The Turn of the Tide

Very well constructed novel, worthy of the likes of Hilary Mantel. Very well written - I really do hope this makes it to the shelves!!!

Backed.

Andy (Fortitude)

A rarity a true novel worthy of its gold star here on Authonomy.

I do hope you have this out there now, either with an agent or actually published.

I love this era and found your writing very smoothe and easy to read.

Happily shelved

Melxx
Impeding Justice

Hi Margaret,

Well, this is a tour de force of solid plotting wedded to solid writing! It is one of those special books which, read beside a roaring fire with the wind gusting in the chimney, is a source of great contentment and pleasure on a long winter evening.

I have nothing to add to the comments on the writing below, but I do want to comment on two aspects - time and place.

Time first. The 16th century, especially in England, Scotland and Ireland is one of my major periods. I must say that the sounds, smells, and colours of real life in that period are all here in Munro's Choice. The characters and their ambience are totally believable. I have absolutely no problem with the language and dialogue and do think that you have made them accessible enough to your readers without sacrificing too much authenticity. A delicate task well executed.

And so to place. Ah yes, the rain, the bloody constant, unpredictable, and cleansing rain! It sweeps through the book just as it really does at the north west corner of Europe. Excellent, and nicely placed as a dripping background.

There are wonderful touches of imagery toughout that bring the place to real life in the imagination. I loved it when "The morning dragged in with a wind that shook the casement," and the "squelch of hooves sucked into the boggy ground." My favourite, though, has to be the descrikption of sunset when "he watched the few clouds, strung out like strands of bog cotton, gradually flood with colour." Now, that really is what it can be like in that part of the world. Magic.

(I spotted a few typos: Chapter 5 - 'he had seemed ages with Munro's own youngest brother' and Chapter 7 - 'his gaze focused on James who James continued.')

Munro's Choice goes straight to my bookshelf now, and I hope that it is not too long before I have a hardcopy in hard covers in my real world library!

Bill

I sank into this with a feeling of familiarity. The writing is beautifully observed, with a true feel for the period, the characters canon for their setting. A simple effective opening sets the scene perfectly, you feel you know Munro. Superb.

A good read, I enjoyed the opening and look forward to Book 2.
I would welcome your comments on my tome which has spluttered back to life this month...
Kind regards,
Cameron

Though not enlightened of this era or setting, it rang true and I enjoyed every minute of the read. I was able to identify or at least sympathize with the Munro. I love many of the turns of phrase you artfully handle, like the dazzling sunlight as he crested a hill. The undercurrents between characters in their dialogue was effective. And an amazing ambush scene. Brava.
Cheers!
John B Campbell (Walk to Paradise Garden)

Captivating story of a turbulent time in Scotland's history. A masterclass in how to do the HF genre for the likes of me. There isn't a bad or wasted sentence in this tale of primogeniture, family feuding, divided loyalties and murderous deeds. The setting is totally authentic, the fiction/fact mix carefully thought out and period detail lightly applied. The portrayal of the ambush somehow manages to be artfully and carefully fashioned but the violence still stuns the reader in its sudden and vicious finality. The author has clearly taken note of the HC suggestions and the list of characters at the start was helpful. I had no sense of any language problem in reading this. Munro's inner conflict is the centrepiece of the story being told and this conflict is mirrored in his divided country. Doubtless more than the family feuding will be underlined and soon we will hear more of the CounterReformation, the threat of a Catholic/ Spanish invasion and of Mary Queen of Scots execution, just around the corner. I suppose the one problem I have with the story is the darkness of it all. In many respects the feuding reminded me of the Ridd/Doone family feuding of RD Blackmore. the West Country regional events in that book did also touch on factual Royal happenings of a century or so later. He also had an uplifting and unforgettable romance, between John Ridd and Lorna Doone. This central thread lightened a dark tale and I think 'Turn of the Tide' would be better for a similar thread. Munro does love his wife and fears how she will react to hearing of his involvement in murder and clearly there is going to be some passion involved in this thread of the story and perhaps the author also has romantic plans yet to be revealed to us authonomists for Grizel Montgomerie. I hope she allows us to see more.

What a wonderful story! Like another commentator I felt immediately at home in it and look forward to reading the rest, in print, by the fireside - some time soon, I hopel This is everything that excellent writing can offer, and if you have updated on the HC crit it must surely be very, very near to acceptance.

