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127 thoughts on “Comments”

  2. Love your site. I attened David Farland’s Professional Writers Workshop last week and was among a group of very talented fantasy writers. You would have fit right in!

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  6. Just checked out your website. I really love the artwork, and the synopsis on the home page has me wanting to read your book. : ) I like that you included the history or Iona because I definitely wouldn’t have known any of that otherwise, and it’s all very interesting. I think I’m going go hunt down a copy of Iona Portal.

    Ann @Semisweet

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  9. ~Your site looks great! The artwork is awesome, grabbed my attention immediately! Now you’ve got me itching to visit Iona 😉 Looking forward to reading Iona Portal!~

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  14. What a mind-blowing concept! What extraordinary ingenuity! I’m so impressed. When it comes to a new spin on a parallel universe, you’ve nailed it! A big literary future waits you, my friend!

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    • The book’s all done, just not published yet. I’ve been seeking an agent for 2 months now (which isn’t long for agent-seeking) but I’ve about decided to self-publish, which would mean it could be available in about a month. Thanks for checking the site! I’ll be posting information about publication in the near future!

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  17. Hi Robert, checked out the site and read chapter’s one and two. Very good, makes me want to find out what happened. I also enjoyed the art. I wish you all the luck, you have the tools and I know there are a lot of people that will be very interested in this.
    Good luck!
    Yelle

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  18. I read both chapters, very interesting and fast paced, I am looking forward to your book. If you publish it as an e-book you can get it out faster. Just one advice, don’t overprice your e-book. People expect e-books to be cheaper, many people won’t buy them if they are priced above $5.

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    • Thanks so much for reading the chapters and also for twittering them!
      I’ve finally decided to go with self pub… first with e-books, and soon after with Amazon CreateSpace.
      Now I just need to find the time to go through that process! And thanks for the advice on the price also. I agree.

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    • Thanks for the feedback! I did the site myself. I’m a complete novice in website design and am just figuring it out as I go, but as a public speaker I’ve used Powerpoint and computer graphics for years, which helped a lot!

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  23. Your book looks fascinating and I am looking forward to reading it! I like that you have background information on your site; it adds to the mystery. I wish you every success!

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  28. Very gripping. Hooked me, line and sinker. I’ve been to enough writers’ conferences now that I can help you with a few problems, very minor, editors and agents look for. Passing fads, if you ask me, but they do check for certain things. And I’d love to know how you got your site to look so awesome. I just joined twitter yesterday and I’m glad I did. I shared on facebook and will tweet it too. You can do the same for me and win chocolate or a giftcard via my contest at sherahart.blogspot.com

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  31. I finished IONA PORTAL!! I was riveted to my phone (no Kindle yet) and loved the story, the life-like characters and especially the depiction of the ever-raging battle between the good guys and the bad guys! I can see it in the mo ie theaters now!! Another “Trilogy of the Ring” in the making!! The media will love it and I believe audiences around the world will too! Can’t wait for the next one!!! In the meantime, I am going to read it out loud for my family – drama and swords and all! They will love it!

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    • Thank you so much! Nothing encourages an author more than hearing a response like that. You made my day! (I would like to ask one favor…. if you could take a few minutes and leave a review on Amazon, it would really help! Thanks.)

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  32. I read the chapters you posted David and eagerly brought the book on my iPhone. Thanks, I will read it as soon as I can and comment for you. What I have read so far is great, I love angels, gods and baddies etc. I also read with interest you ideas on why people should epublish and you certainly have me thinking. I write YA and have written 3 of 4 in a series which I pitched to publishers here in Australia. They responded with, we read with enjoyment your well written story but it is not right for us at this time. I guess its not the one that they think is going to make them millions so I just might read over it again and find out more about going on my own and give it a go. You are very encouraging (God I sound sucky, sorry) but it is hard to get any response from agents, I have had zip, so it is easy for writers to give up when they could very easily (I hope) go the self publishing way.
    Look forward to more blogging from you,

    cheers Ann

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    • Thanks for visiting the site and buying the book, Ann! I hope you like it.
      It sounds like you are a GREAT candidate for self publishing! It’s getting harder and harder to get an agent or publisher, because they see their market drying up. But it’s a great day for self-publishing. Make sure you are well-edited and get a good cover pic, (and know ahead of time that it will be a lot of work, but that’s true any way you publish.) So don’t give up or be discouraged! You CAN do it! If you have any questions about self-publishing, don’t hesitate to email me. RobertDavidMacNeil@gmail.com

