Bookmarks Now Available!

Swords of the Six bookmarks have arrived! They are 2 x 6-inches And the local library has sold several already. I'm asking $1.00 each and the profit from these goes against book production expenses. I'm going to set up online purchasing via my www.theswordofthedragon.com website and all three bookmarks will be available. I have a select number of larger bookmarks, as well. The image of Specter in Al'un Dai covers the face of the larger bookmark quite handsomly and a teaser portion of text from the novel is readable on the reverse side. . . . Posters will be next.

Website Published

My website is ready for use. It is published at: http://www.theswordofthedragon.com Over time I will dandy it up/ or hire someone to do so. But for the time-being it is both functional and feels solid to me. Please check it out and let me know what you think.

The Writer and the Journey of Self-Exploration

If you have ever sat down and written an imaginative piece of writing, I'm sure you'll understand the title of this post; writing is a journey of self-exploration. I was talking to a guy at work last night and he likes to write poetry and also about poetry. He doesn't do it because he gets paid (he doesn't) and he doesn't do it for the prestige (he doesn't often receive recognition) he writes for the love of it.

While he talked I was reminded of how my writings, as I look over my work from the past several years, have often mirrored the points I was at in my life at those times. Composition is best fed by the heart and best inspired by a willingness to reach into our deepest fears, desires, and hopes.

Applying Edits to SoTS

Applying substantive edits to Swords of the Six is 10% completed. That is encouraging for me; I've been feeling overwhelmed by all that I have to do. Working full-time taxes my writing energy but I'm sticking with my original plans to release the novel early 2009. It is looking to be 350+ pages now, rather than 300. We'll see what happens . . . but I suspect it will end up closer to 400 by the time I give it to the typesetter in January.

... *goes back to editing*

Take a Stand against Mass Murder

Take a stand against Obama's liberal policies and the FOCA. Sign this petition for PRO-LIFE: http://www.fightfoca.com/ Obama has stated that he will sign this abominable act as his first act in office. What does this act entail? It would eliminate every restriction on abortion nationwide! Sign the petition. Speak out. Take a stand. .... and spread the word. Tell everyone you know who will sign this petition.

Treading Water/Dog-paddling

Well, dear readers, seeing as I have not posted for so long. I think it is time I say something here so that you'll have something to read!

The novel is coming along. The new prelude is making a great impression with my trial readers. It takes the opening of the story to a higher plane of action, suspense, and drama.

Also, Amber Hill is chipping away at the spot illustrations. They are turning out amazing.

Too, my fiancee and I are busy with wedding plans. It is a very exciting time for us. We're very much looking forward to having a place of our own.

And there! That's that! The scoop. I'm making slow progress, steady but slow. I feel like I'm in one place in a pool and I'm treading water, just waiting to swim to my destination. That destination is clear but it is not here yet.

God, have mercy on us

Those who know me well, know that I am a man who sheds few tears. But tonight I felt the deepest sadness, disappointment, and even anger at the absence of morality as America accepted with thundrous applause the speach of its new leader: Barach Obama. He addressed his speech to the "gays and the straits" among other things, and opened the world to his "new" ideas. His speech reminded me of past dictators appealing to the masses, feeding them lies spiced with promises.

Change is on the wind . . . but those who voted for this man, for his kind of change . . . do not realize the extent and type of change he wants to, and probably will enact. I fear for the future of my generation in this country. Will this land of the free become the graveyard of Christianity? Will the government involve itself in all aspects of life until it is not safe to raise your children for fear of having them taken away from you?

God is in control. He allowed this to happen for a reason. America is going to receive the reward of its sin. God's hand is withdrawn. I feel it. Mayhap this is only a short while. But I think not and I pray this nation will not rise under Obama's leadership. I hope tonight we did not witness the rise of another Castro, or Marx. But it seemed to me that we did.

A spiritual battle for the minds and hearts of the people of this nation is in full swing. But now, it seems, an uphill battle is before us. Pray! Pray! Seek God! Repent and call men everywhere to repent! If we do not now win souls for Christ then we will leave to our children a heritage worse than this which the 60's generation left us.

I believe a test of Christianity's true metal in this country is at hand. Liberalism is going to assault traditionalism and only if we stand bold and free will we prevail through Christ. A government which does not stand by the one true God is a government I will not serve. For we cannot serve two masters.

Look to Jesus and don't give in to despair. It is clawing at us right now, trying to peel away the rot of materialism that has overtaken and distracted us. And remember that, whatever is ahead, the past has been worse. And, most importantly, I still believe that a few good men can stand against evil and prevail!

Tonight I shed tears.