TALES OF BRAVE ULYSSES

Oh. My. God. I am laughing lungs out at this. You had me at the Beatles. Straights and freaks. Stuffing towels under the door. CHAD AND JEREMY! Who I saw in my first concert ever, as part of Gene Pitney's Cavalcade of Stars at the Rhode Island Auditorium, ca. 1965, 8th grade. Please, please, please, I am humming Tales of Brave Ulysses but I can't remember the name of the song - Damn. You must tell me. Immediately.

I will be back for more, if for no other reason that I hope to see the words Firesign Theater in print!

Giving you lots of stars and watchlisting for now.

I hope you'll take a look at Animal Cracker and back it if you like it - reallly need support to stay on the desk.

Best,
Andi

I like this, and didn't expect to. I'm not certain what it's about, but enjoyed the command of narrative and livid descriptions.
There seems to be an amorphous/un-edged quality to the piece, reflecting the American 60s, yet you maintain control throughout. There is a kind of humanity there, too, this a softer, gentler walk to life-changing trauma, somehow.
The Bob Dylan element I always like, but feel that, once again, the reiteration, the endless list of names of the period to force the issue, is a temptation that should be resisted.
You have an effortless and accomplished style, with poetic raptures. I am surprised you have no backers.
I did only read thru the first couple of chapters, so maybe it is further in, where the story begins.

Plot sounds really interesting. Watch listing it. Hope to read more soon! Loved the beginning. Best of luck to you!

Please feel free to check out my book, about an ex-1960s radical and a young man!: A Last Day Parade

thanks

Hi. I browsed through your book, enough to enjoy it. I’m backing it because of the voice and will try to return, when I have more time.
Could you please take a look at mine?
Dan

Hi Harold. Started your work awhile back. Continuing on...find it a consistent, interesting, well paced tale. Good structure, well defined characters. Backing again in case the first didn't register.

blessings,
jim
jack & charmian london

Harold, your opening chapter is smooth. I particularly liked the true-to-life dialogue. Only minor nit I have is that you need a comma where I have shown to make the sentence clearer: My roommate, Hunter (comma needed here) and I had....

Happy to back your work.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Harold -

Tales of Brave Ulysses - a joint session that blooms into a wonderfully surreal euphoria, evoking a time that holds much to give, still, and fascination. Lovely writing. You've made me want to read on.

Backed, Pia (Course of Mirrors)

You have a great voice! I wasn't around for the 60's, but you really made the time come alive. This read as I would expect any other polished novel to read. I was wondering who you would manage to pull off eight characters, but this worked out well!
xBeccaX
The Forever Girl

Interesting depiction of 1960s life

Lynne Ellison

The Green Bronze MIrror

Hi Harold
This is a hugely interesting period of history and you've encapsulated it really well. You've crafted the story in such a way as to make it entertaining, yet inform the reader at the same time. The interaction between the characters is engaging and sets the story up well. The pitch grabs the reader and draws you in, keeping the interest throughout. Great stuff.
DP Walker
Five Dares

You have set an exquisite scene, with all the elements of the 60's popping up in conversation or through your fabulous descriptive powers. I love the introduction to the characters, and have a real sense of being taken back, although I was only a tot at the time.

Question, and I don't know the answer to it so it's not a criticism. Were there bobble-heads back then?

Great read! Backed.

Craig Ellis
The Sun and the saber

I think this has to be one of the catchiest titles ever.
I also think you have the voice of the era nailed perfectly. Sorry to be so short here, but I couldn't find anything to really fault. Much of the dialogue should flow free, just as you have it. If I have some time in the morning I'll pop back for a couple more chapters. Best of luck with this.

Gerry
Dropcloth Angels

I'm invested, man. Sorry. Just gettin' into the spirit of the decade. Why have I not come across this yet? Gorgeous.

Memphisgirl
Ashes By Now

Hi Harold, You’ve caught the tone of the 60s; the story moves easily and with that abandon, the dialogue very natural. I really enjoyed the painting of Jase and Ingrid saying she was Circe, leading early into the title theme. “…our pupils in bloom like nocturnal flowers..” – like that too. This is a good start, involving with its immediacy, and the synopsis sounds enticing too. Easily shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

This takes me back to my late teenage years in the closing years of the Sixties and the beginning of the Seventies. The naming of the music, the groans after somebody requested Chad and Jeremy, the goofing around and trying to out cool each other. Just kids getting into realms of which they no little. Great title for the novel. That song by Cream gives the reader a good indication that these kids are heading out into an adventure the result of which is clueless. "Tiny purple fishes run laughing through your fingers" indeed!

