Revisit the ten-year evolution of The Eurasians with Don Peter. From a 2016 draft to a Page One historical thriller, explore the lessons learned from the publishing world and the Blueink Review. Discover how a story of 1964 Borneo became a family saga of resilience and truth.

 

From Borneo to the World: My 10-Year Journey Reliving the Author’s Dream

Revisiting a ghost today feels like stepping into a time machine. This journey back to my very first blogpost, published in 2020, reveals the early roots of a story that actually began in 2016. Looking back at those words is like studying an old, faded photograph of the moment I first drafted The Eurasians. While the person in the picture has changed, the underlying passion remains exactly the same.

A deep secret followed me through my teenage years: the desire to become a film director. Only later did the realization hit that I had misunderstood the role. Holding the pen was always more important than holding the camera. This dream of scriptwriting eventually paved the way to my true calling as an author.

 

The Island and the Gatekeepers

Living far away in Borneo, the world of publishing felt like a distant fortress. Stories about legendary gatekeepers reached me even there. Literary agents and strict editors at major publishing houses seemed to hold all the keys. Every day, thousands of manuscripts passed through their desks.

A new term soon entered my vocabulary: the “slush pile”. This mountain of unsolicited manuscripts often goes unread by the big houses. If aspiring authors from developed English-speaking countries couldn’t pass those guards, my own chances felt slim. As a researcher on the island of Borneo, I was thousands of miles from the traditional centers of power.

Then, the rules finally changed. The internet arrived, followed by the explosion of social media. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter bypassed the old guards. Consequently, the gatekeepers could no longer control the floodgates. When Partridge Publishing called me, I finally saw my opportunity. The era of the self-published author had officially arrived.

The Years of Learning

In the world of a writer, nothing comes easy. I made many mistakes early on. I suffered from a childish illusion. I believed that anyone who liked to read would automatically read my book!

I had no idea about genres or niches. I couldn’t understand why seasoned authors gave away their books for free. The concepts of pre-orders and “building buzz” were mysteries to me. It took years of trial and error before I understood the trade.

In fact, when I wrote my first novel, I didn’t even know its category. I eventually realized it was a Historical-Romance-Thriller. Looking at it now, the historical thriller elements are the strongest pillars of the story.

 

Finding My Voice Through Travel

Seasoned authors often advise beginners to start a website or a blog. At first, I felt unsure of myself. I started a travel blog titled Travel, Leisure in Borneo using Google Blogspot. Even after I moved to my official website, I struggled to find my voice.

Finally, I understood my true interest: the high-stakes world of the historical thriller. My first novel, The Eurasians, carries an emotional bond that adds a romantic layer. However, the heart of the book is history. It spans from the Indonesian Confrontation in 1964 to the Asian Financial Crisis in 1998.

 

A Glimpse into The Eurasians

The story follows Aaron Johnson, a Royal Air Force pilot. In 1964, he went on a secret mission to Borneo. During the Indonesian Confrontation, he fell in love with a local girl. They married and built a life.

Decades later, we meet William Stewart. He is a mild-mannered lawyer who turned into a lobbyist. William fell in love with Theresa, Aaron’s daughter. Both men were reputable and honest. Consequently, they felt devastated when they faced betrayal and deception.

Meanwhile, corruption and environmental destruction plagued the land they cherished. Aaron and William encountered surprises that changed their futures forever. This story is a love letter to the environment and the resilient spirit of Borneo.

 

Confronting the Critics: The Blueink Review

In March 2017, The Eurasians received a review from Blueink Review. It was a mixed review. Initially, the feedback felt heavy. However, I later understood that these critiques were valuable tips for my next book. I wish to thank the reviewer for their honesty.

The review contained some tough feedback. They mentioned that the novel was missing a “clear definitive plot”. They also noted that the story lacked a “powerful narrative arc”. Essentially, my romance-thriller was unpredictable. The reviewer felt this unpredictability might make it hard for some readers to stay interested.

 

The “Page-Turner” Fireworks

Despite the criticism, the review highlighted several strengths. It stated that “betrayals, deception, and corruption drive The Eurasians”. The reviewer noted that the “sprawling story shifts often from action scene to action scene”. They also observed that the narrative perspective changes in every chapter.

From these statements, I concluded that my book is a genuine page-turner. I admit the first few chapters are somewhat flat. They don’t immediately scream for attention. However, if readers remain patient, they will discover the spark. Then, you get fireworks until the very end! The shifting action scenes create a momentum that rewards the patient reader.

 

A Tale of Two Families

This book is the first English romance-thriller from Borneo set mostly in Malaysia since 1964. In the opening scene, Aaron Johnson is wounded while assisting Malaysian soldiers against Indonesian troops.

In another thread, we meet Mei Ling. She decides to escape poverty and renames herself Elaine. She finds work as a night hostess in Sandakan. Aaron meets Elaine and decides to marry her. Unfortunately, his troubles begin immediately. Elaine continuously gambles away their hard-earned money.

Decades later, the emergence of William Stewart intertwines these plots. While some readers felt overwhelmed by the number of characters, many others felt it added excitement.

 

Conclusion: More Than Just a Thriller

The Eurasians is more than a historical thriller. It fits perfectly into the family-saga genre. It tracks two Eurasian families across the most turbulent decades of Malaysian history.

The backdrop is political, historical, and environmental. It summarizes what Borneo is truly about. This book serves anyone who wants to know more about this enchanted island.

Looking back at this 2016 draft reminds me of how far I have come. I am no longer just dreaming; I am living the author’s life.