StewartRonen.com

What They Are Thinking...

2012-01-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

Under Philadelphi Road has embarked on its journey through the maze of the publishing world. The hard part starts now. The waiting. And believe me, if the cliché or proverb (or whatever you want to call it) ‘patience is a virtue’, has ever been more relevant, it is here and now. Literary agents, bless their souls, are extremely busy people. They read most of the manuscripts that land on their tables at night after work and on weekends. In addition, they have their own current author clients to deal with on a daily basis and other administrative tasks. So, waiting for a response can take months. Frustrating, but totally understandable. And, of course, when the response does finally arrive it can either be yay or nay (obviously). Oh yes, and some agents respond only on manuscripts that interest them.

They say the best way for a writer to remain sane in this type of situation is to keep on writing. In other words, not to wait but to forget the waiting and to put that energy into writing. Aptly, in my case, I have started my third novel of the paranormal genre. All three of my novels are each of a different genre. It’s how they have come out, born that way. I am writing the stories that are sitting in my soul and that need to be written. I 'm not going according to a strategy or a commercial plan i.e. sequels, a series of the same tale. I just write what my soul calls on me to write and this is also, coincidentally, how I bide my time creatively as I try not to think what ‘they’ are thinking…

Short Story Published!

2011-12-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

Just between the lines, a news flash: My short story, Be My Guest, has been published in The Arlington Literary Journal. To read it, please click on this link, www.arlijo.com

Where is Philadelphi Road?

2011-11-10T02:03:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Firstly, my profuse apologies for the lull in the writing of posts and the updating of my blog. Life is hectic, as you well know, and time does not pause for any man. The first draft of Under Philadelphi Road is complete and editing and copywriting is underway. Actually, it's going quite swiftly, at this stage anyway, due to the fact that the reason it took almost 4 years to complete the draft is that I have already spent hours, and sometimes even days, on a single paragraph, a sentence or a word, not to mention the Everest of research I was required to do for this challenging, but most satisfying, work to date.

A question posed by several people around me, and at a distance, has prompted me to write this first post about my upcoming novel. I am thankful for questions and deeply appreciative of feedback as I write not only for myself, as a necessity, but for you the reader, who indeed insists to excel in and forever develops the curiosity and want for knowledge, understanding and literary quality. And quite rightly so.

The question and interest that has come up regards the title of the book, which some think has to do with Philadelphia, USA. This could not be furthest from the truth. Firstly, it is Philadelphi (with an i at the end). So, where is this so-called Philadelphi Road and what is it's importance to the story?

The Philadelphi Road or Route refers to a narrow strip of land, 14 km in length, situated along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Under the provisions of the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty of 1979, the buffer zone was controlled and patrolled by Israeli forces. After the 1995 Oslo Accords, Israel was allowed to retain the security corridor along the border. One purpose of Philadelphi Road was to prevent the movements of illegal materials (including weapons, ammunition and illegal drugs) and people between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Palestinians, in cooperation with some Egyptians, have built smuggling tunnels under Philadelphi Road to move these into the Gaza Strip. The 1979 Egypt-Israeli peace treaty, in which Israel agreed to withdraw from the Sinai in exchange for peace with Egypt, stipulated that the border with Egypt would follow the border of the Palestine Mandate. The main border exchange would be in the town of Rafah. (info from Wikipedia).

Rafah is where the story begins but this is for another post. Above then, you have the explanation of what and where Philadelphi Road is. The reason for the title, well, this is also for a following post :)

Thanks for your time and stay tuned.

Warm regards.
SR

Interview in The Cape Chronicle

2011-10-05T01:31:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

The October edition of The Cape Chronicle is out and in it is a great interview which I'm very happy with.
To see it, please click here.
It's on page 10. Thanks so much to Tali Barnett for setting it up so beautifully.

Hope you like it :)

SR

Watch The Book Trailer!

2011-08-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

The Second Novel

2011-05-16T03:22:00.000-07:00

Given that I am reaching the end of the writing of my second novel , I am proud and glad to announce for the first time its name:
It is called Under Philadelphi Road. It is written in the first person from the eyes of Ismail, a Palestinian boy who together with friends digs a tunnel under the border between Israel and Egypt in order to smuggle out goods to earn some money. When the tunnel collapses, Ismail is trapped on the other side of the border, in Egypt. As he takes the reader on his life's journey, the reader starts to understand that Ismail has been born for a very special purpose.

