Surfer, Soldier, Outlaw, Saint

CLF and CCRG Review

What a story this is. I think your voice here is very genuine. You are forthright and honest, yet tell this in a crazy, fun way. Your magnetic personality and great sense of humor shows through in your work.

First, I got a real kick out of some of your childhood stories. What an inquisitive, fearless child were with your incidents with the bow and arrow, your third grade ‘gang’ story and later stories of hazing in the school. Your wild times to follow made sense considering the background stories you told.

I do respect the military very much and even more so after reading through your service stories. You even managed to pull a few of your antics in the midst of this time and get into some deep trouble there, also. Your time in Vietnam was gripping at times. It’s not a time most wish to speak of, so it is eye opening of the things you and others went through. I never even gave thought to some of the natural dangers you might have encountered such as the King Cobras. I can’t help thinking your tough childhood might have helped you through some of the horrors of it, not that anything could quite prepare your for something like that and later the effects to come. I appreciate the time you spent in the military and thank you for it.

You sure got in over your head in the outlaw club. I see hardened children in the school I work at and most of them have a tender place inside them. It was interesting seeing your life get so mixed up and hardened and yet hearing your thoughts on it after the fact. I love the subtitle, “Jesus is not my crutch, he is my stretcher.” It brought tears to my eyes when you said, “At first the people didn’t know what to think of this dirty outlaw in their midst.”

I wasn’t sure what I would find reading this biography, as I don’t like war stories or fighting, but there was heart in this work and there is a place for it for others searching. You definitely have a gift with words.

A couple critiques...there are a lot of family members to think about in the beginning chapters. I’m not sure if including all of them was necessary and I’d almost rather see you move more quickly right into your memoir sections as your stories really grab the reader and pull you into the work much better. I almost didn't want to keep reading at this point and am glad I did. In some parts of your book, your paragraphs got very long. Maybe it’s just me, but I think some of these might be broken up for easier reading.

I can't think of much more in the way of critical aspects. I think this was a very engaging read.

Kara
A Gate Called Beautiful

Crayton, I found this a good read and although I read some of the comments below, this is my cup of tea. I think you have a really good narrative voice and a certain flow to your voice that I can relate to. I dont know if we are in our own worlds, but I like to think that there are going to be a lot of people who want to read this book. Good luck, I loved it.
Sean Connolly. British Army on the Rampage. (B.A.O.R) . Please consider me for a read or watch list wont you? Happy New Year. Sean

Hello, Crayton
It was lovely to share in your curiosity as a young child with all your experiments! (I was always lighting fires myself.)
I really like the line “We Vietnam Vets were mistreated, which in my opinion is far better than being forgotten.”
Many of us write about our lives and miss the mark even if we have seemingly had an interesting time.
You strike me as someone who is a natural writer. You don’t muck us around with dull detail. There is a story in every paragraph which is very gratifying for a reader. You write with a dry wit which is always a tremendous asset for an author – and their audience.
You give us enough detail to picture the characters and locations; you let us fill in bits ourselves which is how it should be.
I enjoyed reading your opening chapters and will return to see what happens next.
I hope you continue to get support as you have a story to tell and you know how to tell it.
I was not aware of any grammar or punctuation issues which often spoil many books on the site. You show respect for your audience when you take to get these aspects as correct as you can.
I liked the naming story; money or not, you ended up with a superb name which I am sure will come in very handy when you get published.
If you have time, perhaps you could comment on my book; many thanks.
Best wishes and bye for now.
Jane Mauret
I CAN LAUGH – NOW!

I read Crayton's book months ago and thought it was a very heart warming and true to life story and would suggest it to anyone to read. I decided to read it again a few weeks ago and got so much more out of it. I felt like I was right there with him through the entire story and could feel his humor, warmth and life unfolding as I read it. I think that he is a gifted writer and that how he expressed his life was outstanding. He lived it, he wrote about it and has become a better person because of it. I gave it 6 stars which I think it deserves. Thank you for your service, and thank you for writing about your life.
JGH

Crayton,

Your writing transported me to the 50's and to Vietnam. I had to tear myself away at chapter 12, and will return later to finish. Wonderful storytelling. Love your humor. Love the flow. Love it all. Congratulations on a wonderful story for your kids and grandkids. But I bet it does make you some money as well.

