World of Writing
The Smell of Sugarcane
Hamilton Books, an imprint of the Rowman and Littlefield Publishing group is the only publisher I approached for the publishing of The Smell of Sugarcane. Immediately they offered to publish it and the race began. The book was originally slated to be available in February 2014, however changes occurred and it got pushed back for April. Reviews and endorsements came in, excitement grew, leading to its early release in December 2013. I am truly proud of the end result.
I encourage you to read this book as it is rich with messages that today are only too scarce. You’ll find throughout the pages of this true story, a common thread of strong values, those that keep us safe and help us thrive. I hope your children and grandchildren will read it as well, as it will encourage them to recognize and appreciate what they have and empower them to pursue what they want for their lives. It will augment their belief in themselves and their potential to conquer, it will entice them to embrace their hopes and dreams.
The Smell of Sugarcane is available for purchase at any of the links below!
“Sophia” is my first sculpture. She represents the embodiment of my book
“The Smell of Sugarcane.”
Bronze – 11w X 12.5d X 15h
Next book is in the works!
The book I am currently working on has me leaving in January 2014, for the country of India. I will spend several weeks there completing research and soon I will come back and tell you what this new book is all about!
For now, read The Smell of Sugarcane, and enjoy the many memories or reflections it will evoke. I truly hope you love it!
With love,
Beverly
P.S. Click here to see Painting the art work for the cover of The Smell of Sugarcane.
Reviews on The Smell of Sugarcane
Key to the success of a book is exposing it early for others to read. The opinions garnered are important as they represent the first feedback on how others will respond to the completed effort. What do others think of my book? The answer of this question is important to every author and book reviews provide the answer. In the case of The Smell of Sugarcane, uplifting and positive reviews were quick in coming.
Often the quote placed on the back cover of a book is simply an excerpt of the review. So many words and so little space. Below I will include the full review of those contracted quotes found on the back cover of The Smell of Sugarcane.
From overseas, British author Michael Sellers kindly took upon himself the task of reviewing the book. His assessment was candid and generous and established a sense of confidence in the book being not only interesting but well written. Such words coming from the author of many fine books and someone I admire greatly are humbling indeed.
There are now two people on this side of the great sea that cannot wait to read the chapters we haven’t read. I had hopes of finding words to describe the whole story that would reflect the joy of reading what you sent me. No good – I cannot (need to read it all) and I’m not helped by the intriguing Chapter Titles.
The characters are so precise and real that this reader is not only drawn into their world one feels they were once part of one’s own history.
The pace of the writing is both seductive and wonderfully rhythmical – a difficult challenge superbly-achieved given the nature and burden of the times and circumstances. A gem of a book.
From the World of Girl Scouting, former CEO of Girl Scouts of Maryland Traci Barnett, embraced The Smell of Sugarcane alluding in her review to its power and importance. 
Personally, I believe this review holds a great deal of weight when it comes to the adequacy of this book for teens and beyond.
Last night I read everything you gave me. Initially, I thought I would only have time to read a couple of chapters. But, I just couldn’t stop! It is such a heart-tugging story. Here are my thoughts on what I have read.
From the first page I was drawn in—wanting to learn more about Sophia and her life. A life that was filled with both joy and strife, but always influenced by her values and moral compass. The Smell of Sugarcane truly is a testimony to the strength that is within every girl. It left me feeling more empowered.
I really think this is a fabulous story! I can’t wait to read the whole book!
Mr. David White, wrote most candidly when he alluded to Sophia James being the new Latin Steel Magnolia. This comment was of course quite flattering and I must admit I just love it. In a few words he attests to Sophia’s undying strength and unwavering character. This gentleman besides writing that quote honored me by saying that he would buy a book for every grandchild he has. He felt that the lessons taught there were worthy.
I read the first 250 or so pages of The Smell of Sugarcane, and went to bed last night. Couldn’t sleep. Had to get up at 1 am and finish vol. 3! Ended up with four hours of sleep. I loved it. I seldom gush to an author, but gush, gush, gush! (3 gushes out of a possible 3). Sophia is the Latin version of a Steel Magnolia.
Rudy Mangual, years ago pinned me as “A Creative Artist of the Americas.” Encompassing a sense of refined versatility, that title has always encouraged me to only surrender my best, in the attempt to be deserving.
I can only hope that you read The Smell of Sugarcane and appreciate the subliminal and the most direct messages, that are found throughout the story.
As I approached writing, I did it as everything else I’ve ever done, with all my heart and wanting to win. I don’t believe anyone starts out wanting to fail. However, oftentimes the sheer fear of failing can stop us from the attempt, or we make the attempt but fail to do it wholeheartedly. To not do something with everything we’ve got is an inevitable waste of time.
The philosophy above is what has allowed me to move forward, to try new things, explore and eventually, out of persistence, succeed.
The world of words is a world where everything and anything can happen, from the most beautiful, soft and sweet to the most ugly and terrifying. Everything depends on where the author wants to go. The world of writing can go as far as the imagination in a work of fiction. When doing work based on historical facts, then the writer can go as far as research will take him or her. Whichever it may be, the road of writing is one of illumination and free selection.
Personally, of all the arts, writing is my favorite. Perhaps it is the power of feeling in control. Just imagine, you are writing a work of fiction. You can do anything! The protagonist’s destiny, as well as that of all the other players, is in your hands. What is to be done with that power? Well for sure, something interesting, and as interesting as possible.
When I write, I put myself into the reader’s shoes. I want the reader to see what I am seeing. I want the narrative to be clear and devoid of confusions, and at the end, I want some of it to stick so that the reader can remember what he has read.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the art of writing and books you love, as well as answer questions about my writing! Join the conversation or start a new one at my Writing Forum.
Don Laws, The Life of an Olympic Figure Skating Coach
Purchase Don Laws, The Life of an Olympic Figure Skating Coach at Writing Don Laws, The Life of an Olympic Figure Skating Coach has given me a great deal of satisfaction. For starters, I liked my subject, so already I was interested in his story. I believed that he had a worthwhile message for this generation and I was greatly motivated to move quickly because of his age. I knew that a well and faithfully written book would turn out something wonderful, and as I advanced in my extensive research, this was confirmed at every turn.
Don Laws had traveled the world while evolving around the elite. Though he had taken in their shine he had never allowed himself to become tarnished. His childhood values had steered him clear of that and had remained strong enough to last him a lifetime.
The book’s title changed three times! Yes, the book initially was titled “This Above All.” That title came from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, when Polonius says to his son Laertes:
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!
Don Laws had carried those words close to his vest throughout his entire life; therefore, naming the book “This Above All,” seemed befitting.
Picture of the moment the manuscript was completed and handed over to my husband Steve and Don Laws for review.
However, once the book had been completely written and about to be marketed, we felt that a skating audience might not connect with our proposed title so we changed it to “The Old Gray Master.” I loved the new title and confidently shopped the book around.
Scarecrow Press, a reputable member of the Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, showed interest and immediately suggested that the title should be changed. Again the purpose was marketability. The title that would clearly identify with the contents of the book was: “Don Laws, The Life of an Olympic Figure Skating Coach.” It would work. It was good and we were all happy. No matter how you googled it, you would find it!
So there you have it, go ahead and google it. Find the good book I’ve written, sit down with a nice cup of coffee or a sweet, rich brandy if you must and enjoy!
