Greenwood Tree

I would buy this immediately, if I came across it in a bookshop. The writing is superb, the plot brilliant. I've read several chapters and will definitely be coming back for more when I have the time. I love the switching between centuries which works so well and has such an authoritative ring. The descriptions of Regency life brings the period alive, while the sleep walking scene is a brilliant beginning.
Backed with pleasure.
Anna (Black Damask)

This is an intelligent and thoughtful novel, well researched and written with great style and flair. I can appreciate the depth of your research as the sense of period is very effectively conveyed, both from the Regency period and the 1920s.
I've only had time to read 5 chapters, but this is a novel I would choose for myself. Skilful work and a pleasure to read. Backed with enthusiasm.
Jared.

This is rich, noisy and lively; a bright mosaic of colour and pattern and texture. Your voice really appeals to me. There’s an attractively visual quality to your style and an appealing sound to your language too. This feels wonderfully, busily, authentic.

Having just read your first two chapters, were I loitering in Waterstones, I would buy this.

I've looked forward to reading this. I really don't know how I've missed it for so long. My favourite genre and the pitch and plot enticed me. I wasn't disappointed in anything I found. Beautiful mature writing and a story being revealed little by mysterious little. Visual and atmospheric too.
You've clearly researched and it shows. I only comment as a reader, leave the rest to those more competent. I've enjoyed all I read and do wonder why this isn't further ahead than it is.
On my shelf, I hope that helps a little. Margaret.

Dear B,



Happy to see the Literary genre. And enhanced by Historical too. One has to put research and thought into such a work.

Well Orville didn’t last very long, did he? I thought he was the main character but you killed him off in the fourth line of your synopsis. I got quite a shock. Ah, but now we have detective-writer Julia Warren. Even better. Good concept for a lot of fun.

Highly approve of that prologue. I know about sleepwalking. My brother always opening the front door. Accomplished writing. Lots of experience behind this. Julia come across well. I am going to like her.

1783. Didn’t expect that. Now I am intrigued. This is very good. A real treat. Minor comment that the writing might be tightened here and there but leave it be. That would be fanatical polishing.

Very impressed with the style of writing. The sentence construction. Often non-sentences with no verb. Make no mistake, the style is very effective.

And I detect a mischievous author. Tee-hee.

Curious about the dialogue in script format. Not complaining. Fascinating really and you’re getting away with it, probably because of the period.

And the way you handle the coach luggage scene. Nice work. A lot of thought went into that. Makes me think you don’t write, but you live the scene in order to get it so cinematic.

I’m having a fine time because I am relieved of critiquing. Pleased to meet Orville in the flesh. Scrutinized the dialogue and found it superb. Truncated as it should be.

Occurring to me now that authors of the period wrote their dialogue as you do. Right for the times. Me, slow to wake up to what you are doing.

You paint very good pictures.

Greenwood Tree enthusiastically on my bookshelf.

I have nothing but admiration and not a single suggestion. My wish for you is that an editor trawling the Literary genre picks you up.

All the best and go well with your writing. I struggle and am forever reworking my stuff.

Kind regards,



Pierre.

The Little Girl in the Fig Tree

Goodness, thank you indeed for taking the time to pop by and have a perusal! At the moment I am busy adding stuff as it has been taken up by a publisher and will be launching early next year, but I hope to pop by to return the read ... :)

This is one hefty book, but in a good way. Creating poetry out of prose is one of those things very few people seem to be able to do effectively. Here, every word almost sings out to the reader, creating undeniable images in their mind as they are moved forward through the story.
I have to admit, only reading through the first couple chapters, that the jumps in time period are confusing, but I have a feeling that this is rectified before very long in the narrative. And, seeing as the first chapter discusses a writer working on writing, probably already has been.
Honestly, this is good stuff. I appreciate the choice in how to work with the dialogue. It's a bold one, but I often tire of the constant "Egroni said, Tailor rebutted"'s that are required with traditional novel dialogue. Plus, it brings me back to the stage, which, honestly, is where I want to be when reading something so beautifully written,
In a world of sparkly vampires and erotic fanfiction about sparkly vampires, I could see this as being a hard sell to the general populace. Yet, your ranking on here shows that there is a considerable enough number of people who do appreciate those who can make word-smithing into an art form.
Congrats on your work. High stars and I'm putting you on my watchlist to return to when I find the time.