My son is fighting with the 173rd Airborne, 503 ABCT, in Afghanistan right now. My father was a navigator in a bomber in WW II. And I had two older sisters who picked on me unmercifully. So your story touches me deeply at all levels.

Congratulations again. And the best to you.

Celine Zabel
Lives Shattered: One Mother's Loss at the Hands of the Legal System

This is fabulous and I am surprised I have only just spotted it - so glad that I did. Very interesting subject matter and very informative. I am touched by the story and give it top stars!!

Cathy x

I sat down to read a few chapters and found myself reading the entire book. I enjoyed every minute. Before I say anything, thanks for the service, man. I wasn't born until 1975, but the thought of how Vietnam Vets were treated angers me a great deal. I think if I were in your shoes back in the day, I probably would killed someone--but that's the old me. I can identify with a lot in your book--the fighting and drinking, especially the drinking. I consumed quite a bit of fire water in my short life.

I can't pick out any part of your book I like more than another. I can attest to Chapter 16 last line--"God can save anyone." I really identify with the keeping the Bible on you--went through that myself. It does soothe the anguished mind just knowing it's on your person. I can't explain it either, I just know it's true. I guess it's a physical reminder of God's presence when overwhelmed. Anyhow, great book man.

Chad
Convoluted Christianity--don't judge me by the title

Thanks for getting back to me. Don't worry about getting my book mixed up with another, apology accepted. I also will look into those two sections you noted. It was "at the time I did not realize it sucked". You must have led a very sheltered life.
On the lighterside, I guess I'm lucky you aren't a Christian Publisher. I also doubt you will ever meet one.
God Bless,
Crayton

I am the one who stated you had bad language in your story. I read your story again. I noted in Chapter 5 Paragragh 5 line 3 a statement "Not Realized SUCKED," and then Chapter 6 paragraph 1 line 3 "Wiped his BOOGERS on my shirt." These statements will not go well with Christian publishers. As for out right cursing, I did not find any such words. I may have gotten your story with another story. For that I apologise.

Your story is well written, but gets too close to foul language and likely won't be accepted by a Christian Publisher. They may edit these statements out or have you drop the whole topic. The rest of the story is fine.

I do apologise for mixing your story with another one.

Don R. Budd

An intriguing and absorbing story , which is written in a very cogent and lucid style , its about time we had more memoirs from this era - its funny how memoirs from the mid-70s to the eighties would not be quite the same thing. Watchlisted and starred . would you be able to look at the first chapter of my novel 'A Buccaneer' which is set amongst Pirates in the 17th century , with best wishes from Strachan Gordon.

This is not a Pollyanna story but a brisk excursion into an unusual life; you have let your readers glimpse into your heart turning yourself inside out without turning the reader off.
I found your story real as well as realistic. It does need some editing but that did not stop me from reading. Your story is interesting, compelling, thought provoking and will touch a cord within most of us. As I read, I got the feeling that you were sitting across the table from me telling me your story. Your writing is very readable as you let us discover your approach to the challenges, traumas and disillusionments of life. You provide a mirror in which many will see their own reflection. The end is glorious as you share the power and peace you experience as God breaks through with His love and mercy.
With a good polish, I believe this story will shine as a hopeful light for anyone struggling to overcome the storms of life.
Blessings and best wishes
jenny

Just for general information, this is not a dark tale. It is written in a humorous way. I purposely sanitized it so it could and would appeal to as many people as possible. I would rate it no more than PG13. In the book my views about Christianity are in no way pushed down anyone's throat. I just tell what happened to me. In fact the issue isn't even addressed until the very latter part of the book. Give my book a look, Christian or not you may enjoy my journey. Thank you Crayton.