My only query with the chapters uploaded is - Wally Dugs as early as the 1580s? Whether Wemyss or Staffordshire, I imagined them 200 years younger, with more crude examples being just a bit earlier.

Happy hunting, and may success come soon.

Margaret Woodward : The Devil's Bairn

Hi Margaret,
I remember Munro's Choice well, and when I saw you'd revised following HC's review, I was very interested to revisit. I remember reading the first version and I thought it was an exemplary historical novel, and I really can't recall the differences to compare it to your new version. But, what I do see is the new version is as clean and polished as I've ever seen. The prologue is stark, to the point, and makes a brilliant segue into Part I of the book. In the first chapter proper I found myself lost in your lovely descriptive narrative, from the grey edge of the clouds signalling dawn, to the attire of the characters. This is one of the things that makes historical fiction--and your book in particualar grand. The past is an unknown and exotic place to readers, and you make us feel at home there. The way the characters speak -- although I do not know the time period well -- I'm sure it is true to form, and that, too, makes me feel I'm there to discover not only the story, but the time itself.

High Stars to an elegant writer.
Lizzi
(Out of Sync)

Great Premise here. It's nice to take a read of other books that have made the desk. Clearly a lot of research has gone into writing this. You really DO jump right into action. You manage to convey a lot in few words. Dialogue is fantastic and your prose is astounding. I had to scroll up to see if it was classified as literary fiction (and I see it is! good!) because that is how I would classify something this well written. I always admire writers who are able to craft stories this way, especially those who do it without sacrificing pace and interest. Seems like you got a good review from HC, and I hope you move onto publication after you finish your revisions. I'm going to put this on my shelf. I know it doesn't do anything since you already have your star (except improve your overall ranking on the site) but I always make room for good writing. Take care!
xBeccaX
The Forever Girl

I love historical novels, and you have certainly done a lot of research. A classic awaiting to be discovered. Happy to back it. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

I like Monro as a vehicle for the story, and I like being in his head. I've read so many fantasy and historical fiction submissions with shifting points of view, but I always thought, in most cases, the reader is more comfortable pulling on one character's coat and wearing it around for a bit. I'm looking forward to reading more, and I love your attitude (based on your blog).

Memphisgirl
Ashes By Now

What could I say that hasn’t been said already?
Strong voice, good narration and credible dialogue. Characters are alive and believable, location and events description is accurate and give foundation to the story (a few more short infomercial paragraphs won’t hurt…especially in the first 2-3 chapters, to better set the stage).
You’ve got my vote.
Maybe you could take a look at TO KILL A DEAD MAN.

Captures the flavour of the times. I enjoyed the build up to the ambush and the character of the earl's son made him a dislikeable villain, amongst the other villains, including the reluctant one.. I read all eight chapters and would gladly read more.

As a student of medieval history (alright, I know this counts as early modern) 'The Turn of the Tide' is right up my street! I think it creates a brilliant picture of the era and the first few chapters demand further reading. Keep up the good work.
Katie

This is pretty interesting. I believe you do have some font size irregularities to fix. Unless you meant for varying font sizes.

F. Ellsworth Lockwood
"The Final Cruise"

OH, and I will back this soon as I can.

Exciting first chapter (Ch 2). Well written. Fast paced. Lean. Economical. Full of suspense. I will read on to Ch 3.

F. Ellsworth Lockwood
"The Final Cruise"

This is well written and compelling. I did not see it prior to editing, so I cannot draw a comparison, but this has a unique style and voice. It's written about a time long past, yet there's an immediacy to the narrative that I think would draw in non-historical fiction readers and leave them wanting more. Since it's already got its star there's not much I can do about showing my support beyond this comment.

Best of luck in getting this to its deserved place in print.

Abi xxx

M:

YES!!!

Best
Eddie Crockett (CHOUAN: FOR GOD AND KING)

M:

YES!!!

Best
Eddie Crockett (CHOUAN: FOR GOD AND KING)

M:

YES!!!

Best
Eddie Crockett (CHOUAN: FOR GOD AND KING)

This is a grand Scottish epic, and written in a thoroughly authentic voice. I love the non-standard English in the dialogue. Everything about this hits home, and I'm happy to back it even though you've already gotten your review. I hope you find a publisher for this book.
Craig
The Job

Congratulations!
January

You renamed it Margaret. Still Munro must choose. Best Babe. RT

You renamed it Margaret. Still Munro must choose. Best Babe. RT

Botheration - I'd just got halfway through a comment when the site crashed and I lost it! I'll start over...

