Seeing into the future

On the news this morning, there was talk of stripping citizenship from bastard Islamists as well as  talk of tightening citizenship requirements... I saw nicely into the future when I wrote the fourth and final book of the Shuki Series.
 

http://www.amazon.com/Frost-Sunshine-Shuki-Book-ebook/dp/B00OEJFQVQ/

One of the relevant quotes. 
This part of the book was written in 2013, before the rise of Daesh or  ISIS. 

  

On Australia Day, January, 2015, the women and girls of Shuki's family became Australian citizens. Laleh was already an Australian citizen as she'd been born in Australia. Separately, and unknown to Shuki and his family, Meriam also became an Australian citizen.   

For Meriam it had not been as easy as it had been for the others. Her past connections to a radical Islamic group, some of them Jihadists, counted against her. She'd had to show that she no longer had contact with them, and she'd been closely examined as to her current loyalties. Dual citizenship was no longer allowed. Like other countries, Australia had been experiencing the consequences of conflicting loyalties. Nearly seventy people were refused citizenship that year, mostly because the requirement that an applicant had to be 'of good character' had been strengthened and was now being enforced. They were no longer allowing appeals, and Legal Aid was only available to citizens.

There were more changes pending. Not just in Australia, but almost all Western countries were toughening their requirements for citizenship. Radical Muslims no longer openly stated that Sharia Law had to be imposed on their host nations and any immigrant suspected of acting illegally, whether by importing contraband or by supporting terrorism, was far more likely to be deported. Refugees could still be granted provisional asylum in some countries, but were a lot less likely to be granted citizenship. Some called it xenophobia, while others pointed to the poor record of refugees from certain countries, and called it sense.


In other parts of the book, Shuki advocates removing religion from schools - all religions from all schools.  In the book, I had the process starting in around 2012 in Australia, earlier in other parts of the world. With the influence of the highly respected Shuki Bolkiah,  Daesh (or ISIS) did not happen. What a shame it is only fiction. 

On the other hand, a problem much more serious had to be faced - the pandemics, inevitable because of the much too high population and the ease of travel.



Where the first pandemic started

                                              Is this part seeing into the future?  I hope not. 

My books can be purchased from Smashwords or Amazon or other online booksellers.

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Samray

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/Not-Man-M-McRae/9781477615966

http://www.amazon.com/Not-Man-Shuki-Series-ebook/dp/B0089H5X58/

  

 

 

 

The fourth and final Shuki book

 

Announcing the release of the fourth and final book

of the Shuki Series:  'The Frost and the Sunshine'

 

Date released 17th October, 2014

 

The Shuki series started with 'Not a Man.'  This book won a place on the Editors' Desk on the Harper Collins Writers' Site, Authonomy, and had a favourable review by Harper Collins. 
‘Not a Man’ is an ambitious and insightful novel; it tells the story of Shuki, a young boy from the slums of Elbarada, a fictional area of Arabia, who is castrated against his will at the age of 10. Shuki’s journey is one of great trial but also incredible strength, courage, and determination, and as a hero, he is fantastic, evoking not only sympathy, but aspiration and reverence. I loved the fact that the operation which is supposed to prevent him from reaching manhood is the very thing that makes him strong and mature. The novel is written in a pared down manner; the narrative reminded me of the prose styling of Paulo Coelho: unaffected and matter-of-fact.  (this is the 1st paragraph only)

'Not a Man' was published in 2011, and now has an average rating of  4.31 on Goodreads,  with 30 five-star ratings. (5 stars is 'amazing' on Goodreads)  On Amazon.com, it has an average rating of 4.6 with 18 five-star reviews. (5 stars on Amazon is 'I loved it.') It is currently rated 3rd on a list of 'Best Eunuch Books.'  (Goodreads) 
 

A couple of typical reviews (selected for their brevity)

 

I read this well into the wee small hours; I couldn't put it down. And what's more - the hallmark of something powerful and original - it has stayed with me. Shuki's story and the stories of the characters whose lives touch his are still clear in my mind a year later. That's quite a book!

Not a Man is a modern day masterpiece, and a future classic. Eloquently written, the author explores the controversial issues of sexual slavery, exploitation and abuse. Not a Man will bring tears to your eyes as you read about the very worst humanity has to offer, and the very best. Shuki is endearing, resilient, and intelligent. He's a character you can admire and cheer for.