I will be creating a separate blog for Under Philadelphi Road so please stay tuned :)

Blessings!

The Week of Interviews and Book Reviews

2011-05-09T09:01:00.001-07:00

Yes, this week appears to be the week of the interviews :)

Yesterday I was interviewed by Suchitra Chaudhary of Gulf News in Dubai for their magazine Friday. The interview will appear on 3rd June. Today, Marjolein Balm, book blogger and reviewer extraordinaire, interviewed me via skype. Her review should appear tomorrow on her blog. Last week, I was interviewed by Tali Barnett, the editor of The Cape Jewish Chronicle. That article will be published in their next edition.

I'll keep you posted!

Blessings

Free Giveaway of 10 ebooks!

2011-05-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

To express my gratitude for the great things that have happened to The Goat Herder since its publication, I am giving away 10 free ebook versions of the book downloadable on Smashwords. All you have to do is send me an email and if you are among the first 10 emails requesting the ebook, I will email you the special coupon code to type in when downloading the ebook. The Giveaway offer starts now! :)

Good Luck!

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

2011-04-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

You can listen to the interview on my website www.stewartronen.com by going to the website and clicking on the side bar link 'In the News'.

Enjoy!

Blessings.

Radio Interview, Book Review, Book Launch

2011-04-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today I was informed by a very nice reporter of a local newspaper that I will be invited soon for a radio interview. This is great news and I am really looking forward to it, besides me being a bit nervous :)

In addition, a number of copies of the book are now for sale at The Bay Bookshop in Hout Bay, Cape Town. They have organised for a book review to be done in a popular magazine. More great news. Wow!

To add to the above, the owners of the above fabulous book store have offered to do the book launch in their store at The Cape Quarter in Green Point. What more can ask for? The launch will take place later on in the year.

I will keep you all posted :)

blessings

Stewart

Paperback finally on Amazon!

2011-02-07T06:09:00.000-08:00

Yes!! It took a while but the paperback is now finally available on AMAZON.COM.

Click here to buy:
http://www.amazon.com/Goat-Herder-Stewart-Ronen/dp/055769812X/ref=sr_1_cc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297087403&sr=1-1-catcorr

On eLibrary today alone, so far...almost 800 visits/downloads of The Goat Herder :)

My gratitude is eternal.

SR

The Goat Herder as ebook available in South Africa!

2011-01-20T04:23:00.000-08:00

And so it should be :) The ebook is now downloadable from publisher.co.za for R95. It's a great site and does a tremendous job to promote independent authors.

Please don't be shy to leave reviews ;)

Thanks all!

The Goat Herder available for immediate sampling on Smashwords!

2011-01-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Goat Herder is available for immediate sampling and sale in multiple ebook formats, readable now on virtually any ebook reading device!

Stewart Ronen's Smashwords Author Profile: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/stewartronen

Book page to sample or purchase The Goat Herder: http://smashwords.com/b/36599

Remember to leave a review or comment :)

Thank you all so much!

Some reviews from the HarperCollins writing forum Authonomy

2011-01-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

"Stewart, I've read the first four chapters. I think your ability to evoke a sense of place is excellent, as is the way you compell your readers to turn the page at the end of each chapter." Elinor Evans

"This is a beautiful tale, and told with such a keen eye and attention to detail that the reader is transported. I was intrigued by your opening - as we both begin our books with a photograph, and loved your prose. Your writing is beautifully paced and unusually elegant, with such perfect imagery without any superfluous word; 'a breeze whispered to the languid day' - I could feel that breeze, the atmosphere of that day. I am putting you up on my shelf - just as soon as I've rearranged it. Well done and good luck with this." Judith Kinghorn

"Hi Stewart - A most enjoyable read. Lovely, lyrical writing that took me without effort to Nathi's village. I like the way his enquiring mind raises questions and how he is determined to satisfy his curiosity about the hunting lodge. The stillness, while he watches his goats, or the ants, helps to give your story a lovely, calm flow. For all that, it certainly deserves an airing on my Bookshelf." Elizabeth Jasper

"Good balance (narrative-POV), nice pacing, exceptional descriptive abilities. Like the old photo start, reminds me of the (Time After Time) Chris Reeve movie. Almost like you're painting a picture, rather than merely telling a story." Rocky Lastinger

"This is simply beautiful writing. And a lovely story. You play with the delights and challenges of Africa with such skill - I've been sitting here with a grin on my face just enjoying this. No intention of nitpicking details - just putting this on my shelf." Jo Carrol

"Hi Stewart, The only comment i can make is that this is, in my opinion, a beautiful story. I am amazed at how you bring the characters to life: i am literally there, with Nathi, and i can almost feel the atmosphere. I have never been to Africa, but now feel like i have. You are on my shelf. Good luck." Janie.

