Into the Fire

Specific shopping . . .

 

Readers come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. They read novels, non-fiction, poetry, anthologies, newspapers, and magazines. Here we read and write novels. When I read, I skip historicals for the most part and concentrate on the contemporary in these genres: thrillers, mysteries, suspense, some horror, police procedurals, military, a few women's fiction, and a rare romance with the main focus on CBA novels. When I write, it's a love story which takes romance out of the category romance and gives me a broader spectrum for my story choices.

So today I'm going to speak to those shoppers who might be looking for a book gift for that person who prefers romance but not so much the type which gives the reader formulaic romance. My two novels The Famous One and my latest release Breath of Life, although very different in style, present two love stories involving strong protagonists. The Famous One is written as a fictional biography and starts out in the omniscient POV before slipping into third person. Breath of Life is written primarily in the protagonist's first person POV but also includes the third person perspective. Heavy on the romance in both cases, the sexual attractions and the look at love and romance are portrayed and contrasted from both the world's view and God's view. They're not the kind of novels that suit the Love Inspired readers.

 

              

 

For reviews of The Famous One you can check out a handful of them at Amazon.com to get a feel for the storyline. Various reviews will soon be posted for Breath of Life. 

If you have those readers who enjoy a strong love story on your Christmas list, either of these novels can also be purchased from me via my email for custom inscriptions.  

       

                

 

               
 

 

 

Father, thank you for these stories. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Christmas in October

 

I barely made it for my traditional "Christmas in October" recommended reading selections. Novels of course. But I can think of no better day to mention Christmas, the season for giving. The numbers are down this year, but no less mandantory reading. So, here we go.

 

Mystery/Suspense/Police Procedural

 

the mountains bow down by Sibella Giorello

This is the fourth novel in the Raleigh Harmon Series, and it's superb. Do someone on your list a wonderful service by buying them all four of Sibella's novels. You'll score big points with this gift because of both the writing and the stories.

Pattern of Wounds by J. Mark Bertrand

This is the second novel in the Roland March series. The first is Back on Murder. Again, buy both of these novels for full impact and gain great appreciation from those readers who love noir police procedurals with wonderful writing.

Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins

Who would think a story that reveals so much about Lyme Disease could be so suspenseful? Well, it is. A very exciting (and informative) book by Brandilyn Collins.

The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir

The second novel about crusty PI and former homicide detective Ray Quinn. Well done, unique characters, interesting story in this series.

 

Thrillers

 

The Queen by Steven James

One of the premiere thriller writers. The fifth novel in the Patrick Bowers Series. Buy them all. They're worth it.

 

 

Speculative

 

Vigilante by Robin Parrish

This is not my favorite category, but Robin writes an exciting, fascinating story. Recommended for young adults and adults.

Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

I haven't read this yet, but there are many who have and are excited about it. I'm partial to Tosca's writing, and Ted has a vivid and often scary imagination. The first in a trilogy.

The Resurrection by Mike Duran

An interesting tale of a resurrection that causes all kinds of spiritual awakenings in a small town.

 

Magical Realism

 

The Opposite of Art by Athol Dickson 

An exploration in the real and surreal. An imaginative experience with quality writing.

 

Contemporary

 

Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson

Quality writing, touching interesting story.

 

 

Words by Ginny Yttrup

A redemptive story of a child who's learned to survive horrors no child should ever endure by storing words she doesn't speak.

 

Women's Fiction with a touch of Romance

 

beneath the Night Tree by Nicole Baart

The story of a single mom who must reconcile with the father of her child. Touching, meaningful.

The Reluctant Prophet by Nancy Rue

The story of a woman who grudgingly recognizes her place in God's kingdom. Full of quirks and interesting characters who ride Harley's.

 

 

Short Stories

 

Shadow Catalyst by Brayden Hirsch

The fascinating speculative collection by a young writer with a big imagination and grounded writing skills. For young adults and adults. 

 

 

Father, thank you for calling people to write stories. Thank you for giving the gift of words and plots. You're the Author of Life. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Sunday's Offerings

 

The arrogance of man will be brought low

and the pride of men humbled;

the Lord alone will be exalted in that day,

and the idols will totally disappear.

