Am I forgetting something?
Standing among bulging suitcases and overstuffed bags, I don’t see how it could be. I’ve packed three times more stuff than any reasonable person can use in four days.
With t-shirts and jackets, jeans and shorts, pajamas and a swimming suit—come rain or snow, I’ll be ready to go! And boredom will not be problem at all, with a doily to crochet, books to read, and paper, pens, and a laptop for writing. Then there are hairbrushes and tooth brushes, headbands and Band-aids, scrunchies and scrubies and all those things for just in case.
Still that nagging feeling persists. What else can be missing?
Oh yeah. I remember now. I do have one last thing to pack. I would be very sorry if I didn’t. For there is one thing no one should leave home without:
A brain.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Personal Limitations: Personality Part 2
Two weeks ago we considered the first area of personal limitations, personality. However, because everyone is very individual in this area, I had to paint in the broad strokes of generalities. So today I want to provide one of my limitations as an example of how application might work.
Strength of Imagination—Everyone has one, but the degree and type of imagination vary from person to person. I’m the vivid, overactive type. How do I know this? My occupation is a good place to start—an active imagination is quite helpful to a novelist, especially one writing science fiction and fantasy.
My parents and anyone else who has spent much time around me will also verify this. Ask them whether I have strong imagination, and they will start laughing or launch into some story about me walking around the house (okay, maybe I was stomping) as I fumed about something done by people who don’t exist.
And I know I tend toward an overactive imagination because I can turn any unexpected house noise into an intruder or a tailing car into a stalker for some foreign government in a case of mistaken identity (although how I could be ever mistaken in such a case is beyond me).
How does this limit my fiction? While I make up those stalkers and intruders for my own amusement during daylight, in an empty house at night those imaginings can take a sinister turn. So anything that encourages those imaginings is off-limits—no horror stories along with limited amounts of suspense and thrillers, especially in the visual medium of film. And certain television shows can leave me edgy if I watch them too soon before heading to bed. So I now know I can’t watch Murder, She Wrote after seven p.m. or Numb3rs alone during evening hours.
Of course, not everyone has this active of an imagination, so while Hitchcock is off-limits to me that may not be true for you. But you will have other areas. For example, I have a sister who can’t handle plots of personal revenge, a niece who’s sensitive to ecological themes, and a second niece who tends toward falling in love with love. All danger points to them, but no problem for me.
So how does your personality limit your fiction intake?
Strength of Imagination—Everyone has one, but the degree and type of imagination vary from person to person. I’m the vivid, overactive type. How do I know this? My occupation is a good place to start—an active imagination is quite helpful to a novelist, especially one writing science fiction and fantasy.
My parents and anyone else who has spent much time around me will also verify this. Ask them whether I have strong imagination, and they will start laughing or launch into some story about me walking around the house (okay, maybe I was stomping) as I fumed about something done by people who don’t exist.
And I know I tend toward an overactive imagination because I can turn any unexpected house noise into an intruder or a tailing car into a stalker for some foreign government in a case of mistaken identity (although how I could be ever mistaken in such a case is beyond me).
How does this limit my fiction? While I make up those stalkers and intruders for my own amusement during daylight, in an empty house at night those imaginings can take a sinister turn. So anything that encourages those imaginings is off-limits—no horror stories along with limited amounts of suspense and thrillers, especially in the visual medium of film. And certain television shows can leave me edgy if I watch them too soon before heading to bed. So I now know I can’t watch Murder, She Wrote after seven p.m. or Numb3rs alone during evening hours.
Of course, not everyone has this active of an imagination, so while Hitchcock is off-limits to me that may not be true for you. But you will have other areas. For example, I have a sister who can’t handle plots of personal revenge, a niece who’s sensitive to ecological themes, and a second niece who tends toward falling in love with love. All danger points to them, but no problem for me.
So how does your personality limit your fiction intake?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Characteristics of Supernatural Gifting
One thing I especially appreciated about Ms. Bergren’s book was how she handled the supernatural gifting. While all the fantasy books I recommend conform to the biblical bounds of supernatural ability, The Begotten illustrates the clearest those basic biblical principles:
•Satanic power destroys while God’s power brings life. Daria’s gift of healing obviously restores life to the dying and the crippled. This is in contrast to the Sorcerer’s destructive power, as the human sacrifice of Chapter 1 and 3 demonstrates.