This is one hefty book, but in a good way. Creating poetry out of prose is one of those things very few people seem to be able to do effectively. Here, every word almost sings out to the reader, creating undeniable images in their mind as they are moved forward through the story.
I have to admit, only reading through the first couple chapters, that the jumps in time period are confusing, but I have a feeling that this is rectified before very long in the narrative. And, seeing as the first chapter discusses a writer working on writing, probably already has been.
Honestly, this is good stuff. I appreciate the choice in how to work with the dialogue. It's a bold one, but I often tire of the constant "Egroni said, Tailor rebutted"'s that are required with traditional novel dialogue. Plus, it brings me back to the stage, which, honestly, is where I want to be when reading something so beautifully written,
In a world of sparkly vampires and erotic fanfiction about sparkly vampires, I could see this as being a hard sell to the general populace. Yet, your ranking on here shows that there is a considerable enough number of people who do appreciate those who can make word-smithing into an art form.
Congrats on your work. High stars and I'm putting you on my watchlist to return to when I find the time.

Thank you ! Will do ! :)

As I can't message you, I'm using the comments box to say - congratulations! Do let me know how GWT gets on.

As I can't message you, I'm using the comments box to say - congratulations! Do let me know how GWT gets on.

Greenwood Tree.

This is a complex tale rooted in the 17th century that has parallels, events and personalities, in the 20th. A mystery lies at the heart of it, of connivance, blackmail, betrayal and death that Julia, a best-selling writer striving to produce a new novel and stuck for a plot, stumbles upon.
Passages concerning the Regency period are very well-drawn, the does and don't attitudes of a country set akin to those in Pride and Prejudice, are well-realised. Into this society, whose ladies have little better to do than gossip and flutter at the most mundane things, comes striding the ubber-villain Orville. Suitably caddish he creates a scandal and shortly after expires, leaving many questions unanswered until over a hundred years later Julia, searching for material to use or base her latest novel upon, is given a diary written by an ancestor.
Again, the author evokes the mad-cap atmosphere and hedonism of the 1920's very well. Julia, stirred from writer's inertia, becomes more and more involved in the twists and turns, which seem to stem from pagan stories concerning a plot of land and what could be a demi-god, who is its guardian. This supernatural being has his likeness revealed in Mr. Egroni and later Mr. Grenel, the wearers of green coats who have a great interest in the landscape and its plants.
Whilst the prose is generally very good, a little editing is required to eliminate a few errors, which may be due to the uploading process in places, and in other places to separate one person's dialogue from another's, and perhaps a little tightening of the plot might be in order, but this has been a very enjoyable read. Having read all of the chapters posted, I would very much like to read the final ones.
In any event, on my shelf for a while.

Oh my goodness! (blushes and stammers awkwardly, then hides head in nearby bush) HOw kind! Thank you for such generous comments ! :)

Honestly, this is the first book I have come across on this site that I have nothing to offer except accolades. This may sound like a spammed comment but I assure you it is not. I read the first chapter of Greenwood Tree and immediately backed it before reading on. Whether or not this novel rises in the ranks of this site, it is worth backing simply on the merit of you WORDS, of the quality of your craft. Sincerely,
Gabe

Honestly, this is the first book I have come across on this site that I have nothing to offer except accolades. This may sound like a spammed comment but I assure you it is not. I read the first chapter of Greenwood Tree and immediately backed it before reading on. Whether or not this novel rises in the ranks of this site, it is worth backing simply on the merit of you WORDS, of the quality of your craft. Sincerely,
Gabe