Oh, my goodness, Crayton, you had me cracking up laughing at one point, at another you had me screaming at you myself, and then you write, "For some reason, I was called into the vice principal's office" which got me laughing again! I won't say anymore. Don't want to be a spoiler, now, do I?
Donna
No Kiss Good-bye

You've got such a charming sense of humor, Crayton -- "An M&M has a harder shell." Each chapter is a fun read, a pleasure to go through as we discover a different place and era ... some of us weren't born yet (hehe). Until soon. I'm working on reading ch 8 right now :))
Donna
No Kiss Good-bye

Hi Crayton, I read chapters 5 and 6. I wasn't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. The description of the things you remember, were recounted very well. It felt like I was standing next to you observing what you were describing in front of us. I love the poizon Ivy story and it really added value to the chapter. I have seen memoirs written down before, but nothing held my interest as much as this. Good WOrk.

Kind Regards and Best Wishes
Lenny Banks - Tide and Time: At The Rock
I would appreciate a return read, if you are able to find the time.

Hi Crayton, I returned today to read more of your book. Last time I got stuck in the Prologue and Introduction, but once I got past that the story is great. You had me laughing several times and I enjoyed the simple, uncomplicated way you express yourself. Five stars for now and I wish you every success with publishing. Needs some polishing up, but it should do well.

Kerrie Price
THE GOD PLEASERS 40 day Study Guide

This book is so wonderful, I just had to take another look! I recommend it to anyone! It has everything and the the descriptions of his relationship with his older brother reminded me very much of Nicholas Sparks' book three weeks with my brother. It's a great read for anyone!
God bless you!!
Elizabeth Kathleen

Crayton, this is such an enjoyable memoir :)) Poison oak weapons! And you've sprinkled such wonderful humor throughout, like your line, "we were not burdened at birth with any common sense at all."
Donna
No Kiss Good-bye

I read some of your book a while back. I decided to come back and finish it. I loved your book and the style in which you tell it. I love your story telling style, I feel you are talking directly to me. I am sure you will be published and I will buy your book.

I really, really like how you write. I was drawn in immediately and you know just how to bring in the reader. Vietnam must've been terrible. I can't imagine what you have seen and what you remember. You're title is very interesting and it too draws in the reader on it's own. Again, I really like how you, as it seems, talk to the reader instead of just giving out information blankly.
Very well done!
S.C.
P.S. if you have time, would you check out my book "Whitechapel"?

Crayton, you quickly won me over with your voice. Powerful prologue. I read through the first chapter and found myself chuckling a couple of times. I think they made your parents' story into a movie ... remarrying each other 5 times! I wonder if there's a letter to Dear Abby from your mom (lol). You're a natural with storytelling. It flows well, great pace, and you keep it interesting. It reads as though we're sitting back listening to you telling your story. I think it's great. I'll be back for more :)
Donna
No Kiss Good-bye

Hello Crayton,

I am so pleased that I finally got to read enough of your book to make a worthy comment. I am overawed by not only the breadth of your experiences, but also the way that you can so eloquently portray them. I mean I feel as if I have served in the marines myself or played in your private 'sherwood forest': Your gift with narrative is almost seductive in the way that the reader is drawn into the depths of your insights. I have your book on my bookshelf and am proud to be a supporter of this, a fine representation of a life of faith. Kind regards, Steve

Straightforward, simple (no criticism) style with wit. I think your grandchildren will be proud. I dipped into most chapters, the writing is consistent and constantly supplies the reader with something new. Starred and backed. Roy.

Mr. Sykes,
Addressing your comment publicly, since you deemed it necessary to make your comment public.Regarding my amateur status as being a writer. I will wager you are an amateur at many more things, than I am.
Best Regards

Just gave you five of those star thingies, this is my cup of tea! That said, why do you have the copyright symbol on your book, that is apparently the sign of an amateur and will put off many publishers and agents from reading. Your stuff is safe here! Best, Bill

Outstanding writing, Crayton - it's a pleasure to have you on my shelf. Katy x

Crayton - I believe that we all at some point wish we had more information about the lives of grandparents and other relatives. They are our roots and the more we know of them the more we can take pride in their achievements and sympathize with their losses and problems. This knowledge helps us understand our own place in the world. So this memoir is, I'm sure, treasured by your grandchildren and will be by future generations of your family. I read to the end of chapter 8 and found it well-written with plenty of action to maintain interest. I was a little disappointed that I'd only reached your high school graduation. But I'll be back to read about your army and biker gang experiences.