"You write with fantastic detail, down to the offering of the photograph. I can't tell you how often I've seen this in film or documentary and noted it, but never considered it might be a sign of respect or an indication that the offerer had nothing to hide. It's this kind of wonderful, knowing detail that fills out your characters so much. Great transportive fiction. Great work here." Jason Riley

"Lovely cover. Good pitch. Wow! The descriptions are beautiful and surpassed my expectations. I could see the boy sitting there. I could see the photo. Can't wait to read more." Joanna Stephen-Ward

The Goat Herder in paperback available

2011-01-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

Although it will take another 3 weeks approximately until the paperback edition of The Goat Herder is available on all major online book stores (Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon and more), it is, however, now available on Lulu.com

To go to my store front on Lulu just click here. The ebook is already available on Amazon's Kindle and should be on iBooks shortly as well.

Please feel welcome to leave a review or leave a comment here when you've read the book. I would love to hear your feedback.

The Goat Herder in ebook Format!

2010-11-25T06:51:00.000-08:00

The eBook format of The Goat Herder has won the race against the paperback edition. It should be available to download on Lulu.com within 2 days from this posting. It will also be available on Apples's iBooks within two days. The link is already here on the blog!

The paperback is experiencing a slight delay in the area of formatting. Hopefully, it should see the light in a week or two.

2010-11-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

I am proud to announce the publication of The Goat Herder. It is apparently already being promoted for the holidays. Go to the following link for more information:

http://www.lulu.com/product/13622272?cid=112110_en_email_STOCKING305

Niq Mhlongo to endorse The Goat Herder

2010-10-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

As previously announced on Facebook and Twitter, The Goat Herder will be published soon in paperback and eBook. The great news is that South African prize-winning author, Niq Mhlongo, will be endorsing the novel! What an honour.

News Update

2010-09-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Two South African literary journals, New Contrast and Baobab, are both considering publishing excerpts of The Goat Herder.

Literary agent in SA reading the manuscript.

Self-publishing giant, AuthorHouse, contacted me from the UK on Friday. Oh, so tempting at this point.

The Theme of Sexuality and Rape in The Goat Herder

2009-12-02T04:30:00.000-08:00

The underlying theme of sexuality and rape in The Goat Herder is in some parts vivid and detailed while in other parts subtle and secretive. It is yet another topic which illuminates the distinction of cultures.

I have attempted to make the love-making scenes between Nathi and Ruth respectful as well as tender. It is interesting to see the difference in how Nathi, a Zulu and Ruth, Jewish, from a well-to-do family, view themselves in the context of their sexuality. The reader should be able sense Nathi’s shyness and uneasiness with Ruth’s direct and open approach. His Zulu upbringing and traditions have taught him that sexual abstinence prior to marriage is vital where the risk of AIDS threatens to decimate whole populations. Similarly, the Zulus recognize and appreciate the physical and emotional need of growing children and, therefore, teach and condone non-penetrative sex. Once released, Nathi’s latent passion erupts in full force. Here is an excerpt from the novel to illustrate:

“Nathi continued carving but listened to every word of his sister’s story. It made him
think of how he ‘did it’ when he was with a girl. It was mostly kissing, touching, fondling, rubbing each other’s bodies against one another and having intercourse between the girl’s thighs. Dumisani told him about the latter technique. A very pleasurable alternative to the real thing as long as the girl kept her thighs tightly pressed together.”

South Africa’s Medical Research Council (MRC), in the BBC’s World Today Programme,
said there is a higher prevalence of rape in South Africa than in other countries. It said practices such as gang rape were common because they were considered to be a form of male bonding. The above-mentioned story Nathi was listening to so intently was about a girl from one of the neighbouring villages, whose uncle, known to be infected with HIV, had raped her.
Shame and embarrassment made her keep it a secret. The girl’s father heard of the rape because the villagers were talking about it. They were saying that the girl had seduced her uncle because she had been so desperate for a man.