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  33. Your book was my first book to read using our Kindle; I had previously resisted using the Kindle because I really do like books, the touch and feel of the paper, etc. Iona Portal was certainly a page turner, or should I say page slider? I didn’t want to put it down and had not a family visit interrupted I would have had it read in a day, but I did complete it in two days.

    I’m looking forward to your next book. You have a beautiful imagination and I really enjoyed your writing style.

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  34. Great book. Got it on my droid and couldn’t put it down. Love the historical connections and artwork. Appreciate the comments on e-publishing. That encourages me to give it a try.

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  38. What a great read! Completely enjoyed every aspect of this book. Thank you for it. Looking forward to the next book. Went to FB and let all my friends know about IPortal too!

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    • Thank you so much, Sharon! I’m glad you liked it, and appreciate you recommending it to your FB friends! (If you get a chance, please stop by Amazon also and leave a review. Good reviews really help!) Have a great week!

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  39. Robert, I so loved this book. It has been awhile since I have read a fiction book that held my interest as much as this one did. I have listened to you teach for quite some time now and enjoy both aspects of your life. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

    Going to Amazon now and leave a review!

    Blessings to you and yours.

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  40. Hi Robert , My name is Michele and I am definitely a fan. I really liked your book, very impressed. When I started reading it, I actually felt like the Lord himself was going to bring forth deliverance to just in the reading of it. It was liberating and now that I am finished, I am really looking forward to the second book. Also since I recently finished this book, it has given me a sense of freedom and alertness and expansion within me and surrounding me. So glad for your life experiences culminating in giving life to others. Baruch Adonai!

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  42. Just finished ready Iona Portal. I’m not usually into SciFi but this was a really great read. I found that I had to keep reading. Thank you Robert for listening to the prophet and pursuing the writing. Ready for the next one.

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  43. This is a very impressive site, Robert. The Iona connection alone will be enough to make me put your book on my reading list. Although I live in the States at the moment, I spent all the previous part of my life in Scotland. I was born in Glasgow and brought up on a wee village by the Holy Loch in Argyll. The West Coast has always been my spiritual home. I’ve been to Iona many, many times – by ferry and in various other craft (mainly of the sailing variety). My own novel includes the Island of Jura as a key place – another of my favorites.

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    • Thanks for the comment, Stuart. I’ll take a look at your book as well. (I just bought it.) I had studied about Iona for years, and finally was able to spend a few days there about a year before I wrote the book. It is an incredible place. Let me know how you like Iona Portal!
      Robert

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      • Robert
        I will certainly get back to you once I’ve read the book. I have an extensive reading list at the moment (seems to come with being an author), but I’m going to bump it up the queue because it looks so intriguing!

        Stuart

  44. Having been to Iona last July on a pilgrimage and reading your descriptions on the journey and Iona itself I find I want to return. My wife an I went with a group to Iona with our guide having written a book about “Thin Places”. As I read the Iona Portal I relive the journey and remember the peace. I am about half way thru the book and I am hooked.

