For the Love of Writing

Passionate writing produces powerful, thought-provoking literature. Who wants to read a book on an issue, if they know the author doesn't want to take a stance for either points of view they wish to address? I don't; there are enough "wishy-washy" thinkers out there. I would rather pick up a book by an author who is going to take a firm stand on what they belief. I don't care if I agree with their perspective, or their logic. I want them to state why they believe what they believe. I want to be challenged.

Some of today's most popular fantasy books prove my point.

Narnia offers clear-cut biblical role-models for children, and is strongly allegorical. The author, C.S. Lewis, wrote from his Christian world-view. He did not shy from his convictions.

Harry Potter is decidedly secular. J.K. Rowling opened floodgates of controversy with the blatent witchcraft in her novels.

And Phillip Pullman, The Golden Compass, is an athiest who said somthing to the effect that he wanted his stories to 'kill God in the eyes of children.'

So, when writing my stories, I do not shy from my personal convictions and beliefs. My writings should be (and are) windows into my soul. When my life hits a hard point, my stories are dark. Writing from conviction is inifinitely more rewarding than writing just for the sake of it. I want readers of all backgrounds to be able to agree and/or disagree with me. I want them to search themselves, to learn.

"Swords of the Six" Artwork FINISHED!

Interior illustrations are completed for "Swords of the Six" and it is quite impressive! Amber has done a wonderful job. Now, my dear readers, you have to wait for the printed novel to see the rest. ...I know...I'm cruel!

News

Edits are completed on "Swords of the Six" and the typesetter will start designs for the book's interior in the next two weeks. All except two spot illustrations are done. The ISBN and barcode for the novel have been purchased.

I appeared at the Canterbury Public Library on Thursday evening and Saturday from noon to 2 o'clock. Advertising confusion and short notice resulted in small turnouts. But I sold several posters and more bookmarks.

Even if I sit there for two hours and only meet one fan, particularly a young one, it makes my day. As an artist, I want to be appreciated for the time, the effort, and patience I've put into my work.

I have two more appearances scheduled. More will be forthcoming. For now, I will be at Scotland Public Library on February 12th from 6 to 8 o'clock, and will reappear at Canterbury Public Library February 21st from 10 to 12 o'clock.

SOTS Edits

Edits are nearly completed on Swords of the Six. It is almost 5am and I am in need of sleep. But I have found that I have trouble sleeping when I have unfinished projects. Currently I have several. I will have the edits complete tomorrow (actually, that is today).

WEBSITE Looking Good

Reworked by a friend of mine who I met in Thailand, www.theswordofthedragon.com is changed... and it looks a whole lot better than what I did!

An Affirmation

Darkness
Absolute darkness surrounds my soul
Light
Inner light warms me from within
Evil
The world is full of wickedness
Hope
My salvation is in Jesus Christ
Now
The deceiver arrays the world against me
Future
I am armed with the Word of God