Mark Fine's Blog: AUTHOR 2 AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Authors Mark Fine & Pamela Crane Reveal their Lives in Pursuit of the Art of Writing., page 6
June 23, 2015
NELSON MANDELA: A Legacy Not Honored
The magnificent vision of Africa’s great statesman has been selfishly squandered and corrupted by the lesser men that unfortunately succeeded him.
The current incumbent of South Africa’s presidency, Jacob Zuma, being the most egregious. Zuma has eroded the institutions of government (both the constitution and the checks-and-balances of democracy) by his flaunting display of self-interest, corruption and tribal cronyism; all in his effort to protect his illicit financial gains by using that nation’s treasury as his personal piggy bank.
Alas, I anticipated this. In the closing chapter of my South African themed novel The Zebra Affaire I wrote the following as a final coda:
But former prisoner Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela had no desire to become a sovereign: he relinquished the power voluntarily—so refreshing on a continent where provincial tyrants strive to rule forever.
But here I remain fearful (though I dearly hope to be proven wrong). Mandela was the nation’s talisman—his very presence held the various peoples of South Africa on a rainbow path of dignity and equality, and by his noble example all tribal rivalries were set aside and all were welcomed at the table.
But now he’s gone, I fear the quiet vow of loyalty to his vision of a united South Africa will be abrogated. With Mandela no longer living, lesser mortals will not feel bound by any allegiance to the “Father of the Nation”; instead, in a lust for power, they will once again unleash the tribal tensions that have forever plagued the continent.
But rather than dwell on the bleak let us be hopeful that in remembering Mandela’s legacy, the South African people will duly honor his life by electing future leaders, based on merit, not cronyism.
(How about a woman? Now that would be something!)
In doing so they would honor the hope and desire for all-equality, with no single individual above the law.
Indeed, that was Nelson Mandela’s life’s work.
June 13, 2015
EVERY STORY NEEDS A HOTZ SOUNDTRACK!
Our friend, Mark Fine came by the other day to get a first hand look at the SpaceHarp. He was kind enough to give us an autographed copy of his book, “The Zebra Affaire”, a fast-paced, suspenseful tale about the racial divide in South Africa in the 1970s. Mark was a long time record executive, with PolyGram, Universal and Hammer & Lace.
Jimmy ha
s recently invented a new instrument, the SpaceHarp!
Extraordinary!
It made a music maestro out of the least of us (Me!).
I certainly DID! After 4 decades in the music biz, this was the first time I experienced playing pure music, myself! Not being a musician I’ve never before known the joy of creating music. Indeed it was magical.
After Jimmy reads “The Zebra Affaire” we will explore a music soundtrack–written together, that’s inspired by my book’s South African blended love story.
NOTE: The Hotz Translator Software transforms ones gestures on the SpaceHarp into all the right notes for the desired chords and scales in music performance. The SpaceHarp is a new manifestation of a concept invented by David Clark and John Gibbon, originally called the Light Dancer. Jimmy did a complete redesign of the electronics and programmed the firmware, which makes it function. So, while Jimmy is the inventor of the Hotz Translator Software and contributed significantly to the SpaceHarp, proper credit should be given to David Clark and John Gibbon. David Clark also worked with Jimmy on the current mechanical design of the SpaceHarp.
June 12, 2015
NEWS FLASH! “THE ZEBRA AFFAIRE” is a finalist for BGS Best Book of the Year 2015 Award!
Honored to find that “The Zebra Affaire” is a finalist for the BGS Best Book of the Year 2015 Award!
Zebra is in great company with several other terrific books.
To vote for your favorite: http://thebookpromoter.com/books-go-social-awards-2015-final-vote/
June 10, 2015
My Five Top Indie Writers (And Then Some…)
Honored to receive this accolade for my novel, “The Zebra Affaire.” To be ranked first amongst one’s talented and gifted Top Five (and more) peers is both humbling and thrilling. Lizzi Newton, the curator of this list, is a gifted author in her own right…and deserves to hold the #1 spot in my stead!
Originally posted on Between the Beats:
@NOTEBKBLOGAIRY’S #INDIEROAR CHALLENGE – DAY 9: MY TOP 5 INDIE AUTHORS
I’ve been following the Indie Roar Challenge and I have to admit, today’s challenge is a tough one. Choosing my top five indie authors is no easy feat for me. For the past few months I have been exclusively reading indie authors and each one seems better than the last. However, I think I have narrowed it down. Keep in mind, my favorite genre is horror or thrillers. That eliminates a lot of really good writers.
Anyway here it goes: my five favorite indie writers. (And maybe an honorable mention or two.)
1)
Mark Fine has written one of the best books I’ve read by any author, indie or not. “The Zebra Affaire” is an eloquently written love story set against the background of apartheid in South Africa. With stunning descriptions of the country and characters Fine drew me…
View original 876 more words
June 3, 2015
FINE REVIEW: “The Long Dance Home” by Julie Mayerson Brown. Lively, Refreshing & Spiced with Snappy Dialog.