The reader is also dealt two examples of homosexuality in the novel. The subject, taboo in Zulu culture, is still affected by cultural prejudices. There is the vividly described scene of the young Nathi being raped by two men in a forest and there is the character of Jacob, Nathi’s friend, who the reader learns has feelings for Nathi.

Dualism in The Goat Herder

2009-11-08T04:19:00.000-08:00

A recurring theme in The Goat Herder, manifesting itself on both sides of the cultural divide, is the breaking away from the older generation, the loosening of traditional and idealistic shackles to embrace fresh, new, modern dreams to which every generation aspires.

Literature is full of these examples, especially Jewish literature which has an abundance of material on the subject. In my Master’s thesis, in fact, I wrote about the quest for a new identity as portrayed in the works of Ehrenburg and Babel. This is probably the reason, albeit without intention, that I have continued this in The Goat Herder; the generation gap between the old East European ‘shtetl’ Jew and the younger, vibrant, trendy generation who wants and needs to release the grip of antequated ideologies and prejudaces.

Nathi, the Zulu herd boy, is torn between his love and respect for his culture, family traditions, rituals and beliefs on the one hand, and his intense desire to explore new and exciting horizons, on the other. While he feels it is his duty to preserve, at least, some of his Zulu traditions, he is pulled inevitably to the reality of modern city life where there is no poverty and hardship as he knows it.

Ruth, too, as her father before her, experiences this duality and conflict. As a consequence of the rejection of the traditional view of things, her Jewish identity, the relationship of the Jew to the non-Jew, in this case a Zulu, and the very nature of Jewish religion are all matters that require new formulations. The Jewish people have always had to lead a dual existence: their own and that of the country where they have lived, which for them became a new motherland, a ‘stepmother’ land.

Ruth’s father Zecharia, also goes through this struggle between fathers and sons. He can no longer reconcile himself with the ‘ghetto’ mentality. His father does not let go of his traditions and customs and Zecharia identifies with the ‘real’, ‘normal’ world.

The Goat Herder illuminates the conflict of Zulu tribal consciousness (in Nathi’s case) and Jewish identity (in Ruth’s case), the conflict of two worlds, physical and spiritual, moral and cultural.

Photo: Book with Ostrich egg

2009-10-21T01:27:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me what the meaning was of this photograph which appears on my website. The image is of an ostrich egg resting on top of a book. I took the photograph myself as I contemplated the The Goat Herder's safely guided journey to publication.

I guess it can be interpreted in a number of ways. I leave the interpretation in the eye of the beholder :)

Through the Streets of the Indian Quarter

2009-10-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

One of my proof-readers who critiqued The Goat Herder was fascinated by the fact that there was such a large Indian population in South Africa; a wonderful cue for me to write this post about an amazing piece of what started off as a mainly Gujarati Indian community right in the middle of Durban, now the largest Indian community outside India.

The golden domed minarets of the Juma Masjid Mosque reflect the sun’s rays and tower above the bustling commercial and business centre around Grey Street. The muezzin’s quavering call to prayer filters through the covered arcade and joins the aromas of smouldering tandoori ovens and chicken tikka marsalas. No, you’re not in the Paharganj Market in New Dehli. This is Durban, South Africa.

When Nathi leaves his umuzi, his homestead on the slopes of the Nkandla Forest, and arrives in Durban, he meets Jacob who takes him on a walking tour of the district. They weave through the throngs in the Madressa Arcade off Grey Street. In an eatery where a friend of Jacob’s works, Nathi samples 'bunnychow' for the first time. An idea born of the city’s racist regulations when blacks were not allowed to be served in Indian restaurants, this half a loaf of hollowed-out bread filled with delicious curried mince was the perfect take-away. Then they follow the pungent incense and exotic spice fragrances to colourful Victoria Market, also home to Zulu herbalists and muti traders.

Before catching a taxi to the northern suburbs, Jacob has one last place to show his new friend. Nathi runs after him as he clambers up the winding stairs to the roof of the mosque. A bridge extends from the neighbouring girls' school between the two buildings. The flat roof, which is used for prayer during festivals is used as a playground during school days as the school is not equipped with one. The view over the city, the smells rising from the streets below and the sun setting behind a ribbon of smog stays with Nathi forever.

