tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26763848800864042822024-03-05T23:33:17.079-07:00Edmund Lloyd FletcherBlog for Christian action / adventure author E.L. Fletcher.Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-74045506482541589102020-11-25T20:31:00.006-07:002020-11-25T20:31:41.936-07:00COVID-19 and NaNoWriMo, Both!<p> Hey everybody!</p><p>Just wanted to check in. It is November, which, you may know means NaNoWriMo, aka National Novel Writing Month, aka "write an entire book in one month", aka "interrupt me, and YOU DIE month".</p><p>Usually I blog on the experience, but this year, as of yet, I have not. The reason for that is simple: I decided to go ahead and catch the coronavirus in the start of November. Yeah, that's right, I'm doing the craziness of NaNo, WHILE sick with the pandemic. Ain't that nice!</p><p>To be honest, I don't even know where or how I caught it. We hadn't been going out hardly at all. I'm still trying to scrape together a living from home (programmer for hire, if you happen to know anybody!) meanwhile the kids are all homeschooled.</p><p>But yeah, all that and it hit us just the same.</p><p> </p><p><b>So what was COVID like?</b></p><p>Those of you who have blessedly avoided catching it, may be wondering what having the disease was actually like. Personally, I didn't think it was *all that* horrible. Just like a bad flu, really.</p><p>Now, back when we caught H1N1, that dude was really bad! It was less like the flu and more like being whacked with a gunny sack full of bricks. Oh, and at the time we had a newborn in the house we were trying to keep from getting sick, so... apparently we like to do these things at the worst possible time.</p><p>Even though the virus wasn't as much a horror movie as the media might lead you to believe, it does hit the lungs especially hard. I suppose in that regard I can see how it could be especially dangerous to the elderly and those with breathing problems. Not that I recommend it in general, you understand.<br /></p><p>All in all, I think my NaNoWriMo progress graph also serves as a great graph of how you feel with the virus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRWsj7JxVP4l-a4HF9DoQ7vcfVq4sEvvYCBCFHgFFMsL7ybXx3y9WV7u_4E1XUGqRu6QUDZsIejqkKbY772hFBFBT2DZaHIhBkZz-Pw8ykT2o3yAafj4pp01wRtXSdVYepuiZU5Hhvvw/s800/nano.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRWsj7JxVP4l-a4HF9DoQ7vcfVq4sEvvYCBCFHgFFMsL7ybXx3y9WV7u_4E1XUGqRu6QUDZsIejqkKbY772hFBFBT2DZaHIhBkZz-Pw8ykT2o3yAafj4pp01wRtXSdVYepuiZU5Hhvvw/w400-h400/nano.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Ignoring the little bump at the start (I slammed out some ideas in Oct to get a feel for whether I would like doing this story or not).</p><p>Other than that, notice the complete flatline up until Nov 9. Then a little boost... A little virus biting back... then a gradual recovery. Yep. That's about what it was like health-wise (as well as writing-wise).</p><p>The main thing I can say for those diagnosed with COVID is: You know how one of the symptoms they list is "lack of taste". (I'm an engineer, so it's like, "What? I didn't have any taste to start with!" 😜 ) But seriously, therein lies the virus' trickery. I quit eating early on because I didn't feel like it. You can see the results above. My son (who, btw, was diagnosed with it) kept on stuffing his face, and he was basically back to normal in three days. </p><p>Your mama was right! Keep on that chicken soup!!! <br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>The story title in that image sounds strange what's the deal about that?</b></p><p>Ah! Good question! So glad you asked!<br /></p><p>So I decided to do <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>... only in space! Yes, that sounds bizarre, and yes, at times it is. Though now that I'm 40-something thousand words into it, I can honestly say it actually works! Not only that, this is turning into a really interesting story!</p><p>Now, I didn't want to make it into a spoof like "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" and I also didn't want to do a straight-up retelling in a different genre like a lot of books and movies do.</p><p>I decided to keep all the characters by name, personality, and inter-relationships. I kept some of my alltime favorite lines as well. But the story wrapped around these things is all new. For example, at one point Elizabeth Bennet actually agrees to marry Mr Collins! .... (!!!!!!!!) Add on top of that some political conspiracy, pirates, razor-toothed alien beasts... and a fair amount of swoonage (got to keep that going #amiright).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bb/a1/7c/bba17cf64a81332b2b31e35bba959785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="369" height="200" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bb/a1/7c/bba17cf64a81332b2b31e35bba959785.jpg" width="116" /></a></div>All the fun sci-fi drama aside, one of the most surprising things I've encountered so far is in character development.<p></p><p>In the original story and all of its successors that I know about, nobody has ever given Mrs Bennet a character arc! Surprising, I know, but check me out on this. </p><p>She starts out a nerve-racking shrew and ends up a nerve-racking shrew. But where is her journey? How do all of these major life changes that happen impact her? It has been a totally fascinating question to work through.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Conclusion:</b></p><p>Well, I guess that's about it. In summary:</p><p>COVID-19: 0 out of 5 stars... would not recommend.</p><p>Mr Darcy in space? Actually kind of cool! I'll let you know when it gets published, I promise!</p><p> </p><p>Live YOUR adventure!</p><p> - E.L. Fletcher <br /></p>Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-33277972406397973722020-10-25T08:35:00.000-06:002020-10-25T08:35:01.933-06:00Why We Should Stop Calling 2020 A "Bad Year"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBK1u6iAT1MrHm2TQ9vujqChvcM_qU7ffkFfiOGLCH9r-txIWcIJuNpB31JEGxPoRpGdXY8OWD9Ld6Ti5nGr1wZs3EWDKjAeCpI1vIP977Ff9-XIvXn9EUn7qotHyUk6cU6_vMfz4woq4/s800/hindenburg.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBK1u6iAT1MrHm2TQ9vujqChvcM_qU7ffkFfiOGLCH9r-txIWcIJuNpB31JEGxPoRpGdXY8OWD9Ld6Ti5nGr1wZs3EWDKjAeCpI1vIP977Ff9-XIvXn9EUn7qotHyUk6cU6_vMfz4woq4/s320/hindenburg.png" /></a></div><br />First off, how 'bout that image, eh? 😂<br />(And, yes, I know about the flammability difference between helium blimp verses a hydrogen zeppelin. But the pun wouldn't work if they were both zeppelins, so cut me some slack, ok! 😫)<br /><p></p><p>Anyway, I thought I'd jump into a pet peeve of mine today: people referring to 2020 as a "bad year".<br /></p><p>Even now I struggle with a similar line of thinking that a day is either a "good day" or a "bad day". I trace the line of thinking all the way back to the time when I was an Atheist. It looks like something like this: You get up in the morning and you do this and that... then all of a sudden something happens. It can be either unusually good or unusually bad, but whichever it is, that initial event is going to characterize the entire rest of the day as either "good" or "bad". <br /><br />When you think about it, it's just a manifestation of the concept of "luck", right? This is your lucky day... as opposed to yesterday, which, wow! Hope you wore your lucky shoes, because, yikes! </p><p>I had to fight this belief BIG TIME when I became a Christian. (P.S. You know how sometimes when people repent of something, they decide they have to physically burn the object of their sin in a bonfire? Well let's just say, "lucky" shoes smell REALLY NASTY when burned! I don't recommend that particular... form of combustion... to anyone... ever. 'Nuf said.) 😬<br /></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.redd.it/ixskiphqg3j51.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="767" height="200" src="https://i.redd.it/ixskiphqg3j51.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">-- P.S. Don't ever burn shoes. ;) --<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Like I say, whether it's a "bad day" or a "bad year"... all the same thing. I mean, yeah, some of the jokes and memes are funny, but I'm a little sick of 2020 being called a "bad year", but I can understand why people are. Under the surface I think we try to laugh about it and make light of the situation in an attempt to try and lighten the weight on our hearts of how we feel.<p></p><p>Of course we've faced some difficult challenges this year. No arguing that. The alternative is not about being all kumbaya and naïve about things going on.</p><p>But still, "bad year"? Really? Did we not wake up this morning? Has the planet Earth's orbit shifted out of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumstellar_habitable_zone">Goldilocks Zone</a>? Has the Mad Max vehicle army rumbled into town? <br />(Just kidding. That last one would be kindof AWESOME!)<br /></p><p>No! Of course not! The world continues to spin on. God has not forsaken us yet.<br /></p><p>And I think that really begins to touch upon the issue. As blogger Seth Jones put it, "<a href="https://truthfordelight.wordpress.com/2015/10/11/why-there-is-no-such-thing-as-bad-days-only-bad-gods/">There are no bad days, only bad gods.</a>" just as I found out in my own experience above.<br /></p><p>To unpack how this "2020 is a bad year" theme gained so much momentum you have to pause and recognize that Atheism is the dominant western religion. Our culture at large has no underlying life meaning or divine plan to fall back on, so of course there will be panic. We're working without a net, here, folks!</p><p>Without second-guessing Providence too much, I wonder if the one thing doesn't have a little something to do with the other. For many people, I hope and pray, this could be <i>the</i> wake-up call where they realize that they have built their house on shifting sands. The storms of life came down this year (in a downpour), and now they may begin to realize what their foundation was truly made of. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7:24-27&version=ESV">Matthew 7:24-27</a>)</p><p>But to you, dear Christian, what's your excuse? Are you going to take your cue from the sensationalist news media and be swept along with the panic? Or can you be secure enough in the hands of the Lord to kick back with some popcorn and watch what happens next? -- Just take life as it comes?<br /></p><p>Because the thing is, once you dethrone yourself as the king of your world... when you quit pretending to be the coach, you can finally become an effective player. Likewise, when your security in life doesn't come from your own doing, but rests securely in the hands of the Omnipotent Almighty Creator, then you can finally relax and focus on being a mere human instead. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011%3A28&version=ESV">Matthew 20:11</a> promises exactly this!)</p><p>Furthermore, continuing with the "bad year", just like the "bad day" observation above, the thought itself can kind of take over and become a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy. The moment that you've decided in your mind, "this is going to be a bad day", then you quit taking those risks that could bring about big success, while at the same time your full attention is focussed on spotting the negative. If you set out looking for something to complain about, the trouble is you eventually always find it.</p><p>With that in mind, now consider the "bad year" 2020. It's easy to focus on the negatives. We all know the list. It has even become a running gag, "what's next...", like this endless parade of horrors marching by. But if that's what you decide to focus on, then you're going to miss out on all of the good things.</p><p>For example, did you notice that <a href="https://www.bizpacreview.com/2020/10/02/u-s-marshals-announce-rescue-of-more-than-1000-missing-and-child-sex-trafficking-victims-under-trump-979715">US Marshals made great headway this year, breaking several major child sex trafficking rings and rescuing hundreds of kids from that ghastly life</a>. You and I might have run out of toilet paper and dubbed 2020 a "bad year", but the child who finds him or herself finally freed from those horrors will always remember 2020 as a year of liberation! Shouldn't the rest of us celebrate this too? Or will we be so focused on our own pity-party to even notice?<br /></p><p>In conclusion, I guess it's a choice we get to make. Are we going to sit cowering in the corner and worry? Or are we going to give it over to the Lord, step outside, and notice that the skies that are still blue and the birds are still singing?<br /></p><p>"This is the [year] that the Lord has made;<br />I will rejoice and be glad in it."<br /> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20118%3A24&version=ESV">Psalm 118:24</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Live YOUR Adventure,</p><p>-Edmund Lloyd Fletcher<br /></p>Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-9747178185316631922020-04-29T20:24:00.000-06:002020-04-29T20:25:21.357-06:005-Day Fast (FMD) - Did it work?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m3vEU4OrQjQQ6kJRPLPZP-B8lkHLEnMlW09cWNDCMAdYhXFZlTaqRJge9ay6jH7xpk-_ACJ4uZZHySWLGLs_MdLGiM_UsNZrpnBQYYBgYGROCsGKYbPOre2zpCyN030YPh31PD2GQu8/s1600/fmd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m3vEU4OrQjQQ6kJRPLPZP-B8lkHLEnMlW09cWNDCMAdYhXFZlTaqRJge9ay6jH7xpk-_ACJ4uZZHySWLGLs_MdLGiM_UsNZrpnBQYYBgYGROCsGKYbPOre2zpCyN030YPh31PD2GQu8/s400/fmd.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
<br />Context - My personal story: </h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Okay, this isn't a fitness blog, but here's the deal. Lately I've been trying to think of ways to get in better shape. This spring I've been going on a 5-mile walk every day, which has been good, but now it's time for something more.<br />
<br />
Just for a frame of reference, back in highscool/college when I used to work out, I weighed a pretty consistent 180. A few years ago when I was a software engineer, sucking exhaust fumes for two hours a day and sitting behind a desk for the rest, take-out lunch meetings, snacks in the breakroom... you get the picture. In short, I was up to 215 with some serious muffin-top going on. That's a good way to have your heart explode and keel over dead. (I think my obituary would simply be a picture of Twinkie the Kid, and that would explain that.)<br />
<br />
Since coming home and chasing kids and chasing around the homestead every day, I'd dropped to 190. That is, 189.6 to be precise, which I was on last Friday morning when I began the FMD fast. (Stay tuned for results...)</blockquote>
<br />
<h3>
FMD? What's that? </h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now, back up a little. What is FMD? Well, I explain it this way: Think about most of the diets currently circulating out there -- Keto, Vegetarian/Vegan, Calorie Counter (such as Weight Watchers), and of course there's also an emphasis on "intermittent fasting". Well, which do you choose?<br />
<br />
An Italian dude named <a href="https://valterlongo.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Valter Longo</a> came along and decided to smoosh them all into one, called the FMD (Fast Mimicking Diet). How he arrived at this, is he is actually a Gerontologist studying how humans age, and therefore, how they can keep their bodies young. A big part of his plan is to do an FMD, approximately every other month, claiming that it can act as a "reset button" for your whole system.<br />
<br />
Naturally, being a 40's-something, this appeals to me. The weight loss aspect appeals to me as well. But most importantly, the "system reset" appeals to me. Without being overly graphic about it, let's just say I've developed "digestive issues" later in life. (I apologize for the TMI, but it's hard to accurately talk about one's personal biology without getting... biological... about it.)<br />
<br />
And just as an FYI, here are some of the most useful resources I found to implement this:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://prolonfmd.com/" target="_blank">Prolon</a> - worth mentioning, this is Dr Longo's official packaged meals system.</li>
<li><a href="https://cronometer.com/#foods" target="_blank">Cronometer</a> - good online tool for planning meals. It adds up calories as well as the amount of each nutrient you're getting (which is emphasized as very important to the diet)</li>
<li>ageingadvice.org - has some <a href="http://agingadvice.org/FMD-Recipes.html" target="_blank">great recipes</a> for things you can make for this diet</li>
<li>foreverfreedom.com - created and shared a great <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_f-UhsloOxvLbNLgyAouMGb1C6FoTHbkXAukR_-AH94/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">google docs spreadsheet</a> that helps you plan thigs out day-by-day</li>
<li>Quantified Bob - has an <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QpnXazOb_9PaUsX6b9QXTBuBBHHXmMOK8MUyd73WCTk/edit#gid=0" target="_blank">alternative google docs spreadsheet</a> you may also like instead </li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>Finally, here is <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16Uagdyv6nWvjKYBQx4hyXWWUbxqKaBdp7fY3VrndV3Q/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">my spreadsheet</a> of the <u>exact</u> diet plan that I used (based on the foreverfreedom spreadsheet above).</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Anyway, after all that research I decided to bite the proverbial low-calorie bullet give it a whirl. Here's the...</blockquote>
<h3>
Day-by-day summary:</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<u>Day 1 - (Fri, April 24, 2020):</u><br />
Is actually a higher-calorie day than the rest of the diet. I can't say anything was much different at all.<br />
<br />
My daily walk did just fine as well.<br />
<br />
<u>Day 2 - (Sat, April 25, 2020):</u>Though the portions were greatly reduced, I did not feel hungry in the slightest, but right away some serious stuff started happening.<br />
<br />
I don't know if you guys
have heard of the "Keto Flu" - basically flu-like symptoms can occur
when your body is entering a state of ketoisis (that is, burning fats
instead of carbohydrates for energy). That's a pretty dry & mild
definition though. Suffice it to say I had the granddaddy of all headaches. On top of that, I also had diarrhea which, as aforementioned, is not uncommon. I also had a fever.<br />
<br />
<u>Day 3 - (Sun, April 26, 2020):</u><br />
