Into the Fire

On February 24th, 2008, the annual Academy Awards celebration is supposed to be on television to present the Oscars to those professionals in the film industry who have been voted on and selected as the best in their particular fields of endeavor for the year 2007. Because of the writers’ strike (WGA), there is some question as to whether or not the show will go on and if the writers will agree to a one day truce while the failed negotiations wait in the wings for a future playbill to resume.

If you’re not interested in the entertainment industry or you’re not a movie fan, you could care less, I know. “So what?” you ask. Well . . .

Recently, a few actors have died, the most recognizable being Heath Ledger. Last week’s post titled “Movies and Movie Stars” addressed his young life coming to what seems to many a premature end.

While much in the film industry has been clouded with debauchery through the ages since its inception, it’s unfair to declare all those involved as heathens and therefore undesirables. Neither is it acceptable to garner undue praise and idolatry for them when they are simply human beings with ascribed talents just like the rest of us. Because whether or not you’re a fan of film, acting is a wonderful talent and a gift from our God. Like writing it can be used for the glory and pleasure of God—or not.

One of the reasons I’ve decided to mention this subject again is because at approximately the same time as the Oscar trophies will be distributed, my novel The Famous One will become available. It just so happens to be a story about an actor.

So here come my infamous *disclaimers*, the non-marketer in me asserting itself. To the pure professionals in the film industry there will be technical aspects and terms not included, either vague or imagined sequences, and definitely not a finite and perfect rendition of all aspects of acting, producing films, and making movies. This isn’t a textbook on either acting or filmmaking, but, believe it or not, I did do some research before writing this book.

No, in fact, this novel is slightly autobiographical in a small sense and very loosely based on the life of a real actor who is thankfully very much alive.

The Famous One is a contemporary Christian novel written for adult readers, but the first three quarters of the story are mostly written from a secular experience. Here is the portion of the back cover copy which reveals the gist of this story:

*What drives the handsome, troubled Joey Parr in his search for “real”?

Joey Parr’s journey from a troubled childhood and rebellious adolescence leads him into a career in film and reluctant celebrity. The Famous One chronicles his life and allows the reader to share in his beginnings, his awkward fame, and the love which finally finds him when he least expects it. As his dream of having a family unfolds, he is stunned to learn something is still missing from his near perfect life.

The Famous One takes an introverted yet passionate character of few words and deep running emotion and puts him into the spotlight of fame where he is hungry for value, substance, and real love but struggles to find them.*

I couldn’t ask for better timing for the appearance of this novel, and if I had a team of marketing specialists behind the release of this book, we could have a field day with opportunities coinciding with the awards for excellence in the film industry. However, when you self-publish a book, you may also purchase publicity packages of various depths and degrees—that is, if you can afford them after shelling out the considerable costs of producing said books. Sooo . . . we’re giving the power of marketing to the Lord Jesus Christ in prayer and the petition of those friends and visitors who’ve been pre-selected to receive copies of this novel. If they like it . . . what will they do?

As it has been said ad nauseum—but with good reason—“Timing is everything.” And I couldn’t agree more. God has His own time and seasons for everything, including the release of novels. How appropriate that those folks who appreciate the medium of film and the enjoyment of reading novels can choose to experience a story about a kid with no direction who happens into a career as an actor, and . . . well . . . movies are made about stuff like this!

Anyway, this is fair warning: *Occasional marketing posts to follow.* AAAACCCKKK!!!

Father, thank you for the experience of researching and writing this novel. You know what it involved and what it was like for me because you orchestrated the entire journey. Thank you for the burden, Lord. And may my prayers reap souls for your kingdom. Please, Lord, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

*Please remember to pray for Kristy Dykes.*