•God’s power is superior. This isn’t evidence until near the end of The Begotten. But when the Gifted meet up with the Sorcerer, guess who comes out on top?
•People serving God can use their power only when and how he wants. Like the apostle Paul, Daria cannot heal everyone or even the ones she wants to help most. Her gift is dictated by the will of God.
While some aspects of supernatural gifting may be disputed (as I’ve seen on other blogs), the foundation of The Begotten is solid, making this well-written book only better.
•Satanic power destroys while God’s power brings life. Daria’s gift of healing obviously restores life to the dying and the crippled. This is in contrast to the Sorcerer’s destructive power, as the human sacrifice of Chapter 1 and 3 demonstrates.
•God’s power is superior. This isn’t evidence until near the end of The Begotten. But when the Gifted meet up with the Sorcerer, guess who comes out on top?
•People serving God can use their power only when and how he wants. Like the apostle Paul, Daria cannot heal everyone or even the ones she wants to help most. Her gift is dictated by the will of God.
While some aspects of supernatural gifting may be disputed (as I’ve seen on other blogs), the foundation of The Begotten is solid, making this well-written book only better.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
CSFF Tour: The Begotten
Title: The Begotten
Series: The Gifted #1
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Genre: Adult Supernatural Suspense/Historical
Excerpt from Chapter One of The Begotten:
The Year of Our Lord 1339
In his six years as a knight of the Church, they had burned at the stake scores of sinners. As each died, Gianni de Capezzana could not determine whether any were any less saint than he. This one was different.
For the first time, Gianni longed to immediately put his adversary to death, to drown the chill emanating from the Sorcerer in the heat of flame. This one was coldly sinful, delighting in the dark power—Gianni could feel the force of it surrounding, threatening. He glanced backward, over his shoulder, to make sure his men were right behind him. As they passed, the men filled and lit occasional oil lamps among the loculi to show them their way out.
The lamps did little to dispel the dark shadows from the passageway of the ancient catacombs before them, but now was not the time for torches or even any more small lamps. If they did not surprise this group ahead…Surprise was their principal ally. They would simply have to risk the dark.
Cold sweat rolled down his neck and down between his shoulder blades. The death hallways were cool enough to ease the heat of his armor, but fear—a feeling rare to him—made him hot as fever. “It is only the stories, the foolish stories of the villagers,” he muttered, as if mentoring a squire instead of himself. But his mouth was dry, making him want to pause, cough. He forced himself to take another step and then another, knowing if he stopped, he’d turn around and retreat.
A wealthy lady of the 1300’s discovers a gift of supernatural healing, attracting the attention of similarly gifted people, the Italian Church, and evil.
The Writing: The Begotten carries no outstanding flaws or virtues in its writing. The characters are three-dimensional, the plot well-paced (outside a somewhat slower beginning), the details/historical settings never cumbersome, and the climax satisfying. Nothing dominates in my mind, positive or negative.
Yet, perhaps that’s the highest praise any writer can achieve. The story is so well-written, so intriguing, so real that I, the reader, ceased to be aware of the words, style, and craft at all. The only thing that existed in my mind was the story itself.
The Story: The Begotten’s historical setting provides the set-up for more obvious Christian elements than seen in most books of the sci-fi/fantasy genre. So this book isn’t targeted for seekers, even though it’s not preachy. Rather, it seems clearly written (at least from my perspective) for other Christians.
One point of concern that some Christians will have is the premise based on an uncannonized letter of Paul. However, Ms. Bergren explains very carefully the historical basis of Paul’s missing letters, and why this doesn’t threaten the balance of Scripture is covered multiple times through the book.
Likewise, the whole supernatural element is exceptionally handled, showing how these things fall within the realm of Scripture’s instructions and example. For instance, none of the Gifted (the supernaturally gifted humans) cannot control their gifting on demand: the healer may be able to heal one person but not another. (For a biblical example of this, compare Acts 14:8-10 with Philippians 2:25-27.)
As for the other elements of concern, there is a battle scene near the end of the book, some scenes of promiscuity in the middle, and the topic of lust threaded throughout. None are overdone, but very present nonetheless.
Summary: In case I’ve not sufficiently conveyed it, my first thought upon finishing The Begotten was, “Wow.” And even after analysis, that first impression is unchanged. This is an amazing book, both in content and craft, and it should have wide appeal to readers of suspense, historical, and fantastic alike.
However, because of the sexual and violence aspects of this book, I recommend that no one under 16 read it.