Woke up without a headache, which after last night, made me feel like Maria Von Trapp out twirling in a meadow somewhere. I thought I had a sore throat, but may have been the power of suggestion. Anyway, I wasn't going to argue with a good thing.<br />
<br />
Felt mildly hungry at times, but not like, "Ooh! I'm staaarving...!". More like taking a late lunch kind of hungry.<br />
<br />
The hard part is the temptation. My son decided to make a peach pie. That was TORTURE. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
That night I had a bout of insomnia and stayed up all night coding. 0% tired, and 0% tired the next day. This is extremely peculiar for me since I tend to have the opposite problem. Normally when my body says "sleep", I'm out, and nothing short of heavy artillery fire can wake me.<br />
<br />
<u>Day 4 - (Mon, April 27, 2020):</u><br />
The day was mostly like yesterday. Not much to report.<br />
<br />
The night, however...<br />
Monday is mommy+daddy date night, and, how should I put this mildly...? On the FMD, they say mild exercise only and avoid strenuous activity. Well, Mommy and daddy enjoyed a great deal of, *ahem*, "strenuous activity". (Again, apoligies for the TMI. I just don't know any more tactful way of saying that, and it is relevant to the diet.)<br />
<br />
The thing is, with the FMD, you are depleted of calories and only have so much energy. To put it bluntly, engaging in an all-nighter at this point completely wipes you of all energy you have left and leaves you unable to function the next day. <br />
<br />
<u>Day 5 - (Tue, April 28, 2020):</u><br />
Spent most of the day in bed for lack of energy. I started streaming "Mutant X", which, despite being a flagrant X-men knock-off by the Canadians, was pretty good... Well, from what I could tell, anyway. Kept falling asleep... during the daytime!<br />
<br />
I tried to get up a couple of times, but felt immediately woozy. Not cool. <br />
<br />
In fact, I discovered a new way that coffee can keep you awake. True story! How it works is:<br />
1) you're barely conscious, so you beg your daughter to bring in some java<br />
2) she heats some up but gets it blisteringly hot<br />
3) you hang onto it waiting for it to cool whilst watching a show about mutants (last part, optional)<br />
4) you fall asleep<br />
5) you wake up to pain and screaming!<br />
<br />
Well, since I was awake, I went on my walk. Totally and completely without energy after that, but managed to make it till bedtime without total collapse.<br />
<br />
<u>Day 6 - (Wed, April 29, 2020):</u><br />
Today is the "transition" day. It technically isn't part of the diet because you can eat whatever you want. They recommend treating it a little special and avoiding meats, dairy, etc. just because they don't want your stomach to revolt.<br />
<br />
Since it's officially over now, this brings us to...</blockquote>
<br />
<h3>
The Results:</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I weighed in this morning at 184.2 pounds. Which gives us a total weight loss of... drumroll, please... 5.4 pounds!!!<br />
<br />
Wait. All that rigmarole for just 5 pounds? Well, I *guess* that's good, but meh. I'm looking back at all these websites and youtubes I saw in preparation for this, which claim 15 or more pounds. Granted, maybe their metabolism is different than mine, but the situation makes me feel like a referee about to throw the B.S. flag on the field.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/NAe117ka9jAdi/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="245" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/NAe117ka9jAdi/giphy.gif" /></a>Meager results, but I suppose it's good. As Bob would say, "baby steps". <br />
<br />
As far as what it was doing health-wise? Hard to say for sure. My body definitely went on a wild rollercoaster of different feelings, so something was definitely going on there. Was this the famed "reset button" of myth and legend? I guess I can't say. I'll come back and update this with status later whether this makes a noticeable difference in my everyday metabolism.</blockquote>
<br />
<h3>
Conclusion:</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The fast wasn't all that bad, nor as extreme as the interwebs led me to believe. Again, any hunger experienced was a rare occurrence and pretty mild at that. I was able to stick to the diet verbatim without cheats, and maintained my usual daily walks without much trouble.<br />
<br />
Was it worth it?/Would I recommend it to you? Yeah, maybe. There was certainly some progress, and I think that just seeing what would happen was a good experience. Who knows, maybe your results would come out even better than mine! I also learned a lot of great new recipes, including cucumber gazpacho soup (again, that's <a href="http://agingadvice.org/FMD-Recipes.html" target="_blank">from agingadvice.org</a>), so the time was not wasted.<br />
<br />
Am I, personally, going to do it again in two months as prescribed? Don't know for sure, but probably not. I've decided on a wild new personal fitness goal, which is probably incompatible, and which I will be unveiling soon. Follow me on social media for the deets as they unfold. ;)<br />
<br />
Also, feel free to hurl some questions/comments my way if there's something I missed. </blockquote>
<br />
Till next time,<br />
Live YOUR adventure!<br />
-E.L. Fletcher Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-41396446425352900812020-03-14T14:55:00.001-06:002020-03-14T15:13:30.991-06:00Pandemic Owners Manual<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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SARS, Bird Flu, West Nile Virus... It seems like every few years there is some new dread disease that is going to kill us all. Yet as of the time of this article none has had the same level of cultural impact as the latest plague <i>du jour</i>, coronavirus. (One might even say it has gone... viral. 😜)<br />
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No! Don't leave! Last pun. I promise, okay? ✋<br />
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My point is (and the reason I felt the need for a blog article is), for all the noise and all the hullabaloo, what I'm not hearing is the church's response to all this. Does the Bible say anything about such events, or more to the point, how we're supposed to handle it?<br />
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I'm going to answer that by taking a little detour through the world of historical fiction.<br />
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If I could get everyone to read any other book as a "be like this" instruction manual, it would have to be the historical novel <i>When London Burned</i> by G.A. Henty. And the good news is it's out of copyright too so you can, and should, <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7831" target="_blank">download it for free</a> (👈 aka, free ebook/manual as promised)<br />
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"But wait, isn't that about some kind of fire?" I hear you ask. And it is. But this is just one of a series of large-scale events that happened one, right after another during the reign of Charles II of England. Not the least of which was the "Great Plague" which made coronavirus look like a fluffy bunny.<br />
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<a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/5342b8d7e4b0cc3fc1bc6079/1456181241036-1AJAOQOPH4TTTNIXQAQD/?content-type=image%2Fpng" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="610" height="217" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/5342b8d7e4b0cc3fc1bc6079/1456181241036-1AJAOQOPH4TTTNIXQAQD/?content-type=image%2Fpng" width="320" /></a><br />
Like we're seeing now, the prevailing response in those days was to panic, but unlike nowadays the herd chose not to stockpile toilet paper, but to do the marginally more logical thing, and flee the city in droves.<br />
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Unfortunately, this often included doctors, nurses, and clergy, which left the city not only with an overwhelming need, but a shortage of personnel to make it all worse.<br />
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The hero of the story took a different view of things and although untrained, he decides to risk his life to stay behind and help the infected people of London. This all comes after hearing the words of one of the few ministers who stayed behind. Well worth a read:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"You are all soldiers of Christ," [the minister] said, "and now is an opportunity
given to you to show that you are worthy soldiers. When the troops of a
worldly monarch go into battle they do so with head erect, with proud and
resolute bearing, with flashing eye, and with high courage, determined to
bear aloft his banner and to crown it with victory, even though it cost
them their lives. <br /><br />Such is the mien that soldiers of Christ should bear in
the mortal strife now raging round us. Let them show the same fearlessness
of death, the same high courage, the same unlimited confidence in their
Leader. <br /><br />What matter if they die in His service?<br />He has told them what
their work should be. He has bidden them visit the sick and comfort the
sorrowing. <br /><br />What if there be danger in the work?<br />Did He shrink from the
Cross which was to end His work of love, and is it for His followers to do
so? 'Though you go down into the pit,' He has said, 'I am there also'; and
with His companionship one must be craven indeed to tremble.<br /><br />This is a
noble opportunity for holding high the banner of Christ. There is work to
be done for all, and as the work is done, men should see by the calm
courage, the cheerfulness, and the patience of those that do it, that they
know that they are doing His work, and that they are content to leave the
issue, whatever it be, in His hands."
</span></blockquote>
(Spoiler: The minister dies of the plague, BTW! 😲)<br />
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I think we could all use a dose of this kind of fearlessness today. After all, Jesus Himself <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A25-29&version=ESV" target="_blank">said</a>, <span style="color: red;"><b>"</b></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;"><b>And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"</b></span> </span><br />
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<span class="woj">Even though the threat of the disease isn't even in the same league as the plagues of old, it is still causing a tidal wave of need. For example, in our area they have officially closed public schools for the next two weeks. Consider the terrible ripple-effect of that little whammy.<br /><br />Consider first the poorer members of the community whose kids *used to* get free school lunch. What are they going to eat now?<br /><br />Consider working moms -- especially single moms. What are they going to do with their kids? Will they have to quit their job to watch them? That would make their poverty WORSE!</span><br />
<span class="woj"><br /></span>
<span class="woj">And what about the nurses who have to deal with this, ON TOP OF their now overwhelming number of patients, AND the ever-present knowledge that they are more likely than most to be exposed to the disease.</span><br />
<span class="woj"><br /></span>
<span class="woj">Consider small businesses and those operating on thin margins already. What happens to them when people stop going out to eat, or going to the movies, or whatever their shop is about.</span><br />
<span class="woj"><br /></span>
<span class="woj">I'm sure there are many more hardships that I'm not even seeing. But for every one of these, there is an opportunity -- more than that, a moral imperative -- upon all Christians to help out!<br /><br />And really, that's what separates "the men from the boys" (as it were). You see, anyone can claim to be a Christian when the sun is shining and it's all Easter bonnets and Sunday School picnics. But what really puts proof to it is... what you do when it might just cost you something! </span><br />
<span class="woj"><br /></span>
<span class="woj">So, in summary:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span class="woj">Instead of looking only to cover your own buttocks just like everybody else in town, open your eyes to the need around you.</span></li>
<li><span class="woj">Seeing it alone means nothing. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1:23-24&version=ESV" target="_blank">James 1:23-24</a>) Do something about it.</span></li>
<li><span class="woj">Be fearless - like one who knows that life is only temporary and chooses to spend it the best way possible. </span></li>
<li><span class="woj">Finally, read the book above. The language is a little archaic, and the home remedies are weird, but overall, an action-packed adventure!</span></li>
</ol>
<span class="woj"><br /></span>
<span class="woj">Or, in other words, the summary of the summary:</span><br />
<span class="woj">Live Your Adventure!<br />-E.L. Fletcher</span><br />
<span class="woj"></span><span class="woj"></span><br />Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-33433041084478781712020-02-27T09:10:00.001-07:002020-02-27T10:59:58.199-07:00Clive Cussler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my major writing inspirations died this week. :_(<br />
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His story:</h3>
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Multiple bestselling action/adventure author <a href="https://clive-cussler-books.com/">Clive Cussler</a> died on Monday in his Arizona home. The facts surrounding that can be easily found on your mainsleaze news media of choice or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clive_Cussler">wikipedia</a>, but I wanted to chime into the conversation with my take on his work and how it has influenced my own.</div>
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First, if you're not familiar with his work, his books are very action-packed and have often been described as "a cross between James Bond and Indiana Jones". That is, he is always out to save the world from megalomaniac baddies like Bond, but on the other hand, there is always a historical mystery element to piece together like Indy. (Sound familiar to anybody we know?)</div>
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That was the fiction he wrote, but what the casual reader might not know this: Cussler didn't only write about uncovering history, but actually did so, himself! He was an antique automobile collector and underwater explorer who went on several amazing adventures. (His autobiography is one of my favorites.) </div>
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He even founded his own exploration group named NUMA, after the fictional (albeit better funded) one from his stories. </div>
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One thing that will always stick with me is how he talks about a little speech he had with his crew. </div>
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<u>My rendition:</u> </div>
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So he had hired a large oceangoing vessel and crew and was supposed to meet up with them. The water was choppy that day as he approached the exploration vessel in his little motorboat. With the rolling waves and rope ladder he had a hard time getting aboard. </div>
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Rather than lend a hand, the rough sailors only laughed at his attempts to climb up. </div>
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Livid, he gathered the entire crew together for a meeting. </div>
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He held up his right hand and said to them, "See this hand? I don't care what you do on this boat. I don't care what you do to the ship, to eachother, even to me. But whatever you do... you want to save this hand right here." </div>
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Sure enough one of the sailors bit. "And why the [explicitve] would we save that hand?" </div>
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He looked them in the eye and said, "Because that's the hand that writes the checks!"</div>
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After that they took a lot better care of him. :)</div>
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And speaking of an author living his adventure... </div>
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My story:</h3>
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As for me I finally decided to become an author when I was commuting back and forth into the city every day (an hour each direction on a good day). </div>
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Needless to say, I had a lot of time to kill. Evenings were no problem as I had <a href="https://branthansen.com/" target="_blank">Brant Hanson</a> to listen to on the radio -- my favorite DJ of all time, hands down. But in the mornings I needed something to occupy my mind other than talk radio (which had a way of wrecking my attitude). </div>
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Inevitably, being an avid reader, I finally turned to books on tape.
Round-about way of saying, I wound up listening to most of Clive Cussler's repitore while staring at the taillights of the car in front of me. </div>
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While going through the books I often thought, "Wow! My boys would love these!" But then there was always that "one scene"... you know, where Dirk Pitt winds up sleeping with a married woman in a Titanic stateroom or somesuch other horrible thing. </div>
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Then, in stepped a Christian filmmaker colleague who posted a meme, "Create the things you wish existed." </div>
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That was it.
Over the next several months I sat in the "hot box" (my car in the parking lot at lunch times) banging away on what would become my first release, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Queen-Atlantis-Moast-Unusual-Bible-ebook/dp/B01MXM4PII/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=queen+of+atlantis&qid=1582819475&sr=8-20" target="_blank">Queen of Atlantis</a>". </div>
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In short: all the adventure with none of the cringe. </div>
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Even though I went an all new direction with the stories, there were three characters in the series which were based around Cussler's world, as a silent omage to the books' inspiration.