I'm glad you uploaded the complete text. I can come back and read more when my vacation begins. Backed for now.

Great coming of age story, set in a time I wished I'd lived through. You've captured the feeling of that time period perfectly. It's a great story and I'm looking forward to following Jason on this journey. Glad you have the whole thing up! I can come back from time to time!

Missy

Love the opening line ... one of the best I've seen. This story captures the time with more clarity than memory could ever manage, 'They were like munitions stacked for a coming siege'. There are some great phrases, 'Ginger Baker's fat drum beats spackled the walls with sound', which become increasingly high along with Jase and his pals, 'I could hear his eyelids open'. The chaotic, unhinged lives of stoned students. 'Thanks, Jase, but we could have handled them ourselves', there's gratitude. But there's also a bond forming here. Later, the axolotls seem enviable, 'Pretty sweet deal, huh?' and the mad fun feels like it's on a downward spiral. A novel that is haunting and alien in its nostalgia ... backed.

Possible nits: 'black hair that [who] sat cross-legged'. 'rolled it into [a] fat tube'. 'the tales [tails] tied around her midriff'. 'Ingrid rattled of[f] a string of French'.

Jason is authentic, likable and well fleshed out. You have an eye for important details and your descriptions are effective. For example, your description of Warlock. You enrich your narrative with apt similies such as 'like he was still salting his green beans down in the cafeteria' and clever metaphors like 'a chaos of curls.' Your dialogue reads real and drives your story. Your pacing held my attention.

Nit:
Consider reducing the number of exclamation marks by one half. Overuse reduces their effectiveness.

This is an intelligent, evocative coming of age drama. Backed.

Excellent read!

Very vivid, visual, the superb writing glued me to the pages. Highly intelligent mind behind it. I believe it appeals not only to those who are interested in the late sixties and its culture, but also to a young reader who is, like Jason, growing into his/her self-hood, and finding their way in the world.

Great potential for a movie after the book hits the stores!

Two thumbs up, and backed with true pleasure.

Johanna Kern
Master and the Green-Eyed Hope

A bit before my time - I was bor in 67 - but tht just made it more interesting. A good read
Simon
Carlie Marconi

Really good. I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked this up, but what I found was honest to goodness fiction. Engaging, interesting and intelligent, with a real feel of the era.

Backed with pleasure.
Abi xxx

Love the joints '...stacked like munitions for a coming seige.'
It would be patronising of me to talk about dialogue etc. But your similes are inspired and look at the world in a new way. Jason is a superb creation. Backed. lynn

You set the scene and capture the mood very well for the late 1960's - I do remember it well. I do like your attention to detail and your character development of Jason is excellent. Writing in the first person narrative keeps the pace of your novel flowing nicely and the dialogue is crisp and realistic. Your finely crafted book is a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

TALES OF BRAVE ULYSSES
This is an interesting step back to a much more innocent time than today. Jason is a good character: his thoughts and his actions seem authentic for the 1960s. I’m sure you’ll find a ready audience of readers who sat in a similar dorm room or played barefoot in fountains the same way in the 1960s who will want to read this to see how it all plays out (and compare it to how their own life played out). I’m adding it to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Dear Harold, I love that you have brought the '60s back to life - I was in my 20s, then. :) Your pitch is excellent, so set the hook for me to read your book. :) When you use short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, it makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing your book. :)
Could you please take a moment to back my TWO memoir books? Thanks, Susie :)

This is information from authonomy (so beware of any other untrue information you may receive that is spam & not quotes of authonomy):
"When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"...authonomy quote.
"Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs.

I have so enjoyed this, totally absorbed me!
You have some immense lines (things like – Scattered thoughts crowded my brain like a riot of sun-capped dandelions as they bashed together in a wind-skirted field where Verlaine ran naked. Could immense myself in books like this for months!!!

I was born in 1968 and just feel I would love to know more about this era. Your book gives a true sense of authenticty as well as very strong characters and an intriguing story. Very accessibly written, it felt very evocative and had a lovely pace.
Carl
The Time Hunters

Harold i am at a loss as to why your book would have a red arrow next to it. I can only assume that you don't spend much time on the site. Cause it is by far in the top percentage of books I have read on the site. Backed you with pleasure. (hope you can return the favour)
David
Bailey of the Saints

Best history lesson I've read yet! Good stuff here.