The Long Dance Home by Julie Mayerson Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There is vitality to this novel that I found refreshing. The author’s ability to capture the spirit, the essence, of her characters extended way beyond mere florid descriptions. And so I enjoyed the fascinating cast of characters that filled the setting in Clearwater, a small Northern California town.
No doubt about it “The Long Dance Home” is a modern love story, and other reviewers have elegantly articulated the romantic travails of CeCe. But I choose to focus on some other aspects of this well told story; the loving homage to the arts —specifically ballet, the joys of an imperfect family—where the stepmother is a gem, the loyalty of friendships—even if the best bud is a goof, the reverence for tradition—even if it’s the annual children’s performance of “The Nutcracker,” the desire to do one’s very best—even if mistakes are made along the way, and finally the pain of loss—the price for feeling alive.
We meet the Russian-born ballet instructor, Ilana who nurtured the dance prodigy we know as CeCe, as a young child. But due to the fragility of age, and the onset of senility in her mentor, CeCe finds herself experiencing a different kind of loss–the emotional fading of the most influential person in her life. The scene with the crystal ballerina Christmas ornament, a gift received many years before from a then vital Ilana, I found to be both poignant and meaningful.
Finally, there is adroitness in penmanship (especially the dialog) that separates author Julie Brown from many of her peers: there’s a sequence when her current beau visits CeCe’s parents’ home for the first time—the snappy exchange between boyfriend, family and friends still makes me chuckle. This is lively and refreshing stuff that I encourage other readers to enjoy!
May 30, 2015
FINE REVIEW: “The Gangster’s Son” by Joe Brewer. An Intriguing Detective Thriller Set in 1991 Japan
The Gangster’s Son by Joseph Mark Brewer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finally, an intriguing detective thriller set in Japan that refuses to turn the lead characters into caricatures, and base its premise on such tropes as sushi and martial arts. Reading author Joseph Brewer’s biography, he did a tour of duty in the US Navy and spent considerable time in Asia. The author’s regard and insider perspective on Japan in general, and Tokyo in particular, bring an authenticity and sense of immediacy to this richly rendered narrative.
I liked Shig Sato, the senior detective driven to solve the mystery of the murdered nightclub waitress. He is flawed in the way us humans tend to be; trapped by family history and tradition. Witnessing the good detective navigate his way between the shoals of organized crime, corrupt superiors, influence peddling corporate titans, ambivalent subordinates, and the American military and personal heartbreak–in his quest to track down loathsome yakuza street punks–makes for a fascinating read.
By lifting the veil, ever so slightly, on the Japanese’s enigmatic (to Westerners) ways and rich culture, Brewer helps us understand our larger world a little better—without sacrificing a damn good read. He doesn’t flinch from unsettled matters such as the resistance in some quarters to the American military presence in Japan or the ethnic divisions that divide, specifically bigotry; Nor should he as this is the world that his relentless detective, Shig Sato, inhabits. With the detective’s wonderful debut in “The Gangster’s Son”, I look forward to soon reading the next Shig Sato mystery…..
Review by Mark Fine The Zebra Affaire
May 28, 2015
FINE REVIEW: “The Foreign Correspondent” by Alan Furst. The restless peace between the two great wars.
The Foreign Correspondent by Alan Furst
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This novel was quite a revelation with its focus resting on events between the two great wars. As the storm clouds of World War II are looming we are there via Alan Furst’s pen, experiencing the noir-like, uneasy last hurrah of a free Paris (including a brief dalliance with the film world); to soon fall under the grip of the jackbooted Nazi hordes. In the meantime anxiety builds as loyalties are split. The Communists metastasize their subversive ways in their quest for power as the sinister forces of the Fascists grow, exploiting every weakness, sometimes violently.
Furst is masterful in capturing this much neglected period prior to Hitler’s onslaught, and as such is nuanced and patient as he builds inexorably to a compelling climax at the end of the narrative. I especially enjoyed the scenes recalling Franco’s Spanish Civil War. Such a superbly rendered historical fiction work is “The Foreign Correspondent” that this reader almost felt as though he was there; a witness to history careening toward a brutal cataclysm, yet it was a tale told in very personal terms from the perspective of our leading man…the foreign correspondent.
I hope to be reading many more works by this gifted author, Mr. Alan Furst.
Review by Mark Fine of The Zebra Affaire
May 25, 2015
Guest Post: Rayne Hall on Publishing
These are thrilling times for those wishing to write, and get published. No need to for that lonely scream; hoping to be heard (and accepted) by agents, publishers and faceless gatekeepers. If you have the will, and at a modest cost (Don’t ignore having your work edited!) you too can be a published author. Rayne Hall’s blog gives a sense of the flexibility of the 21st Century publishing environment.