 

 The book:

 

Shuki was a child of the slums, rejected by his family after he was taken for use as a ‘bed-boy’ by Hassanel Daoud, rich and powerful. He stayed with Hassanel rather than try and earn his own living by beggary or thievery. He would have run, though, if he’d known that he was to be castrated so that he would ‘stay beautiful.’ And after that, there was no point in running.

 

‘Not a Man’ is the story of Shuki’s rise from his lowly position to a man respected, an Oxford Graduate, and husband to four women whom he found starving.

 

 ‘The King’s Favourite’ is the story of his years with King Feroz. He rose to a position where he was able to influence the destiny of a nation.

 

 

 

 

‘To Love and To Protect’ is third in the Shuki series. Shuki Bolkiah has become an important person. His advice is valued by influential people in governments, not just that of King Feroz, but in other countries of Arabia. His wives would never be wives in anything but name, but there was Elei Daoud, who was his love. Elei wrote a book, with Shuki’s help. It was called ‘Thinking Jihad.’ Because of that book, Elei was shot dead.

 Shuki had made a vow early in his life, that he should never again leave it too late to run. It became apparent that even though he was no longer young, he was still in danger from the desires of men. But in a new place, where no-one knows him, he expects to leave that behind him. He moves his family to Australia, and this is where 'The Frost and the Sunshine' is set.

 

 

 

 

Shuki has a good life - his new home, his wives and his stepchildren, and becoming more important to him every day, young Zahu. It is hard to believe that Zahu could possibly want to stay with him when he is so much older. Surely one day, he will realise that a young woman has to suit him better than a middle-aged man.

 

And then Meriam comes into their lives - Meriam, daughter of Shuki's sister. Meriam, who looks so much like a youthful Shuki. She fascinates Zahu; she confuses him, and she tempts him. But she is not Shuki.

Meriam's baby is born when the frost lies heavy on the ground. But then the first rays of the sun come slanting over, and the countryside lights up. It is a promise - that bitter times might come, but one day, the sun will shine again.

 

'The Frost and the Sunshine' is available on most online sellers, as an ebook or as a paperback.

 

Amazon.com  -  http://www.amazon.com/Frost-Sunshine-Shuki-Book-ebook/dp/B00OEJFQVQ/

Smashwords -    https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/480168

 

 

 

 

 

 

Concluding the story of Shuki - modern day eunuch.

The Shuki Series

The Story of Shuki began in 'Not a Man,'  first published 2011.

 

The book was first seen on the writers' site, Authonomy, run by Harper Collins.  It won a great deal of attention, and there was an offer to publish at almost the same time as it reached the top five books on Authonomy, which earned it a professional review from Harper Collins.

 

The first paragraph of the Harper Collins review - ‘Not a Man’ is an ambitious and insightful novel; it tells the story of Shuki, a young boy from the slums of Elbarada, a fictional area of Arabia, who is castrated against his will at the age of 10. Shuki’s journey is one of great trial but also incredible strength, courage, and determination, and as a hero, he is fantastic, evoking not only sympathy, but aspiration and reverence. I loved the fact that the operation which is supposed to prevent him from reaching manhood is the very thing that makes him strong and mature. The novel is written in a pared down manner; the narrative reminded me of the prose styling of Paulo Coelho: unaffected and matter-of-fact.

 

This review can still be seen in full by accessing 'Not a Man' on Authonomy.  There are over 400 other comments, some good, some bad. 

 

 

Among the Authonomy comments  - 

 

Andrew Wright:  The strength and singular power of your main character are captivating from the off. The sorrow of the story, the opportunity for salvation, the fight for some kind of justice after the rebellion. An enigmatic and enthralling lead whose experiences drew me in from the beginning. 

Joanne Ellis: Absolutely fabulous writing and story.

Rachel Vevers:  This is a book I stayed up half the night to finish. The writing is beautiful and the plot is painful and poignant. The character of Shuki is naive and wise, complex and empathetic.

Ashen Venama:  Not a Man - stunningly original. A consistant gentle voice renders this incredible tale right through. Against all odds, Shuki is a remarkable character. The sexual scenes are shocking yet drawn with enough detachment to not take away from the real process going on for the boy who has the intelligence to overcome his victimhood. Elegant and touchingly surreal. The artist at work. This must be appreciated on many levels. 