Thank you, most kind ! I had thought Greenwood was going to sail down into oblivion (I am not here that often); glad to see it can still appeal to the occasional reader.:)

Absolutely beautifully written! It's always a pleasure to find literary style writing that's under control -- just the right amount of flavor without losing track of the story or drifting into purple prose. Your opening chapter was especially captivating.
Critique-wise, the only thing that threw me off was the shift from novel to almost script-like dialogue, and back again, but that was not a huge deal. Overall, great stuff. Six stars!
Best of luck with this! And if you are up for some middle-grade, tongue-in-cheek adventuring, please do come visit the Lost Wink.
Thanks!
Tod
http://authonomy.com/books/40646/the-lost-wink/

Absolutely beautifully written! It's always a pleasure to find literary style writing that's under control -- just the right amount of flavor without losing track of the story or drifting into purple prose. Your opening chapter was especially captivating.
Critique-wise, the only thing that threw me off was the shift from novel to almost script-like dialogue, and back again, but that was not a huge deal. Overall, great stuff. Six stars!
Best of luck with this! And if you are up for some middle-grade, tongue-in-cheek adventuring, please do come visit the Lost Wink.
Thanks!
Tod
http://authonomy.com/books/40646/the-lost-wink/

Greenwood Tree is simple magnificent.

this has a great feel and complete...good narrative and clever style...very good book...
backed...
read SEASONS...

GREENWOOD TREE
This is an interesting story. I like the way you shift from the past to the present. I think the conversation between Mrs. Rawnsley and Mrs. Glass, written as if it was a script for a play is innovative; a great way to supply back story without it bogging down the pace of things. I’m adding this to my shelf. Wannabeawriter: Who Killed the President?

Here there lies, languishing this three years past, a book project that any self-respecting author, or indeed aspiring amateur would feel constrained to act upon expeditiously.

Why has it lain thus, abandoned and unloved? Within its pages there is much to be pleased about, though at times a confusion of tenses and dates cannot have eased your readers' minds. Yet such trifles as these, even such strangeness as a dialogue more suited to a play than a novel, are so easily mended, that they beg your attention.

Is it lack of time or interest that constrains you thus far to do nothing? Or is it the oxygen of publicity that is needed, to fan the flames of your enthusiasm? Pray do tell, author and put me out of my misery.

With fond regards, and hopes for the eventual revival of this appealing tale.

Fran Macilvey, "Trapped"

Loved the pastiche of folklore, eighteen century manners and detective fiction.

Hi B.Lloyd!

It wouldn't let me send you a message so I hope it’s okay that I’m sending this through your book comment:

I’d like to thank you for backing BRAINRUSH (a Thriller) last year. Because of you it hit the Authonomy Number-1 slot, attracted an agent, and landed a film option. Now that’s a brain-rush! The formal book launch is September 1st and the sequel will be released in December. None of this would have been possible without your help. So, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Sincerely,
Richard Bard, BRAINRUSH

PS. If you want a good laugh, check out the temporary book-trailer video on the BRAINRUSH website. It’s there as a placeholder for the upcoming professional video. The current one features children and it’s guaranteed to make you smile! And yes, the younger kid on the screen is really me. You can see the video at www.RichardBard.com. The link is also on my Authonomy profile page. While you’re there, check out the “Feel the Rush” promotion that will get you BRAINRUSH plus 2 FREE thrillers from the Kindle Top-20 PAID Bestseller list – yes, really!

B. Lloyd,
The phrasing is exquisite and the way you structure the dialogue both novel and effective. All in all, "Greenwood Tree" stands out as a superb accomplishment you must be proud of. I got caught up in Julia's dilemma as a detective trying to solve a case one hundred years prior and shared in the endorphin rush she must have felt with each discovery. Thank you so much for the entertaining read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

Superb writing in a classic form. This is an excellent mystery for a wide audience and told in a language that is intelligent and inspiring. You've written a simply gorgeous narrative here. I'll be adding 'Greenwood Tree' to my bookshelf today and to my website shortly, along with your bio.