Bridging the gap between black and white, Jew and Zulu

2009-10-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

In my search for similar themes in literature to the ones in my novel The Goat Herder, I came across recently The Evidence of Love (1960) a short story by South African born novelist Dan Jacobson.

The Evidence of Love tells the story of a black man and a white woman who fall in love and attempt to defy South African law and custom by living together. The novel treats the theme of interracial love in a relaxed and naturalistic way and also highlights aspects of the individual struggle for freedom and the achievement of self-identity.In another short story a year before (1959), although less similar in theme to The Goat Herder, The Zulu and the Zeide tells the story about a lively Jewish grandfather (Zeide in Yiddish) whose family employs a Zulu as a carer. Their relationship bridges the gulf between black and white, the generation gap, Africa and Eastern Europe. The story juxtaposes the small-mindedness of a wealthy Jewish businessman with the unaffected humanity of the black servant he employs to care for his ailing father. Local prejudices, however, still persist.

This information was taken from the Free Encyclopedia jrank.org. If you’re interested in a more detailed biography of Dan Jacobson go to:

Dan Jacobson Biography - Dan Jacobson comments:

A Swazi, not a Zulu

2009-09-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was astonished (in a positive sense) to learn that a fellow student at university in the mid-eighties had converted to Judaism. Not only did he convert to Judaism but he became a rabbi and now gives lectures internationally on topics such as Kabbalah and Sabbath amongst others.

You see, Rabbi Natan Gamedze is a Swazi prince. He was born a Prince of the Kingdom of Swaziland and studied Modern Language and Translation at WITS University in Johannesburg.

Why am I bringing this up in my blog? Well, the main character in my novel The Goat Herder, Nathi, (note the similarity in name – is there such a thing as coincidence?) is a Zulu who leaves his tribal home and goes to look for work in the city. He falls in love with his Jewish employer’s daughter Ruth and, much later in the story, faces the dilemma whether or not to convert to Judaism so that he can be accepted by Ruth’s family. To know what happens you’ll have to read the book :) which, G-dwilling, will be published in the not too distance future.
If you’re interested to read more about this fascinating man, Rabbi Natan Gamedze, go to http://www.rabbigamedze.com/

The Secret is Knowledge

2009-08-25T04:24:00.000-07:00

One of the most profound journeys when writing a novel is the sensation of being in a place which has never felt your feet. This is what draws so much intensity and passion for me in the creative process. Especially if it’s a place your heart desires to experience, yearns to beat in rhythm with and is attracted to for some mysterious reason.

I’m talking about big, embracing arms of culture and religion, rituals, beliefs, laws, street food, markets, aromas and emotions; the elements which give you true insight into another’s life and lifstyle. You don’t need to have been in that place to be able write about it but, of course, it helps.

I do think it’s important to visit that place and stay there for a while, at least once during the writing of the book. However, again, not necessary. Take Miranda Dickinson’s Coffee at Kowalski’s, a light-hearted, witty rom-com set in New York, a city she’s never been to. HarperCollins’ Avon imprint offered her a contract last year in a three-book deal.

The secret, well not really a secret, is firstly, research. Tireless, thorough and lengthy research (Internet, libraries, travel documentaries, films, music etc.) Secondly, speak to as many people as you can who either come from that place or have been there and know it inside out. Deepen your knowledge as far as it can go. There’s another secret – knowledge.

Literary Showcase

2009-03-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hi,
Here's a newsflash before the weekend:
There is a new website for writers wanting exposure. Literary Showcase is a new website that enables writers to upload samples of their work so they can be viewed by publishers and production companies registered with the site. There are currently 25 publishers and production companies registered, with new ones registering everyday. To have a look, visit the site at http://www.literaryshowcase.com
Please note that registration is not free. It costs around €30 but it's well worth it.
Go take a look!
SR

Book in a Nutshell Competition

2009-03-27T04:15:00.000-07:00

Hi,
Just to say I have entered the 'Book in a Nutshell' competition being held by The Knight Literary Agency. A writer has to send in three 'compelling' sentences from his/her unpublished manuscript. The first twenty winners get editorial feedback and possible offer of representation. Hold thumbs!
SR

My official website

2009-03-11T23:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
My website is now up and running! You can click on the link above or on this link here http://www.stewartronen.webs.com/
On the site you can now read the first chapter of The Goat Herder.
SR