Lockjaw

Hey Harold I'm backing this because it so reflects that era of hippiedom. I like the way the dialogue moves the story along and captures that time - 1968? - so well, the world was in flux and full of possibilities before the Dream came crashing down marred by so many assassins bullets, Manson and Altamont. 'The Dream is Over' BACKED Chris1

Ahh college... *sniff*

It's like the nuts and bolts haven't changed in dorm life.
Well done and shelved.
Dan-
Eunice Stubbins, among others...

I love the cover and the pitches are so redolent of 'my' era I couldn't resist reading this. A very cleverly structured novel with a some unusual twists - I like the real-life appearances and I found Jason (what else could he be but Jason) a fascinating narrator. I'd like to read this in its entirety, but not on screen!
1968 was such a defining year, worldwide, especially for the age-group of the main characters, and an inspired choice, but there's far more than a clever premise ere. This is assured writing, character driven and with so many touches that bring the period to life. I'm loving this. Backed.
Jared.
Mummy's Boy.

Great read, very nostalgic, baby boomer era.


Very nicely written.

Happy to back this.

Melxx
Impeding Justice

This is a really cool, fun, character journey story. Backed with pleasure, Sana x

Backed January 20.

Jesse - Savant

http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=14062

Harold,
I was ready to back this after the opening sentence.
This has definately got an audience out there. 1968 is a great backdrop for a story that will surely and this book will appeal the the whole baby boomer set.
Very well done.
MickR - The Nightcrawler.

Hi Harold,
I went to University in 1971, but that was in the north of England and we were always at least three years behind the rest of the world. You have it pretty close to reality. Shelved.

I did feel a wave of nostalgia reading this. 1968 was the year we felt we could change the world. It was a time of tremendous belief for young people. I've got to say, its the one thing I miss in todays youth.

I like your writing and I like the characters you portray. You took me back - thanks.

John Booth (Shaddowdon)

Hi Harold, here as promised. This is heady stuff for the morning and I am feeling slightly giddy with the haze of smoke and the hypnotic music. This was the soundtrack to my childhood - I was a decade younger than your characters but the sounds of Hendrix, Clapton, Yes etc meandered and crashed through our house, along with the scent of patchouli (very exotic for suburban Surrey!).
I like your writing a lot - and love the way the language shifts as your MC becomes more and more stoned...nicely done.
It needs a little attention to grammar and punctuation but that's easily fixed. Worth doing though as agents and editors will find the slightest excuse to turn something down!
You capture an era extraordinarily well and your characters are nicely drawn - they really do jump off the page. I love the names too. Great dialogue as well.
Loved it, backed it.
Jane
WALKER

Man, you can build magic with your words.
Best of luck

Cheers
D

Your narrative has a real movie-like quality to it, it's just so vivid! I loved it from the start, easy going, just like your characters. Being an eighties child, I feel like I missed out on a lot of living, and this book reiterates that. Wonderfully written and chock full of talent.

Andrew

Hi Harold,

You describe the way things were in the late 60's perfectly. Sex, drugs and rock n' roll. I love the tone of the novel and the dialogue too.

Carol

Harold, you have a true gift for description. The picture you paint of the statue shows just how well you wield the written word. And your dialog is very easy to read and fun. Coming from a literary background, I would cut it back a little and leave the dialog that really enhances your story. But you know best what you're aiming for. Shelved.

evocative of a time before mine but which has always appealed a lot, you paint a crowded canvas

it is intense and yet throwaway, the things people do before they've learned to retrospect . .

i can see this appealing to a large wide swathe of people - the folks who went through it (which was like a boom of babies!) but also the generations since, because it was a time of archetypes

your prose is rich but not cloying and your story draws a reader in.

shelved, and wishing you well with it

freddie
("honour")

Tales of Brave Ulysses takes me pleasantly back in time to the carefree 1960's. This is an easy read with good dialogue, believable characters and a first couple of chapters that set the scene well and lull the reader into a sense of security - but for how long? I like your style. backed.

