Into the Fire

Book 20 in Mark Dawson's sensational John Milton Novel Series, Bulletproof will remind you of someone and something . . . 

He was promised his freedom from the pursuit of Group 15 by the current Control if he would do this one last thing which didn't involve executing anyone, but John Milton's history with this division of MI6 knew better than to ultimately count on that. However, he accepted the assignment to help protect a wealthy man he once knew back in his days of working for Group 15, days he would rather forget. When Tristan Huxley only agreed to the protection by Group 15 if John Milton would be his guardian during the terse time of a few days before the signing of a weapons brokerage deal between Russia and India, Control had no choice but to make it happen. Included in that protection are Milton's former nemisis Thorssen (Number 1) and a female agent (Number 6). Both #s 1 and 6 ranted against involving Milton, but the billionaire Tristan said no deal without Milton. 

Tristan remembers John as the hard-drinking assassin, but John assures him during their re-introduction at Tristan's opulent dwelling that he's not that same man, which momentarily poses some awkwardness, but it passes with John's steadfast refusal to indulge himself. What Tristan, Thorssen, and #6 don't see is the strain on John to resist the presence of the available at all times liquor. He overcomes it as the plot to protect Tristan proves far more challenging than it should be because of Tristan's self-obssessed and determined intent to do things his way which involves an ill-advised bacchanalian weekend at his private island in Sri Lanka. To top that weekend off, sabotage becomes apparent nearly landing everyone in extreme danger. 

When John realizes the ultimate source of Tristan's incredible wealth, he and Thorssen discover their similar aversion which occurs just before Thorssen ends up in the hospital. 

As you might recall, John's penance for his days with Group 15 involved helping those who can't help themselves and/or find justice that has eluded them. In this case John figures out a way to get justice for a few who've lost so much. 

The Epilogue to this story is perfect and projects a potential plot for Book 21 – or not. It's not a cliffhanger by any stretch. 

Bulletproof is a not-so-subtle takeoff from an event and persona(s) Americans will remember particularly well, but the international community, specifically Great Britain, will also recognize. A well-told and imaginative thriller one can almost say is based on a true story.  

Father, please continue to provide what Mark needs to keep writing his stories. Bless him and his family and may he know from where his talent comes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

     Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 

Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)

Hearing their voices, seeing their expressions, knowing their thoughts, the voyeur watches . . . It's an author thing. 

Dragging my feet, not wanting this story to end, to have to say goodbye to these characters . . . It's an author thing.

Mental occupation by scenes, actions, conversations – creating them anywhere, anytime . . . It's an author thing. 

Writing that opening to the final words, the journey takes time . . . It's an author thing. 

Lord, thank you for it all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Playing to your strengths . . . (originally posted on 11/19/12) 

Physical strength varies even within people who are the same size. Some smaller people have remarkable strength while some large people show limited physical capability. All kinds of physiques can train to gain strengths, but each individual possesses different talents which aren't always visible in physical demonstrations.

I'm only 5' 4". When I was young and working at the racetrack, I developed some decent strength for my size and weight. Handling Thoroughbreds and tugging on hay and straw bales force you to get tough. You push yourself to do what you couldn't do before you gained the experience and reps.

When writing, you have to play to your strengths as you develop ways to compensate for your natural weaknesses. I've been told and I tend to agree that my writing strengths show up in character development and dialogue. No wonder I don't write complex plots, huh? Not to say I can't improve on my natural strengths but good to know I at least have been complimented on them.

I don't have a formula for the weight lifting exercises involved in perfecting your writing strengths, and I tend to shun the instructions that guarantee or suggest a slam dunk approach. All I can offer is keep working out. Read and write – the best exercises for improving your strengths.

Father, whatever strengths I might have I owe to you. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

The beauty of the night and the comfort of the solitude. Can you hear the quiet? Does the silence still your soul or does it make you anxious? What does your heartbeat say? Whose voice do you want to hear the most? What do you have to speak out loud? 

Father, your voice is the most important one, but sometimes I can't hear you. It's me, not you. Holy Spirit, always desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Lots of well-known and good songs here. If you're a lyric-person, someone took some time with these. Good group back in the day. 

Father, thank you for the beauty of music. May all those who make music know from whom their inspiration and talent comes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

From my novel, Chapter 29, Seeing . . . 

REPERCUSSIONS 

I haven't written in this journal since we made peace so many years ago. You sent me thoughts and visions and burdens to pray for people I didn't know. You're aware of all the times I've felt so weird. How alone.

     And now I wonder if I'm not rescinding on your plan for me. My desires jumble my brain. My conduct leans more heavily toward pleasing my body. The girl you sent into my life proves both a worthy opponent and an inspiration to cling to you for every word of instruction. And like you do sometimes, you remain quiet or you interject challenge, and I feel like I'm flat off my game. Somehow love got involved. I remembered the attraction, and you know I welcomed it because it restored my manhood–reminded me that I can still feel at all. I thought it was all the flesh–the craving so powerful. And so unsatisfied. But it's more.

     She doesn't know you, Jesus. Holy Spirit, I can watch you working. Patient. Kind. I know the line, Lord. To cross it would be like slipping into a noose. The repercussions fatal for me. I can't risk it. Please, Lord God, save her. 

Father, apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you for every inspiration, word, novel. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent —

     the Lord detests them both.

Proverbs 17:15 (NIV) 

Out of all the wonderful novels I've read and loved, these four hold the distinction of having been read at least twice. Unforgotten was read three times if I remember correctly. The Masterpiece holds the record of at least 10 times. Seriously. I loved it every time I read it. Three magnificent Christian authors. Four great novels.  

Father, please continue to bless these authors and their work. Beautiful books, perfect inspiration. Thank you for them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Back in time . . . springtime on the University of Washington campus. A long time ago. 

Father, lost then but you rescued me much later. I regret those lost days but you didn't waste them. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.