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Two of these were Michael and Melinda Moast, themselves. They were based in part on Sam and Remi Fargo from one of Cussler's serieses. </div>
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I liked the idea of a married couple who "do adventure" together. It completely dovetails into the Christian view of marriage. What's more, I think that living through the ups-and-downs of the adventure of life together is really what a healthy marriage is all about.</div>
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The third character adaptation is... well... I can't tell you. It's kind of an "easter egg" in the books, so I don't want to spoil it. I'll leave it to you guys to speculate. (Heh, heh, heh!) ;)</div>
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In conclusion:</h3>
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We lost a very talented author and dynamic personality, without whom, most likely, my own works would not even exist. Mr Cussler, we salute you!</div>
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Now it is up to you and I to...<br />
Live your adventure,<br />
- E.L. Fletcher</div>
<br />Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-84537088791463204592020-01-20T12:56:00.000-07:002020-01-20T12:56:33.810-07:00Author Business Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTmxMmFKcGaVFUSsowSYmrSjLYHn4zletz2YQIWtgSy8CmS_Yas-iG6EPjWDU4BJ8hX2DWQk6L7HI4Q4Lyr439Boa4HZB1CwC3FpJcIkY6iYAgDtr0ACPH33Xbazqdg2s-THoCImrzA4/s1600/bizplan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTmxMmFKcGaVFUSsowSYmrSjLYHn4zletz2YQIWtgSy8CmS_Yas-iG6EPjWDU4BJ8hX2DWQk6L7HI4Q4Lyr439Boa4HZB1CwC3FpJcIkY6iYAgDtr0ACPH33Xbazqdg2s-THoCImrzA4/s400/bizplan.png" width="400" /></a></div>
The main purpose of this post is not only to check in but also to provide a little more information around what "Edmund Lloyd Fletcher" is about as an author.<br />
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Backing up a step, I was recently reading an ebook that said, "the reason why most authors fail is that they do not treat their writing career like a business". The book went on to explain how most authors don't have a business plan. <br />
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...Which I also didn't! <i>*Ghasp!*</i><br />
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Therefore I freaked out, dropped everything, and wrote one up. Even being only a few hours old, I feel like it has already helped to provide some guidance and direction.<br />
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I thought it would be a great idea to share the business plan here on the website so my readers can get to know me and what I'm about. Also, I think that other authors can benefit as far as inspiration in making up their own plan. <br />
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(Naturally there are some portions I've held back from posting online, but I've left the headings in place for you authors out there.)<br />
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Business plan - Edmund Lloyd Fletcher</h1>
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Mission statement</h2>
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To fill the under-served niche of Christian-based novels with high
levels of action and excitement. Moreover, to encourage Christians to
live the adventure of following God's call. </div>
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Tag line / Motto</h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Live YOUR adventure!</span></div>
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Core values</h2>
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<li>Compelling stories that make the reader think about life.</li>
<li>Flawed, but faithful heroes that the reader can identify personally with.</li>
<li>Villains so "reasonable" in their thought processes that the reader can identify with.</li>
<li>Clean from sexual content and perverse speech. (Even including pseudo-cusswords.)</li>
<li>Portray worlds in keeping with the Christian worldview. (eg. Magic is always evil, etc)</li>
<li>Encourage the reader to get out there and live the adventure of life!</li>
<li>Message should flow in a non-preachy way such that a complete atheist could read the book</li>
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Target audience</h2>
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<li>Faithful Christians</li>
<li>Avid readers</li>
<li>primarily young adult eager for adventures of life</li>
<li>also older people "stuck in a rut" and desiring adventure</li>
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Available assets</h2>
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<li>programming skills</li>
<li>wife with people skills + facebook skills</li>
<li>kids with vivid imagination</li>
<li>kids who are readers</li>
<li>old christian film contacts</li>
<li>church family</li>
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Short-term goals</h2>
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<li>Release a book every three months</li>
<li>Teach classes (how to publish your own book in today's world)</li>
<li>Speaking events?</li>
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Long-term goals</h2>
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<li>20 novels</li>
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Ultimate goal</h2>
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<li>To be able to make a living from my writing.</li>
<li>Syndicate "Edmund Lloyd Fletcher"</li>
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Action plan</h2>
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<li>Get The Third Crown out ASAP!</li>
<li>... [other items redacted] ...</li>
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Support team</h2>
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Potential writing partners</h3>
[redacted]
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Beta readers</h3>
[redacted]
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Editors</h3>
[redacted]
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Reviewers (send advanced-reader copies)</h3>
[redacted]
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Promotion Locations</h3>
[redacted]
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Advertising Locations</h3>
[redacted]
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Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-71485186750485804832019-11-01T17:53:00.000-06:002019-11-01T17:53:44.411-06:00NaNo, Go, Go GO!Okay, that title may or may not have been written by my inner cheerleader. <br />
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And, I'm going to need her, because<a href="https://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank"> NaNoWriMo</a> is in full-swing! To compound matters, this is the most <a href="https://www.autocrit.com/editing/library/plotter-or-pantser-the-best-of-both-worlds/" target="_blank">pantster </a>I have ever gone. I literally started out with nothing but an idea -- no characters, no scene ideas, no nothing!<br />
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Day 1 is down, and despite starting out at absolute zero<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqr8YsJNoDGbmnvrZcSebOJYr0cVeM53rBhol1Vo2kcOKJtI9w-v0Lwpb3JrXW-rp6UuZlHvZ6odHdDaWe4aF8ylPkXXS5fUlfG-HVR_WcMcQNu88YHdCugAKOWld629xFTONXr_gcW8/s1600/nano.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqr8YsJNoDGbmnvrZcSebOJYr0cVeM53rBhol1Vo2kcOKJtI9w-v0Lwpb3JrXW-rp6UuZlHvZ6odHdDaWe4aF8ylPkXXS5fUlfG-HVR_WcMcQNu88YHdCugAKOWld629xFTONXr_gcW8/s320/nano.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I actually made (and exceeded) my word count today!<br />
<br />
Also, you may be curious, "Hey, what idea is he doing, anyway? Last I heard he was still deciding".<br />
<br />
Too true. Thank you everybody who voted! Unfortunately the votes were pretty much neck-and-neck, so it literally came down to a coin toss. As I told DW as she was flipping, "Wouldn't it be wild if this book totally takes off and people want to know 'how did you decide...' " That would be a fun story.<br />
<br />
Anyway, without further vindaloo, the idea that won both the votes and the toss was #2, the war between fantasy realms. Here's the working cover I hacked together last night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnR5A0lJz9z6dBPKPNLKvvlo-ekK6aViTvXoTTssB3wTCAwAPrPDN6oTdEezcXLddQMaeOgohYDcvs-Mdk-kTvBzMOYPFpqy7IshLP2AiqPGON8gW7FovGB1HNc0O60NcEjxFQ0zZV5ys/s1600/cover1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1134" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnR5A0lJz9z6dBPKPNLKvvlo-ekK6aViTvXoTTssB3wTCAwAPrPDN6oTdEezcXLddQMaeOgohYDcvs-Mdk-kTvBzMOYPFpqy7IshLP2AiqPGON8gW7FovGB1HNc0O60NcEjxFQ0zZV5ys/s400/cover1.png" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
Strangely, it turned out having the "feel" of an indie CD cover to me. Oh well. Works for now.<br />
<br />
Plus, if you're good at reading the clues, you can figure out which fantasy realms are at war here. ;) ;)<br />
<br />
So, hopefully somewhere in the mishmash lies a story you'll one day enjoy reading! Till then, if you're also a NaNoWriMo participant, feel free to "buddy" me on there. My account is, of course, "<a href="https://nanowrimo.org/participants/edmund-lloyd-fletcher" target="_blank">Edmund Lloyd Fletcher</a>".<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks, and Live YOUR Adventure,<br />
-E.L. FletcherEdmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-44969029071230715492019-10-26T11:49:00.000-06:002019-10-26T12:28:35.068-06:00NaNoWriMo 2019 Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_now/nanowrimo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="548" height="400" src="https://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_now/nanowrimo.png" width="273" /> </a></div>
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Uh oh! It's that time of year again!</h2>
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Yep <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a>, the legendary "National Novel Writing Month" is upon us once again. Of course, I still haven't finished editing and publishing the 3 books from the past NaNo experiences, but I prefer not to dwell on the... present. :D</div>
<br />
And like last year I'm going to open it up to you, my friends and fans, to vote on what story you most want to see!<br />
<h4>
Here are our options:</h4>
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1) Giant rock beasts with villagers living on their back. Goal of the
beasts is to fight one another in a Highlander-esque “In the end, there
can be only one” scenario. This would be a trilogy, progressively
insane in scale of the beasts and the stakes for the people involved.</div>
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<br /></div>
2) A fantasy war story between two fairytale realms — that is told as <i>an actual</i>
war story. What I mean by that is less “battle of the 5 armies” and
more “saving private ryan”. Like an in-the-trenches viewpoint.<br />
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<br /></div>
3) I have an entire file cabinet full of sci-fi stuff from way back in
highschool when I was into that. Someday I need to sort that out, clean
it up (it was written in my BC days), and do something with it. Not
looking forward to this mess, but it needs to be done.<br />
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I think the easiest way to tabulate results would be to head on over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EdmundLloydFletcher/posts/1193461327527445" target="_blank">the poll on my facebook page</a>.</div>
<br />Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-13326138591842347322019-08-30T11:40:00.001-06:002019-08-30T11:40:48.720-06:00Beta Readers Wanted!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHb69tUk-Tb18BzymKCi_awhwawwOxkL-sW4thY4vZOlAdgoxfxhYg9mpSAiWFkiKsyUHtzdNbYO60Ef3jUPyUOATHLTGkB0Vghwy9NCvRdidY6M2TCMe-E6WXE7pCjI0nSgCBScYBvo/s1600/beta_reader.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="805" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHb69tUk-Tb18BzymKCi_awhwawwOxkL-sW4thY4vZOlAdgoxfxhYg9mpSAiWFkiKsyUHtzdNbYO60Ef3jUPyUOATHLTGkB0Vghwy9NCvRdidY6M2TCMe-E6WXE7pCjI0nSgCBScYBvo/s400/beta_reader.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Get it? Because it's a Beta fish... 😜<br /><br />Okay, never mind.<br /><br />I think the real point is that even if you aren't a fish, you may be interested to know that I'm looking for beta-readers for my new novel slated to come out Oct 4. Yep, that's right, you get to read the story a <u>FULL MONTH</u> before everybody else!!!<br /><br />I've gotten a few people on board already by word of mouth (you guys ROCK!) but the more, the merrier. Come on in!<br /><br />Also, I should mention that is a staged-release, so each beta reader gets the version with feedback & features recommended by the previous round. What this means to you is that you really benefit by all those already with their noses in the book - er - kindle, I guess.<br /><br />If you're interested in joining the fun, drop me an email or message me on your social media of choice.</div>
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<br /><br />Thanks,</div>
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- E.L. Fletcher</div>
<span id="goog_34673873"></span><span id="goog_34673874"></span><br />Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-37580150090768383132019-05-18T23:10:00.000-06:002019-05-18T23:10:24.145-06:00Books, marketing, and a Bible lesson (that should scare you a little)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMHxTv8vCXZQZnUkp9C7qhzNmsBqGyLeVPzR-fFZDAvsqs6VdQ8T_QfOjYuzPA41vibH6UZcV-tPdB3Ikgn0QqEbVQlKH8S7AaqFccfKCjKVZnZId_IlBvl30YOdG_OMedVlO8GkkoB4/s1600/books-2596900_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="829" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMHxTv8vCXZQZnUkp9C7qhzNmsBqGyLeVPzR-fFZDAvsqs6VdQ8T_QfOjYuzPA41vibH6UZcV-tPdB3Ikgn0QqEbVQlKH8S7AaqFccfKCjKVZnZId_IlBvl30YOdG_OMedVlO8GkkoB4/s400/books-2596900_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h2>
Books, marketing, and a Bible lesson (that should scare you a little)</h2>
<br />
If you're like me, it means you love to create; build things; innovate; put the pieces together and come up with something great. I mean, that's what drives us, right?<br />
<br />
The trouble is at some point or another, we have to make money to, you know, eat. That means selling/marketing our work. It means <i>*distant shriek*</i> actually talking to people.<br />
<br />
If we've gone the traditional publisher route, we can (but probably shouldn't) assume that they'll take care of some of that. And, of course, if we self-publish we're all on our own.<br />
<br />
Either way, our marketing approach usually remains the same: Ignore it and hope it goes away. After all, our book is so awesome people will find it and buy it. Riiight... 🤔<br />
<br />
I hate to say it, but... (No, seriously. I really <b>don't</b> want to say it!) ... that's not only a terrible plan, but explicitly condemned by Scripture as well!<br />
<br />
"Huh? What? Where's it say that?"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A14-30&version=ESV" target="_blank">Matthew 25:14-30</a>, otherwise entitled the "Parable of the Talents". It's fairly popular, but to recap, Jesus told the story of a businessman goes on vacation, leaves some cash ("talents" were silver coins) with his servants for safekeeping. First two did a good job investing, doubled his money, and were generously rewarded. Third guy not only didn't invest, but didn't even put it in the bank.<br />
<br />
He literally buried his talents in a hole. Yeah! Here he had talents and instead of putting them out there for the world to see he buried them away. Haha! What a doofus! He completely... um... [uncomfortable pause] ... oh wait. I see what you did there, Jesus. 😳<br />
<br />
There were two consequences for this. First, his talents were taken away and given to the wealthiest of the wise servants. Ever heard the cliche "the rich get richer"? Well, what if that observation isn't about fairness (as we make it out to be) but more a matter of poor stewardship and its consequences? Something to think on.<br />
<br />
Oh, but don't leave offended yet. It gets worse!<br />
<br />
The last line is, <span style="color: red;">"<span class="text Matt-25-30" id="en-ESV-24035"><span class="woj">cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth</span></span>"</span> That's a common Biblical euphemism for Hell! Okay, I never quite let that sink in before. This whole analogy about not living up to ones' potential... okay, fine, I track with that. But, Hell!?? Woa! 😱<br />
<br />
Hard to say exactly why the offense called for such a severe punishment. But it certainly does make one sit up and take notice!<br />
<br />
The best conclusion I came up with is that if we bury our talents, either through active hiding or the<i><b> </b>laissez-faire<b> </b></i>policy of ignoring marketing, we're essentailly<i> stealing</i>. We're stealing from the world something that others could enjoy and be edified by.<br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but I don't believe in randomness or chance, but in a world that's logical and under control. I have to believe, then, that we were put here with a specific job to do and a purpose in mind (<a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+4:14&version=ESV">Esther 4:14</a>). <br />
<br />
But what happens when we neglect that job? Good question. I know it doesn't confound God's plan, but... at what cost to those around us? And if the dire consequences of the parable are any indication, then the cost to us must be quite high indeed!<br />
<br />
Now how am I going to end this topic on a more positive note ...?<br />
<br />
I know! For those looking for a little more carrot an a little less stick, take
a moment and listen through Matthew West's song "You've Got Something
to Say"<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/98s3xN5P6dQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/98s3xN5P6dQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<i>Bueno</i>?<br />
<br />
Okay, now get out there, get your marketing game on, and most of all...<br />
<br />
Live Your Adventure,<br />
-E.L. FletcherEdmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-5699172038661894762018-11-30T14:39:00.000-07:002018-11-30T14:39:36.620-07:00NaNoWriMo 2018 In ReviewWell it's over - that great month of insanity known as NaNoWriMo.<br />
<br />
And if you recall from the previous post I had determined to write a complete first draft of two different novels in the same month. So how did that work out?<br />
<br />
Did I make it?<br />
Did it just about kill me? <br />
Do I kind of regret signing on for that much?<br />
<br />
Yes, to all three.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpEI_5XjttB2vjlWKJslMBh6jhyphenhyphenTWzPbQmiV9hHP3buB8GhB-QwMf152WGcf8ROgVA0UQ7-ftgg5WePbgFGYBP3xkNy5yI6U1TSLfr4SAzxi5G9SZWwU4ziRn4PNsGDEj6doSM4Zvq84/s1600/nano.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpEI_5XjttB2vjlWKJslMBh6jhyphenhyphenTWzPbQmiV9hHP3buB8GhB-QwMf152WGcf8ROgVA0UQ7-ftgg5WePbgFGYBP3xkNy5yI6U1TSLfr4SAzxi5G9SZWwU4ziRn4PNsGDEj6doSM4Zvq84/s400/nano.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But it's over now, so I thought I'd share with you guys a little postmortem of things and a few gravy quotes of what you can look forward to when the full books are finally released. <br />
<br />
Interestingly, the two couldn't have been more opposite.<br />
<br />
Elfworld:<br />
<ul>
<li>Male Protagonist </li>
<li>Just a fun, wild, and light-hearted comedy. </li>
<li>Total "pantster". I had had absolutely no plan in mind going into it, just this basic idea of the world.</li>
<li>The characters are all relaxed, endearing, and in some ways nigh invincible.</li>
<li>Has a totally concrete "and they lived happily ever after" ending. (Well, TWO of those, actually. But you'd have to read it to get what I mean by that.) </li>
</ul>
<br />
Yet One Way Ticket:<br />
<ul>
<li>Female Protagonist.</li>
<li>A deep, brooding dystopia where mortality confronts the characters at every turn.</li>
<li>Total "planster". I had a number of ideas that I wanted to work in and spent the entire first day doing nothing but outlining. (If you look at my word graph it's easy to see when I switched. I did a whopping 18 words that day, vs the usual 3,000 or more!)</li>
<li>The characters are flawed, broken, plagued with self-doubt. At one point you don't even know who to trust. </li>
<li>Ends with a major twist, a huge new development in the world, and characters geared up and ready to go for a sequel (though I han'd been planning to make either a series. I couln't leave their world the way it was and so it just played out that way.) </li>
</ul>
In other ways they turned out strikingly similar. <br />
<ul>
<li>Their main adversaries were high-level influencers in their world system. </li>
<li>Both heroes are a part of a dedicated, hand-picked team which allegedly has a traitor in its midst.</li>
<li>The main plot consisted of a physical journey from here to there.</li>
<li>Protagonist is an everyday person who learns way too much about the way the world works, their place in it, and brings themself under fire due to their unique special abilities.</li>
</ul>
<br />
In fact, at one point in both stories, the leading female character gets a certain thing into her head and has to be bodily carried away from the situation like a sack of potatoes. I don't know why I happened to use that exact same plot device twice in a row, but the situation seemed to call for it, so... whatever, I guess.<br />
<br />