Stop trusting in man,

who has but a breath in his nostrils.

Of what account is he?

. . .

Woe to those who call evil good

and good evil,

who put darkness for light

and light for darkness,

who put bitter for sweet

and sweet for bitter.

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes

and clever in their own sight.

Isaiah 2:17-18; 22

Isaiah5:20-21 (NIV)

"Must be the season of the witch . . ."

 

If you're a Christian and you celebrate Halloween, liberty gives you that opportunity. I don't celebrate it, endorse it, appreciate it, like it. Not Halloween. Not Trick or Treat. Not Trunk or Treat or whatever it's called. Not Harvest Parties. Not anything to remotely honor the date that gives license and freedom to celebrate the occult.

I've never understood the pursuit of the "holy" facsimiles to what the world celebrates. When wickedness, evil, witchcraft, and the elements of darkness are given free rein to entertain a party of demented ideas, I find it certifiably odd that the church desires to replicate its own version of the date. Amazing that the church believes it can sabotage the "holiday" with their own creation of non-creepy activities just to make sure the kids have "an alternative" to the evil festivities. Give them candy and games and cupcakes with black and orange frosting and prizes. Hide a Jesus tract or reference in there and call it "good". Entertain, entertain, entertain.

Because most of those little ones and bigger ones all the way up to the parents have no clue what spiritual warfare is and how necessary it is to the walk of a Christian. Half the battle on this earth consists of fighting and opposing those very things celebrated and acknowledged by the date going all the way back to the Druids. Jesus demonstrated the normality of deposing demons and their activities. The spiritual realm rages in unseen wars that we feel far more often than we're willing to admit. As genuine Christians, the enemy of our souls seeks to rob us, kill us, and destroy us, and sometimes we make it so accommodating to do so. Halloween endorses the common visions and practices of the evil one.

Veteran prayer warriors and people of faith realize the influences of darkness and their often heightened activities during this time of the year. It's not hocus pocus. It's spiritual warfare.

Must be the season of the witch . . . 

Father, we honor you. We come against the spiritual forces of evil in high places according to your word and your direction and by your power and authority. We recognize the liability of romancing with the enemy to the destruction of our souls. Help us to live within your fullness, to combat the enemy, to not stand still and idle while he rampages through our lives and the lives of those we love. Let us not ignore the power you've given us in the Spirit of Truth. May we act upon your instructions and fight the good fight in your Name. Thank you for equipping us and help us to use all the spiritual weapons against a cunning foe. And may we always remember: Apart from you, we can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

A Matter of Taste

 

Books can be bought for 99 cents for Kindle owners. Good books. Bad books can be bought for that price too. In all the bantering about good, bad, and ugly books, I had to ask myself what makes a book "bad" for me?

Here are my reasons for considering a novel to be "bad".

Stereotypical characters - both good and bad

Shoddy writing - when translated means it's unimaginative, utilitarian, almost anyone could've written the words, stilted, unnatural conversations, predictable plot outcomes before completing the first chapter

Combine these factors and I'm forcing my way through pages due to review obligations. Some authors get only one chance to appeal to me. Others get two. I confess to allowing three, but after that: no more.

I've reduced selections of review opportunities in recent months because of not wanting to face drudgery. Investing my time in an author's work is no small consideration. And since four of my last five have not warranted the use of my time, my considerations might get even more stringent. It's a matter of taste: mine.

Lord, I appreciate your writers. I understand the work it takes to create. Please continue to encourage your people to do what you've called them to do and provide what each one needs to complete your work. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Note on Vince Flynn

 

"Dear Rapp Fans,

As some of you may or may not know, I was diagnosed with stage III metastatic prostate cancer in November of 2010. My treatments have gone well and the cancer has for the most part remained in my prostate and the right ischium at the base of my pelvis. Kill Shot was on schedule, and as is my habit, I was planning to lock myself away at my cabin for June and July so I could finish the book. Unfortunately, the cancer did not cooperate. In early June the tumor on my prostate spread and got ahold of a nerve bundle. At the same time the cancer on the ischium began to eat away at the bone, which caused some muscles and tendons that run down the back of my leg to snap off. The pain that this caused made it nearly impossible to sit still and concentrate, which is a fairly important part of writing a book.