I loved the atmosphere of this, the sense of time and place. You write beautifully of Scotland, the landscape and the weather, and it conjured my memories of these places. Evocative, magical stuff. I was caught by this rather more perhaps than by the politics... One of the problems of reading books on line rather than on paper is that it is hard to flip back and forth to check a point. Your characters are vividly introduced but they don't always retain that sense of character once they reappear in a group setting. Munro himself though is excellent; dour and clear sighted and fully self-aware. Good luck with publication.

Interesting premise and good writing. I have backed the book.
Taiella (Second Love)

Even though there are certainly elements that I agree with regarding Harper Collins review, I believe you have a very distinct writing style that captures the imagination and the scope of the times. You have a great start on which to build. Strengthen your story and I think you will have a winner. I would appreciate your reading December Gold and giving me your comments.
--author of December Gold

I like medieval stories as a category. I like this one a lot, not only because of the time period, but because you've made your characters come aiive. You've not fallen into the trap of stilted dialogue or describing the clothing or a palace so extensively, the flow of the story is bogged down. So this is a good read. (I just noticed the star by your title and realize you've already had a pro reader look at this so don't need my comment but I'll leave this just the same). I enjoyed reading it. I'll add it to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

A very exciting piece of historical fiction that doesn't feel impeded by facts and dates. This has a scenic, film-like quality that made it very easy to be absorbed by.

M&J
GRAEMOR

a very enjoyable read, backed

alison

I'm in love!!!!!!!!! Munro . He had me as he melded with Sweet Briar. A man who needs to justify himself to his horse, and then a stable boy needs my TLC! What an admirable character; sensitive, strong and lacking in vanity. I hope he doesn't let me down! Send him over here; I'm not far from the Borders. Get another Authonomist to devise a time-machine; we have plenty talented sci-fi and fantasy members.
LOVE YOUR BOOK

Hi Margaret -- I read all you've posted and was very impressed with your writing. Munro seems a strong MC. I know there is much more to come. Although this isn't my 'usual', I found I was drawn along by the tale nicely and enjoyed it a lot. It's always good writing that matters, more than the genre.
I can only wish you the best of luck and I hope sincerely that you find a publisher one day.
Best wishes, Barry
(Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys)

Margaret,

The Turn of The Tide - if I read this months back it must have been rinsed in crystal water since. The historical notes are succinct. The prose - horse and the rider, ah - and this is just a taste of what is to come. Easy to like Munro, I'm with him. The writing is vivid, filmic. To have this book would be a treat. I hope it will soon be in print.

Pia (Course of Mirrors)

Truthful, I was doing a bit of research into what get a book to the desk.
I think what amazed me was the command of sensory descriptions that sets and grounds the story in time and place. Your timeline is perfect and the characterisation amazing. Can see I have still work to do.

I know you already got the gold star but I found this book and it sounded wonderful. And I was not disappointed. There is a lot of history and I really learned something with what I did read. You've got vivid descriptions and it truly put me right there in the story. I like your narrative voice too, it was easy to read and follow along. Munro is an interesting character too, he's had to kill and he struggles with it, that makes for some great character development. Basically, I really enjoyed reading this! I can see why you were able to go so far with it!

Missy
Mark of Eternity

Great preface - keeping a reader informed from the start - avoid having to process details during the reading. Good tension, characterization and visuals. Lovely writing. Best wishes for a long career.

Catherine (The Golden Thread)

This was a good start. I could see what you were describing and the narrative flows well. Families are a great source of drama, no matter what the century. Very good.

First a disclaimer: I know next to squat about Scottish history. So, I dutifully read the history, cast of characters and glossary. I figured most of this info would unfold in the story. But, I didn't see much tie-in with Chapt. 2 nor could I visualize where Munro was. And, did he slide down the slope and hop into his saddle with that strange man still clinging to his arm? In the next chapter, I still was in a fog, not sure what Munro was asking of Lady Margaret except her support. I appreciate how well-researched this is and am impressed by the wealth of period signifiers. If I knew more of the history, this probably wouldn't be such a struggle for me, so please take that into consideration. Best wishes as you pursue your writing career, and congratulations on having been reviewed.
Denise

I think this is a very impressive start. I enjoyed the strong, well drawn personalities, and found the necessary expository information to be imparted smoothly in plausible dialogue.
I would gladly have read more.

