Many disturbing world events have transpired since my last blog post. I hardly know where I would begin writing about them. As I've indicated before, I try to write when I believe the Holy Spirit is inspiring me. His nudging, I have felt during the past few months.
It's not that I haven't been punching the keyboard, because I have. Nothing written that I've published, until today. There are a host of social, political and spiritual issues, for which I am anxious to vent my concerns and opines. I can hardly contain it.
Today, however, I'm excited to announce, at the ripe age of sixty years young, another first for me this year. The prior one was the publishing of my first single, an original song, even though I've been crafting songs for over thirty years. It's entitled; "Chasing Down The Wind." It is available at most digital media distributors, on-line.
That was last January. Now, I have finally started writing my first novel. It's something I've had on my bucket-list for about the past five of those sixty birthday celebrations and longer as a mere notion. The heat of this day is analogous to the passion I have for penning this work. My creative juices are flowing through me. I suspect that it's a spiritual inspiration. A ministry of sort.
The opening and unique narrative came to me about one to two years ago. One that shall be partially concealed until the time of the book's publishing. God willing, it gets published, that is. I think science-fiction lovers will find it intriguing.
Although, the (currently title-less) tale is designed to appeal to a Christian audience, it is my hope that the topic will draw a substantial percentage of non-Christian readers, as well. Especially those whom have had the unfortunate experience of suffering the horrific and devastating transgressions of an abusive adult in their childhood.
In this story, the socially-taboo deeds perpetrated upon Sammy are by the hand of an immediate family member. They began as far back as a child is able to recall. In the recently completed fifth chapter, the reader is taken on the first of the tale's frightening journeys into Sammy's nine year old mind, on a dark day of affliction. It's portrayal exposes the deep trepidation he feels, caused by the deranged violations of his abuser. This traumatic kind of maltreatment ushers him into testing consequences and heavy stages of emotional distress. They prove to leave permanent scars on Samuel's psyche. Accompanied by even more unspeakable acts, their haunts follow him throughout his entire adulthood. The gripping trek, in the life of Samuel D. Kline, delivers truth pulling emotions, soul searching interpretations and reveals his God given mission. They compel and propel him through adversarial obstacles and frustrating hindrances. How can he prevail in this discouraging and twisted environment? A question that all of us ponder at some point on our own timeline.
My intention for writing this novel is to open the door, allowing entrance into the dwelling of an abused child. Like an eye-witness encountering the disturbing reality of the affliction heaped upon some children. Perverted impositions thwart their immunity to a tainted and harsh corporeal world. Without the providence of a stable home life and proper parental sheltering, it steals their God given gift of innocence and unconditional joy.
Another motive, for scripting this book, is for the acknowledgement of the long lasting devastation that it can impose on it's victims. Suffering that render many on a rough road of seeking "normalcy" in their daily functions. Many people take that blessing for granted. And finally, to help restore hope, forgiveness and peace in their lives. Truly, it is found in only one healing source.
Use this link to sample an unedited excerpt of Chapter 5.
Some of the episodes, depicted in the fictional story of Samuel D. Kline, are adaptations of testimonies given by actual victims of domestic abuse. Their names shall remain anonymous, unless they decide otherwise.
Warning: Some of the descriptive content may be considered graphic. My reason for this is to portray, with accuracy, the detrimental effects that abusive behavior has on the receiving end of an individual. I believe that it is important for people to feel like the atrocities are happening to themselves, to bring more awareness to the impact it has on victims and their families. In other words, a plea for empathy and an understanding of why some people may be perceived as socially awkward. We all have those moments. Some, more than others, is the only difference.
I welcome you back for progress reports on my first novel.