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Check out book two's review, as well as book three's, or to order, click here.
Series: The Gifted #1
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Genre: Adult Supernatural Suspense/Historical
Excerpt from Chapter One of The Begotten:
The Year of Our Lord 1339
In his six years as a knight of the Church, they had burned at the stake scores of sinners. As each died, Gianni de Capezzana could not determine whether any were any less saint than he. This one was different.
For the first time, Gianni longed to immediately put his adversary to death, to drown the chill emanating from the Sorcerer in the heat of flame. This one was coldly sinful, delighting in the dark power—Gianni could feel the force of it surrounding, threatening. He glanced backward, over his shoulder, to make sure his men were right behind him. As they passed, the men filled and lit occasional oil lamps among the loculi to show them their way out.
The lamps did little to dispel the dark shadows from the passageway of the ancient catacombs before them, but now was not the time for torches or even any more small lamps. If they did not surprise this group ahead…Surprise was their principal ally. They would simply have to risk the dark.
Cold sweat rolled down his neck and down between his shoulder blades. The death hallways were cool enough to ease the heat of his armor, but fear—a feeling rare to him—made him hot as fever. “It is only the stories, the foolish stories of the villagers,” he muttered, as if mentoring a squire instead of himself. But his mouth was dry, making him want to pause, cough. He forced himself to take another step and then another, knowing if he stopped, he’d turn around and retreat.
A wealthy lady of the 1300’s discovers a gift of supernatural healing, attracting the attention of similarly gifted people, the Italian Church, and evil.
The Writing: The Begotten carries no outstanding flaws or virtues in its writing. The characters are three-dimensional, the plot well-paced (outside a somewhat slower beginning), the details/historical settings never cumbersome, and the climax satisfying. Nothing dominates in my mind, positive or negative.
Yet, perhaps that’s the highest praise any writer can achieve. The story is so well-written, so intriguing, so real that I, the reader, ceased to be aware of the words, style, and craft at all. The only thing that existed in my mind was the story itself.
The Story: The Begotten’s historical setting provides the set-up for more obvious Christian elements than seen in most books of the sci-fi/fantasy genre. So this book isn’t targeted for seekers, even though it’s not preachy. Rather, it seems clearly written (at least from my perspective) for other Christians.
One point of concern that some Christians will have is the premise based on an uncannonized letter of Paul. However, Ms. Bergren explains very carefully the historical basis of Paul’s missing letters, and why this doesn’t threaten the balance of Scripture is covered multiple times through the book.
Likewise, the whole supernatural element is exceptionally handled, showing how these things fall within the realm of Scripture’s instructions and example. For instance, none of the Gifted (the supernaturally gifted humans) cannot control their gifting on demand: the healer may be able to heal one person but not another. (For a biblical example of this, compare Acts 14:8-10 with Philippians 2:25-27.)
As for the other elements of concern, there is a battle scene near the end of the book, some scenes of promiscuity in the middle, and the topic of lust threaded throughout. None are overdone, but very present nonetheless.
Summary: In case I’ve not sufficiently conveyed it, my first thought upon finishing The Begotten was, “Wow.” And even after analysis, that first impression is unchanged. This is an amazing book, both in content and craft, and it should have wide appeal to readers of suspense, historical, and fantastic alike.
However, because of the sexual and violence aspects of this book, I recommend that no one under 16 read it.
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Check out book two's review, as well as book three's, or to order, click here.
Monday, April 21, 2008
CSFF Tour: Starring Lisa T. Bergren
The April Blog Tour for Christian science-fiction and fantasy has arrived! This month we’re focusing on The Begotten by Lisa Tawn Bergren, an award-winning author of twenty-eight books. The Begotten, the first book of a trilogy, is a blend of traditional historical fiction and supernatural suspense, bringing together a world of fact and fiction, the familiar and fantastic.