I've had to shelve stories in the past that simply didn't seem to work out right, but both of these seem like winners in their own way. Since I literally only finished it moments ago, I have no feedback on One-Way Ticket yet, but concerning Elfworld, I've heard my pre-alpha readers physically laughing out loud, so that's a good compliment! :)<br />
<br />
I think you'll probably see both in print someday.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here are a couple of great excerpts from each that you can enjoy until then.<br />
(You can totally see the huge difference between the two stories from the tone of the quotes below.) <br />
<br />
<h3>
One-Way Ticket:</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Nature had done its job well, and the body had no remaining odor to it. All that remained behind were bones and a few stray hairs.<br />
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Stricken with a sudden morbid curiosity, she reached over plucked one up.</div>
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Drawing it out, she watched in mute fascination as it slid through her thumb and forefinger.</div>
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<i>Who were you, once?</i> she mentally asked the bones. <i>You had pretty hair.</i> she added, realizing that the color and length was not dissimilar to her own.</div>
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<i>How does it come to this? You were just an average woman living in Utopia.</i> she thought, not sure which one of them she was addressing. <i>But The Collectives had their points to make, didn't they? And so, here you are.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<i>
</i><div align="justify" style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-user-state: 2; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; text-indent: 20px;">
<i>Were you going to the fridge for a snack when it happened?</i> she wondered. <i>Were you making a meal for your family? Are they buried here too?</i></div>
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<i>Or did your body simply fall here? Thrown out with the rest like any common piece of garbage?</i></div>
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The bones would not answer.</div>
</blockquote>
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<h3>
Elfworld:</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
His friends had long ago given up any idea of participating in the fighting and now merely stood aside and watched. Though he plowed through the soldiers as reckless as lemming on crack, and though he had too many holes in him to count, Benny's life bar hadn't budged a single tick.<br />
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If the previous battles were any indication, he should be feeling tremendous physical pain right now, but apparently the effects of Trina's last Courage +50 were eclipsing even that.</div>
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Kamauski cleared his throat. "Um, guys. You know we're probably <i>the</i> worst fantasy team of all time, right? I mean, the only reason we're even winning right now is because we slipped our own leader a power-up mickey so he'd do all the fighting for us..."</div>
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They nodded slowly.</div>
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"No, okay. As long as you're good with it."</div>
</blockquote>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
One-Way Ticket:</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
From her present point of view the city seemed to be a rare oasis of life in this world of war and decay, but now Emily had seen the truth behind the illusion, however. It was no oasis at all, but a great and hungry leech, sucking away the life and all good things from the surrounding land. This even included its own underground, for not but a level or two below the surface, the destitute people of the Fells treadled the great millstone that made the whole engine turn. Utopia, built upon hollow stuffs, in more ways than one.</blockquote>
<br />
<h3>
Elfworld:</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
On the TV screen, a drone shot panned across a roaring stadium of mixed-species fans of all walks of life.<br />
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<br /></div>
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Cut to a balding announcer in a crooked tie. "We're back! Bottom of the sixth, Cubs are still up by two. It's been an exciting game sportsfans."</div>
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<br /></div>
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Same announcer, in voice-over as they cut to the diamond. "But they may be in trouble, folks, coach has sent in Kellan Frostbeard."</div>
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<br /></div>
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A white-bearded dwarf spit (not to be racist, but dwarves tended to like that part of the sport), tapped the dirt off his cleats, and settled into his stance.</div>
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"Now, Frostbeard led the league in RBI's last season, despite having a fairly low number of hits."</div>
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Another voice, "Right you are, Chuck, but I'd like to remind you that when looking at the stats of your halfling batters it all comes down to a question of whether the pitcher can put it across the strike zone or not. And with the bases loaded like they are, it looks like the Cubbies could be in for --"</div>
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<br /></div>
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Untold thousands of fans around the nation groaned in unison as the picture cut out in favor of the station logo. </div>
<br />
<br />
Well, that's it for now. I guess I have to come out of hibernation now and see what real life has to offer. ;)</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
Live YOUR Adventure,<br />
-E.L. Fletcher <br />
Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-39056709001425509522018-11-14T21:02:00.000-07:002018-11-14T21:13:55.494-07:00NaNoWriMo Double-Down!So you guys asked for Elfworld, and you know what? You got Elfworld! (Or a first draft, at least.)<br />
<br />
Submitted for your approval, a photographic re-enactment of me crushing it:<br />
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<a href="https://instagram.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/8e6d965381a406458d73c75f6908f827/5C7C0EE4/t51.2885-15/e35/45426935_274385029947954_1047285179080756990_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://instagram.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/8e6d965381a406458d73c75f6908f827/5C7C0EE4/t51.2885-15/e35/45426935_274385029947954_1047285179080756990_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/ba8b3b213fd966904fdb11ee69dd0e31/5C7C52B9/t51.2885-15/e35/44619046_326528181409280_3229380796352528877_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://instagram.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/ba8b3b213fd966904fdb11ee69dd0e31/5C7C52B9/t51.2885-15/e35/44619046_326528181409280_3229380796352528877_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But here's the real question. Today is Nov 14 - only halfway through NaNoWriMo - but I've already got the 50,000 words in.<br />
<br />
Therefore, since I wrote the one you wanted for the first of the month, I'm going to write the one I want for the second half. Sound fair?<br />
<br />
That makes this post my second NaNo announcment. This time the book is:<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MP3wFqlu8b7U_Jg21sJJNYXw0_kDCoH92pjCRpFezlxCGI36zFiivhWsx8lVUzPDv9MGegJB4T-cPXgGHT9tKjaab-Y4oF52MUOW6RAYPtkjXfdaKhYmoDEInEZG2-sElii2or7QY5U/s1600/apocalypse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MP3wFqlu8b7U_Jg21sJJNYXw0_kDCoH92pjCRpFezlxCGI36zFiivhWsx8lVUzPDv9MGegJB4T-cPXgGHT9tKjaab-Y4oF52MUOW6RAYPtkjXfdaKhYmoDEInEZG2-sElii2or7QY5U/s400/apocalypse.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>One Way Ticket </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Working title only. Still thinking up a cool name.)</span></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>In a dystopian future, the continent has been reduced to a number of warring city-states. Each, in a desperate scramble for survival has devolved to the level of bloodthirsty efficiency. Needless to say that when Emily Conrad is diagnosed with a terminal illness, she suddenly finds herself running out of options.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-user-state: 2; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
Only one alternative remains: To join the army's death squad division and at least go out with a bang!</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Sound exciting? <br />
I hope so.<br />
For updates, follow me on social media (links on the right) and my <a href="https://nanowrimo.org/participants/edmund-lloyd-fletcher/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo profile</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Till then, Live Your Adventure!<br />
-E.L.FletcherEdmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-21854084283093461192018-11-01T17:53:00.000-06:002018-11-01T17:53:10.816-06:00Nanowrimo 2018 announcement!Yes folks, it's that time of year again. Time to binge write like a person half my age and end up getting wheeled off to the looney bin. Fun times!<br />
<br />
This year I narrowed it down to three ideas and let you, my loyal fans, decide on social media.<br />
<br />
Well, the votes are in and the winner is... <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://instagram.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/47ba9470a8ca14a2c6c53b6432ad1654/5C76D9D9/t51.2885-15/fr/e15/s1080x1080/43914100_268215077213512_8512800196426510217_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://instagram.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/47ba9470a8ca14a2c6c53b6432ad1654/5C76D9D9/t51.2885-15/fr/e15/s1080x1080/43914100_268215077213512_8512800196426510217_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Okay, first off I had way too much fun doctoring that image. :)<br />
<br />
And secondly, the elf dude actually does resemble one of the characters shaking out of the story. His name is Hadley Morrel, a power-executive who seeks to leverage the q.e. for his own financial gain.<br />
<br />
Oh, but what is the q.e.? You may ask.<br />
<br />
The q.e. is the Quantum Eclipse. <br /><br />You see, <span>it turns out that "parallel dimensions" are anything but parallel.
Rather, they are constantly adrift, coming in and out of phase with
one another. </span><br />
<br />
<span>The reason why our culture has been so influenced by the the
fantasy genre is because that particular dimension is nearing our own. </span><br />
<br />
<span>Of course, Benny doesn't realize any of this until he arrives
at the office one morning and holds the door for an elf with a
briefcase. The fantasy world is suddenly mashed up with our own, and he
grows increasingly frustrated that only he seems to know the difference
between the two!</span><br />
<br />
<span>Now he has to walk that fine line between fantasy and reality, and hopefully save both from tyranny and destruction!</span><br />
<br />
<span>There are some great surprises along the way, including some guest appearances by certain persons you may know. I'm not going to say any more than that. You'll have to read the book. :)-</span><br />
<br />
<span>Anyway, the first day of binge-writing went rather well, propelling me to a respectable start of 6,590 words. NaNo says if I can keep that up I'll be done in a week. I make no promises in that regard though. Lol!</span><br />
<br />
<span>Finally, if you are a fellow NaNoWriMo participant, you can find me / buddy me / verbally abuse me via: <br /><a href="https://nanowrimo.org/participants/edmund-lloyd-fletcher">https://nanowrimo.org/participants/edmund-lloyd-fletcher</a></span> Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-52358494489144343052018-10-19T15:15:00.000-06:002018-10-19T15:15:44.161-06:00Be Safe Out There.The artist space I'm a member of is doing a big push to get everybody to keep MSDS safety sheets on file for all of the supplies they use.<br />
<br />Being an author, I'm feeling a little left out of the "fun", so I made this.<br /><br />Be safe out there, folks! ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlsZ1_ixLHgzrca59E8a6YgIaDpBCtpePPUXYi0-HAjzOIDBPYWV1q5iynI_S8Tj9tXIDvBgHpuQ6zS-66KWd0aY_XoJbA1tVdeTkNNjhXFOYHbI1Hun0wVLlg0_m7VkjtzfIZRvDOM8/s1600/msds+-+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlsZ1_ixLHgzrca59E8a6YgIaDpBCtpePPUXYi0-HAjzOIDBPYWV1q5iynI_S8Tj9tXIDvBgHpuQ6zS-66KWd0aY_XoJbA1tVdeTkNNjhXFOYHbI1Hun0wVLlg0_m7VkjtzfIZRvDOM8/s640/msds+-+1.png" width="491" /></a></div>
Here's a close-up of the hazard icons:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQ39p3V1Z-sM-rQ3ATMZrSetthUd8w0IpBF8S-w8xC83IPNWwSXSqne6Q3kciEFttv0ry5B9YFpkOe1-nSOuBT7f0mE_dWsNsqlFG14yX8sll6HSjpDLrap5rGSExu7OKA8BqjhKdBns/s1600/hazard.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQ39p3V1Z-sM-rQ3ATMZrSetthUd8w0IpBF8S-w8xC83IPNWwSXSqne6Q3kciEFttv0ry5B9YFpkOe1-nSOuBT7f0mE_dWsNsqlFG14yX8sll6HSjpDLrap5rGSExu7OKA8BqjhKdBns/s400/hazard.png" /></a><br /><br />(I love the word "foodstuffs", by the way.)<br />And if you want the whole thing, you can download as an <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/16JLA2buExAG0OheP8ChEJGQzUwiOCvdd/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">OpenOffice drawing</a> or a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gmx-DWGn7I2-wzVhZA0BsaTPrkNVcf0r/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">PDF file.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Well, keep smiling and Live Your Adventure,<br />-E.L. Fletcher<br />
<br />
<br />Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-1457868747233993042018-09-03T11:27:00.000-06:002018-09-03T11:27:35.355-06:00Review: The Ishbane Conspiracy<br />
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<br />
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320554453l/290362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320554453l/290362.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.christianbook.com/the-ishbane-conspiracy-angela-alcorn/9781576738177/pd/738175?event=ESRCG">The Ishbane Conspiracy</a><br />By Angela, Karina, and <a href="https://www.epm.org/blog/">Randy</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"> Alcorn</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ISBN: 9781576738177</div>
<br />
<h3>
Cover description:</h3>
Sneak a peek over the enemy's shoulder as Lord Foulgrin describes his
plan to capture the souls of four young friends. Picture-perfect Jillian
is terrified of getting hurt. Tough-talking Brittany trusts nobody.
Successful athlete Ian dabbles in the occult. And former gang member Rob
struggles with old guilt and new faith. Will they resist temptation?<br /><br />
<h3>
Here's the deal:</h3>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BnFX20phQ3j/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.instagram.com/p/BnFX20phQ3j/" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://instagram.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/f9c032756df0b60702c6e8ca6440f289/5C25F842/t51.2885-15/e35/39539034_952615194946929_7242813284951261184_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Any instagrammies (insta... grannies? What??) reading this will recall I recently made out like a bandit at a library book sale.<br />
<br />
Well, one of the things I came away with was <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/the-ishbane-conspiracy-angela-alcorn/9781576738177/pd/738175?event=ESRCG"><i>The Ishbane Comspiracy</i></a> by Randy Alcorn. (Third book down in the far left stack.) When it happened, I was a little short of time, so I saw "Randy Alcorn", grabbed it, and kept right on swimming through the book table like Scrooge MacDuck.<br />
<br />
It, in fact, is not only written by Randy Alcorn, but also his two daughters Angela and Karina. Truth be told, it was probably written entirely by them, only leveraging their father's name to get ahead... which I don't begrudge them. It's is nice work if you can get it, right? ;) <br />
<br />
Anyway, I didn't realize until I finished it, that this is technically a sequel to another book called <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/lord-foulgrins-letters-randy-alcorn/9781576738610/pd/38612?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Lord Foulgrin's Letters</a></i>. You can very well read <i>Ishbane</i> all on its own as I did (it stands alone fairly well), but I believe reading the other first would give some helpful backstory on the Foulgrin vs. Ishbane conflict as well as what happened with Mr Jordan Fletcher, the father.<br /><br />Yep, the family's name is Fletcher. Good name. :)<br />
<br />
<h3>
On to the review:</h3>
<br />
I honestly didn't know what to expect going into this. It seemed more like a <i>This Present Darkness </i>straight-up spiritual warfare story, but turned out to be more like <i>The Screwtape Letters</i>.<br />
<br />
[Aside: For those who don't know C.S. Lewis' <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Screwtape_Letters" target="_blank">The Screwtape Letters</a> is about a demon writing to his nephew/apprentice about the best ways to beat you up and kill you.]<br />
<br />
The first book even brands itself as "a screwtape letters for our day", which, yes and no. I have to say that a lot of the "our day" stuff was a little dated, even for the 2001 printing date. But hey, if you write it off as the world the book is set in, you can move right along, no problem.<br />
<br />
As to the <i>screwtape letters</i> angle, I liked that they intermingled a narrative story with the letters between the two demons. Unfortunately, they chose to always include one letter per chapter. The chapters themselves were short and sweet (if you've read my stuff, you know I like that model). But mix the two things together, however, and you have a lot of demon banter that is simply there for filler. As the book progresses you come to dread getting to the end of the action because you know that you'll have to wade through two pages of Hell's politics before getting on with the story!<br />
<br />
And to make matters worse, demons, as it turns out, always seem to speak in mixed-metaphors. Why? Well that brings me to...<br />
<br />
The biggest problem, however, can be seen before you even get to chapter 1. Just take a look at the acknowledgments page. Usually, it's a one liner, like, "I want to thank God and Uncle Jessie for always standing by me." ;) This book lists over a full page of people who all threw in their ten cents!<br />
<br />
So what does that mean in a practical sense? It means that they tried to cram in every possible thought about Christianity as it relates to the modern world. I mean, to their credit, they get it all right. Flat out nailing that many culture/worldview issues is no small fete! But the thing is, doing it all in one book... that's a bit much.<br /><br />No. Strike that. A <a href="https://kendrickbrothers.com/projects/films/" target="_blank">Kendrick Brothers</a> film covers a bit much. This is like four Kendrick films smooshed together.<br />
<br />
For instance, this book tackles: underage drinking, drinking and driving, drug abuse, new age, tarot, oiji boards (giving us a full chronological history), transcendental meditation, crystals, homosexuality, abortion, wicca, teen sex, school shootings, relativism, metaphysics, suicide, pop music, irreducible complexity, heaven, bullying, harry potter, peer pressure, media bias, college anti-christian prejudice, down syndrome babies, out-of-body experiences, liberal parenting, familiar spirits, and, of course, the meaning of salvation. <br /><br />And this is just a sampling off the top of my head!<br />
<br />
All those things are great topics that need to be discussed. But pick ONE! (Maybe two or three <i>at most</i>.)<br />
<br />
Of course, this is the reason behind all of the mixed-metaphors that I was complaining about earlier. It's this continual shifting from one great analogy to another without a clutch that's really grinding my gears. (Now how's<i> that</i> for a metaphor! No? Okay, moving on...)<br />
<br />
Finally by the time we reach the major climax of the book (I won't spoil it) we have one -- count 'em, ONE -- chapter for the characters to come to grips with what happened. You know how in <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2018/08/review-haunted-house-flipper.html" target="_blank">my review of Haunted House Flipper</a> I applauded the author for having such a clean, tight ending. Well, that's doubly to his credit if even the Alcorns have a hard time getting it together.<br />
<br />
At this point I want to pause my ranting and call a time-out. In these reviews I'm always worried that people will read all of my negative comments and go, "Wow, thanks, I sure don't want to read that one, then!"<br /><br />I mean, some of them are that way, but if that's the take-home, I'll definitely say so.<br />
<br />
This book... erm...<br />Well, read the summary and find out.<br /><br />
<h3>
Summary:</h3>
I would recommend reading the first book if you can. If not, don't sweat it too much. Go ahead and grab this one anyway. It stands well enough on its own.<br />
<br />
As far as the book itself: It's good, but it does cover a lot of ground. I think if you know that going into it, and you're ready and willing to take that journey, no problem. <br />
<br />
If, on the other hand, you're not feeling up for that and want something with a clear, straightforward theme... Well, I wouldn't say don't read it. I'd rather say, keep it on your shelf until the day you are in the mood to chew through it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Live YOUR adventure!<br />
