Into the Fire

A dear author friend and I discussed this recently . . . 

Every novel, at some point, somewhere, some time in the story contains a mundane passage – such as particular information that must be provided but there are few ways, if any, to make it interesting. Perhaps a peripheral character's appearance, occupation, or even attitude is boring – which typifies that character – and yet because of something he says or does, he – or she – and that description turn out to be necessary to the story.

"Good" readers – and by that I mean "experienced", "well-read", and/or those readers who "choose to read for the love of story," for "entertainment," for the "immersion into a fresh novel" as opposed to those readers who seek out faults, who need their critical bullet points for those 1-star reviews they expel so freely, and who don't qualify as reading for the enjoyment and experience of the story – choose to embrace the overall story and ignore those parts that might not be as scintillating as others in the story. 

By that entirely too long sentence in the previous paragraph, I don't mean that every story is enjoyable to every good or critical reader. We've all read our share of books we haven't liked for various reasons, some valid criticisms, others just different tastes in literature. 

My point is this: there will be portions of any novel where it might drag a bit or seem "boring", but in a good story it's a small but necessary means to an end. Even some of the best thrillers must resort to giving that possibly mundane information and explanation whether or not it's as exciting as what came before it or follows after it. 

Reading novels is a journey that can take you to the place you've never been, meet characters you want to know, experience excitement you won't ever face, and/or possibly cry tears of pain, joy, laughter for and with those within that story. Press on through the passages which seem less entertaining and enjoy the total journey in that novel. 

Father, thank you for your authors, for your inspirations, for the words that lead us away to new experiences in stories. Apart from you, we can do nothing. Bless those who write to honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Minnie-Ha-Ha and me. Probably the summer before 7th grade. At the Flying Horseshoe Ranch in Teanaway Valley, Washington. Great little mare. So much fun.

Father, thank you for that time in my life. The love of horses you planted in me, the prelude to working on the racetrack. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Reading that story that takes you away . . . to meet new characters who seem so real, who lead you to invest in their journeys, to feel their emotions, their pain, their humor, their conundrums. And who are they? Which ones are your favorites? Which ones will make you invest your time – even when you have little of it to spare? Who grabs your heart and won't let go?

Who will bring you to tears – no matter where you are? 

What constitutes becoming your favorite? Do you know? Is it their honesty, their trials and how they handle them? Is it their boldness and courage? Is it their resolute attitude no matter how hard the problems are that they face? Is it their vulnerability in spite of inner strength? 

Why is your favorite genre what it is and how did it become your favorite? 

What is it about a certain author or two or a few that insures you will read anything they write? 

The compelling power of novels . . . letting them take you away.

Father, thank you for inspiration. Thank you for the use of words to create beauty. Thank you for stories that offer so much. Apart from you, we can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

                       More from the great Bryan Duncan.

Father, you know our hearts, souls, and spirits from the inside out. Thank you for rescuing us from ourselves. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

As an author, I marvel at other authors who throw out multiple series novels. I've never been compelled to write a series even though I've seen the possibility for one or two with a couple of my books. All of mine are stand-alone stories – maybe that's why it's so difficult to write "The End" when it's finally time to do so. 

I will be reviewing a book soon that I must say is the most unusual "novel" I've ever read – and that's saying something. The Preface for the story sets the tone and in some ways says it all. Wow. 

Do you, as the reader of novels, prefer stand-alones or series novels? Or does it matter to you? 

Do you, as the reader of novels, have a drop-dead favorite? Or do you have a few favorites in each of the genres you've read? 

That's about it for this Monday's meanderings from an author . . . 

Father, thank you for your authors and stories, for inspiration and characters, for all the words . . . Apart from you, we can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

"Turn to me and be saved,

  all you ends of the earth;

  for I am God, and there is no other.

By myself I have sworn, 

  my mouth has uttered in all integrity

  a word that will not be revoked:

Before me every knee will bow;

  by me every tongue will swear.

They will say of me, 'In the Lord alone

  are righteousness and strength.'"

All you have raged against Him

  will come to Him and be put to shame.

But in the Lord all the descendants of Israel

  will be found righteous and will exult.

Isaiah: 45:22-25 (NIV)

Available for e-readers only. Destination: An unlikely felon returns to friendship with a fiery old widow, real love, ministry to youth, and the unusual burden for his new love’s ex-fiancé.

"I cannot put into words how good this book was. I have never read a fiction book that was as true to life as this book is. You will see yourself somewhere in this story. I highly recommend this book to everyone."  Ann F. 

Father, thank you for the words, characters, stories. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

One of the best. Bryan Duncan has some of the best Christian songs on the market and is on a par with Mylon LeFevre as far as great music. Incredible. 

Father, please continue to shine your face upon Bryan and let his testimony be heard by many. Encourage him and continue to give him that great voice with which you blessed him. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.