I wonder about your plans for this story. I've read that traditional publishing houses are only interested in publishing the memoirs of celebrities. So your best bet is probably to self-publish. Good luck with this! I hope you'll find time to take a look at a story about a guy obsessed with a great American writer.

Camac Johnson
Hemingway Quest

Being an American, I had no problem reading your books, parts of it. However, I have no idea of what the people who commented said about the dialects in the English countrysides. I am guessing it was the difference between
Rex Harrison and Eliza Doolittle. Americans actually like Rex Harrison and David Niven no accents, not too much the other. Of course, there are a lot of other differences in language, expressions, idioms and usages. However, leaving out local expressions will help your book on an international readership and this is an international writer's blog. Saying all that, I enjoyed what I read, 4 chapters and give you five stars.

Wow! Great mind's and all that. An even a bigger WELL DONE then. or perhaps just coincidence? No way!

Juliet speaks English Oxbridge apparently, I think it's a kind of local dialect found out in the countryside; farming communities, cows and oxen, that sort of thing?

I have no idea what you are trying to say, otherwise I would comment.

Surfer, Outlaw, Christian, Killer?: Great title... as Adam says.

I looked up when his book was published. I thought up my title a very longtime ago. I have never been an avid reader and I only heard of the title you are refering to when they were advertising the movie. Was that this year?The only reason I finally finished the book was at the prompting of my grand daughter and the fact that I have been having heart problems. So, I realized my shelf life maybe limited.

Tinker tailor soldier spy: John le Carrie. Just realised. Great title. Well done.

Adam De-Thurstman
IS ISRAEL REAL

Surfer, Outlaw, Christian, Killer?: Great title... as Adam says.

[PS to 'Adam'. You are absolutely right to surmise that we all speak a rustic dialect in the rural areas of Britain, but it is called 'Oxen English' not 'English Oxbridge'; eg: 'gew yew orn' in Suffolk, but 'goo yoo on' in Norfolk.]

Tinker tailor soldier spy: John le Carrie. Just realised. Great title. Well done.

Adam De-Thurstman
IS ISRAEL REAL

Nice read!! God bless

I think you know this is still a little raw. I wonder if you can partner with an experienced writer, to produce a quality piece? I think you also know that the Lord has called you to pass on your story, so you need to do what ever it takes to get it published.
Well done and I will back this, not because it is ready, but to show it has great potential.

I want to start commenting with the fact that I think any memoirs are a brave undertaking. Your summary drew me in and I immediately wanted to read about this extraordinmary life. I also understand how difficult it is to put your work out there and have people not only bear witness to your love, pain, sins, and glories, but that much more gut-wrenching to hear criticisms or critiques.
So good luck with all that the future brings.
I think the dedication and opening are lovely, I think you do a terrific job of adding little tid-bits into memories that are poignant and often delicate.
Just a bit more of editing to get there. A few commas and sentence breaks could be incorporated, but thats nothing too big at all. See, I love the details you give, but sometimes it reads too much like a checklist. Does this make sense...1) this is where I grew up 2) this is my family, 3) we move to the Mesa, 4) this is my childhood...now of course you want a good flow and you've done such a great job giving us points of reference...but it reads a bit like a diary entry. Of course, if that was the track you were going for, you have to stick to your guns with that.

But let me just end this with, I think your story is not only honest and humorous at times, but entertaining and a page-turner as well. Good stuff, I will be back to read more. Keep it up,

Sara
War of the Wastelands

Oh yes, and one more thing... your title is brilliant! :)

Dear Crayton,

I love this! Just sat down with a cup of coffee to read a few chapters, but I'm having a hard time pulling away from your wonderfully-written, rich, true life story. I love how you give so much family background at the beginning...we get a real sense of who you are from this, even sharing little details like your "favorite Uncle Vern."

As I read on, I was deeply engaged over the smallest details. From money potentially exchanging hands over your birth name, to lighting the gas can to "see how much gas was in it," to speech therapy classes, poor childhood health, and even to being a "collector" not a "destroyer" like your brother.