My doctors and I had been discussing radiation since the very beginning, and we made the decision to begin treatment in late July. By the end of August the pain was beginning to subside. During this time I was holding out hope that I could refocus on Kill Shot and still get the book out in time for Christmas. I made it through the first half of my forty treatments with very few side effects, and then around September 1, fatigue began to set in. Once again I found it extremely difficult to focus on the book for more than an hour or two. I have never missed a pub date and it pains me to come up short on this one. I desperately wanted to keep my commitment to my publisher, the trade, and most important, you. Even though my condition has continued to improve, my doctors have told me I will not be back to full strength until the first of November. After that, they say I will feel better than I've felt in two years.

Rather than hand in a substandard Rapp novel, my agent Sloan Harris, my editor Emily Bestler, and I decided that we would move the pub date of Kill Shot to February 7, 2012. I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you, and I promise that I will do my best to make sure the extra few months are worth the wait. Thank you for your patience, prayers, and goodwill.

Keep the faith!

 

Vince Flynn"

 

God, Vince needs your divine touch. You're faithful, you still heal, you listen to prayers. Please minister to this man, his body, and his family as they travel through this trial with your divine assistance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Know your limitations?

 

Everybody has them. Certainly writers have them. And of course some more than others.

As much as I'd love to write a Vince Flynn type of novel or an equivalent to Robert Liparulo's Comes A Horseman or Germ, it doesn't take even a brief hesitation to admit: I can't.

Now if you asked me to write the protagonist for this type of novel, I could. Or if you asked me to write the romance for the hero of this type of novel, you can bet the farm I could do it.

But highly researched, explosive action fiction, as much as I love it: I can't do it.

And there are definitely some genres or sub-genres that I'm not even remotely interested in writing (or reading). Hint: Amish fiction.

If you asked me to write supernatural suspense, that'll get you a maybe. I can do the supernatural incidents no problem. There're always supernatural occurrences in my novels. But genuine suspense? Tricky. 

I think it's possible to graduate beyond our comfort zones as we progress in our writing, but I also think most writers cannot do it all and seldom want to. I'm all for stretching ourselves as novelists and crossing genres if it's in us to do it. Most of us as readers show interests in genres outside our creative abilities.

So where's your niche? Are you willing to admit your limitations? 

God, you built me knowing the limitations I would face, the number one of which is my sinful nature. Thank you for giving me Jesus. Holy Spirit, I don't know how you can stick with me, but I'm so thankful you do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

If I could . . .

 

"If you could produce exactly what you want in a novel, what would be the result?"

One would think or assume that when we take that time to construct a novel, it would be exactly what we want. And sometimes it is. The amazing Harper Lee's creation To Kill A Mockingbird must have satisfied that craving to make a novel exactly what it should be because there was never another one. To write a book and project that you could never equal it in content or success would be a strange experience. Most writers will tell you they're shooting for the moon. Always trying to improve. Continual students of craft. Which I happen to think is not quite true - but that's just me.

Some people are never satisfied. Not only with their writing but with their lives. It's always push, push, push to the next level, exercise, project, achievement. This can be admirable and some individuals are programmed for an intensive arena of production, but at some point whether or not one cares to admit it, we all come to the end of ourselves. To our limits. That's when it's as good as it gets. Maybe this doesn't come until the age of 85, but for most of us it comes a lot sooner.

Usually God knows when that point of accomplishment meets its apex long before we'll admit to it. What we often fail to realize in this life is that once we find Him or He rescues us, life becomes all about Him. Not us. Him. There's a design for each one of us in this allotted lifetime, and many of us don't accept it, don't follow it, don't recognize when we stray from it, and ultimately want it to be different than it is. We choose to believe that we can improve upon the plan, make things better for ourselves and for others, by doing our version of what we've decided is ours to do. We disguise it with admissions such as "striving for excellence" as if we're capable of gaining it by our dedicated work ethics or strong desires. We elevate our goals and marry them to God's ambition for us. We proclaim our steadfast aim to serve the Lord with our work, our art, our mission - whatever it is - but the hint of self asserts itself into the efforts and an inkling of pride lurks in the background of our accomplishments because, after all, we worked for it. Hard! And shouldn't just a bit of recognition be afforded to our efforts?