Bill Carrigan:  This is beautifully written, fascinating, disconcerting, and moving.  

 

"Not a Man' is set in an unnamed country of Arabia. Shuki is aged ten, and a 'bed-boy.' His master wants his beautiful boy to stay beautiful, so arranges for him to have 'a small operation.' This traumatic event changed forever the life of a clever, determined boy.

Shuki learns to manipulate his master. He learns to read and write, he gets his master into the habit of giving him large sums of money, and he makes friends with the Master's sons.

Shuki becomes more beautiful with every passing year. His master becomes more possessive, more jealous, and Shuki is guarded. When his master takes him to England, he escapes and starts a new life with the money he's saved. He is fifteen.

 Shuki's story continues in 'The King's Favourite.'

 

 

Feroz was viewed as a puppet king. Just sixteen, yet he is the all-powerful monarch of a country in Arabia. When an important and complex trade deal hangs in the balance, his Chief Councillor bargains an extra concession to keep his young king happy. Added to the details of the enormous payment promised was the reference to ‘other considerations.’ Shuki’s freedom is traded away by his own country. He becomes slave and companion to a king.

No cliff-hangers.  I abhor cliff-hangers in a series, and each book has a satisfying conclusion.

 The third book in the series is 'To Love and To Protect.'

 

With a series, one finds that the number of characters mount up.  With this book, I have provided a list of characters at the front of the paperback, and with the ebooks, wherever I think it could be useful,  a reminder of characters at the beginning of some chapters. All the same,  readers are likely to enjoy it more if they have read the first two in the series.

 

 

The third book of the series is called 'To Love and to Protect.'

 

 Shuki is home, and enjoying being home. He loves his wives, he loves his children, and he loves Elei. To the Daouds, he is someone special, theirs to love and to protect, as their father, the Old Master Hassanel, laid down in his will. To Shuki, the Daouds’ home is his home, though he does not regard himself as belonging to anyone - or maybe to Elei, as Elei belongs to him.

He is fond of Hasquitri’s children, the girls and the boys. The girls, at fourteen, are of marriageable age, and are closely chaperoned. They are still permitted to ride their horses when suitably escorted, and Shuki makes a point of riding with them. Alone among the men, he knows what it is to suffer under too much protection.

The boys have a full life, learning about their father’s businesses, travelling, enjoying the hunting and the shooting and the riding. Fifteen-year-old Zahu, in particular, has become a close companion. But when Zahu finds just what Shuki is, the relationship becomes a lot more complicated.

 

 

The fourth and final book in the series is called 'The Frost and the Sunshine.'

The publication date for this book is set at 17th October, 2014.
 
Early in his life, Shuki made a vow to himself never again to leave it too late to run. There were dangers at Naelahin, dangers because of who he was.  But in a new place, a new home, where no-one knows his history, then he would be safe.  Shuki has moved his family to rural Australia.  There, he finds the peaceful life he wants.  
 
For those interested, I have placed Shuki's new home between the small town of Uralla and the university city of Armidale, New South Wales.  The towns have been fictionalised and renamed Bellerusse and Leverson. Shuki teaches at Leverson University. 

 

 

 

 It was particularly interesting writing this book.  I range forward into the future, and it is absolutely spooky that what I wrote is so very much on track with what has happened since the writing of it.

Not all that I wrote as a fictional future will come true, of course. It is interesting that some things are already coming true.



 I have set the publication date at 17th October, 2014, but it will be available on Smashwords probably a week or so before that date. 

To find my books on Smashwords,  go to:   https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Samray
  

Meet my character - Meriam Kanduracai

Meet My Character Blog Tour

 

Jacqueline Watts has suggested I write about one of the characters of my books as part of 'a blog tour.'  I don’t usually participate in these things, but Jacqui gave me a great deal of help with my first book, ‘Not a Man.’  It was needed - my prospective publisher objected to some inaccuracies in how I described an Oxford education. As an Oxford graduate herself,  Jacqui was able to give me the help I needed. I will always be grateful.

 

 
 
J. S. Watts (Jacqui) is the author of ‘A Darker Moon’ and of several short stories and a poetry sequence - Songs of Steelyard Sue. 

Her author page on Amazon can be found at http://www.amazon.com/J.S.-Watts/e/B005FFWEZE/
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So – my character:

What is the name of a character in an upcoming book? Is this character fictional?

