel rounded and full of emotion and depth, but the story hits home because you know that this fiction is based on real times and real lives. I am so drawn into thisbook and feel like I am part of this journey and not an on looker which is so important to me when I am reading a book. I love your descriptives, you paint not only vivid scenery but you allow us through your words to feel an emotion without being told how we should feel and on top of all that the message you incorporate effortlessly of what life with God and without God as your true Father looks like, is real talent, and a must ingredient for a great writer. I will comment again when I finish...I know this will do amazing Backed without hesitation... Patricia aka Columbia Layers of the Heart

Hi Naomi,
Now reading chapter five, and enjoying your book immensely. Jem is a fabulous character, so spoiled and unlikable, but in a good way, if that makes any sense. I can’t wait to see how she develops in the upcoming chapters, because she certainly can’t stay the way she is and survive on the frontier!
One of the hardest things about reading on this site has been trying to find the good amongst the typos grammatical errors. That has not been a problem with your book…it took me until chapter five to bump into anything, and it’s very minor: ‘a different tact’ should be ‘a different tack, (sailing term) and in Jem’s letter, ‘lerned’ (unless that is how she spells it).
I was confused by the first sentence of Chapter 6. The rest was excellent.
I loved chapter 7 and how Jem has changed. I’m really starting to like her now!
Chapter 8…you say Seth took a journey south to see his land, but Nebraska is north of Kansas.
A sod house…it should be interesting how Jem reacts to that!
This is very addictive…I’ve got to stop here, or else I’ll get nothing else done today. I’ll be back to read more, though.
Have a good day!
Emily

Naomi,
This is a great book! Your characters are easy to relate to and compelling. I'm praying the publishing world discovers what a gem you are.

(re: chapters 1-4)

Whither Thou Goest is a beautifully-written, historical tale of Jemima, a privileged young woman whose father's financial misdeeds bring shame on the family and sets in motion a reversal of fortune for Jemima, her husband, Seth, and their son, Charley. There's much to love about this novel--the palpable sense of place and time, the authenticity of the characters, and the engaging plot. But, most of all dialogue between characters is excellent and does a fine job of moving the plot forward.

(re: chapters 1-4)

Whither Thou Goest is a beautifully-written, historical tale of Jemima, a privileged young woman whose father's financial misdeeds bring shame on the family and sets in motion a reversal of fortune for Jemima, her husband, Seth, and their son, Charley. There's much to love about this novel--the palpable sense of place and time, the authenticity of the characters, and the engaging plot. But, most of all dialogue between characters is excellent and does and fine job of moving the plot forward.