Writing can be a calling. Something we know we're compelled to do. Any calling requires work to realize and fulfill, but all the inspiration and ability to do the required regimen is from the Lord - acknowledged or not. The true purpose of the writing remains in His hands, surrendered to Him with tears or joy. He decides what happens to those words typed or penned by individuals He's summoned for His intent. We fail to understand His logic because truthfully at times it makes no sense to us. We argue. We revise. We experience discontent. We often forge our own paths.

There are those who insist if we just persevere, the end result will be a contract, recognition of our craft, and all things "published". That to settle for anything less is to give up, to accept defeat, mediocrity, or a misunderstanding of our divine purpose and abilities. Christians often make the mistake of translating what others' jobs and opportunities in this kingdom should be instead of sticking to interpreting their own paths. A writer's journey starts and stops with God's hand and the unique road traveled must remain between the writer and the Spirit of Truth. Only then can it approach divine.

If I could produce exactly what I want in a novel, the result would be - oddly enough - the feeling of anointing upon the story. That God ordained I should tell this story because it serves some purpose in His kingdom. That the words would  somehow match the task of writing to honor the Savior. That in some way it could be profound - even just a little bit. Have I done this? I can only hope . . .

Father, my hope is in you. And I do write because you give me stories and words. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of attempting to write for your pleasure. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.      

 

If you could . . .

 

We've talked about our purpose in writing fiction multiple times here. From hoping to entertain to wishing we could impact readers, each of us desires to fulfill our individual intentions in the process. Too many precious hours are spent in front of a white screen or scribbling on paper with a pencil or pen to allow them to be fruitless and without resolution. That time spent writing should not be wasted. It has to be meaningful. It has to be worth it.

If you could produce exactly what you want in a novel, what would be the result?

Father, my desire is to please you above all else. Help me to be obedient. Always. Please. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Sunday's Offerings

 

Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen.

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

Romans 1:22-27 (NIV)

What is it with books anyway?

 

I'm not opposed to Kindles, Nooks, or any other electronic device for storing and reading books. And once I decide I want one of those little machines, I'll probably become a passionate advocate of the e-Readers.

So what is it with the love of books in physical forms? Bookmarkers. Covers and back covers. Feeling the pages turn. Yeah.

Crammed alphabetically by author onto shelves that no longer hold all of them. Stacked on the floor of what I call the "book room". It's ridiculous really.

I've got novels I hated upstairs. Why don't I give them away? It's easy for me to give away non-fiction books. Most of them I don't even finish. It's a rare eclipse when I don't finish a novel.

Being the library for friends and relatives? Listening to their tastes and handing them a few recommendations to take home? Getting them back with their opinions of the adventure? Yeah.

Strange thing about the love of novels in physical form . . .

Father, thank you for the love of literature. Thank you for the talents and dedication of many. May my efforts reflect you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

When . . . the mountains bow down

 

 

                                     

 

It's been too long since I read a good book. That's why I want to rave about Sibella Giorello's latest the mountains bow down published by Thomas Nelson. The fourth book in the Raleigh Harmon Novel Series, the mountains bow down is a terrific story which captures the intricacies of FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon's personal torment over her mentally troubled mother, her suffocating fiancé, a fellow FBI Agent, and her aunt's ditzy and insensitive friend Clair the Clairvoyant. She’s dealing with all of this on a free cruise to Alaska acting as FBI consultant for a movie being filmed onboard an elegant ship with a washed up alcoholic movie star, while Raleigh is supposed to be gaining perspective from being apart from wealthy high school sweetheart DeMott Fielding and taking in the majesty of mountains, hiking, and her specialty of geological examination.