My full review should be up tomorrow, followed up by some personal thoughts on Wednesday. Meanwhile, check out Ms. Bergren’s website as well as the chatter of other blog tour participants:
Brandon Barr, Jim Black, Justin Boyer, Jackie Castle, Karri Compton, CSFF Blog Tour, Gene Curtis, D. G. D. Davidson, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Beth Goddard , Marcus Goodyear, Todd Michael Greene, Michael Heald, Christopher Hopper, Joleen Howell, Jason Joyner, Kait, Carol Keen, Mike Lynch, Terri Main, Margaret, Melissa Meeks, Pamela Morrisson, John W. Otte, Rachelle, Steve Rice, Ashley Rutherford, James Somers, Rachelle Sperling, Stuart Stockton, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Robert Treskillard, Laura Williams, and Timothy Wise
My full review should be up tomorrow, followed up by some personal thoughts on Wednesday. Meanwhile, check out Ms. Bergren’s website as well as the chatter of other blog tour participants:
Brandon Barr, Jim Black, Justin Boyer, Jackie Castle, Karri Compton, CSFF Blog Tour, Gene Curtis, D. G. D. Davidson, Jeff Draper, April Erwin, Karina Fabian, Beth Goddard , Marcus Goodyear, Todd Michael Greene, Michael Heald, Christopher Hopper, Joleen Howell, Jason Joyner, Kait, Carol Keen, Mike Lynch, Terri Main, Margaret, Melissa Meeks, Pamela Morrisson, John W. Otte, Rachelle, Steve Rice, Ashley Rutherford, James Somers, Rachelle Sperling, Stuart Stockton, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Robert Treskillard, Laura Williams, and Timothy Wise
Friday, April 18, 2008
Postponed
I had fully intended to post my review of Circles of Seven, book three in Bryan Davis’ Dragons in Our Midst series. However, as I mentioned in my blog on Wednesday, my life has turned into one long string of interruptions, and the book is lying half-read next to my bed. Not the ideal state for reviewing.
A review will be done sooner or later, though it may take a couple weeks as next week is the CSFF tour featuring The Begotten, which I will follow up with a review of the sequel, The Betrayed. But be assured—the review is coming!
A review will be done sooner or later, though it may take a couple weeks as next week is the CSFF tour featuring The Begotten, which I will follow up with a review of the sequel, The Betrayed. But be assured—the review is coming!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Redeeming Time
Sometimes interruptions happen. Sometimes they happen a lot.
That’s what my past two weeks have looked like. One interruption after another. It doesn’t seem to matter what I do, any attempt to get work done is intruded upon by the more urgent. A piece to revise for competition. A four-month-old niece to baby-sit. A sister who needs to talk. Unexpected errands. And by the time I finally sat down to write, often my brain was fogged over from unusually late nights.
Not that I mind the doing these things. That is, I love talking with my sister, babysitting my growing niece is a delight, and the errands—okay, maybe the errands aren’t so great.
But the result is that I often worry. Worry how I’ll get everything done. Worry whether I’m protecting my writing time sufficiently. Worry what will happen to my writing when I don’t have to freedom I do now, whether from gaining a job or a family or something else.
However, this past weekend I attended a seminar taught by Susan May Warren. During the day, she talked about being a missionary in Russia, trying to do everything that entails while homeschooling her kids. As you probably can imagine, that didn’t lend much time for writing. So she asked God to redeem her time.
Those words brought to my mind the feeding of the five thousand. When Jesus asked about feeding the crowd, Andrew presented a boy’s lunch, but wondered, “How far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9) The immenseness of the task overwhelmed Andrew, especially in light of their meager supplies. Yet with five small barley loaves and two little fish, Jesus fed everyone—with leftovers.
This leads me to ask, if Christ can stretch tangible food that far, how much more can the God of eternity do the same with intangible time—if I’m willing to surrender it to Him?
That’s what my past two weeks have looked like. One interruption after another. It doesn’t seem to matter what I do, any attempt to get work done is intruded upon by the more urgent. A piece to revise for competition. A four-month-old niece to baby-sit. A sister who needs to talk. Unexpected errands. And by the time I finally sat down to write, often my brain was fogged over from unusually late nights.
Not that I mind the doing these things. That is, I love talking with my sister, babysitting my growing niece is a delight, and the errands—okay, maybe the errands aren’t so great.
But the result is that I often worry. Worry how I’ll get everything done. Worry whether I’m protecting my writing time sufficiently. Worry what will happen to my writing when I don’t have to freedom I do now, whether from gaining a job or a family or something else.
However, this past weekend I attended a seminar taught by Susan May Warren. During the day, she talked about being a missionary in Russia, trying to do everything that entails while homeschooling her kids. As you probably can imagine, that didn’t lend much time for writing. So she asked God to redeem her time.
Those words brought to my mind the feeding of the five thousand. When Jesus asked about feeding the crowd, Andrew presented a boy’s lunch, but wondered, “How far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9) The immenseness of the task overwhelmed Andrew, especially in light of their meager supplies. Yet with five small barley loaves and two little fish, Jesus fed everyone—with leftovers.