*Just an observation: The pitch doesn''t do this book justice and may be causing potential readers to wrongly overlook it.

Best of luck with this very fine manuscript.

CHEERS--
E.R.

I read the first three chapters and you really drew me in with the brilliant descriptions - the copse of trees was a particularly dark section engulfing the dark deeds of those two figures. However, I found the whole structure of what I've read a little confusing. It seemed to jump about and I got lost several times along the way - perhaps not the best way to start a novel? But my god you can write well and capture settings and moods.

B. Lloyd,

I backed your excellent book this morning. If you could please take a look at either of my two novels, DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS or MY GENTLEMAN FRIEND, for a possible backing your help would be appreciated. Good luck and happy writing.

Dwain-Thomas

B. Lloyd,

I backed your excellent book this morning. If you could please take a look at either of my two novels, DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS or MY GENTLEMAN FRIEND, for a possible backing your help would be appreciated. Good luck and happy writing.

Dwain-Thomas

I love this. I like the switching back and forth in time, and the different writing styles you use for each era ie the 'screenplay' style, if that is the correct term. I think it works really well. You vividly evoke the atmosphere of each time and have obviously researched your material thoroughly. I wish you every success, Vall

Fabulous beautifully crafted writing and a story pulsing with vitality and coloured by an imagination in full fight. marvellous stuff. .

What a lovely suprise, only just discovered this ! Thank you !

Beautiful, beautiful writing. I'm trying to hold spaces on my bookshelf for read-swaps since I'm desperately trying to get backings (the horrible side of authonomy, I know...) - and the only reason I'm not immediately backing this is your profile page stating that you are more interested in the site as a showcase. But I had to comment just to say how wonderfully this is written. I won't do you the diservice of sending you the begging letter that brought me to your page. I'll just give you six stars, and wish you luck :-)

Beautiful, beautiful writing. I'm trying to hold spaces on my bookshelf for read-swaps since I'm desperately trying to get backings (the horrible side of authonomy, I know...) - and the only reason I'm not immediately backing this is your profile page stating that you are more interested in the site as a showcase. But I had to comment just to say how wonderfully this is written. I won't do you the diservice of sending you the begging letter that brought me to your page. I'll just give you six stars, and wish you luck :-)

That is great to hear, thank you !

Backed Greenwood Tree. We enjoyed reading your novel. We liked the way you drew the reader in as the mystery began to unravel. Good Luck.
CC Brown

Backed Greenwood Tree. We enjoyed reading your novel. We liked the way you drew the reader in as the mystery began to unravel. Good Luck.
CC Brown

Why, thank you ! And do pass on best regards to Johnson and Boswell, next time you pop into the coffee house ! Do hope you continue to enjoy . . .:)

B,
Quite impressed. More literary. The kind of writing I'd like to analyze and then discuss with kindred spirit friends at a coffee house. I began reading Greenwood Tree because of the pitch and the era(s). Now, it's the writing that will keep me coming back for more. Starred and WL'd for now, with intent.
Cheers!
JB Campbell . . . Walk to Paradise Garden

B,
Quite impressed. More literary. The kind of writing I'd like to analyze and then discuss with kindred spirit friends at a coffee house. I began reading Greenwood Tree because of the pitch and the era(s). Now, it's the writing that will keep me coming back for more. Starred and WL'd for now, with intent.
Cheers!
JB Campbell . . . Walk to Paradise Garden

Thank you!

(had to leave a coment as you don't take mesaages!) :D

Thank you very much indeed !
And all good wishes to you in the coming New Year! :)

I wish you a Happy New Year.

