Judith W. Richards

Mar 30, 2021 4:36 PM EDT

The five excerpts give a good overview of your "Amsterdam Ascendant" manuscript: its action, drama, and love. The "Action" excerpt describing the storm is quite dramatic as is the taking of the Spanish ship in the "Start of Chapter 1" excerpt. The "Love" excerpt leaves us hanging as you intended, no doubt, and the Saucy excerpt is just that thanks to Griet.

- David

Apr 07, 2021 2:46 PM EDT

A well researched novel that piqued my interested in the history of that era as well as the intriguing characters. Of particular note is the hardship that having a family member spending months or years at sea imposed on the relatives at home. The first chapter grabs your interest immediately and makes you want to read to the end!

- Judy Searles

Apr 11, 2021 7:37 AM EDT

Thank you, Judy Searles and David. I’m so pleased that you liked the excerpts and want to read on.

- Judy Richards

Apr 22, 2021 11:57 AM EDT

Very well done excepts for a very interesting book! I look forward to reading it when it is published. Lovely writing.

- Marilyn A Miskowich

Apr 23, 2021 6:49 AM EDT

Thank you so much Marilyn A Miskowich for you comments.

- Judy Richards

May 09, 2021 5:07 PM EDT

Hi Judy,
Action packed start to your novel. From 1492 and 200 years on was a fascinating time in Europe and the new world. There are so many interesting events that transpired with political, cultural and religious wars and undertones, both overt and hidden. In many ways Amsterdam was a sanctuary for the disinherited Sephardics, misfits, and Calvinists. I wonder how much that period of strife helped to shape the great artists to emerge during the Renaissance. The juxtaposition of your fictional characters with some historical figures would be very captivating. I look forward to reading your book!

- -kal

May 09, 2021 5:58 PM EDT

Thank you, kal. This period of time is indeed tumultuous and also fascinating because of all the changes it brings.

- Judy Richards

May 23, 2021 11:32 PM EDT

Chapter 1 is a good start. Plenty of action. Flows well and easy to read. I like the short sentences. Would like to know more about the Dutch Sea Beggars if they really existed. The book covers a lot of places so a map or maps would be helpful and add interest.

- margaret waugh

May 24, 2021 12:24 AM EDT

"Love" and "Saucy" are very different approaches. Hope they both end well!

- Margaret Waugh

May 24, 2021 6:41 AM EDT

Margaret, thank you for your comments. Yes, there are several maps in the book, and there is also a Fact or Fiction? section to answer questions such as yours. The Sea Beggars were indeed real and played a pivotal role in the revolt.

- Judy Richards

Jul 05, 2021 12:04 AM EDT

Really enjoyed the pace - a real page turner. Made me want to enquire more about this time and place in history. Not too keen though on the cries of "Ahhh!" and "Aargh" coming from the slayed Spaniards. A bit too comic book for me. Detracts from the overall tone. But other than that as I said really enjoyed it.

- Carol Layton

Jul 05, 2021 9:15 AM EDT

Carol, I am very pleased that you enjoyed the excerpts and liked the pace. Your constructive criticism about exclaimed sounds is well-taken and helpful. They are tricky to use, and I continue to refine my writing style regarding them.

- Judy Richards