 

With exquisite, intelligent, and comedic writing this story has it all. Quality, searing emotion, UST, drama, hilarity, and action, the mountains bow down takes you on - in Raleigh's own words - "the cruise from hell". When it's assumed the wife of the film's "star" commits suicide by hanging herself over the aft portion of the ship, it doesn't take but a few short minutes for Raleigh to diagnose foul play. Especially when she views the corpse, spotting obvious telltale indicators. This sets Raleigh on an impossible task of convincing the Dutch curmudgeon security chief that there's a murderer loose on the ship when they both know her authority to investigate is limited. When his obvious scorn turns more in her favor, his assistance proves invaluable. However, with the timeframe of the cruise, the huge population of vacationers, and a plethora of suspicious movie people, she calls her old boss in Seattle for some assistance, and her old nemesis Jack Stephanson volunteers to fly up to help which only complicates the experience for Raleigh.

 

Much to Raleigh’s dismay, Jack also proves to be an invaluable asset to the investigation and a real comfort when her mother’s fragile mental state fractures. The pursuit of the murderer is convoluted, frustrating, full of suspects, and ends up depending on the analysis of the stones in a bracelet found at the scene of the hanging. Racing against the timeline for the ship’s return to Seattle, Jack and Raleigh work furiously to attempt to nail the killer.

 

As if Raleigh’s pain and guilt over her mother’s condition isn’t enough, she compromises her standards to gain insight into the case, risking her job if she’s unable to right her wrong.

 

Raleigh Harmon is a complex character who carries guilt as if it’s an assigned duty. Each novel reveals more of who she is at a soul level, and what a treasure it is to know her. She invokes admiration, respect, sympathy, and the urge to make the burden she carries lighter. Though she depends on God, at times her guilt keeps her just outside His grace.

 

The canvas of characters painted in this story shines brilliantly, brazen and bold. If it’s been a while since you’ve read truly wonderful writing where you can invest in the words as well as the story, the mountains bow down by Sibella Giorello is an exceptional novel which will tap into most of your emotional wiring. My new favorite in the series. 

 

 

Father, what a gift you’ve given Sibella. I pray for many more stories for her to tell, and I ask that you would continue to lead her every step. May she continue to honor you in all she does. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

And back . . .

 

“A bestselling novelist hiding her loneliness behind a pen name, Shay is more of an innocent than her stories let on with only two vices: shoes and cigarettes. When one of them attracts the attention of another lost soul looking for love, Shay’s story takes an unforeseen turn. In Breath of Life, Nicole Petrino-Salter proves to be a minute chronicler of the human heart. She imbues her tale of second chances with a quiet emotional intensity that builds page after page.”

—J. Mark Bertrand, author of Back on Murder and Pattern of Wounds

Breath of Life tells the story of embittered, wounded, and divorced Michael Jamison, who, after a prolonged period as the casual observer of a lovely woman, discovers his attraction to her supercedes remaining a stranger. With a smarting ego and nothing to lose, he figures out a non-threatening way to introduce himself and is overwhelmed with her pristine beauty and challenged to change everything about the way he’s lived his life so far.

 

                                         

Nicole Petrino-Salter writes love stories with a passion. Devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ, her family, friends, and pets, you can find her most days on her blog: hopeofglory.typepad.com where she welcomes your visit. Author of the novels The Famous One and Hope of Glory.

 

                                           

 

                        
                           


Father, you're the real author. You provide the inspiration. Thank you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  

It's here . . .

 

                                         

                                           

 

Thank you, Lord. Again. Always. Thank you.

Niches, Notches, and Nada

 

Do you write for a niche audience? Fantasy? Historical? Thriller? Some niche audiences are bigger than others such as the Romance crowd. Yet even within niches, writers and readers can be broken down into groups or categories. Some groups cross over into others while some won't mesh. Think about the audience you hope to attract. Who might actually be drawn to your novel might not coincide with who you hope to entice. Sometimes unpredictable.

Classifications can work well if they're accurate. I've noticed a trend lately to attach the "Thriller" label to novels that barely give credence to "Suspense". Why? Because it sounds more exciting? Because it might attract more readers? Seasoned readers grow wise to "false advertising" and can leave authors behind if they don't measure up to what's expected.

. . .

