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maretha

rank: 1810

Last week's position: 1814

first registered 16.04.12

last online 4 days ago

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about me

I'm married to the same guy for more than thirty-three years, have two married daughters and two grandchildren.
I'm a Librarian and English teacher - "retired" now fulltime writer, working harder than ever...

We now have a new member in the garden. A very large tortoise. I think it could be a leopard desert tortoise, but other than that the internet gave me little information. In SA I would get fined for keeping one - here I paid money to take him from the garbage collectors. He was very traumatised for a few days, but seemed to have settled in. I'm glad now that my husband didn't cut all the wild grass. The tortoise now has a hiding place! We realized with a shock that none of the wild birds, chickens, goats or cattle around here in the rurals have seen a tortoise before, because they were quite terrified of him - looking at the "walking rock". What a shame. Tortoises must be on the endangered list. :-(

To all the kind authonomites who have helped me to get to the early 20's this month, I would like to say "Thank you!" I'm happy to say that today, 7th of June thanks to three new backers I've reached 126 bookshelves. Hopefully, I can maintain such wonderful support.

I also want to thank many of you for your kind suggestions. One is the length of the book title. I've shortened it on the text but not on site. The title is now: (Series: African Adventures) Book 1 is called "Fauna Park's Furry-and-Feathered Friends"

Some of you asked about the intended age group. The book is written with Tweeners 10-12 and Teenagers in mind. Having said that, I do believe and many of you agreed, that the book can be read to younger children by their parents. The main character has a promise to keep and despite different scenarios and adventures I've tried to highlight his quest throughout the book, which I hope many of you will find has a happy ending. :-)

For those of you who asked after my dog, Jill that was lost during a thunderstorm. We haven't found her after four months, despite all our efforts. She vanished without a trace. I know she's not around this area, because we feed and keep track of many dogs that are homeless and hungry. Many of the bush creatures here are part of the inspiration for this book.

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EXCEPTIONAL BOOKS READ ON AUTHONOMY SO FAR this year:-

* The Stranger in my Life/Janet Holt&Helen Parker
* The Merlin Falcon by K. Scott & A. Butcher
* What, The Elf by Michael Matula
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favourite books

I cannot really decide on a favourite book. I love reading Henry Moore, Jane Austin and Charles Dickens, Gerald Durrell, James Herriot, Louisa Alcot. (Maybe I'm too old to read Michael Morpurgo, but his stories are very believable!)

my websites

    

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my books

African Adventures of Flame, F....

Maretha Botha

Heroes aren't born heroes. When duty calls unexpectedly, would Flame - a desert dog with humble beginnings - risk his life to become Molodi’s top-dog?


Flame, a tough dog born in the Kalughari wilderness becomes the protector of many bush creatures in Fauna Park situated within Molodi, a sunny, savannah valley. A homestead, garden, stables and a chicken run, as well as a small forest of baobab trees fringing riverine woodland are part of the park. Here Flame and his friends promise to protect young, vulnerable and injured creatures. An elusive bird with unusual, pink eyelids called, Hope - the narrator of their adventures - is saved by Flame from poachers whose actions endanger their environment, Flame’s owners’ free-range cattle farm, and many villagers’ lives in Molodi. As the thrilling stories unfold, Hope reveals his history and identity, too, but he prefers to tell us about his personal hero and friend, Flame. Despite Flame’s humble beginnings, he becomes a loyal, kind keeper of Fauna Park and its surrounds; loved by friends and feared by foes.

Maybe you can never visit us in southern Africa, where the sun lingers for most of the year before it disappears behind the western horizon. Warm, cloudless days with bright sunshine and intriguing creatures are waiting to meet you! Imagine that you are here to join our heart-warming, exciting adventures!

 

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latest

Juliana S. wrote 4 days ago

Hi, Maretha - Finally made some room for you on my shelf. I hope it ....

Diana Ranger wrote 4 days ago

Hi Maretha, Thanks for your message. :-) Don't worry about writing....

Malo Bel wrote 4 days ago

Hi Maretha - Wow, so quick off the mark. Its been a whirlwind welcome....

Louise Mullins wrote 5 days ago

Hi sounds like a fab read, I will take a look soon. I have been inund....

hxoxpxeangel wrote 5 days ago

Yes i will give you shelfspace but at the moment i cannot back books ....

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my comments

latest

I wrote 6 days ago

Under Mary's Oak by Tanya Carlysle I enjoyed your story so much that, before I knew it I've finished chapter 7. :-) Laura Jessop is a lovely character, consciencious and smart. She has a good relationship with her husband, Robert. I liked the opening scene and chapter. You painted a vivid pictu... view book

I wrote 6 days ago

Moon-Child Memoirs: Separated Soul Your work is quite smooth and flawless. The story begins in 398B.C. I loved your opening paragraphs and the "storm's wailing lament" and then the excellent description of the wounded female runner who jumps dramatically into the raging sea leading to the birth of... view book

I wrote 7 days ago

Moon's Wallow by David Hedlin I'm back again and reading the second chapter, which I recall was part of the first. When I originally read the first chapter, I was drawn to the fish, his description and location - this very dark, mysterious pool which keeps drawing Edwin, at first because of his th... view book

I wrote 7 days ago

The Legend of Dunmurry by Ciaran Fenion I've started the ball rolling by reading the first chapter this afternoon. I loved Cieran's "voice" which is very confident and mostly self-assured, although he doesn't always have everything his way. He finally finds someone who becomes more than just a ... view book

I wrote 7 days ago

Athena's Descendants and the Jewel of Barthimia by Callum Espley Clegg I've had opportunity to read your first chapter today and I think you've written a very imaginative, magical story. I like your long pitch, which introduces Jay Perry, apparently and orphan, growing up in a home. He likes it t... view book

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