This leads me to ask, if Christ can stretch tangible food that far, how much more can the God of eternity do the same with intangible time—if I’m willing to surrender it to Him?
Monday, April 14, 2008
Personal Limitations: Personality, Part 1
We all have one. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, what your gender, nationality, or age is. God has given every individual a personality and made every personality individual.
Some are extroverts, and some are introverts. Some prefer logic, while others like creativity. There are dreamers and doers, big-picture visionaries and detailed-oriented organizers, quick tempers and long-fuses. No one is better than the next, or any worse than the last one.
What we do need to know, though, is where we fall. For only in understanding who you are in the real world will you find the key to understanding your limitations in the fictional one.
Of course, that’s easier said than done, especially since personality is quite complex with endless possibilities and combinations. And they all interact with fiction differently. So ultimately experimentation with close observation of you own reactions will be the main way to learn what you can or cannot handle.
But where to start? Here are few areas to consider:
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Length and vividness of memory
• Addictions
• Strength of imagination
• Analyzer vs. feeler
• Passions
• Ability to separate fiction from reality
• Spiritual tendencies
• Lies you struggle with
• Personal preferences
• Pet peeves
• Dreams
• Fears
• What makes you feel edgy
• What offends
• What induces hopelessness
• Things you have difficulties coping with
• Other quirks
The list may look complicated—and it’s hardly exhaustive—but you probably know more about your limitations than your realize. It’s simply a matter of recognizing what you know instinctively. So next week I’ll provide some examples of some personal limitations I struggle with and how I learned to identify them.
Some are extroverts, and some are introverts. Some prefer logic, while others like creativity. There are dreamers and doers, big-picture visionaries and detailed-oriented organizers, quick tempers and long-fuses. No one is better than the next, or any worse than the last one.
What we do need to know, though, is where we fall. For only in understanding who you are in the real world will you find the key to understanding your limitations in the fictional one.
Of course, that’s easier said than done, especially since personality is quite complex with endless possibilities and combinations. And they all interact with fiction differently. So ultimately experimentation with close observation of you own reactions will be the main way to learn what you can or cannot handle.
But where to start? Here are few areas to consider:
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Length and vividness of memory
• Addictions
• Strength of imagination
• Analyzer vs. feeler
• Passions
• Ability to separate fiction from reality
• Spiritual tendencies
• Lies you struggle with
• Personal preferences
• Pet peeves
• Dreams
• Fears
• What makes you feel edgy
• What offends
• What induces hopelessness
• Things you have difficulties coping with
• Other quirks
The list may look complicated—and it’s hardly exhaustive—but you probably know more about your limitations than your realize. It’s simply a matter of recognizing what you know instinctively. So next week I’ll provide some examples of some personal limitations I struggle with and how I learned to identify them.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Dragons in Our Midst, Part 2: The Candlestone
Title: The CandlestoneSeries: Dragons in Our Midst #2
Author: Bryan Davis
Genre: YA (10-14) Technological Fantasy
Excerpt from “The Art of War,” Chapter 1 of The Candlestone:
Out of the blackness a growling voice rumbled, “She will come.” The rough words reverberated, bouncing off shrouded walls that echoed dying replies.
A solitary man listened in the dark room, lit only by flickers of soft light coming from his hand, a dozen fireflies in a jar. They danced with hopeless wings in stale air, waiting for death to arrive, their distress signals only serving to guide the scientist as he paced the stone floor. “And what makes you so sure she’ll come?” his voice replied, tiny and squeaking by comparison. “She won’t trust me. Why should she?”
The rumbling voice responded. “You don’t understand her; you never did. She listens to a call that rises beyond your senses…she has faith.” The growl changed to a deep sigh. “But, alas! What would you know about faith?”
“More than you think.” The scientist held up the jar and watched the dimming flashes. “I do know this; it was by her faith that you’re in this predicament. I hear she was quite handy with that sword.”
The growl deepened, its bass tones making the ground tremble. “If you really think she knew I would end up in this prison, then you’re a bigger fool than I thought.” After a few seconds, the echoes died away again, and the voice became soft and melancholy, like the lowest notes of a mournful cell. “You have no worries. She will come. She is driven by forces you cannot possibly understand.”