So you've published your first novel. Got some good reviews. Maybe your second novel is on the way. And perhaps you've got one or two on file waiting for another go round with the red pen and several more swimming around in your subconscious. Confidence begins to assert itself like the sun rising through clouds. People in the biz recognize your name now. With it comes the gratitude. You studied, read, wrote, worked. Hard. Maybe you hold a degree or maybe you somehow managed to graduate from high school. No matter. You've achieved a goal, a level of "success", and you're moving forward instead of residing in the limbo of the unpublished. There's a notch in your belt, soon to be two. You grin when no one sees you. You assess what you've learned and accomplished and where you intend to go next. Unstoppable. That's how you feel although you'd never admit it to anybody.

. . .

Nada. Nothing. Zippo. Zero. Zilch. Apart from God, you can do nothing. There's a scripture that brings our status into perspective. Romans 12:3 states "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Realize your success isn't totally dependent on what you did to accomplish it. God paved the road that led you to the right address. You persevered. Made your efforts to excel. You're not alone. People just like you wait. Unnoticed. Every bit as good. How you handle your success speaks loud, actually shouts out who you are at your core. In the flesh we justify, rationalize, and invent our own form of glory. In the Spirit we bow down to the One who brings us notice and pray we will reflect Him, not ourselves.

Monday's musings . . .

Father, you're at the helm. Through still and thunderous seas. Life belongs to you. May mine honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Sunday's Offerings

 

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Romans 12:11 (NIV)

Interpreting the . . . Book of Dreams

 

Davis Bunn's latest release entitled Book of Dreams is published by Howard Books, a division of Simon&Schuster, and sent to me for review courtesy of Howard Books via Blogging Bistro, LLC. 

Set primarily around Oxford University, where in real life Davis Bunn and his wife are affiliated, Book of Dreams tackles two different subjects from both the physical and spiritual planes. Conceivably labeled a supernatural suspense, Book of Dreams follows psychologist and best known authority on dreams, Dr. Elena Burroughs, through a personal revelation of her soul while she traipses through her clinical duties as a still-hurting widow of five years. When a client with bodyguards enters her office, she sees the damage wrought by numerous overwhelming nightmares. This begins the journey for not only Elena but her client Sandra Harwood, wife of American diplomat Lawrence, an Italian ex-banker working for the Vatican and also suffering from the loss of his wife, and several others tied to the banking industry and to ministry. Preceding the spiritual awakening in Elena's soul, her elderly friend and godmother Miriam, also a retired clinical psychologist, presents her with a treasured series of ancient books designed to inspire those who read The Lord's Prayer within its ornate pages.

Exposing the poignant corruption in the worldwide banking business, Book of Dreams examines the ruthless methods of eliminating the scrupulous players in the banking industry. When the ethical appointees of former diplomat Lawrence Harwood and Italian Antonio d'Alba head the U.S and European commission to oversee the industry, their enemies make sure they're swiftly fired. While this is happening, Elena and various other individuals form a spiritual alliance to determine what God desires them to do. Dreams play a major role in leading them after the ancient book influences serious investment in listening to the Holy Spirit. Evil's presence is accompanied by the smells of smoke and sulfur and Elena learns to recognize it in individuals.

Not to be easily branded and tied down by single genre writing, Davis Bunn has written historicals, romances, contemporary adventures, and in partnerships with other novelists. I've read and enjoyed several of his novels. Unfortunately, this novel tried to tackle very different topics working hard to incorporate the supernatural aspects of prophetic dreams, ministry to both those rejected in the industry and those who'd become victims of the cruel and corrupt banking practices, infusing minor romantic elements, while murderers targeted members of the group. The plot is so ambitious and vacillates between the physical and spiritual messaging that I think it fails to clearly define its objective and create a true mesh between the two planes.

Book of Dreams is decidely English in flavor, although the heroine is an ex-pat American. Dr. Elena Burroughs makes for a somewhat interesting but dry protagonist, not strong enough to engage me emotionally. In fact the bulk of characters give only flashes of appeal and didn't sustain my attention. The supernatural elements of the story proved the most exciting, and I think they were handled very well, demonstrating the power of God and the ability of individuals to listen and respond to the Holy Spirit's leading. I found those parts of the story a much welcome addition to a cast of vanilla characters.