-E.L. Fletcher<br /><br /><br />
<h3>
P.S. </h3>
Interestingly, one of the metaphors in chapter 3:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #38761d;">"No I mean it. I'm not in control. Neither are you. We can do what we can do, but let's face it, we don't pull the strings of the universe. It's like we're on a big ship crossing the ocean and we can do certain things on board, like eat lunch or play shuffleboard or take a nap or read a book. But we can't make the ship go wherever we want."</span></blockquote>
I noticed must have come directly from<a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2018/08/aw-tozer-review-1-of-3.html" target="_blank"> the A.W. Tozer book I recently reviewed</a>! Concerning the sovreignty of God, Tozer says:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #38761d;">On board the [ocean] liner are several scores of passengers. These are not in chains, neither are their activities determined for them by decree. They are completely free to move about as they will. They eat, sleep, play, lounge about on deck, read, talk, altogether as they please; but all the while the great liner is carrying them steadily onward to a predetermined port. </span></blockquote>
How's that for good timing?<br />
<br />Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-87673119821562269032018-08-27T16:03:00.000-06:002018-08-27T16:05:57.187-06:00Review: Haunted House Flipper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65pOiouSilhZ2lRWCsKLgZ1AilaI-osgZHgxtPtpReHJccSuXesQSZH8stTjgFQ_qYzOaHkmMXDKLAWxaLtcfKZdEE7QuzbbyRhEpKRO8-u954OVlvWJgIxlujt5xw4YjVeTwsaUzKRQ/s1600/hhf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="443" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65pOiouSilhZ2lRWCsKLgZ1AilaI-osgZHgxtPtpReHJccSuXesQSZH8stTjgFQ_qYzOaHkmMXDKLAWxaLtcfKZdEE7QuzbbyRhEpKRO8-u954OVlvWJgIxlujt5xw4YjVeTwsaUzKRQ/s400/hhf.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dandantheartman.com/p/the-library.html">Haunted House Flipper</a><br />
By: <a href="http://www.dandantheartman.com/">Dan Absalonson</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ISBN: 978-1983682025 </div>
<h3>
Cover Description:<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></h3>
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>Ray is a friendless realtor who stumbles on supernatural tools that get rid of demons. He decides to flip haunted mansions by ridding them of demons, renovating them, then selling them for a hefty profit. Discover a new world within our own as Ray learns how to use his supernatural tools, fights demons, makes new friends, & outsmarts new enemies.</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
Background:</h3>
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">So here's how it happened. I was just hanging out on the socials, trying to keep up with all that rigamaroll, when a guy on Instagram starts talking about this strange new book he's reading about a "haunted house flipper". (Much the same as the description above.) I was intrigued by the concept and started asking more about it.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Turns out the author himself was lurking on the conversation since his name was @ tagged. He was like "here, lemme send you a copy". And I'm all like, "Kay." -- Though the conversation may have been less teenager-y than that, that was the jest of it.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">He sent me the ebook, not asking for a review or anything, just, "here you go".</span><br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">But I liked the story and thought I'd write a review anyway, so here goes...</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
Review:</h3>
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">First the cons: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">As far as the technical craftsmanship, a couple of things fell a little short. <br /><br />First off, the cover. I mean, it works, and it isn't MS Paint by any means, but it does seem a little lacking when compared to many so-called "professional" designs. Maybe a B- project in Photoshop class. Especially surprising since the author is not a bad artist, so I assume part of this could be a "personal taste" factor at play here. Anyway, I had the ebook, so it really wasn't front-and-center to bother me regardless.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The other thing that seemed to fall a little short was in the writing. Though in many ways very well done, the author's tendency to re-use the same word over and over got a little monotonous. Again, a passing grade by all means, and like the cover design, your average reader not being so obsessed with the minute details of the craft probably wouldn't notice.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">This problem was further compounded by the choice to write in the first person. Not an easy undertaking, but in doing so, every sentence tends to go I... I... I... And with the two together we arrive at: I needed to ride the bus so I went to the bus stop and I waited for the bus. When the bus came I got on the bus... I, bus, I, bus, I, bus... Sheesh!</span><br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">All that nitpickery aside, none of this amounts to much of a handicap. The critical part of any novel is <i>always</i> the story, and this one turned out to be engrossing enough that after a couple of chapters the writing style became irrelevant. And that's really where it counts, #amiright?</span><br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The story, though everything the description promises, wound up having several eyebrow-raising twists and facets to it, which were delightfully clever and unexpected.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">For instance, when I heard about the concept of casting out demons and turning a profit from it, I wondered, "Interesting idea, but would that really be ethical?" The author has a creative, and again, unexpected, way of addressing that.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Not to spoil it, but as a teaser (and probably <i>the</i> defining quote of the book IMO), at one point Ray says: </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">"I only knew how to serve myself so that's what guided my decision. I would get rid of that demon all right, but I would do it so I could flip that mansion and make a huge profit from it." </span></b></blockquote>
In fact, whenever the plot ran into any questionable situation, the author did a great job of putting it right in terms of a proper Christian worldview -- yet at the same time not painting a false picture of the world as being all saccharine and Kumbaya. The story doesn't spare the blood and grit of real life, which I truly appreciate.<br />
<br />
The characters also really grow on you, and the excitement and peril keep you sucked in and always wanting to know what happens next. <br />
<br />
Side note: I don't how to work this into the course of the review. In fact, I don't even know if this was cleverly intentional, or just a mere coincidence, but I noticed that the first demon battle occurred in chapter 13! How apropos!<br />
<br />
Finally, although the ending in many indie books tends to be either either rushed or left unresolved, this one is orchestrated <b>perfectly</b>. The plot is all tied up with a neat little bow, yet with just the few unexplored dimensions to make you wonder, "Gee, I wonder what happens next?"<br />
<br />
<h3>
In Summary:</h3>
Even though I spilt a little of the proverbial red ink at the beginning of this review, in the end I can honestly say that this is a delightful story which I'd recommend for anyone to read.<br />
<br />
That is doubly so if you have friends who are realtors or even full-blown house-flippers. In which case, you absolutely MUST get them a copy of this book! They'll love it!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Más Awesomesauce:</h3>
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">(Yeah, I've been hitting the Duolingo Español a little heavy lately. Cut me some slack.) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I don't usually give props to the author's website itsself, but this one is worth looking at. It is rich with other audiobooks and short stories, many of them <u><b>FREE</b></u> for the downloading. Check it out:</span><br />
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.dandantheartman.com/">www.DanDanTheArtMan.com</a></span>Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-23218340730940059122018-08-21T14:10:00.000-06:002018-08-21T14:28:27.788-06:00Writer's Power-Tip: How to get away with anything you want!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI5mNTyKFnozYxuLrkI4Dqj7pd2WorWMVA3KEB5-4kCum15a72RfWQ_APBf2kHQL4u4lkKOTDdef-CNNENSmsroOgdfyuX_rd95h-sj6BTVczx6con8yqc-EJ_MYM_TcscnuEdMyxYQc/s1600/powertip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1272" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI5mNTyKFnozYxuLrkI4Dqj7pd2WorWMVA3KEB5-4kCum15a72RfWQ_APBf2kHQL4u4lkKOTDdef-CNNENSmsroOgdfyuX_rd95h-sj6BTVczx6con8yqc-EJ_MYM_TcscnuEdMyxYQc/s400/powertip.png" width="397" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, so I thought I'd check in here and give my fellow writers one of the most valuable and revolutionary discoveries I've found while learning the craft of fiction writing.<br />
<br />
Suppose, say, you are fact-checking your novel and realize, "wait a minute, that can't happen because <u> X </u>!" Whatever X is.<br />
<br />
Now, if X happens to be a continuity problem within the story itself, then the real and preferred solution is to go back and rewrite such that everything fits together nicely. (There is another option which I'll get to later.)<br />
<br />
But what if X has to do with a physical real-world fact which you have no control over? Then what do you do? Again, you could go back and change the story to fit, and in many cases, should. But another, and far more interesting option I've found is to instead incorporate the dilemma itself into your story world.<br />
<br />
For example, in the book I'm working on, my <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGuffin">MacGuffin</a> contains a specific type of gemstone. (Hence the article image above.) The only problem is: this mineral is not found in the region that the item is supposed to originate from! Oops!<br />
<br />
Well, I could have done the obvious thing at this point and gone back and changed the type of gemstone (to something nowhere near as cool) or even changed the setting to somewhere the gem is found. What I did instead is, as aforementioned, incorporate that "mistake" into my worldbuilding.<br />
<br />
There could be a lot of different ways to do that. One way I could have used is to make the item's real origin (the place where the mineral is found) into a mystery that the characters must uncover along the way.<br />
<br />
What I chose in this instance was to make a secret deposit of the valuable mineral in the area. Not only did this explain away the issue, but it also added an entirely new dimension to the plot, in effect, upping the ante! Now, not only would victory mean the characters' survival (always an option I hope to pursue in my personal life as well) but also, the reward of untold riches!<br />
<br />
"Oh, come on," you protest, "an amazing undiscovered mineral suddenly popping up in the middle of noplace. Are people really going to buy that tall tale?"<br />
<br />
I suspect so, considering the $202 million bucks that Black Panther brought in on opening weekend. (You know, that one story about an undiscovered mineral, vibranium, suddenly popping up in the middle of noplace...)<br />
<br />
The thing is, writing is not a linear deal. You can go back any time and re-craft your world in any way that you need to such that the story works out the way you want it.<br />
<br />
Finally, before I go, I promised to give another option besides revising to plug continuity problems in a story.<br />
<br />
In another example, in <a href="https://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/11/book-announcement-queen-of-atlantis.html">the Queen of Atlantis</a>, I wrote myself into a pickle where the team is assembling the gear for their adventure and Michael takes away Jane's camera demanding that it be left behind. The idea seemed straightforward, but upon writing it down... here he's ready to hop in the van and leave... but now he's got this<i> thing</i> in his hands. Awkward!<br />
<br />
"So, hold on everybody. Stand there and chew some bubblegum, talk amongst yourselves, while I run this inside." -- Well that sure doesn't work, does it?<br />
<br />
Ah, I have it. He turns around and hands it to his butler to take care of. Problem: solved! ... or is it? But who is this guy? Where did he come from? Now I need to introduce him somewhere else in the story (which is already lagging) and then make sure he's there that morning... give him something to do... ugh! And all that for very, very little payoff just to have an "extra" standing there at the right moment.<br />
<br />
So how did I solve it? I completely wrote it off!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">She reluctantly unslung the padded camera bag and handed it over to him.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Michael, in turn, handed it to a servant who Jane hadn't noticed a moment
earlier. "I'll
hang onto it for you. You can come back here and get it when you
return."</span></b></blockquote>
In two sentences an unnamed servant materializes out of thin air, performs his one reason for existing, and is gone. Yup. A total cheat. But it works and (unless you read this beforehand) you'd probably never even notice the phantom butler.<br />
<br />
I think the lesson I'm learning through all of this is that, so long as you explain it to the reader, whether it's a full-blown plot device as in the first example, or even the almost scandalous, "oh, I never noticed that guy standing there" from the second, you can basically get away with anything you want!<br />
<br />
This is very good news for us authors, and, I hope, another valuable tool that you can keep in your bag of tricks.<br />
<br />
<br />
Keep writing and,<br />
Live Your Adventure!<br /> - E.L. Fletcher<br />
<br />Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-16911422680805256662018-08-15T09:30:00.000-06:002018-08-15T09:30:02.944-06:00Journal Update: I Melted.With all the summer heat I've melted away into a puddle. Bye bye. All gone.<br />
<br />
No, not really. But I have been very bad at getting the blog updated. Sorry for that.<br />
<br />
As far as life goes, we got the kids a new/used playground. All assembled and painted, and just in the nick of time, too, for a wind storm came up and smashed the old metal tube one like it was made out of soda straws!<br />
<br />
Yeah, we get a lot of wind here.<br />
<br />
I also had the wooden recycle center I'd made out on the back deck awaiting minor repairs. Now it's all down the hillside and needing *major* repairs!<br />
<br />
As far as old man news goes, since the snow melted, my back/shoulder has been killing me. Long story, but, back when I was a wild and crazy kid in Boy Scouts I had a falling railroad tie clobber me there. At the time I shook it off like, "I'm invincible." but nowadays... not so much. It could even be coincidence, but I'm thinking there may have been some fracture that's coming back to haunt me now.<br />
<br />
My wife and I are arguing whether I should go to see a chiropractor, which, frankly, I consider one step above a witchdoctor on the scale of quackery. Yet the constant, chronic ache has almost driven me to it.<br />
<br />
Who knows? Maybe I'll be proven wrong, as I have with some other alternative medicines.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/bcb09b5906c49ed6870664fb5c797a20/5C0BED21/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/35156006_1761947493898742_1876931236979539968_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://instagram.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/bcb09b5906c49ed6870664fb5c797a20/5C0BED21/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/35156006_1761947493898742_1876931236979539968_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">What do you call that look? <br />Johnny Cash meets flamingo??</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also, those who follow me on the socials might have seen that she did talk me into getting some new, higher quality shoes. →<br />
<br />
So far they've been helping out my feet immensely.<br />
<br />
*sigh* Nobody ever warned me that getting old would be this hard. Well, at least nobody that an indestructible youth would listen to. ;)<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough over-the-hill talk.<br />
<br />
<br />
Let's talk books!<br />
<br />
I have two books out in the hands of alpha readers: Moast Unusual #2 and, what should have been #3 but is probably more like #1.5, because it looks like it may make it first. No matter. I'm trying to make the "series" more like a syndicate novel, like a Hardy Boys or Louis L'Amour, such that the reader can start anywhere. Doing so, it is also helping me out since I can release whichever gets done first.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://instagram.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/f69a57e18cae975ceda559a4f987ad2d/5C10514F/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/31988261_1040065169474792_2692765854017257472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://instagram.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/vp/f69a57e18cae975ceda559a4f987ad2d/5C10514F/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/31988261_1040065169474792_2692765854017257472_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
While waiting impatiently for the readers, I've started another novel (also set in fictional Santa Augusta, California, because, why re-invent the wheel?)<br />
<br />
← Again, social media followers may recognize this. About which I was asking:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><i><span id="react-root">Hello all, I need a character name for a story I'm planning.</span></i></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><i><span id="react-root">The
protagonist is a working mom in her mid 30's with a life, which,
although hectic, is unbelievably dull. She frequently sighs in
frustration and asks herself, "Is there life out there?"... until one
day she finds out... in a big way!</span><br /><span id="react-root"></span><br /><span id="react-root">I want something contemporary-sounding that feels like dull/in a rut. Some thoughts I've had:</span><br /><span id="react-root">Doris</span><br /><span id="react-root">Toni</span><br /><span id="react-root">Terri</span><br /><span id="react-root">Sam</span><br /><span id="react-root">Paige</span><br /><span id="react-root">Ann (without an 'e', if you get the reference ;) )</span></i> </span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
Despite a number of great responses, I'm still leaning towards Doris because I've found it easier to make fun of her. (Poor gal.)<br />
<br />
I also needed a best friend for her, who I initially named Pat. But Pat turned out to be more generic than "dull" Doris, so, having already recycled the location, I decided to make Melinda Moast her bestie instead. It's turning out to be kind of a delightful cross-over, with both lady out having secret adventures that the other knows nothing about.<br />
<br />
Currently standing at about 20k words, and most of that action, peril, and double-crosses. Needless to say, I'm pleased with how it's coming together.<br />
<br />
And, hey, I finally gnawed my way through that A.W. Tozer book and posted <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2018/08/aw-tozer-review-1-of-3.html">a review</a>. Yay!<br />
<br />
Now only two more to go. *sigh*<br />
<br />
Who knows? Maybe I'll get a handle on my life and get caught up yet. <br />
<br />
"Maybe".<br />
<br />
Well that's enough chitchat for now. Stay cool, and...<br />
<br />
Live YOUR adventure!<br />
- E. L. Fletcher<br />
<br />Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-25692552619138410872018-08-12T15:18:00.000-06:002018-08-12T15:18:14.038-06:00A.W. Tozer review 1 of 3<div class="commerce-product-sku-label">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztA-YhgBLd_RgvMmM6NLKBHcyg6gSmvlWsYFPULeItvlvXeULswIXF4d3QPSI6V-IfRbYtrYxBoHIzYKp9e-HodXt4Nk7QUPq3QotSgAdldQHrw9lmN7Zx3kJUhzFmvbZvyEBCBTnb3A/s1600/9780802418616+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="230" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztA-YhgBLd_RgvMmM6NLKBHcyg6gSmvlWsYFPULeItvlvXeULswIXF4d3QPSI6V-IfRbYtrYxBoHIzYKp9e-HodXt4Nk7QUPq3QotSgAdldQHrw9lmN7Zx3kJUhzFmvbZvyEBCBTnb3A/s400/9780802418616+%25281%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="commerce-product-sku-label">
Title: Three Spiritual Classics in One Volume: The Knowledge of the Holy, The Pursuit of God, and God's Pursuit of Man</div>
<div class="commerce-product-sku-label">
Author: A.W. Tozer</div>
<div class="commerce-product-sku-label">
ISBN: 978-0-8024-1861-6 <span class="binding"></span></div>
<span class="publisher">Publisher: Moody Publishers (April 2018)</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Cover Description:</h3>
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item even">
Encounter God. Worship more.<br />
<br />
What Tozer lacked in formal education, he more than made up for in
experiential wisdom. Tozer was a man who really knew God, and it
showed. People came from all over to hear his sermons because they knew
they would go home more in awe of God. That's why millions keep coming
back to his writings, but particularly these three books.<br />
<br />