The last flicker of light blinked out. The scientist picked up the jar and opened the lid. With a quick shake he dumped the dead fireflies onto the floor. “Very well.” His voice stretched out into in a foreboding snarl. “We shall see.”
A half-dragon, half-human plunges into the heart of danger in her search for the mother she thought was dead.
The Writing: The Candlestone, much in the same way as Raising Dragons, brings to life a fantastical premise in a contemporary world with a fast-paced plot. The ties to Arthurian legend strengthen in this book, and the traditional fantasy elements, which should seem out of place, dovetail well with the world of science and technology.
The cast of characters continues to broaden in this book while fleshing out the characters of the previous one. While there are some delightful (and not so delightful) additions to the cast, this can make it hard to see the full complexity of any character the first time through, a problem I battle upon my first reading.
Nonetheless, both characters and plotting have improved, and in of the light of this, along with the sparks of humor, The Candlestone’s flaws are absorbed so they’re scarcely noticeable.
The Story: The spiritual threads dive in and out of The Candlestone more than in Raising Dragons. One or two spots boarders on preachiness, especially in Billy’s conversion-type scene in Chapter 16, but as a whole, the many themes (the power of love and sacrifice, fighting with honor and valor, the foundations of truth and faith) are mixed in well.
As with Raising Dragons, The Candlestone has several battle scenes. There are several casualties (most of which aren’t seen), some shooting, sword fights, a kidnapping, and one death by fire, which is the most graphic (by necessity), though more is said through character reactions than by description of the corpse.
Summary: Another great story, The Candlestone will appeal to reader of all ages, with an emphasis on the 10-14 bracket.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
(Don't forget to peek at the review for book 1, Raising Dragons, as well as book 3, Circles of Seven, and book 4, Tears of a Dragon!)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Genesis Finalist 2008
What more can I add to the title?
Sponsored by the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Genesis contest for unpublished novelists is highly competitive with some amazing writers that enter. Somehow I advanced in what I consider a tough category (sci-fi/fantasy/allegory) with a manuscript I figured had no chance. I was simply hoping it would score well with the judges and curry some good feedback. I guess it scored well!
God’s unexpected gifts continue to surprise me.
For those interested, here's a complete list of the finalists:
Chick lit/mom lit/lady lit: Annalisa Daughety, Tiffany Kinerson, Sara Richardson, Lynda Schab, Erica Vetsch
Contemporary Fiction: Christina Berry, Dan Case, Lynne Gentry, Jennifer L. Griffith, Jim Rubart
Contemporary Romance: Annalisa Daughety, Kathleen Haynes, Cara Slaughter, Sandra van den Bogerd, Linda Yezak
Historical Fiction: Yvonne Anderson, Lori Benton, Mona Hodgson, Christina Miller, Rachel Moore
Historical Romance: Patty Smith Hall, Myra Johnson, Allison Studer, Erica Vetsch, Karen Witemeyer
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller: Ed J. Horton, Melanie L. Jones, Janice Olson, Donna Alice Patton, Jane Thornton
Romantic Suspense: Dani Pettrey, Kelly Ann Riley, Julie Scudder, Jane Thornton, Jenness Walker
Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory: (there are six finalists because there was a tie for the 5th finalist spot) Lynda K. Arndt, Valerie Comer, John W. Otte, Jim Rubart, Chawna Schroeder, Stuart Stockton
Women's Fiction: (there are six finalists because there was a tie for the 5th finalist spot)Heather Goodman, D'Ann Mateer, Sara Richardson, Linda Rondeau, Cynthia Ruchti, Kristian Tolle
Young Adult: Kasey L. Heinly, Stefanie Morris, Susan Miura, Janet Rubin, Carla Stewart
Sponsored by the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Genesis contest for unpublished novelists is highly competitive with some amazing writers that enter. Somehow I advanced in what I consider a tough category (sci-fi/fantasy/allegory) with a manuscript I figured had no chance. I was simply hoping it would score well with the judges and curry some good feedback. I guess it scored well!
God’s unexpected gifts continue to surprise me.