It's no surprise I loved what I read so far...true life stories of redemption are my all time favorites. Your story, though, has a depth that is rare and deeply authentic. Your tone is rich and real. I know you have said you wrote this primarily for your grandchildren. It will be a treasure for them, but you've made it a treasure for those of us who don't know you as well. An amazing piece. I'm happy to give this 6 stars and hold on my WL.

All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

SURFER, SOLDIER, OUTLAW, SAINT
This is a wonderful account of how many phases each of us go through during a lifetime. I read the first four chapters, then skipped to the chapter where you became an outlaw. I expected you to say in the beginning you came from a very poor family so what makes this stand out among autobiographies, is that your family was wealthy (not many people refer to their parent’s house as an “estate”). That makes the contrast between your early life and the biker period a great contrast. Another good thing about this book is your clear writing style (is that because of your helpful editor?). I’m glad you’re here on authonomy because I think this is the type of story HC is looking for in their True Story Line. Most personal stories have a whining tone to them (poor me; look what happened to me . . .). You don’t write that way; just the facts and what happened and that makes this stand out. Highly starred and added to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

Only just started reading this (on chapter 4) but for now, I thought I'd just say that (for me) you seem to have that illusive thing - a style/voice, that lulls me right into it. Some things I read, I remain outside, reading in, as it were, but you have an effortless style that just makes me want to read on - whatever you have to say!

Will say something more constructive when I've read more.... stars for now. :)

I felt I had to respond to William here. Don't we all live with what if? But, if going through all the stupid decisions I made was the only way I was going to have Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Then, the long painful journey was more than worth it. God Bless, And I thank all who have supported me in prayer. Also, all who have supported my book. I am prayerfully trying to decide if I should continue with this project. The time it takes is likened to a fulltime job. For all the time I put in it, support for my project hasn't come easy and sometimes not at all. It seems to lack book shelf appeal. I'm not envious, but I see some books with hundreds of book shelves. Also, I can pretty much write anything here.The chances of it getting read are slim.
Crayton

Crayton,
I am into the last chapter and I like what I see. You really have had a varied life. You have a sense of sarcastic humor which shows through and it works well with the way you tell your story. Do you ever do the what if's? You didn't get that letter, you stayed normal. Just curious, but I am glad you survived. Also,I want to thank you for serving your country in combat, especially in such an unpopular war.
William

fascinating book- good flow and clarity...a good read...may it do well...
l will back...
read SEASONS...

Hi Crayton

Finally got to look at your book more closely, and can see that, like me the gramma needs a polish, I suggest finding a friend good at English and buying them a drink. (See: The there are no atheists in fox hols. For example). Great read though - you have the natural flow, also like my self. And it's great to read about a life that I will never experience, as some else put it. First time I've seen a smiley face in a book, I liked that. Your shooting up the rankings - keep it up, this is a book that many are loving. I pray it will richly bless you.

Adam De-Thurstman
IS ISRAEL REAL

Sir,
I finally finished your book last night. Honestly I really enjoyed it, I laughed and sometimes I cried. Don't take the crying part bad, your book touched me in a way I can hardly explain. It was an excellent read and I wanted to tell you I can hardly wait until it's published. I will rush to the bookstore and buy it. Maybe I'll get to bring it to a book signing, that would be so cool. Anyway I'm starting to ramble, I get that way when I am happy and the end of your book made me happy.
God Bless You,
Christy

I've got a lot of time for a good memoir, Crayton, especially one as well written as this. Pleased to award you six golden stars. Good luck!

just finished chapter 8 it is really awesome to hear these stories as i remember quite a few of them being told to me over my childhood years til now

OK, finished chapter five, funny and sad, and so like siblings, so different. Good book!
Christine

Crayton,

I checked out your book and I had to back it! Very, very good. If you could look at my novel DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS for your possible backing, your help will be appreciated. Good luck and happy writing.

Dwain-Thomas

Hi Crayton,

I have begun reading your book and have added it to my watchlist to continue reading. So far it's a great read!

Blessings,
Lyn Ventura
With All My Mind