SA reads discussion

A place for SA reads authors to nominate their own works for January.
Nominations close 25 November.

My first novel, Kill Mandela, will be published on Amazon at the end of November 2013. It has been professionally edited and I can promise that it will be a good read, even if not exactly to everyone's taste. The feedback from experienced readers on the group will be invaluable to me, particularly as I move forward with the sequel. May I therefore recommend Kill Mandela for January. John.

Thanks Lisa for the invitation for authors to nominate their work here

My book is The Sabi

It is a reflection on life growing up in South Africa from a personal perspective .. looking at political and historical realities of the time.

The Sabi seems to have some good reviews, I'm sure it will be an interesting read for January. I'm busy with commitments till the end of the years, but hopefully I'll be able to join in the group discussion in Jan.

John, the title of your book is certainly noticeable. I couldn't find any info on it on Amazon, and with a name like that I can hardly google it! Can you give us an idea of what it's about or what we can expect to read in it?

Vicky, your book seems right up my alley. I'm sure many people will be able to relate to the characters and the story.

However, as Lisa has pointed out, it's hard to get hold of SA books, and the sooner we decide on one, the sooner we can all start searching for a copy from our various sources.

Hi Indeneri,
My novel, Kill Mandela, will be published on Amazon by the end of November. In the interim the group can find out all about it on my website at www.johnmountford.com
I would like to do a give-away of either the print or kindle version of my novel to all those in the group participating in the group discussion.

Great to see such an awesome response on day one, still 2 weeks to go before we vote. Thankfully, newer novels are easier to get!

Hi all. Given the fact that two of us in the group are busy reading, or re-reading, The Sabi by Diane, I would like to withdraw my own book, Kill Mandela, from the nomination for January's group read, and push for Diane's book instead. I will re-submit mine for February or March.

That's a nice gesture John.
Nominations are open until 25 November everyone. At present, I'm struggling to pick a favorite!

I have no way of knowing what to vote for...

Where are those SA science fiction nominations?

For the fantasy peeps, here is mine for the fantasy genre.
Firebolt

I just read the prologue to Kill Mandela and I'm interested.

Dave wrote: "I just read the prologue to Kill Mandela and I'm interested."

Oh! Wow! Me too. Here is a link for anyone wanting to read the Prologue

http://www.johnmountford.com/kill-man...

The poll will open at midnight...I dont know why only midnight... my computer skills are somewhat lacking.

Hey Dave and Irene.Thanks for the kind words about the Prologue. Kill Mandela shall be going live on Amazon by Wednesday 27th November at the latest. I am so looking to having it measure up to the reading pedigree of this group. A bit nervous, though. Ist novel.

I notice that my book was taken off the January list. Anyone know why?

Its on for february nominations, Diane

I see that Adele but wondering why it was removed from January?
John had removed his nomination for January and instead put it up for nomination for February because his book is not yet published

Sorry, dont know why

I kept John's in January and yours in Febraury. I didn't put it up twice. It's my decision and my fault. Also thought John's book will be out by January.

Thanks

Hi all,
I would like to apologize for causing confusion when setting up polls this morning, that was never my intention.
My reasoning was thus, Dianne's book The Sabi, was nominated for both threads. January is our authors reads month, giving new authors a chance to show off. February/March thread is part of our group reads, which has thus far (in my opinion) showcased phenomenal South African novels.
The Sabi has already garnered international readers and in my head belonged with this second group of great South African works. I am incredibly excited about reading this book and have already stashed a copy in my kindle.
So I moved The Sabi to the February/ March group. And kept Kill Mandela in the January author-nominated group, in spite of John's prior offer.
My aim with this group has been to encourage the reading of South African works and to express the feeling of our country.
I realize that I should have consulted fully with both authors and have made that decision clear to the group prior to putting up any polls.
I sincerely apologize to the group and particularly to Dianne for my actions.
If the people feel that my decision was unfair, I will redo our polls with pleasure.
Yours,
Lisa

John, The Prologue blew me away; looking forward to the full novel. You might want to check out, and consider submitting the Prologue to, narrativemagazine.com. Lisa, I'm glad I won't have to decide between Kill Mandela and The Sabi.