Your novel is like a good thriller. You have selected a historical background to narrate this novel. That is appreciable and you have done your role, as a writer in it very well.

Joy J. Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

I wish you a Happy New Year.

Your novel is like a good thriller. You have selected a historical background to narrate this novel. That is appreciable and you have done your role, as a writer in it very well.

Joy J. Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

Thank you, hope you enjoy the rest of it, and a Happy New Year to you too !

Hi ,

I am impressed by the pitch of your novel and ****** rated. Now your book is in my w/l.

All the best,

Joy J Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

**** I wish you a Happy New Year ****

Hi ,

I am impressed by the pitch of your novel and ****** rated. Now your book is in my w/l.

All the best,

Joy J Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

**** I wish you a Happy New Year ****

Why thank you ! I am glad you kept reading, too ! The dialogue is part of the period voice of some (although by no means all) 18th century novelists - because it appealed to me when I read novels in that style, I dared to attempt emulation . . . ;)

At first, as a reader I was a little surprised by your unique formatting of dialogue. I am glad that I kept reading. What a delightful work. I love the rivalries and the story within a story. Excellent work.

-Judith B. Shields

At first, as a reader I was a little surprised by your unique formatting of dialogue. I am glad that I kept reading. What a delightful work. I love the rivalries and the story within a story. Excellent work.

-Judith B. Shields

Why, thank you kindly ! Much appreciated ! :D What a great end to the week !

How fun and atmospheric this is! Your style is pitch perfect, and what a captivating story! I love it! You characters are wonderful, the naming of these is rather Dickensian, isn't it? Which I always appreciate. A great hook, a fun mystery, eerie and beautiful all at once.

How fun and atmospheric this is! Your style is pitch perfect, and what a captivating story! I love it! You characters are wonderful, the naming of these is rather Dickensian, isn't it? Which I always appreciate. A great hook, a fun mystery, eerie and beautiful all at once.

Happy to *rate your book :)
Please can you rate Firelord too. Thank you!

Wahay!!!!! You have made my day (terrible rhyming I know . . . ;) )Thanks tons for this . . . .

It snowed yesterday. So I shut the shutters, stoked the fire and over several pots of tea (alas no cream buns) I finished the last quarter. I had an entirely splendid day, for which I thank you.

I have a weakness for a genteel mystery – and throw in giddy flappers and the green man and I’m a happy gal. I have genuinely enjoyed this journey. I love novels that weave patterns back and forth through time; I’m a mug, I suppose, for the idea of repetition and continuity. I like all of those dark, antique rural legends that reoccur. We had a green man on the house of the door in which I grew up and I’ve always been rather fascinated by this tradition.

You invoke fabulous sense of atmosphere – from the glittery jollity of the gatherings (you manage a large ensemble very well) to the eerie menace of the Gronny Patch. There’s a real pace and excitement too to the last few chapters, which I devoured with rapid page turning whilst my tea got cold.

Good period feel – your 1920s are convincingly 1920s (lovely period lingo) and your 1780s have an enjoyable Georgian fussiness. You played on my senses (there are lots of smells and noises in this novel) and succeeded in making both periods feel immediate. My belief was wholly suspended.

Sensible, clever, Julia is an admirable - and likeable - heroine. I enjoyed her practicality. She’s a bit Flora Poste in places. I also liked the cousins – loyal, pinchable Richard, garrulous Charlie, cool Bunty with her crowd. I’d like to take them all out for tea.

Your writing has oodles of personality and energy. Lovely comedy too. There are smirks aplenty, chuckles and the occasional guffaw.

This book reminded me of lots of slightly sinister and sparkly mysterious things that I loved reading when I was young; it took me back to The Box of Delights, Alan Garner and Green Knowe. It was a pleasure to re-find those sinister, sparkly memories.

It snowed yesterday. So I shut the shutters, stoked the fire and over several pots of tea (alas no cream buns) I finished the last quarter. I had an entirely splendid day, for which I thank you.