For those interested, here's a complete list of the finalists:
Chick lit/mom lit/lady lit: Annalisa Daughety, Tiffany Kinerson, Sara Richardson, Lynda Schab, Erica Vetsch
Contemporary Fiction: Christina Berry, Dan Case, Lynne Gentry, Jennifer L. Griffith, Jim Rubart
Contemporary Romance: Annalisa Daughety, Kathleen Haynes, Cara Slaughter, Sandra van den Bogerd, Linda Yezak
Historical Fiction: Yvonne Anderson, Lori Benton, Mona Hodgson, Christina Miller, Rachel Moore
Historical Romance: Patty Smith Hall, Myra Johnson, Allison Studer, Erica Vetsch, Karen Witemeyer
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller: Ed J. Horton, Melanie L. Jones, Janice Olson, Donna Alice Patton, Jane Thornton
Romantic Suspense: Dani Pettrey, Kelly Ann Riley, Julie Scudder, Jane Thornton, Jenness Walker
Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory: (there are six finalists because there was a tie for the 5th finalist spot) Lynda K. Arndt, Valerie Comer, John W. Otte, Jim Rubart, Chawna Schroeder, Stuart Stockton
Women's Fiction: (there are six finalists because there was a tie for the 5th finalist spot)Heather Goodman, D'Ann Mateer, Sara Richardson, Linda Rondeau, Cynthia Ruchti, Kristian Tolle
Young Adult: Kasey L. Heinly, Stefanie Morris, Susan Miura, Janet Rubin, Carla Stewart
Monday, April 7, 2008
Four Areas of Personal Limitations
Out of the three parts of guidelines, personal limitations are the hardest to categorize because of their diverse and fluid nature. For whereas the Bible grants us a solid foundation and maturity provides building blocks, personal limitations act like the mortar filling in the cracks.
Nonetheless, a study of limitations will show that the variables group themselves into four distinct areas—four specific places that can result in the need of mortar, if you will.
The Material of Personality: Stone, brick, wood, sod, cement, adobe—all of these and more are used to construct buildings. But each carries its own set of properties and affects construction. Likewise, God created each person with their own unique package of building materials: a personality.
The Relational Location: Location, it is said, is everything. From city to jungle, desert to the ocean, mountain peak to marsh, location often dictates what kind of materials work best for construction and whether the building is a sprawling ranch or skyscraper, for example. In a similar way, God deeds us a location in our relational landscape, with the option of expansion.
The Weather of Culture: Closely related to location is its weather. Just as a desert’s dry heat doesn’t take the same toll on a building that salty ocean air will, the real world where we live and work will cause different stresses—and the need for guidelines—in our fictional worlds.
The Stress of Time: Whether a building has seen peacetime or wartime, poverty or wealth, city or rural life affects its current condition. It’s the same with people. We all carry past experiences, and those experiences, good and bad, impact our views of fiction.
Of course, this is only a snapshot of each area. To actually be able to diagnose and fill each “crack” will require a closer examination. So that’s what we’ll be looking at in the coming weeks.
Nonetheless, a study of limitations will show that the variables group themselves into four distinct areas—four specific places that can result in the need of mortar, if you will.
The Material of Personality: Stone, brick, wood, sod, cement, adobe—all of these and more are used to construct buildings. But each carries its own set of properties and affects construction. Likewise, God created each person with their own unique package of building materials: a personality.
The Relational Location: Location, it is said, is everything. From city to jungle, desert to the ocean, mountain peak to marsh, location often dictates what kind of materials work best for construction and whether the building is a sprawling ranch or skyscraper, for example. In a similar way, God deeds us a location in our relational landscape, with the option of expansion.
The Weather of Culture: Closely related to location is its weather. Just as a desert’s dry heat doesn’t take the same toll on a building that salty ocean air will, the real world where we live and work will cause different stresses—and the need for guidelines—in our fictional worlds.
The Stress of Time: Whether a building has seen peacetime or wartime, poverty or wealth, city or rural life affects its current condition. It’s the same with people. We all carry past experiences, and those experiences, good and bad, impact our views of fiction.
Of course, this is only a snapshot of each area. To actually be able to diagnose and fill each “crack” will require a closer examination. So that’s what we’ll be looking at in the coming weeks.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Dragons in Our Midst, Part I: Raising Dragons
Title: Raising DragonsSeries: Dragons in Our Midst #1
Author: Bryan Davis
Genre: YA (10-14) Technological Fantasy
Excerpt from “Dragon Breath,” Chapter One of Raising Dragons:
“Halt, foul dragon!”
Billy stared at the tall stranger, a ghostly figure draped in dark chain mail. He looked like a knight of some kind, like a toy box action figure come to life. But what was he so mad about? Could he be yelling at me?