Considered to be Tozer's greatest works, <i>Knowledge of the Holy, The Pursuit of God, </i>and <i>God's Pursuit of Man</i> are now available in a single volume. In <i>3 Spiritual Classics,</i> you
will discover a God of breathtaking majesty and world-changing love,
and you will find yourself worshipping through every page. Encounter
Tozer and the God worth worshipping today.</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Introduction: </h3>
I recently hopped on a book review site to see if they had any new freebies. (Disclaimer: this review is in exchange for a free copy.) When I came across an A.W. Tozer collection, and I snapped that one right up!<br />
<br />
I mean, that's right up there with Charles Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, and Ravi Zacharias. If I come across a book with their name on it... I grab it!<br />
<br />
The first thing that surprised me was the manner in which it arrived. I opened the mailbox, pulled out a hand-addressed bubble envelope with an obvious book shape inside it. Since I'm also on <a href="http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php">paperback swap</a>, I figured that some person was sending me a book from my wish list. <br />
<br />
I mean, I've done reviews for other publishers such as Tyndale and Bethany House, and they came just as you'd expect: professional business packaging with corporate logo. But this one (from Moody press) was all hand-written. It just felt... good.<br />
<br />
The personable feel was only enhanced by the fact that the sender had amazing penmanship. And that's a rare quality these days! I feel like whomever it was deserves a raise based on their handwriting skills alone.<br />
<br />
Anyway, none of that's relevant to the review.<br />
<br />
Since this volume contains three books, I'll review each individually as separate blog posts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Book 1: The Knowledge of the Holy</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBIR5zs6Xnh-ldlqIkeBapEucAyUCQoXvMFvzFY4P0IkhVYkBGt5LxFl1siGaRQg5L8AKxvOV1cIJ6dpfDvvMjSek1JBHPaB1gLyOoRKkAVZl81He-2gXaAqH5FwwJma9fNuwdEEZ8SI/s1600/.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBIR5zs6Xnh-ldlqIkeBapEucAyUCQoXvMFvzFY4P0IkhVYkBGt5LxFl1siGaRQg5L8AKxvOV1cIJ6dpfDvvMjSek1JBHPaB1gLyOoRKkAVZl81He-2gXaAqH5FwwJma9fNuwdEEZ8SI/s400/.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(cover from another edition)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Jumping into this book is a lot like running full-tilt into the ocean. The wave hits you like a wall, and you realize that stuff just got <i>real</i>!<br />
<br />
He doesn't pull any punches, or ease you into his level. Immediately from page one Tozer starts lobbing grenades like: No culture can rise above its religion, and no religion can rise above its concept of God.<br />
<br />
<i>Bwam!</i><br />
<br />
It took a long time to wade through it all.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Transcendent </h2>
First, and foundational to all that comes next, Tozer pauses to reflect on the fact that God is transcendent (something high above us and far beyond our understanding), and therefore our feeble attempts to define Him, fail at best, and quickly descend into sheer idolatry from there. <br /><br />This kind of rubs me the wrong way as a man with a science degree and decades in the field. Even without all that I think we all feel this way in an age where human intellect is regarded as supreme.<br />
<br />
Yet, logic itself shows how ridiculously untrue <i>that</i> is. The human brain is under 4 pounds, most of that being plain old water, rather than logic. And yet we consider it somehow "logical" to prefer that minuscule amount of thought power as more reliable than faith in the Omniscient One!?? [see Omnicient, below.]<br />
<br />
The point is, how can we even have a book called "The Knowledge of the Holy", when God is beyond knowing? Good question. The answer that the book proposes is, while we can't comprehend the whole of God, we can understand certain things about Him by His revealed attributes. That's what the remainder of the book is about.<br />
<br />
But why even try? Besides the quote at the beginning, Tozer also explains, "Because we are the handiwork of God, it follows that ALL of our problems and ALL of their solutions are theological in nature." [p55]<br />
<br />
I'll now proceed to lay down an overview of what stood out to me, in no particular order. <br />
<br />
One interesting overarching theme is how he quotes Nichoas of Cusa, saying, "All theology is said
to be established in a circle, because any one of His attributes is
affirmed by another." [p136] This in itsself is an interesting study so I'll keep that in mind for each topic as well.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Infinite and Eternal</h2>
Upon reading Tozer's book, these two terms strike me being the same thing (though he separates them). As physics sometimes refers to time as the "fourth dimension", then what is "eternal" besides being infinite along the time axis?<br />
<br />
"To Him magnitude and distance have no meaning. To us they are useful [only] as analogies and illustrations." [p121] <br />
<br />
The way I look at it is this. Many people picture God like one of these:<br />
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<br />
<br />
When, as I ascertain from the book, we should be thinking more along these lines:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVkuvpvcl5eWqIqJScJdBrnGkS8Fup9ASSj5WZIFE5ocDd8ccOgb6HKRCEPUp5mgYnBAPrU8qg_RnMUR8IwxEMMOHeo2fHpbpKYqqyYucI0zapqMbahRk5E2FsLiHai8MckBJfL_xeD0/s1600/actual.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVkuvpvcl5eWqIqJScJdBrnGkS8Fup9ASSj5WZIFE5ocDd8ccOgb6HKRCEPUp5mgYnBAPrU8qg_RnMUR8IwxEMMOHeo2fHpbpKYqqyYucI0zapqMbahRk5E2FsLiHai8MckBJfL_xeD0/s1600/actual.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">* "Please excuse the crudity of this model. I didn't have time to build it to scale or paint it." <br />-- Doc Brown</span></span></div>
<br />
An interesting side-effect of this is that speaking of any thing created in infinite terms "always","best","most" is always a gross exaggeration. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Omniscient</h2>
God is omniscient because:<br />
<ul>
<li>He is outside of time "knowing the end from the beginning" [<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+46%3A10&version=ESV">Isaiah 46:10</a>]. (Note from the illustrations that "outside of" means "beyond the bounds of", not "separated from") </li>
<li>He is infinite - as Bill Murry says in the movie Groundhogs Day, "Maybe God isn't [omniscient]. Maybe he's just been around so long, he knows everything." Well, knowing everything <i>actually is</i> the definition of omniscient, but that aside, the two things definitely go together.</li>
<li>He is creator - that is, He knows how it works because He built it!</li>
</ul>
<br />
And it also means: <br />
<ul>
<li>When you argue with God, you're always wrong. </li>
<li>He is never surprised</li>
<li>You can hide nothing from Him </li>
</ul>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Creator </h2>
Tozer states that, "The world is spiritual: it originated in spirit, flows
out of spirit, is spiritual in essence, and is meaningless apart from
the Spirit that inhabits it." [p131]<br />
<br />
If God is the Creator, then he is also:<br />
<ul>
<li>All powerful - because power within everything that exists is derived from His power.</li>
<li>Almighty - because there is more to Him than there is to everything else, combined!</li>
<li>Omniscient - he knows what everything is, because He created it Himself. </li>
</ul>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Unchanging</h2>
God is unchanging because, among other things:<br />
<ul>
<li>He is outside of time so there can be no progression.</li>
<li>He is infinite and is already perfect, therefore... </li>
<li>He is perfect and need not change. What, for example, would He
change into when He is already maxed out at 100% and can never be
anything less?</li>
<li>He is all-powerful and cannot increase... because He (to be redundant) already has all power. </li>
</ul>
<br />
We use terms like "exalting", "magnifying", or "glorifying"
God, but we cannot literally do any of these things because he is
already, and has always been, the the
maximum of all these things. What we do is restore (as best as
possible) the proper level of exaltation, immensity, and glory in
our own minds. <br />
<br />
"One who can suffer any slightest degree of change is neither
self-existent, self-sufficient, nor eternal, and [therefore] is not
God." [pp90-91] <br />
<br />
"To be made for eternity and forced to dwell in time is for
mankind a tragedy of huge proportions. All within us cries for life and
permanence, and everything around us reminds us of mortality and
change." [p76]<br />
<br />
<h2>
Self-Existent</h2>
God is complete in and of Himself, therefore:<br />
1) He didn't need to create you<br />
2) He doesn't need you now, his completeness and His work in the world carry on with or without your help<br />
3) If you reject Him, only one of you is injured by that action<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Omnipotent / All-Powerful</h2>
Regardless of your beliefs, there must be some un-caused root cause to creation. And whatever this is, it must be powerful enough for all subsequent events to be derived from (aka all-powerful).<br />
<br />
"Man, for all his genius is but an echo of The Original Voice"<br />
<br />
We are made in the image of God. This means that all of our attributes are a reflection, a hint, a mere Costco taste-test, of the real thing. Therefore the person who says "you believe in God, but I believe in logic" couldn't be more wrong. More accurately put, "you believe in the embodiment of all logic, but I believe in the mere subset of it". Doesn't sound so great that way, now does it?<br />
<a href="https://brentwhite.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/self_on_throne.jpg?w=380&h=280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="380" height="235" src="https://brentwhite.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/self_on_throne.jpg?w=380&h=280" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Problems pop up like whack-a-moles when we, who are a mere sampling of what God is, try and take over His throne.<br />
<br />
Proving, over and over, we can't manage to run our own life, let alone our world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If God is all-powerful and you find yourself underpowered to face your situation, well... I leave you do the math on that one.<br />
<br />
Something more to think about, from basic science, we know that all things require something outside of themselves to exist (air, food, water, ...). What does this aspect of natural revelation represent? (In terms of our relationship to God?)<br />
<br />
Anyway, God's infinite nature absolutely defines Him as also unique [see Triune, below]. "There
cannot be two unlimited substances in the universe." observes Tozer. That is, all power
residing in one god would be power that the other god does not posses.<br />
<br />
Maybe that's why God is so strict on the subject, starting out the 10 Commandments with, "You shall have no other gods before me." (<span class="bible-item-title-wrap"><a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+20%3A3&version=ESV">Exodus 20:3</a></span>) Anything else is an affront to His very existence!<br />
<br />
Furthermore, Tozer points out that since God is all-powerful, He does not and cannot give His power away, lest He become less than He eternally is. Any scant power we have, or even contained within the entire universe, is not surrendered power, but delegated power.<br />
<br />
<h3>
A note on "the fear of the Lord":</h3>
I need to unpack this more sometime, but, personal righteousness is directly proportional to the fear you have of the Lord!<br />
<br />
Q. If "perfect love casts out all fear" and "God is love", then how do we fear God?<br />
A. "T'was grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved." -- Amazing Grace, by John Newton<br />
<br />
<h2>
Omnipresent</h2>
Omnipresence means that, "God is at once far off, and near." It sounds strange and even self-contradictory, but it is both true (e.g. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A7-12&version=ESV">Psalm 139:7-12</a>) and important to get the proper picture.<br />
<br />
Tozer quotes Novalian, saying, "Could we conceive of His greatness then He would be less than the human mind which could form the conception." [p82] This is so true of many of His attributes, and being all places at all times is one of them.<br />
<br />
If this is difficult to grasp, I refer you back to the diagram earlier. The realm of God's authority overlaps and envelops every place and every thing. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Faithful and True</h2>
Jesus' very name given in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+19%3A11&version=ESV">Revelation19:11</a> is "Faithful and True".<br />
<br />
God is Faithful to His promises because:<br />
<ul>
<li>He is unchanging (never changes His mind)</li>
<li>All-knowing so there is never any reason to change it </li>
<li>And all-powerful so no possible circumstance can derail His plans</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
Both Goodness and Justice</h2>
Goodness:<br />
<ul>
<li>He is creator, and therefore the definer of the meaning of "good"<br />"He does not conform to a standard. He is that standard." [p181]</li>
<li>This ingrained, universal, unwritten definition is the only way that we can even discuss "good" and "evil". </li>
<li>Justice - because He is good, He cannot allow evil to run rampant and unpunished. </li>
</ul>
Justice:<br />
<ul>
<li>Because He is righteous and good, He is also impartial and non-hypocritical.</li>
<li>Because Hi is unchanging, He is faithful to His promise of retribution. [<a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12:19&version=ESV">Romans 12:19</a>]</li>
<li>Because He is sovereign, He alone has the authority to be ultimate judge.</li>
<li>Because He is omniscient, He has all the facts -- there is never a mistrial or misunderstanding.</li>
</ul>
God is both the Lawgiver and Grace-Winner, which seems contradictory, but as you can see above, like His other attributes, each of these is necessary to the other. Even the Law is not the opposite of Grace, but a manifestation of it.<br />
<br />
This "Grace" thing is the only answer to what happens when Justice, Mercy, and sin collide.<br />
<br />
<h4>
One last note concerning the law:</h4>
"In the moral conflict now raging around us whoever is on God's side is on the winning side and cannot lose; whoever is on the other side is on the losing side and cannot win. Here there is no chance, no gamble." [p192]<br />
<br />
I find this is particularly annoying when I wind up in a disagreement with God. You try to argue your point and justify it in your own mind, but deep down there's always that nagging kernel of truth, warning you that, regardless of how solid your case, you are, by definition, going to be wrong.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Love</h2>
"God is love" is the rally cry of the marginal Christian. It is true, of course, but when ripped out of context and taken as a feel-good replacement for the entirety of all that God is, it makes for a mighty poor substitute. Tozer spends a lot of words correcting this poor thinking.<br />
<br />
"The
words 'God is love' mean that love is an essential attribute of God.
Love is something true of God but it is not God. It expresses the way
God is in His unitary truth. Because God is immutable He always acts
like Himself, and because He is unity, He never suspends one of His
attributes in order to exercise another." [p169]<br />
<br />
Furthermore... "If love is equal to God then God is <i>only </i>equal to
love, and God and love are identical. Thus, we destroy the concept of
personality in God and deny outright all [of] His attributes save one,
and that one we substitute for [all] of God." [p168]<br />
<br />
Love:<br />
<ul>
<li>Casts out all fear. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John+4:18&version=ESV">1 John 4:18</a>) Atheists, if they dare to think about their plight, get to live in nothing but fear, for how much love is present in their creator, the Big Bang?</li>
<li>Implies sacrifice (agape) love.</li>
<li>Implies blessings (see <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A9-11&version=ESV">Matthew 7:9-11</a>) and compassion. (Both in the receiving from God and in passing along to others whom He loves.)</li>
<li>Implies pleasure. God is <u><b>pleased</b></u>. Ever think about that? "Hell is a place of no pleasure because there is no love there." [p175]</li>
<li>Implies that whatever would harm that which you love (in God's case, called "sin") is a hated enemy. "God's wrath is His utter intolerance of what degrades and destroys. He hates iniquity as a mother hates the polio that takes the life of her child." [p182]</li>
</ul>
<br />
Love leads to BOTH justice AND mercy and it stems from:<br />
<ul>
<li>God's Goodness </li>
<li>God, being creator, loves that which He made. In fact over everything He makes in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis+1&version=ESV">Genesis 1</a>, God declares, "It is good"</li>
</ul>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Sovereign</h2>
Sovereignty means that God answers to no one. <br />
<br />
This is related to His other attributes because:<br />
<ul>
<li>All-knowing - If there were any wisdom beyond Him, then that is wisdom which He could not exercise. He might make the wrong decision, in which case another knows better.</li>
<li>Creator - for anything that God does not own is outside of His jurisdiction. </li>
<li>All-Powerful - in that He not only gives the orders, but has the authority to back it up. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
Triune</h2>
Tozer describes the Trinity ("Tri"=3 + "Unity"=1)
as many others have done, but I found it interesting how he notes the
interchangeability of roles. I'm sure there are others, but a quick
list: [p48-49]<br />
<ul>
<li>Creation - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%201:1&version=ESV">Genesis 1:1</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=col%201:16&version=ESV">Colossians 1:16</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=job%2026:13&version=ESV">Job 26:13</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps%20104:30&version=ESV">Psalm 104:30</a></li>
<li>The Incarnation - all three in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=lk%201:35&version=ESV">Luke 1:35</a></li>
<li>Atonement - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=heb+9:14&version=ESV">Hebrews 9:14</a></li>
<li>Resurrection - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ac%203:32&version=ESV">Acts 3:32</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2010:17-18&version=ESV">John 10:17-18</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ro%201:4&version=ESV">Romans 1:4</a></li>
<li>Salvation - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1pe%201:2&version=ESV">1 Peter 1:2</a></li>
<li>Indwelling - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014:15-23&version=ESV">John 14:15-23</a></li>
</ul>
To this I would add off the top of my head:<br />
<ul>
<li>Final Judgement - <a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy+4:1&version=ESV">2 Timothy 4:1</a>, <a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+5:22&version=ESV">John 5:22</a>, <a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8:50&version=ESV">John 8:50</a></li>
<li>Jesus called "everlasting father" - <a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9:6&version=ESV">Isaiah 9:6</a></li>
<li>In
fact, who is "The Lord", anyway? Too many references to count since
it seems to change depending on what the situation calls for.</li>
</ul>
<br />
None
of this is incorrect or even unexpected, since some level I think we
already realize it. Even though the textbook form of prayer is: by the
Spirit, to the Father, in the name of the Son, we still find it
perfectly valid to say:<br />
<ul>
<li>"Holy Spirit, rain down."</li>
<li>"Come quickly, Lord."</li>
<li>or even to cry "Help me, Jesus!"</li>
</ul>
Therein lies the discrepancy. If we go off of what "makes
sense" then the three-in-one thing is gone right out the window, but if
we instead choose to rely upon what God clearly and repeatedly says,
however...<br />
<br />
But is abandoning our logic, logical? Well,
actually, yes! Clinging to our comparatively feeble understanding is
what doesn't make sense.<br />
<br />
"It is a grave responsibility that a man takes upon himself when he
seeks to edit out of God's self-revelation such features as he, in his
ignorance, deems objectionable." [p138] This is very appropriate when
trying to wrap your mind around concepts beyond human comprehension such
un-createdness, self-existence, or the Trinity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Summary:</h2>
To sum it all up, I wasn't disappointed, only overwhelmed. All this and more from the book more than lived up to my expectations! I'd recommend this to anybody.<br />
<br />
I hope my little book report provided some food for thought. Or, if my yammering lost you, why not read the book for yourself!<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-80682582162305301872018-05-10T15:58:00.001-06:002018-05-10T15:58:47.624-06:00Juggernaught: Chapter 40 - World's Worst Chaperone<!-- header -->
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<br />
<br />
The three teens ran down the main street of town banging on doors and shouting for
people to get out.<br />
<br />
It didn't take long before they had quite a confused crowd gathering in the
road, including two or three local police officers.<br />
<br />
Spying them, Wendell said aside to his friends, "What country do you think we're in, anyway?