I have a weakness for a genteel mystery – and throw in giddy flappers and the green man and I’m a happy gal. I have genuinely enjoyed this journey. I love novels that weave patterns back and forth through time; I’m a mug, I suppose, for the idea of repetition and continuity. I like all of those dark, antique rural legends that reoccur. We had a green man on the house of the door in which I grew up and I’ve always been rather fascinated by this tradition.

You invoke fabulous sense of atmosphere – from the glittery jollity of the gatherings (you manage a large ensemble very well) to the eerie menace of the Gronny Patch. There’s a real pace and excitement too to the last few chapters, which I devoured with rapid page turning whilst my tea got cold.

Good period feel – your 1920s are convincingly 1920s (lovely period lingo) and your 1780s have an enjoyable Georgian fussiness. You played on my senses (there are lots of smells and noises in this novel) and succeeded in making both periods feel immediate. My belief was wholly suspended.

Sensible, clever, Julia is an admirable - and likeable - heroine. I enjoyed her practicality. She’s a bit Flora Poste in places. I also liked the cousins – loyal, pinchable Richard, garrulous Charlie, cool Bunty with her crowd. I’d like to take them all out for tea.

Your writing has oodles of personality and energy. Lovely comedy too. There are smirks aplenty, chuckles and the occasional guffaw.

This book reminded me of lots of slightly sinister and sparkly mysterious things that I loved reading when I was young; it took me back to The Box of Delights, Alan Garner and Green Knowe. It was a pleasure to re-find those sinister, sparkly memories.

Wow ! Thanks a lot ! :D That's great news !

I like this a lot. Starred. And backed.

I like this a lot. Starred. And backed.

Thank you for your kind encouragement ! (Blushes galore) :D

Fantastic...i love it....i will buy it for sure...keep up the good work, i have a special interest in the green man...your imagination has strong energy...keep it flowing.....Angie.....x

Fantastic...i love it....i will buy it for sure...keep up the good work, i have a special interest in the green man...your imagination has strong energy...keep it flowing.....Angie.....x

Thanks very much !

Hi

First off - the title and the cover are attractive to those of us into such things. the Intro is great and we trust the writer as the images are so specific and authentic ( the herbs and aniseed milk). It is full of vivid characters and period details - great. It is just the kind of book I'd buy and have rated it.

Colette Marie
Fern Diary

Hi

First off - the title and the cover are attractive to those of us into such things. the Intro is great and we trust the writer as the images are so specific and authentic ( the herbs and aniseed milk). It is full of vivid characters and period details - great. It is just the kind of book I'd buy and have rated it.

Colette Marie
Fern Diary

Thank you !

I have placed your book on my watchlist, having read the opening and dipped into other chapters- lovely writing style and very evokative. Will read more and then rate. Best wishes from fellow historical fiction writer HP (Renewal- set in 17th century)

I have placed your book on my watchlist, having read the opening and dipped into other chapters- lovely writing style and very evokative. Will read more and then rate. Best wishes from fellow historical fiction writer HP (Renewal- set in 17th century)

Thank you ! :)

A mysterious premise and an intriguing read. All in all a mighty fine story.

The time shifts are clear and work well. At times I wondered if writing in the style of the times made the prose sound a little strained, but broadly it worked well.

I admit to being taken aback by the dialogue-as-script- sections. I can't make up my mind if this works and adds to the book or doesn't; it's certainly unusual and distinctive.

J.S.Watts
A DARKER MOON

A mysterious premise and an intriguing read. All in all a mighty fine story.

The time shifts are clear and work well. At times I wondered if writing in the style of the times made the prose sound a little strained, but broadly it worked well.

I admit to being taken aback by the dialogue-as-script- sections. I can't make up my mind if this works and adds to the book or doesn't; it's certainly unusual and distinctive.

J.S.Watts
A DARKER MOON