Wendy Bertsch
(Once More...From The Beginning)

A rarity a true novel worthy of its gold star here on Authonomy.

I do hope you have this out there now, either with an agent or actually published.

I love this era and found your writing very smoothe and easy to read.

Happily shelved

Melxx
Impeding Justice

Very well constructed novel, worthy of the likes of Hilary Mantel. Very well written - I really do hope this makes it to the shelves!!!

Backed.

Andy (Fortitude)

Dear Margaret Skea,

Thank you for sharing your story with us. I like how, like a typical man, he’s “worn his clothes to something close to extinction”. I appreciate your active verbs, such as “fingers teasing” her gown and “vaulted into the saddle and wheeled into the gateway”. In the third chapter you have “its done” when you meant “it’s done”. I see tensions are mounting and the families will soon come to blows, each mustering its allies. You have strong and period-appropriate dialog, and one of my favorites was “I haven’t placed you for a coward”.

In my fallible opinion, you could make your pitch far better portray your excellent story. Currently, the pitch tells us what your story is about, a historical fiction, but I’d prefer you tell me a tiny version of the story itself. For instance, the general statements like “is a cinematic blend of fact and fiction” don’t add to the tension and can be assumed. The ‘Ayrshire Vendetta’ sounds scary and interesting, and I’d like to see it in your short pitch, and I do like its description of ‘one of the most notorious feuds in history’. After that, your goal should be to introduce a few characters (give us two names), build sympathy with them, tell us what they’re up against. Tell us how their efforts to survive become more desperate, then leave us with a cliffhanger telling us the worst thing that could go wrong. This will give us a taste of your drama and involve us emotionally in your story.

A great story deserves a great pitch, and I wish you the best with it. Backed.

Regards,
Alan Marling

Margaret, your prologue and chapter one read well. Your work deserved the gold star. My only nit is with a sentence in the second paragraph of chapter one. It reads better like this: [Munro loosened his hand...Sweet Briar, his palm dragging against salt sweat as he stroked her neck.] I hope this helps.

Sincerely backed out of respect.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Munro's Choice certainly seems to me like a polished piece of work, and if HC's concern was the need for a powerful central protagonist and a counterpoint with another, rival, family then these seem to me to be present in spades. I don't have the benefit of seeing the original version of course - but HC's criticisms do not appear to me to apply to your current version. Their compliments do, though - the historical aspects, the vivid characters and scenes, the intriguing narrative and plot, the style and idiom all speak to me of a book that deserves to do very well. If it didn't already have a gold star, I'd be pleased to back it. Good luck with finding a publisher.

Obviously meticulously researched, a wonderful read and a must for history buffs!
Alison Butler (The Hanging of Margaret Dickson)

Backed January 23.

Jesse - Savant

Such rich, fascinating writing, filled with amazing historical details. I notice this is your post-HC version, and I read what they said - I finished after chapter 4, and think I understand what HC meant about the series of scenes and a main character. You amaze me constantly with the scenes, the incredibly accurate dialogue and the character developments, but I still am unsure as to who is the main protagonist.
Anyway ... who am I to judge? This is beautiful, more than deserving of that star beside your name.
backed
Genevieve
Under The Same Sky
p.s. I'd love to know what you think of my book sometime. 18th century Scotland, but far different from your style.

Can't recall how I stumbled over your book and I know it's got its gold star but I was just intrigued by the premise. Having read the first three chapters - and also the HC review - I'm a little surprised. Seems to me that you have a strong character in Munro who drives the narrative on. I'd be fascinated to know if you followed the suggestions and if you have had any luck in placing this?
Jane

great stuff, let me know when its published.

Judith, Peaceweaver

Great stuff, let me know when it s published. shelved

Judith Arnopp (peaceweaver)

Great work Margaret,
The latest publishing request seems to be for plot plans - a chapter by chapter summary of main events and main characters etc. Keep up the chase.
Best wishes
Rob

Beautiful. HC is crazy--or maybe they aren't surely they will soon hand you a contract before someone else does. Are you going to tell us this new title?
Backed with pleasure,
Barbara
The Sea Pillow

Beautiful. HC is crazy--or maybe they aren't surely they will soon hand you a contract before someone else does. Are you going to tell us this new title?
Backed with pleasure,
Barbara
The Sea Pillow