For the longest time I have dreamed of writing a novel. I have always loved to read and I’ve always been in love with a good story. Our lives are indeed a story, for at their most basic level they consist of a beginning, a middle, and an end (Although for Christians the end is really the beginning, no?). I think this is part of the reason why Jesus chose to teach through parables. We understand stories. They entertain us, they challenge us, and they move us. If you think of your favorite book, movie, play, TV Show, etc…..no doubt you will find those elements in some form or fashion. I want to be a part of that. I want to create stories that will make readers think…stories that will make them wonder and dare to dream….stories that will inspire…….stories that will make their hearts pound and their spirits soar….stories that will open their eyes.

So, I’ve decided to pursue my dream. I have started a novel. And when I say “start”, I mean start. The typical length of the average novel (appx. 300 pgs. give or take) is about 100,000 words. There are exceptions to this of course..but that is the average…or so I’m told. I’ve written about 1,500. So I’ve only got about 98,500 more words to go. Gulp…

This blog has taken a few different directions since I started it last fall. From this point on I will mostly use this blog to journal about the novel writing process and all that is involved. I really have no idea what this will be like. I do know it will be very difficult, very challenging, and very intense. But I must see this through. The “what-if” is killing me and If I don’t give this a shot, I will forever regret it. I will also use this blog to share devotional thoughts, and I may even write about being a Daddy from time to time.

Meanwhile, I have 2 other blogs going. I have just started a new book review blog that I am pumped about (Bookshelf Review). I have been in contact with several major publishers and they have agreed to send me books for review on a regular basis. This is a great way for me to grow as a writer and it gives me the opportunity to share great fiction with other book lovers. The site will focus primarily on Christian Fiction (mystery, suspense, thrillers, supernatural thrillers, etc.). I will also be posting author interviews and book related news. I am not limiting the site to Christian Fiction however, and I hope to be able to provide a good variety as the site grows.

And don’t forget about Madelyn’s Blog. Every now and then she somehow sneaks off and “borrows” my laptop so she can communicate to all of her adoring fans. I have a feeling that blog is going to be around for awhile.

As far as the book I am writing….I’m not ready to say too much about it a this point. I don’t even have a title yet. Here is what I can tell you: At this point it will most likely be a modern mystery/suspense novel with a supernatural twist. I am writing with the Christian Fiction market in mind, but I hope to write it in such a way that it could be published outside of that market as well. I want to explore spiritual truth without being preachy or too “in your face”. I want to stretch and challenge people..not spoon-feed or force-feed them.

Like I said…I don’t want to say too much yet. But I will tell you this much about the story: There is a boy, a dog, and a girl. And it all started way back in 1985. (Of course everything I have just told you about the book is subject to change at any moment).

So there you go…I’m writing a novel. I wrestled a long time about whether or not to make this known. But I figured if people know then I will be encouraged that much more to keep on going. So please…I beg you. Ask me how it’s going. Bug me about it. Don’t let me quit! Even if I never get published, at least I can say I gave it my best.

98,500 more words to go….