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I have one more thing to add to this thread. I am trying not to beat a dead horse, but this point is bugging me, so here goes nothing: John, I think if you had come to the board BEFORE finishing your project and said, "Hey I'm thinking about writing a book with mainly African American characters, etc...and I'm white...how do you think Black readers will react to this...etc..." then it would have been easier for me to accept your motives as sincere. Under that scenario, logically, it would have made sense to come to a board like this. Indeed it would be wise to do so...get some feedback, show you care about what your potential audience will think...get some constructive suggestions about how to respectfully handle your characters & portrayal of historical events. But since you already wrote the book, published the book, and started selling the book, and THEN you came looking for feedback, it makes me think you are simply trying a new marketing strategy. I have no problem with you marketing your material. But don't insult me by acting like you're just curious to see my reaction to your color. Be real about the situation. If you're coming to the board to broaden the exposure of your book, then just say that: "Hey, I wrote a book about Black characters...here's the synopsis...check it out..." And if you feel you must include the fact that you are white, then say that too..."oh, by the way, I'm white...do you care?" I could respect that.

John's story including Negroes was, may I say, soft. In my opinion, Sammy the horse stole Chapter One. In that chapter, Matt wasn't that impressive. Stories about the Army or war is not my favorite read, and what I know about boarding horses I could write in 30 words or less. But John's writing skills are very good. I guess you can say this is the subjective side of my brief review. Usually Chapter One briefly lays out the book's premise. I see the possibility of several precursors there, however: Matt's promotion as a Negro commander, will it go good or bad, and how will his brothers-in-color take it. His relationship with the Mrs. teaching him to read could signal problems down the line. His troop may use that against him (among each other), and his letting Virgil off and not arresting him as a possible deserter. These are all possibilities to strengthen the story. The Indian fight looming could give the story a kick--more tension. But, if I were writing this I'd be as careful with Indian history as with Negro history. Cultural-wise, they are very close to each other. IMO, John you were wise to bring the novel before an African American audience for a review. It shows you care about how all people will take your story. If you want to know about me visit my website at http://www.millerscribs.com Peace. (Minnie Estelle Miller)

Sorry, I forget to respond to these discussions here on our forum and not on Facebook. So, I'm repeating my comments here. The so-called good point I was referring to was Troy's comment about "black folks weeping in the aisles about the white writer's portrayal of Negroes in "The Help." Yet, we chewed out Perry for his portrayal of African American women in "For Colored Girls." I hated the trailers on "Precious." I feel that poor young actress was thrown to the wolves. BTW, where is she now? Who will pick her up in another movie? But that's another story. Back to "Braver Deeds." I knew I was not going to the movies, paying my meager pennies to see an exchange between black maids and white ladies/housewives. I didn't see enough Negro history in the motion picture's blurb to legitimize the story. This is a must for me. I am an African American writer, age 75 and know a lot of facts about Negro-Master's relationships on Southern Plantations. Troy, in my opinion we want our brothers and sisters of color to write us in a perfect light because we are brothers and sisters. We say, "Don't bring us down any lower than we are today." As an African American writer, I'm still climbing the mountain of acceptablity of my work by all races. My last novel is multiracial. The characters are African American, Native American and Polynesian. Of course, non-black writers have a headstart on us. To be fair, I'll read Braver Deeds.