The knight swung a sword in his right hand. Its brilliant blade flashed in the sun, and his armor jingled all over his body, echoing his swift, skillful moves. With a wave of his shield he barked a challenge. “I fear you not, fiend, nor your hellish fire! Come to battle, and we shall see whom the Creator will protect!”
Billy opened his mouth to answer, but he couldn’t talk. His throat burned like a sizzling sidewalk, and acid bubbled up from his boiling stomach. With a convulsive shudder, he belched a plume of hot, steamy gases, blistering his tongue and scorching his lips. A second later a raging river of fire blasted through his gaping mouth and hurtled toward the knight.
The warrior jerked his shield up and tucked his body behind its protective armor. The flaming torrent splashed around the shield’s edges, tearing the sword from his hand and enveloping his sleeve. The knight shook his hand and flapped his blazing arm. “Cursed lizard!”
Billy clamped his hand over his mouth and tried to suck cool air between his fingers to soothe his swollen tongue. What’s going on? Did that fire come from me? Does he think I’m the dragon? Billy looked at his hands. They were normal, eight fingers and two thumbs, no scales or claws. But something was different. A ring glittered on his right index finger. Somehow it looked…familiar.
Two half-dragon, half-human teenagers team to defeat a slayer intent on murder.
The Writing: Raising Dragons. A fascinating story. This is my second time through the Dragons in Our Midst series, and the incredible premise continues to fascinate me. While the somewhat off-putting beginning may point to another tale of teenage angst, a whole lot more resides just below the surface, not so differently than protagonist Billy Bannister.
Set in the familiar world of U.S. suburbia, Raising Dragons brings to life the ancient myths of dragons while incorporating science and technology (even if some of it is somewhat fantastical in itself). This is then layered with a solid, biblical foundation, given a twist of Arthurian legend, and well—how can the outcome be anything but unique?
And to my joy, the actual writing doesn’t ruin this wonderful premise, as is far too often the case. The plot is especially solid: fast-paced, many mysteries, and plenty of twists, which may not be totally unexpected but still entertaining nonetheless.
If there is a flaw in the writing, for me it would be the characters. While some of them stand out (I love Professor Hamilton), the main protagonists in this book occasionally come across flat with some reactions that don’t always ring completely true. The numerous and frequently changing points of view don’t help this. So connecting with the characters may be somewhat difficult in the beginning, but it will ultimately worth it.
The Story: Raising Dragons has turned out to be even more enjoyable the second time around than it was the first time, which says much about this book upfront. There are many nuances that are easy to miss the first time through, especially since the themes (sacrifice, heroism, identity and trust) are buried a little more deeply here than in later books. But that is what makes a book worth reading again.
Because this is a novel about fire-breathing dragons and the slayers that hunt them, violence is the most common gray-area element found in this book. There’s much sword swinging, numerous attempted murders, several major injuries, and a few deaths caused in defense of self or a loved one. The last one usually occurs by burning, and is portrayed with fire, some smoke, and maybe a bad smell. As far as I remember, neither the actual burning nor the corpses are ever shown.
As for any “magic,” it explained here or in later books, often with a scientific slant.
Summary: Raising Dragons is an entertaining novel that blends legend, fantasy, and science into a fascinating contemporary tale. Highly recommend for boys and girls of this age group (10-14), with plenty to capture an older reader’s imagination.
Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Know someone who would like this book? Order here.
(Also check out the review for book 2, The Candlestone, book 3, Circles of Seven, and book 4, Tears of a Dragon, as well as the sequel series, Oracles of Fire.)
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Tidbits
Today I just have a couple notes I would like to make.
First, I will be working as a vendor at another conference, barring any last minute problems. This time I will be promoting Christian fiction at the WPA conference to be held in Oshkosh, WI, May 2 and 3. So if you will be in attendance, please stop by and say hi! I’d love to chat with you.
Second, I’ve been working on a general website during the past several months. More focused on my novel writing, it includes things like additional background on me, sample chapters of my work, and a list of my book recommendations. So check out www.chawnaschroeder.com and let me know what you think.
First, I will be working as a vendor at another conference, barring any last minute problems. This time I will be promoting Christian fiction at the WPA conference to be held in Oshkosh, WI, May 2 and 3. So if you will be in attendance, please stop by and say hi! I’d love to chat with you.
Second, I’ve been working on a general website during the past several months. More focused on my novel writing, it includes things like additional background on me, sample chapters of my work, and a list of my book recommendations. So check out www.chawnaschroeder.com and let me know what you think.
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