    Thanks

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  46. The book was more like a movie script that should be easy to adapt to film. However I think the character profile in the beginning took away from the suspense. Your emotional investment though in the characters’ development made me concerned for their welfare and I’m interested in knowing what happens to them in the future. The plot was fast paced and should appeal to a wide range of readers. The romantic connections gives readers who suffered broken relationships a sense of hope. I’ve read most of Frank Perreti’s novels and appreciated yours because the real thrill came after I read the book and realised that Iona Portal was different in that it was coded with words that held clues to deeper meanings. Like Basileia and even Derek. When I realised this I felt like reading over the book to try and pick up more clues. This is a very deep book. Your attention to detail with the scenic description was much appreciated and even though my own country is on the other side of the world from Iona, I was reminded of my homeland which has a reputation for having clear air above it. Indeed a few historical communication events took place here. I thoroughly enjoyed Iona Portal. I could not put it down and read it in one day. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and hope that you also make a movie.

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  47. You’re welcome Robert. I tried to leave a comment at Amazon and was unsuccessful. I bought my book from and outlet in Texas and not from Amazon. I hope you had a wonderful Independence day however.
    Rachael

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  48. I absolutely loved the book. I haven’t finished a book in years, they haven’t been able to keep my attention. It was impossible to put this one down. I borrowed it from Prime, finished it, then bought it, that is how much I loved it. You should have charged me more.

    I will be leaving a review on Amazon soon. Does the scale go higher than 5 stars?

    In fact, the only negative thing I could add is this… What are you doing commenting on these boards? Get back to work, I have to know what happens next!

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  49. Eliel: in Hebrew it means “my God is God”. The only reference to this angel on the net is your website. As I believe in synchronicity, rather than coincidence, I must ask where the inspiration for Eliel came from?

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  50. I LOVE THE BOOK. I have both hard copy and Kendel. WHEN DOES THE NEXT ONE COME OUT? I WANT IT YESTERDAY!
    I bought the bookat the Glory of Zoin (Chuck Pierce) conference in Corinth, Texas.
    There is so much in the book I relate to. I LOVE THE LAYERS Of MEANINGS! It stretches you. The stirrings of the Spirit caused me to pray, persue, and worship. THANK YOU. You made my day!

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  51. Enjoyed the book very much. In June of this year 2012 my husband and myself went to the Island of Iona during our vacation to Scotland. I had been intrigued about the Island ever since I read the book by Kathy Walters, Columbo. The faith of the men and women from that time period are a blessing. Must say it was so amazing to read about the places we visited I felt like I was there in the book. I could see the characters walking about taking the ferry to Mull and eating at the pub, we did also. The drive to the ferry to Iona. Yes it was a great book. Many fascists and stirrings in my own heart. Looking forward to the next book. I heard about the book from Robert Heidler at Glory of Zion he mentioned it on his Facebook page. Blessings

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    • Thank you so much, Marsha. I’m glad you enjoyed the book! Iona really is an incredible place. I’m looking forward to going back some day. If you get a chance I’d love it if you could leave a review on Amazon!

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  52. Dear Robert:

    I want to thank you for the comment you left on my 2012alifeinprogress blog today. What a way to start my week! I hope you’ll read my reply.

    I didn’t know that you also have authored many non fiction books, which I would love to check out. Unless I missed it, I didn’t see your other pen name. You may want to consider divulging it. I would also like to read more about you and your POV. Maybe some blog posts not related to your work?? Just a suggestion…

    I am very fond of you, and hope that we will always keep in touch. Feel free to let me know if there is ever anything I can do for you. Love and peace to you and your loved ones, Sidney

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  53. I read Iona Portal on my Kindle and I am looking to reading IONA STRONGHOLD — any idea when it will be available?

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  54. Robert,
    Just finished the book!! Incredable!! Your writing is so descriptive I could picture all of it very clearly!! I especially liked the description of the angel dance! I loved how you made me want to be more aware of my surroundings! I’ve heard you teach at GOZ and I have so enjoyed all of your teachings especially the Hebrew months, feasts,and all about how Jesus fits into ALL OF IT! cAN HARDLY WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK!! tHANK YOU ANCAY!

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  55. I just finished the Iona Portal and LOVED IT!!!!! What a great book. I can’t wait until the next one comes out!! The imagery in the book is so clear between good and evil.

