Jeffrey Whittam - Sons Of Africa

[johnrogers]

Hello Fellow Forum Members

Jeffrey Whittam has just published his first book called Sons Of Africa - it is only available as an ebook via Amazon.com.If you love Wilbur Smith genre of writing you must read Sons Of Africa,in fact it felt like it was written by Wilbur Smith himself.You must read this novel,Jeffrey Whittam ( whom is an active participant in this forum ) is the new Wilbur Smith of this new decade,the book is equal to any WS novels we have all read,so please take the time out to get your hands on this you will all agree with my post on the quality of this read.If you do not have a Kindle ereader just download the ap ( which is free ) from amazon.com and read it on your computer.This is one of the great African adventures I have ever read.Please - do your self a favor - get your paws on Sons Of Africa as quickly as you can

john rogers - #1 fan of Jeffrey Whittam

[jeffw]

Hi John,
Keeping things simple and entertaining is, for me, the guts of a good story. I find no need to impress the reader with pages of impossible sexual acrobatics or over the top heroes. Let the passage of time and storyline speak for themselves - allow the readers to make up their own minds. Value your insight.

[Matbow]

I just finished Sons of Africa; a great read and it definitely felt like I was reading a book by Wilbur himself. Every regular on this forum should most definitely read this book.

Jeff - I am eagerly anticipating the next book; when will it be released and will it be about the same family?

[jeffw]

Hi Mat - next year, May/June-ish. Empress Gold; yes, the same families; a thriller based in Zimbabwe. In fact, the next two are directly related to Sons of Africa. Your support and that of the forum as a whole, I find overwhelming. Johnrogers especially - an absolute star.
Will be posting extracts from Empress Gold on future blogs.
Again, my gratitude.

[E-Hoog]

Hi Jeff,

I'm at page 124 of your book and felt like coming here to tell you what I think of it .

The first part I found hard to get into. It took a while for the story to grip me. It felt a bit hurried, as if you were eager to start the second part . I felt that some things could be explained a bit more. But that could just be me.

Then I got into the second part, and my... brilliant! I love it . I'm very eagerly reading this part and am thundering through it. Well written, entertaining, and definitely exciting!

Well, I'm off, reading some more

[jeffw]

Hi Tom - thanks for your insight - sometimes hard for me to get to grips with the explanation side of things - some folks prefer more, some, if I provide what is in their opinion, too much, find it hard to read. Yes, I do enjoy writing about 'old Africa', must try to maintain a balance, though. Writing for the reader, not for myself.
Keep well and I hope you enjoy the rest of my book.

[E-Hoog]

Hi Jeff,

I finished yesterday. Very good read! Congratulations on such a nice novel. I liked the old africa part best. The 1979-1980 parts went too fast for me. As a reader, I felt like I didn't have the time to get to know and respect/like/dislike the characters before everything took place. For instance, I needed a bit more reasoning for Rex's actions. But the old africa part, which is by far the bulk of the book, was very good. At times this part also went too fast for me (a bit more explaining would have made it better in my opinion) but very nice overall.

I give it a 8/10 .

Good job Jeff!

[jeffw]

Hi Tom - All taken on board, thanks for a balanced review. Any chance of seeing your views on SoA out there on Amazon? Once again, 'preciate your input; much gratitude from this end.
ps will bear your comments in mind when writing Empress Gold.

[E-Hoog]

Hi Jeff,

The review is posted . I really liked being able to communicate with you and then read your book. It was a nice experience, and I wish you all the best with the writing of the new novel. Looking forward to it!

[jeffw]

Bless you, Tom. The interaction I have with you guys is such a boon! I'm exceedingly lucky to have you all along for the ride and really appreciate your feedback; good or not-so-good, I do my best - time will tell. Again, thanks for your help and encouragement.

[bayside]

Just finished your book, Jeff. Well done! I really got into it. It's rewarding to see all the support you've received from members of this forum in their reviews on Amazon -- to which I've added mine.

We have a phenomenon brewing here in the US that could well have been scripted for South Africa: We might have two Black candidates for President, opposing each other, one Republican Conservative and one Liberal Democrat. The Republican is supported by people who believe citizens should take care of themselves, while the Democrat is supported by people who believe the Government should take care of them. We watch the telecasts from Greece every day and see the Public Employee Unions leading their members in riots and fighting government austerity -- while the country slips into bankruptcy. Socialism is not the answer.

[johnrogers]

Just finished your book, Jeff. Well done! I really got into it. It's rewarding to see all the support you've received from members of this forum in their reviews on Amazon -- to which I've added mine.

We have a phenomenon brewing here in the US that could well have been scripted for South Africa: We might have two Black candidates for President, opposing each other, one Republican Conservative and one Liberal Democrat. The Republican is supported by people who believe citizens should take care of themselves, while the Democrat is supported by people who believe the Government should take care of them. We watch the telecasts from Greece every day and see the Public Employee Unions leading their members in riots and fighting government austerity -- while the country slips into bankruptcy. Socialism is not the answer.

