Hi there,

Thank you for your interest

I have a few book projects at varying stages. The following provides some insight into the first two. Both are fiction, based in South Africa, and written with a view to adaptation into screenplays. This is because I believe that the magnificence of our natural heritage and cultural diversity begs to be filmed.

If you have a moment, I would value your feedback.

Sincere thanks,

Naomi

OUT OF AIR ©Naomi Estment, 2009
‘Love, like the sea, sets its own course’

Debut Novel, Contemporary Romance, 75150 words
(completed – currently exploring publishing options)

‘Gina Duncan is a young massage therapist, living in Cape Town. Her father was an often-absent seafarer, which taught her that love has a habit of leaving, repeatedly. This guides and misguides her relationships with men, through a tumultuous time in her own and her country’s history. It’s 1994 and Nelson Mandela is elected president, followed soon after by the tragic sinking of the Apollo Sea, which oils 10,000 African Penguins. Danny Gallagher is a compelling, but intemperate, Irish sailor, who delivers luxury yachts around the world. He’s hell-bent on Gina’s seduction. But then there’s his housemate, Ben Carter, local guy and commercial diver. What role is each destined to play in her life? After eight months of high octane living, Gina, along with South Africa, emerges stronger, wiser and with her sense of humour soundly intact.’

A primary objective of OUT OF AIR is to pay tribute to South Africa, Cape Town in particular (where I grew up), and the sea in general. The title is inspired by scuba diving, which forms a central theme. This is a long-time passion of mine and Dave’s, he being a NAUI instructor. My appreciation of the ocean and marine conservation was instilled early, since my father sailed on our national research vessels, traveling as far as Antarctica.

A portion of my proceeds from OUT OF AIR is dedicated to the preservation of African Penguins, which are perilously endangered. This is despite the amazing efforts of SANCCOB, who managed to rescue about half of the birds oiled by the Apollo Sea, and thousands more besides. In March 2009 it was reported on Carte Blanche that if their numbers continue to decline as they are, there will be none left in 15 years (save in captivity) – a dire situation! Here’s a link to their article: African Penguins.

…and a link to a small sample from Chapter 1: OUT OF AIR.

AFRICAN PENGUIN - Boulders Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

BIG SKY (provisional title) ©Naomi Estment, 2009
‘Passion lives in wild places’

Second novel, Contemporary Romance
(currently in progress)

‘It’s 2008 and South Africa is in the grip of a widespread electricity crisis. Jesse Gardiner is largely shielded from it. Orphaned as a baby and by now thirty years old, she works as a ranger at Big Sky. This is a fictitious game farm in the Waterberg mountains, that merges big game viewing with an authentic ranch experience. Jesse can’t, however, escape the challenges posed by her relationships, including the one with Kim, beloved Cheetah cub that she rescues. When Enrique Alvarez, master horseman from Chile, arrives at Big Sky, he trails more than just his electric sex appeal. Tensions run high in Jesse’s internal and external worlds, as her country is racked by mass emigrations and xenophobic violence. Through an epic adventure, the question is whether a woman and a nation will ultimately transcend…without failing to find the funny side of life.’

For over a decade Dave and I have explored the African bushveld (from our base in Johannesburg). The beauty of it has seeped deep into our bones, compelling us to share it. Hence this blog and the book, which is written in tribute.

It’s my intention that Cheetah benefit by future proceeds from BIG SKY. Despite efforts to the contrary, these phenomenal creatures remain seriously threatened. For more information, visit De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust.

CHEETAH - Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, Johannesburg, South Africa