Bulgaria? Any of you guys speak Bulgarian?"<br />
<br />
"If not, we're close enough they probably understand it." added Jack.<br />
<br />
"I got a little." said Misty and then turned to the crowd.<br />
<br />
"<span style="font-style: italic;">Ima golyam</span>--" she started strongly,
then hesitated.<br />
<br />
"Doesn't sound like you've got <span style="font-style: italic;">any</span>." said Wendell.<br />
<br />
She spun on him. Her finger shot out in the direction of the coming
threat. "I don't even know what to call that thing in English!"<br />
<br />
"Okay, okay." he backed off.<br />
<br />
"<span style="font-style: italic;">Ima golyam...</span>" She tried again.
People hung on every word. "<span style="font-style: italic;">chudovishte!</span>"
(a
monster).<br />
<br />
At that, everyone panicked and began to flee, crying. "<span style="font-style: italic;">Toi se e vurnal! En se e vurnal!</span>"<br />
<br />
" 'En'?" Misty said aloud, surprised to hear the idol's name and not
knowing enough of the other words to decipher what it might mean.<br />
<br />
A woman and her pretty young daughter rushed past with old, worn,
hard-shell suitcases bumping along behind. "Wait!" cried the younger
one. She was about the same age as the
Americans, perhaps only a year or two younger, and spoke English very
well.<br />
<br />
She looked up at Jack in awe. "Are you the one whose coming the prophecy
foretold?"<br />
<br />
Jack tried to speak, but Wendell stepped in front of him. "Why, yes", he
said with a sly voice, "Yes I am."<br />
<br />
There was a long silence.<br />
<br />
"Wait. This is a good prophecy, right?" he asked the older woman.<br />
<br />
He only got a confused look in return.<br />
<br />
"Because, the um, 'good' prophecy: That one's me!<br />
<br />
"Not the other kind.<br />
<br />
"Help me out here, Ma'am, does this involve locusts... in any way?"<br />
<br />
Jack shoved him away. "Pay no attention to him. We're just visitors, but we've got a plan!"<br />
<br />
"Do we?" said Misty out of the side of her mouth so she wouldn't be noticed.<br />
<br />
"Kinda." Jack mumbled back.<br />
<br />
Just at that moment their conversation was brought to a screeching halt by an
explosion and a geyser of dirt.<br />
<br />
"Woa!" shouted Jack.<br />
<br />
"They're heee're." observed Misty.<br />
<br />
"To... the dump truck!" Wendell shouted with much more zeal than the
statement normally deserved. It even caused him to hesitate a moment, but then he
shook his head and ran off behind the others.<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr class="hardbreak" />
<br />
Just as they rounded a stand of aspens, a sudden <span style="font-style: italic;">crack</span> and shower of splinters brought Jack
up short. The other two ran into him from behind.<br />
<br />
They all dove for cover, mostly in the direction that the fall was already taking
them.<br />
<br />
The heavy-set sniper stepped out from her concealment behind a boulder,
nestling a high-caliber hunting rifle in her chubby arms.<br />
<br />
"Surin' I'm sorry about that Jack. Ye, kinda startled me there."<br />
<br />
"M-McCready?" he stumbled to nobody. Then, once he'd heard the name and
judged it to be true, he said to the others, "Hey team! It's Ms McCready!"<br />
<br />
The teens untangled themselves and made their way back to their feet, spitting and
dusting off detritus and pine needles as they went. Misty had a stinging
new abrasion on her elbows, but other than that they were mostly unharmed from
nearly having their heads blown off by friendly fire.<br />
<br />
Wendell glanced nervously in the direction of the dump truck and the mobile
battle fortress that was drawing ever closer.<br />
<br />
"What are you doing here, anyway?" Jack asked.<br />
<br />
Ms McCready shifted her weight and said, "Ah, there's some bad shenanigans
goin' on in this part o' the world and Michael and them sent me t' keep an eye
on you guys. Make sure you didn't do anythin' stupid or whatnot."<br />
<br />
Wendell snapped his fingers and pointed. "Hate to cut you off here Miz M,
but me and the guys need to cheese it so we can chase down a gigantic armored
war machine with a stolen dump truck."<br />
<br />
The three started to run off, but she held her hand out, blocking their way. "Woa, woa, woa
woa!"<br />
<br />
"What? You mean you're going to stop us over <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span>?"<br />
<br />
A mischevious smile spread across her face. "Course not, but m' Jeep's faster.
Plus I brought extra weapons."<br />
<br />
The bounding off-road drive to the dumptruck gave the team time to gear up on
firearms and explosives, as well as to reflect on the deeper issue: whether making Ms McCready a
chaperone was such a good idea on Michael's part.<br />
<br />
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(Copyright 2016, Edmund Lloyd Fletcher.)
<br />
<br />
For more on this story, please visit its <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/05/juggernaught-free-adventure-story.html">main page</a>.
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<!-- END FOOTER -->Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-9275850712318362882018-04-19T11:58:00.000-06:002018-05-10T15:53:23.492-06:00Juggernaught: Chapter 39 - When Titans Collide<!-- header -->
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<br />
<br />
Upon returning to the scene of yesterday's fiasco, the adventurers stood in awe of the monstrosity of death looming before them.<br />
<br />
Each became literally dumbstruck in the light of the impossible immensity of their foe.<br />
<br />
Wendell was the only one with the power of speech. (Which certainly didn't help matters.)<br />
<br />
"Don't worry compadres, it's always darkest just before the dawn."<br />
<br />
Tension slightly eased from Lola and Irmingard's shoulders.<br />
<br />
"When you hit rock bottom, there's nowhere to go but up." he added, and
then, "Keep calm and carry --"<br />
<br />
"WENDELL!" snapped Misty.<br />
<br />
Jack placed a restraining hand on her to halt the imminent pummeling, "Yeah, bro, we'll
need more than mixed-metaphors to get out of this one. Start thinking."<br />
<br />
He scratched his chin for a moment and then snapped his fingers.
"Of course! That mining operation we passed. They must have dynamite
or something."<br />
<br />
An allowing expression came across Misty's face. "Say, that's not half
bad. You know, that's the first non-insane thing you've said all
morning."<br />
<br />
A crazed grin spread across his face. "Wait till you see me with <span style="font-style: italic;">dynamite</span>!"<br />
<br />
"Oh, please no."<br />
<br />
<hr class="hardbreak" />
<br />
A few minutes later they lie at the cusp of a ridge, with Jack
inspecting the mining operation far below through a pair of binoculars.<br />
<br />
"What do you think?" asked Misty.<br />
<br />
"I don't see anybody around." He swept the scene once more to be sure as he said it. "Looks totally abandoned to me."<br />
<br />
Misty nodded. "I guess that's not too surprising. Most of the workers probably lived in that wrecked village."<br />
<br />
"Anything that looks like explosives storage?" asked Lola, then
surmised, "I think it would be far away from everything, with big red
signs all over it."<br />
<br />
"No..." he said, trailing off. "Nothing like that. Here. You look."<br />
<br />
He passed Wendell the binoculars. And for good measure he tossed the
strap around his neck, Wendell being, after all... Wendell.<br />
<br />
Misty admitted, "I don't know much about mining, but maybe with the way they're going about it they don't need to blast?"<br />
<br />
"I knew that." said Wendell.<br />
<br />
"You did not!" she snapped back.<br />
<br />
Lola interrupted the ongoing bickering, "Come on guys. There has to be <span style="font-style: italic;">something </span>down there you can use."<br />
<br />
"Nothing interesting down there but one little dumptruck." said Wendell.<br />
<br />
"What kind?"<br />
<br />
"I dunno. It says model '6ENA3'."<br />
<br />
Lola added, "That's in Russian, dear. 'Belaz', is the name of the manufacturer."<br />
<br />
He looked up. "Oh. Try '75710', then."<br />
<br />
"No!" Jack grabbed the binoculars back away from him.<br />
<br />
Wendell lay half-strangled by the strap, continually kicking and slapping his
arm.<br />
<br />
"It is! That 'little dumptruck' of yours is one of the biggest machines ever
made!" He handed the binoculars back to Wendell, much to the other boy's
relief.<br />
<br />
"Not fast though." said Irmingard, "That beast will only go about 60 kilometers an hour."<br />
<br />
Jack looked at her.<br />
<br />
"Oh yeah. Yanks. Say... a little under 40 miles per hour. (And that,
on a good day.)"<br />
<br />
"Wendell. Map." Jack snapped his fingers.<br />
<br />
Without taking his eyes off the scene below, Wendell brought a folded map out of his back pocket and passed it over. <br />
<br />
Lola unfolded the map on the ground. It wasn't ideal. It had come from the glove box of the army
truck and wasn't written in English.<br />
<br />
"K. So, we're here." Jack gestured with a stick. "And the
ruined town is over here." he made a circle in a general area.<br />
<br />
"That must mean they're going <span style="font-style: italic;">that way</span>."
Misty pointed,
then
scratched
her
chin.<br />
<br />
A chill ran up Jack's spine. "Towards former Yougoslavia."<br />
<br />
"Ooh. That's not good." said Irmingard.<br />
<br />
"What? Why?" asked Wendell.<br />
<br />
"Kosovo... Serbia... Montenegro... those guys all hate eachother!" He
clapped Wendell on the shoulder. "Hence the word, 'former'. There's a reason the country broke up, dude."<br />
<br />
"They mean to start a war." said Misty in awe.<br />
<br />
Lola caught her sister's eye and they both nodded.<br />
<br />
Jack pointed. "And look here. There's another town right in their
path."<br />
<br />
"We've got to get ahead of the war machine and warn 'em!" declared Misty, and they all knew it was so.<br />
<br />
"Okay, you Brits go 'borrow' that dump truck. The rest of us will
take
the troop transport into town and evacuate the place. We'll meet up
just
outside of the town. I don't know if we can make a dent, but we can at
least give those cannons something else to shoot at. -- Hopefully give
people a chance to escape."<br />
<br />
"Sounds good." said Lola.<br />
<br />
"Yeah." said Wendell. "All but that last part. You know, the bit about them shooting at us..."<br />
<br />
His objection fell on deaf ears as they all broke huddle and moved off to intercept
the mighty Juggernaught. -- A desperate course of action which, to all observers, could very well spell their doom!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2018/05/juggernaught-chapter-40-worlds-worst.html">NEXT CHAPTER >></a></div>
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The preceding has been a chapter from <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/05/juggernaught-free-adventure-story.html">Juggernaught: A Moast Unusual Bible Study</a><br />
(Copyright 2016, Edmund Lloyd Fletcher.)
<br />
<br />
For more on this story, please visit its <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/05/juggernaught-free-adventure-story.html">main page</a>.
<br />
<br />
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<!-- END FOOTER -->Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-2655555273650801242018-04-12T12:18:00.000-06:002018-04-19T11:07:27.986-06:00Juggernaught: Chapter 38 - Airplane<!-- header -->
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<br />
<br />
Another woman struck up a conversation with Niñera.<br />
<br />
Despite grandmother's rural, careworn appearance and the woman's clean
and modern outfit, she was either bored enough or intrigued enough by
her appearance to break the silence.<br />
<br />
"I'm visiting my kids." she offered. "They live with their father in Los Angeles, and I
don't get to see them much. How about you?"<br />
<br />
"I am searching for a man. I have a message God told me to give
him. Have you ever had a prophetic vision from God?"<br />
<br />
"Um. God and I aren't exactly on speaking terms."<br />
<br />
Niñera was confused. "Why ever not?"<br />
<br />
"Just... I don't know... He really doesn't approve of the way I live my life."<br />
<br />
"Sin?"<br />
<br />
The woman scowled. She objected to the word on a deep level. To
have some old lady just throw it up like that came across as supremely offensive. Yet...<br />
<br />
The other didn't seem to be judgmental or anything like that. In fact,
her face seemed just as soft and kind as before.<br />
<br />
She shrugged. "Yeah. I guess you could say that."<br />
<br />
"Then I will pray that He would draw you close by His great mercy and then give
you the power to overcome this stronghold Satan has over your life."<br />
<br />
The woman's mouth opened and closed several times as if she was trying to say
something but couldn't decide on what that should be. "Thank you." she
finally said.<br />
<br />
Niñera smiled and nodded.<br />
<br />
At that moment the intercom came to life. "Hello, this is your captain
speaking. I regret to inform you, we are experiencing mechanical problems
and your flight will experience a lay-over."<br />
<br />
Antonio didn't understand the word, but gleaned that it must be a bad thing by
that fact that everybody aboard groaned in unison.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">'Lay-over'?</span> he thought, <span style="font-style: italic;">What would be so bad to lay-over?</span><br />
<br />
He determined that whatever people were being asked to lay over it must be something very uncomfortable. He also decided that,
unlike the other passengers, he was glad he'd remembered to bring his bed roll.
<br />
<br />
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The preceding has been a chapter from <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/05/juggernaught-free-adventure-story.html">Juggernaught: A Moast Unusual Bible Study</a><br />
(Copyright 2016, Edmund Lloyd Fletcher.)
<br />
<br />
For more on this story, please visit its <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/05/juggernaught-free-adventure-story.html">main page</a>.
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Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-70668832094679959372018-03-14T17:09:00.000-06:002018-04-12T12:16:14.713-06:00Juggernaught: Chapter 37 - Another Way<!-- header -->
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<br />
<br />
The team used the cover of the setting sun to slowly fade back into the
woods.<br />
<br />
It was a long and meloncholy walk to get to a safe distance from the
encounter. This, being made all the
longer because this time Wendell insisted on better precautions for their
camping arrangements. <br />
<br />
"If Misty is right and they have choppers, then the last thing we want is for
them to spot us from the air!"<br />
<br />
It took some extra time to find, but they soon discovered a narrow little
valley which provided excellent cover for the light of their campfire.
Within it lie a small open patch
with a pair of fallen logs that would make great seats.<br />
<br />
The group began building a traditional fire ring, but Misty stopped them.
"You know..." she said hesitantly, "If you really want to go undetected, we
should dig a Dakota fire hole."<br />
<br />
Most of the group seemed bewildered by the phrase, but Jack nodded. "I think I
remember that. The Dakota Sioux were masters of woodcraft and
stealth. They used to build a their fire in a deep pit, fed by an outside
air tunnel."<br />
<br />
He continued, "If I remember right, the ground insulates the fire and the fresh
air feeds it so it burns hotter, causing almost no visible smoke to rise."<br />
<br />
Wendell fell to his knees and began clawing at the ground. "Neat
idea! Irm? You want to help me out?"<br />
<br />
She smiled but gave an apprehensive glance at Lola, who answered for her,
saying, "No thank you. We'll go gather some firewood. That'll be
hard enough on the manicure."<br />
<br />
The two faded back into the forest as Misty dropped down next to Wendell and started
digging. " 'That'll be hard enough on the manicure.' " she mocked
in a high-pitched, nasally voice. "Sheesh. Sometimes I don't quite
know about those two."<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr class="hardbreak" />
<br />
The girls wandered deep into the forest gathering logs.<br />
<br />
When they were far enough from the campsite, Irmingard piped up. "Okay,
sis, what's the deal?"<br />
<br />
"I'm worried. We've played this cat-and-mouse game long enough.
Time that kitty be fed and be done with it."<br />
<br />
"Nah. You worry too much. You saw what happened out there
today. These kids got nothing on Seebeck. Why, they don't even know
that Howell's alive, let alone that he's a Grand Master in the Cult of En."<br />
<br />
"You think they suspect us?"<br />
<br />
She gave the same winsome smile that, had the boys as putty in their
hands. "Not a chance, girl. Not a chance."<br />
<br />
<hr class="hardbreak" />
<br />
By the time they returned to camp, the fire was already lit.