Dave, Thank you for the compliment, and the tip. I'll certainly check out the reference and submit the Prologue.

Both The Sabi and Kill Mandela sound good, so I agree with Dave and am glad that they won't be on the same poll.

Hi groupies,
Kill Mandela is now on Amazon and Goodreads.I will arrange a kindle giveaway soon!

Ordered! Would have loved a signed copy! Wishing you great success. Keep us informed.

Thank you, Irene! You are my first Goodreads purchase! I have ordered some author copies which will arrive early in December, and will arrange a signed copy for you then. We'll keep in touch.

Got it, John.

You're a good man,Dave. I am humbled by the support of people I have only known for a few weeks. It motivates me to be better. Hope I can be of support or service to you in some way in the future.

Hey, Dave. I signed up with Narrative, but am unsure of which category to submit the Prologue to. Which one did you have in mind?

John, I think I'd submit it as a story of the week and include a introduction describing it as the prologue to the first volume of a proposed trilogy. Good luck.

John, one more thought: before submitting make sure you aren't signing away any rights. And also that you haven't already transferred rights to someone else

Thanks, Dave. Will check that out.

Dave wrote: "I just read the prologue to Kill Mandela and I'm interested."

Dave, where did you find the prologue to read?

Excuse me butting in Dave. I need to put out these links anyway.
Adele, Kill Mandela is on Amazon. Here are the links:
http://amzn.to/1epprRn
http://amzn.to/17SRK9P
You can download the first five chapters to your device as a sample.
It is also listed on Goodreads.
Thanks for your interest.
John.

Adele wrote: "Dave wrote: "I just read the prologue to Kill Mandela and I'm interested."

Dave, where did you find the prologue to read?"

This is where I got it, ordered the book from Amazon UK

http://www.johnmountford.com/kill-man...

Irene wrote: "Adele wrote: "Dave wrote: "I just read the prologue to Kill Mandela and I'm interested."

Dave, where did you find the prologue to read?"

This is where I got it, ordered the book from Amazon UK

h..."

Thanks!!

Irene wrote: "Adele wrote: "Dave wrote: "I just read the prologue to Kill Mandela and I'm interested."

Dave, where did you find the prologue to read?"

This is where I got it, ordered the book from Amazon UK

h..."

Goodness. I just read it. My heart is in my throat

Kill Mandela. Prologue BRILLIANTLY written

Adele wrote: "Kill Mandela. Prologue BRILLIANTLY written"

mmm. christmas presents...

Adele,
These are the sweetest words an author can read! And they are sweeter still for a new author. You have lifted my spirits on a tough day. Thank you!

John, I just bought "Kill Mandela" for my Kindle! I am very excited to read it and learn more about South Africa! I hope that it will be one of our group reads soon! :-)

Thank you, Sarah. Kill Mandela will inform you about this dark period in SA's history, but it will entertain and inspire you as well. A good story always comes first, for me. I look forward to your feedback. Are you still snowed in? If so, keep reading!

I'm looking forward to reading your book, hopefully when we read it in this group so that I can have the benefit of hearing input from your fellow South Africans. I am completely ignorant of SA history and am excited to be able to learn about it through Kill Mandela and the members here! Meanwhile, the snow and ice are melting somewhat, but any weather is reading weather for me! :-)

'Meanwhile, the snow and ice are melting somewhat, but any weather is reading weather for me!'
Said like a true Goodreader!

:-D

My book arrived today and I am soooooo tempted.

Ha!So you ordered the print copy, did you? I thought it was the e-book. I haven't seen the physical book yet - still on the way to me. You're the 1st again! Don't dare start unless you are prepared to keep going - the story demands daily attention.

Hey Dave! Submitted the Prologue to the Narrative Fall Contest. NM says that all entries for this contest are eligible for the Narrative Prize and the Story of the Week. So, let's see how the Prologue measures up. Thanks once again for the tip.