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    • Thanks for the request. That may come eventually. In the meantime, you can always download Amazon’s free Kindle app for your iPhone or iPad and read it that way. (I have the Kindle app on my iPad and actually prefer it.)

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    • Thanks for the suggestion. It may happen eventually. Right now I’m working on getting the paperback version published. In the meantime, Amazon has a great free “Kindle app” for iphone and ipad. I use it on my ipad and love it. With the Kindle app you can read Iona Stronghold right now on any Apple product.

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  57. Just finished reading both “Iona” books and was not able to lay them down to do much else. Couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next!!! Will be hard to wait for the third one. May we be able to interact and come into alignment with the angels in the days ahead as Abba allows. You have my imagination working!!!

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  59. I bought both books during the Christmas holidays. I started reading Iona Portal last week. I had a really hard time putting it down. It took me about a week to finish it between family and duties at home. Then about two and a half days ago I started the Iona Stronghold and finished this morning. WOW is the only expression that comes to mind. I don’t even have words to express how I feel about this story. I am very intrigued with the angelic world, and have been quite reluctant to look too much into the demonic. But now I am more than interested in learning more about both. As a born again Christian for most of my life I believe that your books give a true picture of what we have seen and been taught all our lives about Heaven and Hell. I will be recommending this book to all who will listen. I love, love, love them.
    When will the third book be out? Hopefully soon, because I can hardly wait.

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  60. I have just read your book and now am re-readinig it! Can’t wait to get the 2nd book! When are the movies coming out???

    Also, thanks for being such a wonderful Christian that is also absolutely human!

    I am a member of GOZ. I live in two places, Brenham and Austin and participate in the services on the web.

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  61. What an amazing set of stories, from parallel dimensions to battling the forces of evil and Overcoming them!

    Thank you sooooo much for creating these; I am planning a trip to Iona should the Lord provide for it. It sounds like an amazing place…

    Peter

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      • Thank you so much for the offer. I’ve actually been considering doing an audio version, and have already talked with someone about being a reader. If he doesn’t work out, I’ll get back to you!

    • Thank you! I think you’ll love Iona. I’ve only been there once, but a lot of the story is based on that visit. I’m looking forward to going back again one day! PS – I recommend the St Columba hotel!

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  62. Hi Mr. Macneil hi there, i was wondering if you could elaborate on how you developed the characters in your Iona portal trilogy. I read your first two books in the series and how you did your characters was amazing, they seem like actual people. i am a beginner at writing so i would like to know the best way to develop my characters.

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    • Good question. I read somewhere that it’s good to develop a biography for each character so you can really get to know them. So I wrote a biography for each one. They became “real people” to me, and l know a lot more about each one than is ever revealed in the books. I also scoured the internet for pictures and found pictures that I felt looked like each character. (In some cases, the pictures actually helped develop the character. For example, I saw a picture of an attractive, well-dressed, woman running in terror from an unseen enemy. I created the character of Erin Vanderberg, and the story of her escape from the Rex’s ranch, from the picture.) I also tried to imagine how each of the characters talked. (Michael sounds a lot like Sean Connery.) The result of all of this was, I felt like I got to know the characters. They seemed like real people to me. (There was one time I was walking through the airport and saw a young woman walking the other way and thought, “She looks like Lys Johnston!”) Knowing the characters that well helped a lot in writing dialogue. I hope this helps!

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  63. The trilogy must be made into a big budget epic film with the best cgi, actors and picture that is my prayer. Its challenging to see this as fiction purely a life changing experience learn from these books

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  64. Hi Robert
    My mother recently passed away and I had lost (temporarily I’m sure) interest in the non fiction I normally read. I saw a head of the year clip from youtube where you mentioned your iona books, purchased them and have been thoroughly enjoying them. I would, however, dearly like to see your non fiction books as well. Could you kindly introduce me to your other pen name?

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