Meanwhile, night had descended in earnest and the beaten warriors
were all too happy to have a respite from the day's efforts.<br />
<br />
"Well, that was a complete waste of time." Misty pointed out.<br />
<br />
"Yes. Completely, complete." Agreed Wendell. He tried to
laugh, but winced. A bullet had hit his shoulder with a glancing
blow. Though the bleeding was nothing worth worrying about, the wound was
still starting to bother him. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">How do people in the movies do it? </span>he
asked
himself,
<span style="font-style: italic;">Stallone or somebody
could be shot a dozen times and keep fighting. Me? I'm all done.</span><br />
<br />
Irmingard eased his pride a little when she pointed out, "Well, we did go up
against
an invincible killing machine with nothing but hand weapons."<br />
<br />
"And no plan." added Jack bitterly. The group was looking to him
for leadership, but, "It was all my fault. Sorry I let you down."<br />
<br />
Lola placed a hand on his back, but he pushed it away.<br />
<br />
She persisted. "Nobody is blaming you!"<br />
<br />
"Yeah. Nobody's blaming." said Wendell, slowly standing. He
nodded for the woods and excused himself, muttering something about a dry tree.<br />
<br />
"I was trained for this sort of thing. I should have known better." Jack
replied to the group, "So yeah, I think I am the one to blame."<br />
<br />
"Well, you're wrong then." She gave him a playful shove. Perhaps a
little too playful. He went over backwards off the log he was sitting on
and smashed against the ground. Golden stars sparkled in his vision.<br />
<br />
The fall did not improve his melancholy mood. "Figures." he said,
looking up at the first stars appearing through the treetops.<br />
<br />
She smiled and patted him on the shin. (The only part of him still within
reach.) <br />
<br />
Then she noticed her sister stood with folded arms on the far side of the
circle, lost deep in thought. It could only mean one thing. Her
smile faded.<br />
<br />
"What is it Irm'?" she barely dared ask.<br />
<br />
"The plan failed. Our enemies are still on the loose. It's time to
return back to Seebeck tower." She stared across the circle at her
sister, flickering fire illuminated her face from below, giving it an evil visage.<br />
<br />
"No!" Lola mouthed silently, but the other girl's gaze was hot as the flames
themselves.<br />
<br />
She was right. It was time. Lola grew even sadder.<br />
<br />
"Okay, so... why would we want to go back there?" asked a confused Misty.<br />
<br />
Lola did a double take at the new question. "Oh, to use the phone and
notify the authorities." She came up with the lie and gave it without missing a beat. She was proud of
that.<br />
<br />
They heard the <span style="font-style: italic;">snap</span> of a twig off to
the left.<br />
<br />
"Uh oh." said Lola. "There goes that plan." Her meaning, totally
different to the various listeners.<br />
<br />
Jack pulled her and Misty to the ground next to him. "Quiet! We're
surrounded!" he whispered emphatically. <br />
<br />
They all looked around. The echoes of the rocky valley made it difficult
to determine from which direction the sounds were coming from.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, a <span style="font-style: italic;">thud</span> and a <span style="font-style: italic;">crash </span>were heard in the undergrowth.
Then a deafening volley of gunfire shattered the still night.<br />
<br />
Jack and the girls peeped cautiously up over the log to see what had
happened. Across the way, Lola did the same.<br />
<br />
A chilling thought struck Misty. It flew out of her mouth at once.
"Wait a minute! Where's Wendell!??"<br />
<br />
"Over here." said a grunting voice.<br />
<br />
They turned to see him painfully dragging something in each hand. In his
right he was dragging a sub-machinegun by its strap, difficult because of the
wound. In his left was a human wrist, difficult because of the weight of
the body dragging behind it.<br />
<br />
The team all ran to his side.<br />
<br />
"What happened?" asked Misty.<br />
<br />
"Well, I was out takin' a..." He caught sight of the attractive young
ladies and tweaked his story, "I was out patrolling our perimeter, when I
spotted a couple of Seebeck's goons sneaking up on us."<br />
<br />
Irmingard smiled, compelling him to continue. "Clubbed this guy, and let me
tell you how bad<span style="font-style: italic;"> that</span> hurts when you're wounded."<br />
<br />
He was finally getting some sympathy now and he liked it. "Plus, let me tell you,
firing one of these things," he tossed the gun in the dirt at his
friends' feet, "with a bum shoulder is no picnic either."<br />
<br />
Despite all the pain he claimed, Wendell did not immediately sit down, but
started to rifle through the man's clothing.<br />
<br />
Lola shot Irmingard a worried look. <br />
<br />
The latter rushed to his side and started fawning over him, "You must be
exhausted. Come sit down by me and let my sister do that."<br />
<br />
Wendell allowed himself to be led away, but also said, "Don't worry. I
already found what we needed." He held up a satellite phone.<br />
<br />
Lola bit her lip.<br />
<br />
"Hey! Way to go, Wendell!" declared Misty cheerily. "Now we won't have
to go back to Seebeck tower after all!"<br />
<br />
Lola's shoulders slumped. <span style="font-style: italic;">So much for that plan.</span><br />
<br />
There was nothing for it, though. They'd go after the Juggernaught
again. She knew that much. And if they started making headway against
Seebeck's plans, well...<br />
<br />
Either way, the real battle was about to begin!
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2018/04/airplane.html">NEXT CHAPTER >></a> </div>
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<div style="background-color: #dadcbe; border-radius: 10px; border: 1px solid #9d521c; box-shadow: 3px 3px 2px #aaaaaa; padding: 10px;">
The preceding has been a chapter from <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/05/juggernaught-free-adventure-story.html">Juggernaught: A Moast Unusual Bible Study</a><br />
(Copyright 2016, Edmund Lloyd Fletcher.)
<br />
<br />
For more on this story, please visit its <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/05/juggernaught-free-adventure-story.html">main page</a>.
<br />
<br />
Also, don't forget to subscribe to the <a href="http://eepurl.com/bSsxOD" style="color: #005500; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">email list</a> so you <b> never miss a thing!</b>
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<!-- END FOOTER -->Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-67961486283362300652018-03-09T10:03:00.004-07:002018-03-14T17:09:32.882-06:00Juggernaught: Chapter 36 - Juggernaught<!-- header -->
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The the following is the next exciting next chapter of the ongoing eBook: <br />
Juggernaught: A Moast Unusual Bible Study. If you just tuned in, <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/05/juggernaught-free-adventure-story.html">start reading here</a>!</div>
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<br />
<br />
Morning brought no new answers.<br />
<br />
"I don't like this." said Misty. "Whatever could to that to a town..."<br />
<br />
Jack nodded. "Yeah. And dollars to doughnuts that Seebeck character
must be involved. I'm starting to really regret letting that weasal
go."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, but you said yourself, trying to take a kicking, screaming captive with us would only bog us down."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, she's right." added Wendell. "Now we've got a shot of catching up to this thin while the trail's still fresh."<br />
<br />
All eyes turned to him, but no one spoke. Only gawked.<br />
<br />
"What?" he whined impatiently.<br />
<br />
"You really intend to follow that thing?" Irmingard said. She had been hanging sweetly onto his arm up until now.<br />
<br />
"You know that's insane, right?" asked Jack.<br />
<br />
Wendell's eyes darted back and forth among his friends, still silently looking at him like a man from outer space.<br />
<br />
"Well, in my defense..." he offered, "If it's insane, then it's the last thing they'll expect!"<br />
<br />
Everybody gave some form of groan and/or face-palm. All except Misty, who it struck as hilarious.<br />
<br />
When she recovered herself enough to speak, "Okay, sorry. But he's got
a point, you know. What are we gonna do? Go home? I don't think so."<br />
<br />
"Come on, guys, this is exactly the kind of action we were Jealous over
Kurt and his boys getting." She stabbed the air with two fingers in the
direction of Lola and Irmingard. "And since I met you girls, I've
never seen you back down from a fight, either."<br />
<br />
They smiled and nodded. They seemed flattered at the allegation.<br />
<br />
"Woa, woa, woa." Jack waved his hands in the air. "Am I really the
only one that thinks that a handfull of teenagers going up against a
village-destroying mechanical monster is a bad idea."<br />
<br />
"Yeah!" said everyone in the circle.<br />
<br />
"Anyway, you're out-voted." Lola waved him off. "Let's get on the trail of this thing!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr class="hardbreak" />
<br />
Upon tracking and locating their target, the team decided to make way
on their stomach the last few yards so as to maintain cover in the low
foliage.<br />
<br />
They barely had a chance to get a glimpse of the towering wall of metal
and machinery, before they witnessed its many gun turrets swing in
their direction.<br />
<br />
"Run!" cried Jack.<br />
<br />
Nobody needed to be told. They were all making for the cover of a boulder at the top of a nearby ridge.<br />
<br />
They hit the dirt and returned fire, using the weapons pilfered from
Seebeck's tower. They now seemed woefully small and inadequate, and ammo was
already low from their earlier escapades.<br />
<br />
"Any ideas, folks, would be great." said Misty, not looking up as she popped
off another round.<br />
<br />
"Okay, we can beat this. What've they got that we haven't got?" asked Jack.<br />
<br />
Wendell shrugged. "Robotic cannons that can blast the hat off a housefly
at 100 yards. How can you beat a robot brain with lightning reflexes?"<br />
<br />
"You really think they're robotic?" asked Misty.<br />
<br />
Jack seemed to be considering something so she turned to Irmingard.<br />
<br />
"He may be right. No other way of explaining the perfect accuracy and synchronization."<br />
<br />
Jack snapped his fingers. "That's it! 'Robot brain'!"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, it can out-think us. So what?"<br />
<br />
"Ever hear about Garry Kasparov vs Deep Blue?"<br />
<br />
Misty recalled, "Yeah, yeah. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Man vs. The Machine</span>.
They
made
us
watch
it
in
school.
Never
seemed
to
have
any
practical
value.
(Besides
scaring
people,
that
is.)"<br />
<br />
"Well, here's some practical value for you: Some chalked Kasperov's victories
up to his human ability to behave unpredictably at times - something a computer
can't process."<br />
<br />
Wendell was clueless. " 'Behave unpredictably'? What good does tha-- Hey. Why's everybody
looking at me?"<br />
<br />
It clicked. "Oh no." he said, waving his hands.<br />
<br />
"Get out there Wendell." said Misty with a jerk of her head in the direction.<br />
<br />
"And do what!??"<br />
<br />
"Scream, run around, tell lame knock-knock jokes... whatever you do.
You've got to confuse the computer with your random nonsense while we knock out
that gun."<br />
<br />
"Why do I have to... hey! Hey! Quit pushin'!"<br />
<br />
"Think of it this way:" said Jack. "You only just finished saying how 'insane' is the last thing they'd expect."<br />
<br />
Everybody nodded. "You said that. You did." Irmingard pointed out.<br />
<br />
"And 'insane' is what you do best."<br />
<br />
Wendell felt inclined to take that as an insult until Misty said, "Yeah. It's kind of like... your superpower."<br />
<br />
At that, Wendell stood and sucked in a lungfull of air. He stuck out
his chest like those superhero comics of which he was so fond.<br />
<br />
"Great!" Jack quickly shoved Wendell from cover. <br />
<br />
The latter turned around and shouted,
"And my knock-knock jokes ARE NOT lame!"<br />
<br />
Misty shrugged. She whispered aside to Jack, "I hope he doesn't get deaded out there. Then I'll feel bad."<br />
<br />
"Me too."<br />
<br />
A row of geysers erupted in the dirt as a machine gun tracked toward him. <br />
<br />
"Eep!", he shouted and bolted in the opposite direction.<br />
<br />
He took on a crazily winding, zig-zagging course through the deadly
shooting gallery. Despite the amount of lead flying, he seemed to be
able to keep one step ahead of the artificial intelligence.<br />
<br />
For all his antics, he wasn't able to approach. However, the
distraction did give the others a chance to size up their foe for the
first time.<br />
<br />
"What'dy think?" asked Jack to the others.<br />
<br />
Misty said, "Looks like one of those huge tracked thingys that NASA uses to bring spaceships out to the launch pad."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, but everything's high up on legs like a deep sea oil platform.
No way we'll be able to get up to the good stuff from the ground."<br />
<br />
"We could disable the tracks." Lola pointed out.<br />
<br />
"Not with those guns. Look." Jack drew some imaginary lines in the
air as he said, "They're machine controlled, so they can swivel a full
180 in their sockets. They'd be able to shoot straight down on us."<br />
<br />
"What's worse," Jack continued, "I'd venture to guess that whole
platform is a couple of floors of barracks for those zombie soldiers.
No telling how many are in there, and how many back at the tower were
reserves."<br />
<br />
Misty added, "Up on top, where we can't see... probably the whole roof is covered with choppers to bring 'em places."<br />
<br />
"So you think our being here is all a wash, then?" asked Irmingard.<br />
<br />
" 'fraid so." replied Jack.<br />
<br />
"Say. How's he doing out there?" she added, gesturing beyond the rock with her head.<br />
<br />
Misty and Jack popped their heads out of cover once again.<br />
<br />
"Good job, Wendell!" Jack called out, trying to encourage his friend to keep it up.<br />
<br />
"Whadya mean?" Wendell shouted back, "It didn't even like my cactus joke!"<br />
<br />
He jumped like a startled hare at the next gunshot and ran off in some crazy
direction.<br />
<br />
Jack rolled his eyes and muttered, "The cactus joke."<br />
<br />
"Surprised it didn't shoot him for that alone." said Misty.<br />
<br />
After a silence, offering, "I could shoot him."<br />
<br />
"Maybe later. Might as well call him back though." Jack sighed and reluctantly added. "Let's get outta
here."
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2018/03/juggernaught-chapter-37-another-way.html">NEXT CHAPTER >></a><br /></div>
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The preceding has been a chapter from <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/05/juggernaught-free-adventure-story.html">Juggernaught: A Moast Unusual Bible Study</a><br />
(Copyright 2016, Edmund Lloyd Fletcher.)
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For more on this story, please visit its <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/05/juggernaught-free-adventure-story.html">main page</a>.
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<!-- END FOOTER -->Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676384880086404282.post-84354100398209194482018-03-02T21:03:00.001-07:002018-03-02T21:04:34.120-07:00Journal: Not Dead Yet (plus sneak peeks!)Good evening everybody.<br />
<br />
Since this blog has been badly neglected, I thought I owed you all an update on what's going on.<br />
<br />
At the end of November I "temporarily" put off the <a href="https://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/05/juggernaught-free-adventure-story.html">Juggernaught </a>story to finish up <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2017/11/nanowrimo-2017-official-announcement.html">NaNoWriMo</a> <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2017/11/nanowrimo-2017-official-announcement.html">story</a>. Naturally, that "temporary" extended through the holidays.<br />
<br />
And then in January I decided to push myself to do ANOTHER NaNoWriMo. Yep, that's right, I completed an entire rough draft of another installment of the Moast Unusual series!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
True to form, it has everything: Ancient riddles, car chases, mayhem, lazers, and Wendell being... Wendellish.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Almost as an afterthought, [Jack] added, "I hope it isn't a big deal all the traffic accidents we caused."<br />
<br />
The Prime minister smiled warmly. "No, no, dear boy. Parliament will understand."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, and that mailbox we exploded." Wendell added.<br />
<br />
"M-mailbox?" asked the Prime Minister. A look of concern washed over her face.<br />
<br />
Her eyes drifted to Jane.<br />
<br />
Jane shrugged and shook her head, pointing at the bandage. The news came as just as surprising to her.<br />
<br />
Jack whispered to Wendell, "I think they call them 'pillar boxes' over here."<br />
<br />
"Oh. Right." he said back, and amended his statement to the Prime Minister, "Sorry we exploded one of your <i>pillar boxes</i>. It seemed like such a good idea at the time."<br />
<br />
He hung his head in shame. "Now, in hindsight, it just seems violent and dumb."</blockquote>
The story came together so well that I decided to insert it in between <a href="https://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2016/11/book-announcement-queen-of-atlantis.html">Queen of Atlantis</a> and the planned book 2 (which is long enough, but has plot holes big enough to drive, say, a Juggernaught through)<br />
<br />
So, between those two, <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2017/11/nanowrimo-2017-official-announcement.html">Beast Forever</a> ready for edit, and Juggernaught nearing the end, that makes two more books nearly ready for release, and another two right on their heels. Does that really mean I could get FOUR titles released this!?? I dunno. But I'm, sure excited to find out!<br />
<br />
Of course, there's a big "if" in all this. Which will explain why I haven't accounted for February yet. Remember <a href="http://edmundlloydfletcher.blogspot.com/2017/05/update-on-road-to-recovery.html">last winter when I got that nasty tonsil infection</a>? Well this time spent the last month with severe respiratory problem in my left lung. Every time I plan a DR's appointment, it clears up just enough that I think I'm winning. "Well, maybe a little longer..." I say. But then it hangs on... and on... and on...<br />
<br />
Like I say, I've lost a whole month over this business, so unless there's a major improvement this weekend, I'm going in. There. I said it. Now I have to go in to the chop-shop. You're my accountability, okay? ;)<br />
<br />
Well, that's a pretty long update. I'll close in my usual way and then add a cover idea sketch for the new book. The elements are all part of the story and I think the imagery is a little interesting / curiosity-provoking. Let me know what you think over on the socials.<br />
<br />
<br />
Live Your Adventure,<br />
-E.L. Fletcher<br />
<br />
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<br />Edmund Lloyd Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666847499235384184noreply@blogger.com