For readers who'd enjoy a contemporary look at the corruption in the banking industry across the world mixed with the hope of anointed individuals taking on the challenges when their physical abilities give them nothing but devastation and hopelessness, Book of Dreams is a story of personal revivals that only the Spirit of God can produce.

 

                                 

                                          

Father, I ask that you would continue to meet the supply for stories for Davis. Please inspire him to tell the diverse tales that honor you and bless him for his efforts to do so. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Mesmerized . . .

 

Hot sweat trickled down the side of his suntanned skin and two day dark growth before a wrinkled red bandana wiped his face and got shoved back in a rear pocket of his black Levis. So tall he looked upside down under the hood of his black ink-colored Ford pickup standing on the bumper. His wavy long hair fell over his face and obscured his appearance. Satisfied, he jumped back and landed on the gravel of the shoulder. Muscled arms reached up and closed the hood with a firm crunch which he checked for closure abstractedly as he surveyed the fenced pastures bordering this pastoral two-lane. He walked to the driver side and reached in the window to grab his baby blue button-down long-sleeved shirt, pulled it on and left it undone. He tugged out his watch, opened it and closed it, slipping it back where it belonged as he heard the rumble of the powerful engine before the rolling hill allowed him to see the red blur. The smile came slow and easy. He crossed his arms and leaned against his truck.

Father, you love us all. I don't know how, but you do. Thank you, God. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Can we know?

 

Some Christians think God only ministers to us, speaks to us, and answers us through His Word. I'm not of that persuasion. He speaks to me in various methods. Sometimes in complete sentences. Sometimes in flash frames. Sometimes in nuances.  Sometimes in dreams. Sometimes in overwhelming burdens for those I don't know. His voice along with his methodology resonates. Distinctive. Instructive. Firm. Powerful. Gentle. The gamut. Unmistakable. But not always.

He doesn't choose to answer my every request with a specific gesture. Sometimes He's quiet. Sometimes the "no" couldn't be clearer if He stood in front of me. And don't misunderstand me here. He does speak through His Word, but usually with me He chooses other methods.

So what about this writing gig? I say He told me in exact words what He wanted me to write when I offered any talent He might've given me back to Him. Did He also give me specific orders for novels two through seven and eight, nine, and ten? No. He did not. He gave me characters and storylines. I had zero, zippo, nada without Him. I can't speak for anyone else and how they come by their stories or their directions. I stand by mine. The Lord is close to me even when I'm distant. Even when He feels distant. The gospel is real to me. My relationship with Him is the ultimate - and yet I'm inept, insufficient, and often pathetic. His grace reaches into my humanity and salvages whatever He can use. I pray there's something there . . .

I know this is for now in my life. No doubt. As unsuccessful as it must seem to some of my fellow writers, I know - even such as it is - I rest in God's will and purpose. He's that way with me: I know. I can brag about nothing. But I can answer the title question firmly about certain things: Yes, we can know. Not about everything. Not always. All ways. But, yes, when He determines it, we can know.

Father, my gratitude is often corrupted by fretting and frustration, but I am so thankful for your graciousness to me. I've never deserved it and yet it's been there in abundance. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Untitled

 

No provocative title today. No stirring the writers' pot. No sticking in someone's craw. No making a point that some find implausible and others find just right.

Let me tell you something about writers: they can be hard-headed and/or over-senstive. They can be people pleasers or people disdain-ers. Stubborn and/or determined.

They get defiant when challenged. They roll over when challenged. They justify being challenged and comply. They despise being challenged and rebel.

They're independent. They're dependent.

They're professional. And unprofessional. They know "it" all. They know very little.

They're arrogant. They're humble. They're somewhere in between.

They write well. They write poorly. And they write somewhere in between.

They like labels. They hate labels.

They're free spirits. They're legalists.

They're organized and do outlines, storyboards, notebooks, files.

They're haphazard, spontaneous, messy.

They love their fans and make efforts to address them.

They dread contact with their readers.

They're condescending to those who read commercial fiction.

They celebrate writing commercial fiction.

They're of a certain faith and write accordingly.

They shun faith and write to show humanity as the pinnacle of existence.

They write light. They write dark. They write somehwere in between.

Writers, who are you?

 

Father, you make us all. Thank you for life. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.