The book I will soon publish is the fourth and final book of the Shuki series. The first book of the series was Not a Man.   ('From child of the slums to Oxford graduate, this is the story of Shuki Bolkiah - modern-day eunuch.') 

In the second book, I speak of Shuki's years as a king's advisor, and in the third, he becomes very much respected as an author and consultant.

But this time, I am not speaking about Shuki, but his niece, daughter of his sister. Her name is Meriam Kanduracai, and she is sixteen years old when the novel begins.   She is, of course, fictional.

When and where is it set?

The novel is set in Australia. Shuki now lives on a property that I've set between Uralla and Armidale on the New England Tablelands of NSW. 

(Uralla is now called Bellerusse, and Armidale is now Leverson.) 








 

What should we know about her?
 

Meriam has grown up in a strongly Islamic family in Arabia. But she yearns for the freedoms of the west. She and her friend pore over western magazines, they want to wear pretty clothing, not the grey or black cover-all makrebi, and they want to shop in  a western style shopping centre. They want to see shows and go to western style restaurants. Meriam's friend has an older brother who indulges their desires. He takes them to places that their parents would never have allowed, and they wear clothing that would have shocked their parents.  

What is the main conflict?   What messes up her life?

But after one of these excursions, Meriam wakes up in a seedy hotel. She doesn't know what has happened and she feels awful. She is bullied into her robe with the addition of a face-cover, then taken by car to an area close to her home, where she is dropped off.  She doesn't know what happened to her, but she is sure it was something bad. Her friend has gone to live with the family of her fiancé, she is told, though she had not previously heard anything of a fiancé. It would be improper to ask to see her friend's brother. She does not confide in her parents.

There is no such thing as sex education for the good Muslim girls of Elbarada, and Meriam does not know she is pregnant. But she worries that she could be impure. A girl is never supposed to be alone with a man, and she thought she was alone with a man. She drops her attempts to live a more free life, and acquiesces when her father looks for a husband for her. She tries to be a better Muslim; she no longer neglects her prayers, and for the first time, she adheres strictly to the daytime fasting of Ramadan.

But word has spread, and even though Meriam doesn't know what happened to her, others can guess. Her prospective husband demands a purity test. 
 
When Shuki meets her, she can scarcely walk for the beating dealt out by her father. It is not the worst of it. There is no place for an impure girl in Elbarada, and certainly not one who is pregnant. No neighbour or relative would ask tactless questions if Meriam vanishes; they understand that it is sometimes very difficult for a man to do his duty for the honour of his family.

But Meriam is luckier than some. Shuki takes her back to Australia to live with himself, his four wives, and his love, young Zahu Daoud.
 

Meriam is filled with her shame. She tries very hard to do exactly as Allah would want. She becomes attached to her new family, but she worries for them. They are not good Muslims, and again and again, as she reads the Quran her father gave her, she takes in those threats of burning, everlasting hell. 

The baby comes. She'd thought it a sinful thing she must get rid of, but instead, she finds joy, a delightful girl child she can love.
 

Her pleasure in life lasts for more than two years, but then there is a loss. Could it be Allah's punishment for her? It was a good woman who died - but she was not a good Muslim. Was she now in dreadful torment? It tears Meriam apart to think that Sanyar could be in hell.

Meriam leaves the family who care for her, she leaves the tiny daughter she loves, and she seeks a different life, one where it was easier to live life as a good Muslim.

What is the personal goal of the character?

Meriam wants to do good in the world. Her uncle does good in the world, and she wants to do the same.

What is the title of the book?

The fourth and final book of the Shuki series is called 'The Frost and The Sunshine.'

When is it to be published?

The likely publication date of this book is the 17th October, 2014.

 

 

  An excerpt from one of the last chapters:

Shuki had nothing particular to say on his web-page, but Karen's images of the sunshine on the frost - it was like a message. That the ice would melt and the warmth would come. It was a message of hope. The world had been through some very bad times, but it appeared that the bad times were over. He'd never put pictures on his web-page before, and he made no commentary, just 'Photographs by Karen Carmichael.'

 I am supposed to tag several people to continue this 'blog tour.'

I am tagging, therefore, any of my author acquaintances who want to do it.  