Originally posted on 8 Great Storytellers: ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ Curl up with a good writer!:
TEN CHANGES IN BOOK PUBLISHING
by Rayne Hall
1. In the past, most authors worked for editors. Today, most editors work for authors.
2. Most books went from author to agent to publisher to distributor to bookseller to reader. Now, more and more go from
View original 378 more words
May 23, 2015
FINE REVIEW: “A Woman’s Weakness” by Molly Gambiza ~ Tribal Tradition is No Excuse for Spousal Abuse. An Important Read!
A Woman’s Weakness by Molly Gambiza
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is the nature of Africa to denigrate the role of women, and this is a tragedy. For example, in marriage (where the bride’s dowry is based on head of cattle) she is not allowed to own property. Now that’s discrimination! So many talented women, capable of making extraordinary contributions to both family and society at large, are marginalized by tradition. Reading “A Woman’s Weakness” brought these distressing thoughts to mind in a touching, personal and riveting portrayal of Eva’s abuse at the hand of David her husband.
Spousal abuse is all too prevalent (and obviously not limited by socio-economics, color, or creed); but author Molly Gambiza shines a light on a different and troubling strain of this wicked unkind behavior. The principal characters in the book are from Uganda (as is the author, so she knows of what she speaks) and they have immigrated to England, in pursuit of a better quality of life. Sadly, Eva’s husband and mother-in-law insist on perpetuating the submissive role expected of Ugandan women–in England! In their attempts to do so, poor Eva (selflessly protecting the children) is subjected to a constant barrage of humiliation and physical abuse.
As a testament to the fortitude of the woman of Africa (Just try carrying a five gallon bucket of water on your head, walking to and from the river, with an infant strapped by a blanket to your back!), Eva finally finds solace and wisdom through personal sacrifice–and a long journey back to her roots. As for Molly’s writing style, I thoroughly enjoyed the spirit of Uganda radiating through her expression of the English language. It gave the book a distinctive voice which makes it all the more memorable. An Important Read!
May 22, 2015
FINE REVIEW: “A Dream Fulfilled” ~ Former Freedom Fighter, Ambassador & Author, Thandi Lujabe-Rankoe. A Riviting Personal Story of Sacrifice for Human Freedom.
A Dream Fulfilled by Thandi Lujabe-Rankoe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Thandi Lujabe-Ranko, the subject of this fine and authoritative autobiography, which outlines for us, in sometimes uncompromising terms, the journey taken by herself – from the cauldron of apartheid, through various postings in exile to a triumphant return to the native land. A quiet, unassuming though single-minded woman, Thandi represents the best that any country can offer. I urge you to read this book as it will not only inform you but will become one of the most important records of the invincibility of the human spirit.”
These are NOT my words, but I discovered them in the forward of “A Dream Fulfilled.” Imagine my delight when I saw that they’d been written by NELSON MANDELA. Of course, I agree with Mandela’s assessment of this fine book.
In a time when we see ambassadorships cavalierly handed out as rewards to those who merely “bundled” the most money for a presidential election, it is gratifying to see that in the tip of Africa a diplomat received her High Commissioner appointment to represent her nation based solely on merit. And boy, did she earn it: The Hard Way! In reading Ambassador Lujabe-Rankoe’s harrowing story, it becomes evident how difficult her journey was; the personal cost was awful. But in telling her story, the ambassador deservedly indicts the brutal apartheid regime. But she displays generous grace and humor to those that were kind.
Thandi was always destined to serve, but her early ambitions to be a nurse in South Africa were crushed by early activism protesting the apartheid laws. As she became immersed in the freedom struggle, she found herself in danger, and fled her native land. With the threat of death a constant, due to the apartheid regime’s sustained efforts to assassinate the ANC leadership, Thandi (often with a child in tow) was constantly on the move to various destinations in Africa, and even Norway. I was amazed at this formidable woman’s ability to adapt to these new communities, cultures, and societies–yet, at the same time successfully championing all humanities cause.
And that is what finally makes the reading of this book so satisfying: Redemption. After 33 years in exile (and after Mandela’s 27 years of imprisonment), both their dreams were finally fulfilled with Nelson Mandela’s 1994 ascendency to the presidency. And as a fitting reward for her profound contribution to the freedom struggle (not merely based on gratuitous political favors) Ambassador Thandi Lujabe-Rankoe was appointed High Commissioner, with the mandate of representing her first-time free nation to the world. And as ambassador, and knowing so well the countries she was posted (due to her past travels) she served her nation brilliantly.
I strongly recommend this book those who appreciate autobiographies and memoirs, African studies, political science, 20th Century world history, women empowerment, stories of personal courage and sacrifice, and compelling tales of inspiration.
AUTHOR 2 AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Authors Mark Fine & Pamela Crane Reveal their Lives in Pursuit of the Art of Writing.
Find out what secrets each author reveals in this author-on-author interview between Mark Fine, author of the romantic historical drama The Zebra Affaire, and Pam ...more
- Mark Fine's profile
- 131 followers