Hello Bayside

I read your review on Jeff's new novel on amazon this morning.I am very proud of the forums response to Jeff,all good friends should stick together and support one another as it seems we are.I so see the comparison to The Sunbird which by far is my fave Wilbur Smith standalone.I have placed my order for your new book Enemies Of Their Own Blood thru Amazon.com and should be receiveing it very soon.I much look forward to reading it ( a hardcover no less )

Regarding your concern about the state of American politics and the tradgedy in Greece I can only agree with you - the arrogance of the Greek government calling a reforendrum on the bailout is crazy - I just watched the news and it looks like they are now accepting it.As a Canadian citizen who follows current events as a passion I also am in great dismay about American politics,the campaining is more like a circus sideshow,the animosity between the Democrats and the Republicans is shameful to watch when there is so much at stake.Your country that I know you so deeply love and respect needs a political overhaul.Believe me as a Canadian I have deep respect and love for the USA - but what is going on now will effect the great USA forever unless something is done about it.

Hey Bayside ain,t Conn Iggulden great or what eh !!!!

johnrogers

[jeffw]

Thanks bayside - what can I say? reckon I have more buddies on WS forum than in real life land - guess I'm stuck for words. Your review is much valued. Talk soon.

Just finished your book, Jeff. Well done! I really got into it. It's rewarding to see all the support you've received from members of this forum in their reviews on Amazon -- to which I've added mine.

We have a phenomenon brewing here in the US that could well have been scripted for South Africa: We might have two Black candidates for President, opposing each other, one Republican Conservative and one Liberal Democrat. The Republican is supported by people who believe citizens should take care of themselves, while the Democrat is supported by people who believe the Government should take care of them. We watch the telecasts from Greece every day and see the Public Employee Unions leading their members in riots and fighting government austerity -- while the country slips into bankruptcy. Socialism is not the answer.

Hello Bayside

I read your review on Jeff's new novel on amazon this morning.I am very proud of the forums response to Jeff,all good friends should stick together and support one another as it seems we are.I so see the comparison to The Sunbird which by far is my fave Wilbur Smith standalone.I have placed my order for your new book Enemies Of Their Own Blood thru Amazon.com and should be receiveing it very soon.I much look forward to reading it ( a hardcover no less )

Regarding your concern about the state of American politics and the tradgedy in Greece I can only agree with you - the arrogance of the Greek government calling a reforendrum on the bailout is crazy - I just watched the news and it looks like they are now accepting it.As a Canadian citizen who follows current events as a passion I also am in great dismay about American politics,the campaining is more like a circus sideshow,the animosity between the Democrats and the Republicans is shameful to watch when there is so much at stake.Your country that I know you so deeply love and respect needs a political overhaul.Believe me as a Canadian I have deep respect and love for the USA - but what is going on now will effect the great USA forever unless something is done about it.

Hey Bayside ain,t Conn Iggulden great or what eh !!!!

johnrogers

[Matbow]

To avoid further thread hijacking, posts regarding socialism/communism have been moved here:

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=3799

[Nefer]

Ehoog - I remember seeing somewhere on the forum you had software to convert kindle books to another format? Could you let me know which one you used as I'd like to read Jeff's book as well, but don't have a kindle (I have a sony ereader).

Cheers!

[E-Hoog]

Hi Nefer,

It's here: viewtopic.php?p=16893#p16893

It's definitely worth the effort to be able to read Jeff's book

[Nefer]

TY

[johnrogers]

Hi Jeff

Have been wondering how your book sales are coming along at amazon - I hope it has been successful and you have managed to get your book out to the reading masses.Am counting down the days til your next book.

[jeffw]

Hi John - backed off from the politics - went to ground for a couple of weeks. Re the sales? going well but could be better - averaging 2 a day at the mo. getting it under readers' noses is harder than writing the book!! Might sell another kidney and go for a paperback version as well - another string to the old bow. Will hit the one third finished mark on Empress Gold by Xmas. Going well, really excited. Still on course for publishing this coming year round about June time. You can follow bits and bobs of book insights on jeffreywhittam.blogspot.com - sort of keeps you 'in the loop'. (hate that expression)
Again, thanks for your support - 'you were the first'!!!
Take care and stay in touch.

[johnrogers]

You know Jeff the main question that I ask myself is how do readers manage to discover your book on amazon.com - Amazon has so many ebooks available it is mesmorizing to say the least to make a choice,often ( about once a week ) I go shopping for a book and the selections are mind boggling.Now I find it easy to pick out a book and I admit I am very swayed by there 5 star rating system,but that is not the point - how in gods name do you get exposure when there are hundreds if not thousands of authors trying to sell there book.

I have an idea for you to consider,I know nothing about how it all works but this is the best suggestion I can come up with - can you discount your book for a few months to get the exposure you need - I have found a lot of really decent reads for 99 cents - in fact I noticed that Lisa Gardener discounted one of her books to 99 cents and I am sure it renewed the publics interest in her many works.I also now see her book is back up to regular price.By no means am I saying your book is overpriced in fact I found it to be a good bargain,but my concern is the thousands of amazon book buyers who search the website to buy a book every day do not come across Sons Of Africa - I am sure that every Wilbur Smith genre book reader would read your book if they knew it exsisted - you get my meaning I am sure.


The quality of your book is 100% - but I want to see you make it to the bestsellers list - you need exposure more than anything else

your Canadian buddy and #1 fan