Look for my books on any online booksellers such as:
 https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Samray
http://www.amazon.com/M.-A.-McRae/e/B008BYWRQ2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1340847276&sr=1-1
  or

http://www.bookdepository.com/Not-Man-M-McRae/9781477615966

 

 

 

 

Finishing with a 'sunshine' pic.

 This is Heathcote, Victoria,

autumn.

  

 

 

Favourite Indie books.

It is a real privilege to own books by authors that you know, even if it is only online 'knowing.'

My collection started with 'If Only I Could Talk' by Tony Lewis.  It was quite quickly followed by 'Spoilt' by Joanne Ellis, and 'How To Meet a Guy At The Supermarket' by Jessica Degarmo.  Others followed until I now have a full shelf of books. Most of the authors I 'met'  on the Authors' site, Authonomy. Several are from the Crit Group I was in, 'Stampman's' and later 'Stampman's Orphans.'

Some of these books are exceptional, some are good reads, but all but one are 'Indie' published, that is, published by a small publisher or by the author themselves.  The exception is Casey Watson, who was on Authonomy, but had her book picked up by Harper Collins, not just one book, but a three-book deal, (by memory, my information could be out of date by now.)

Cyndi Tefft: 'Between.

Richard Bard: 'Brainrush.' This book has done very well, and now has (I think)  two sequels.

Katy Walters:  'Phobic Dawn.'  Katy has written some great books. 

Shalini Boland: 'A Shirtful of Frogs.'  This is my favourite of Shalini's books.

Charlotte Castle: 'Simon's Choice.'  A story that speaks of life and death. This is a short book, and very, very good.

Jessica Degarmo:  'How to Meet a Guy at the Supermarket.' Jessica is now a popular romance writer. 'Supermarket' was her first book to be published.

Matt Hammond: 'Milkshake'  This is what one could call an 'ecological thriller.'  There is now a sequel called 'The Destiny Stone.'

Diane Nelson: 'Dragon Academy.' A YA (young adult) book, but I've never allowed that label to interfere with my enjoyment of a good book.

Joanne Ellis: 'Spoilt'  Joanne is an Australian author. She's had criticism from Americans because of the title of her book - it seems that American don't know 'spoilt,' just 'spoiled.' 

Joanne has several books published, and her sales are high enough that she can call herself a 'bestselling author.'   'Spoilt' was the first. It achieved the prize of the 'Editor's Desk' on the writers' site called Authonomy.

Scott Strosahl: 'Framed.'  An excellent thriller, which I must read again.

Casey Watson: 'The Boy That No One Loved.'  Published by Harper Collins.

Shalini Boland:  'Outside.' YA thriller, now with a sequel.

  

'The Dragon Academy' is notable for the way it looks.  It is just such an attractive book.

I am so impressed with 'The Pencil Case' that it has had two blog posts all to itself.

And I will not forget my own. 'Not a Man' achieved a great deal of attention when on Authonomy, and earned the prize of the 'Editors Desk.'  I was offered the contract to publish in the same month.

The blurb:

From boy of the slums to Oxford Graduate. This is the story of Shuki Bolkiah, modern day eunuch.

'Not a Man' is set in an unnamed country of Arabia. Shuki is aged ten, and a 'bed-boy.' His master wants his beautiful boy to stay beautiful, so arranges for him to have 'a small operation.' This traumatic event changed forever the life of a clever, determined boy.

Shuki learns to manipulate his master. He learns to read and write, he gets his master into the habit of giving him large sums of money, and he makes friends with the master's sons.

Shuki becomes more beautiful with every passing year. His master becomes more possessive, more jealous, and Shuki is guarded. When his master takes him to England, he escapes and starts a new life with the money he's saved. He is fifteen.

A typical review is by Shalini Boland  (on Amazon UK) 

‘This story began by breaking my heart. It's such a compelling read, even though I cringed through the more graphic parts. The characters' relationships are complex and I like the fact that the master isn't a caracature, which would have been an easy route to go down. The tension was kept up throughout and I found myself racing to see if Shuki would find his freedom and a more unfettered happiness. This is a first class novel about a difficult subject that has been handled beautifully. But more than that, it is a story about the struggles of life - the injustice, the strength of will, the terror and the beauty of it all.’

 There are now three books in the series, with a fourth and final yet to come.

Look for them on the usual online booksellers such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords.

http://www.amazon.com/M.-A.-McRae/e/B008BYWRQ2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1340847276&sr=1-1