Hi Harold! I have just finished reading the first two chapters of your book. I graduated from high school in 1970 and lived the life you are describing, so needless to say, there is much that I like about your book. You have the start to a compelling story of life during those tumultous yet freedom-filled years. However, I think you have some work to do in order for this wonderful story to become a publisher's dream. It is a bit overwritten and lacks an emotional value that it must have to lure your readers through to its end. I have made some comments, per chapter, and general comments at the end. I am, by no means, an expert but many people on Authonomy have told me that I'm pretty good at this. Let's see what you think.
CHAPTER ONE: I would tell your reader the name of the university. 'into thick tube' You have left out 'a' before 'thick' but I think the sentence would be much smoother by simplifying to 'rolling it and twisting the ends.' 'like munitions stacked for a coming seige' Great line and reminiscent of my own 'stacks' of the time. I would change 'sex attractant' to 'aphrodisiac'. I would change 'and sparked' to 'and popped' as I don't remember sparks but I do remember an occasional pop from the occasional tiny seed. "Finest kind!" Another great line! All of the album and artist names seems like a huge info dump....I would just name an album and artist occasionally...maybe no more than one per chapter. Yes, music was a big part of the energy of that era but it seems that you are trying to impress your reader with YOUR knowledge of the subject rather than just telling us a story. When you are talking about the art prints, it might be fun if you would include a bit of dialogue that addresses the concert posters of the day. Maybe have one of your characters say something like "All these posters are beautiful art but they are worthless." When we all know that, today, many of those same posters are worth a small fortune. I sure wish I had saved mine! The paragraph that begins "Yeah. Right on..." is way too long. Your reader doesn't want or need to know every tiny detail regarding the acquisition of the DX sign. UNLESS you make it an actual scene in your book and tell us about it as it happens. 'wrapped around the dorm like gauze' Seems more like a foggy evening than a warm spring evening.
CHAPTER TWO: 'onto the sidewalk' I would have them fall onto grass, instead, conjuring up a more peaceful fall without scrapes and bruises. 'The parade of Detroit chrome' Nice line! You have another info-dump in the fountain scene. Again with the name-dropping. Not good. Your dialogue between your characters, when they finally meet up again, is very good...much more natural. Your story flows much better without the name-dropping and overly descriptive prose. Simple is always better when it comes to writing fiction. 'he relayed one joint' Simplify with 'gave' instead of 'relayed'. I would delete the scene regarding the condom as, in those days, nobody really worried about wearing one. The girl's were all on 'The Pill' (which deserves a mention) and AIDS was not an issue yet. 'Lets go over by those bushes.' I don't understand the need to hide as they are in a forest-like setting in a park....at night. 'threaded its smoke' You have used the word 'threaded' in this same context too often.
GENERALLY SPEAKING: First, find ways to add more emotion. Tell us how your characters feel as they move through their world. Its these feelings that will grip your reader and make them root for these young people as they strive for truth. I would encourage you to find another name for 'Ingrid' as it is not French, but Scandanavian and/or German. Please fight the urge to name-drop albums, artists, authors, movies, etc. An occasional mention of one, now and then, would be fine. But you have used far too many mentions and it really detracts, rather than adds, to your storyline. Same with the over-abundance of metaphors. Many of your metaphors are very clever but there are far too many as you have used them to describe almost everything. Remember that your story is all important. Go back and read every word in every sentence in every paragraph and make sure that every single word propels your story forward. If not, delete, delete, delete. I did this with my own work and ended up deleting a lot including one whole chapter. Yes, it hurt but my book was better in the end. Always remember that it is your story that is the important issue...no one word or phrase is as important as your overall story. I hope you can dicipher my comments and I hope that some of them help. Keep at this as I really do think, with some honest editing, you will end up with a wonderful story set in the era that meant so much to myself and others, and turned out to be a turning point in the soul of our country. Good Luck!

Love the first three lines and of course, the title. Love books that take me back to an era and yours puts us there. The premise shows promise and your writing, as far as I've read, seems it can deliver. Shelved and backed! ~Foxy Crystalwood, Chasing SANE

OMG - sex, drugs, rock & politics ... nostalgia or what! I love Tales of Brave Ulysses because it takes me back to a time that I thought was fabulous - and you do it so well! Next month I'm off to launch a book that has 30 of us musing happily about this era at our college. I want to buy yours, Harold, so please get it published soon. Backed with pleasure - Phil Rowan (Weimar Vibes)

Hi Harold!

It's always fun to take a trip back into history - and you've made this trip colorful with your detail and compelling characters! This is delicious... Happy to back it!

Kim
Invisible Justice

Harold, this is a real bit of nostalgia, fun, adventurous and original. Love the tone, style and premise, and I'm sure this is a winner. Maybe just shorten those longer speech tags a little to make for more impact? I think you'd make a great screenwriter too......I can see a film coming on. Shelved with pleasure.

Harold, this is a real bit of nostalgia, fun, adventurous and original. Love the tone, style and premise, and I'm sure this is a winner. Maybe just shorten those longer speech tags a little to make for more impact? I think you'd make a great screenwriter too......I can see a film coming on. Shelved with pleasure.