NEW TITLE FOR MY MANUSCRIPT (the former X-ality)

Well, big news today! I've been working on my revising and editing so nothing new from that angle.

But I sent a title idea to Jerry B. Jenkins for his approval and he said that it would work better than "X-ality".

The NEW title will be . . . . . .


FUTURITY


Goodbye to X-ality and hello to Futurity. What do you think?





P.S. Sorry for these obnoxious words in the background. I'm not sure how to fix it. 

LIFE

  After I watched this thought provoking trailer. It made me think about why we reach out  to worlds better than our own? As a child I longed to go to Narnia and my brother wanted to go to Middle Earth. I dreamed that Aslan would come roaring in and change my life forever.
Why do we do this? If we are just highly evolved apes, as everyone tells us then why do we long for more? Sure, animals want to run from pain to somewhere safer. And people do similar things when they are in agony. But I'm talking about the moments when you are not in pain or agony when you have this strange ache to be free.

  In another film, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) we are faced with the question of life. What is it to actually live and not just breathe? We long to go out and change the world, fight the villains, fall in love, and be the hero. Yet we don't know how.
  We're told to go out and live. But how?
  Which way do to we go?
  What is truth?
  What is true life?
  Even in The Bible the question is asked, like in John 14:5. "Thomas said to Him, "Lord we don't to know where You are going, and how can we know the way?""

  The questions echo through this world like a distant scream.
Yet no normal man can answer it. Why do we want more than this world can offer? Why can't we seem to live the way we're meant to?

But there is a whisper. A soft voice that murmurs through these stories like Tomorrowland and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

The Whisper says, "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."" John 14:6.

So remember, when you watch a movie, or read a book, or hear a song that awakens a longing that seems far away and too beautiful to describe. Know that there is a answer to that call.

And although this is not a Christ centered quote, it has a point. (LIFE Magazine motto in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty). "To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life."

And guess what? In Philippians 1:21 it says, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Christ is life. He is the one we should serve.

We're to see the world He's made, to fight the danger to come, to see His truth that has been hidden behind walls of evil, to draw closer to Him and each other, and to feel Him. To Glorify Him. That is the purpose of life.

And remember that longing for someplace better? Well . . . "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I got to prepare a place for you." John 14:2

Realize where these great stories are pointing. Him

So go out and live.

NEWS on my BOOK

Its been a while since I have posted on here. And I know what you are guys are thinking.

IS . . .THERE . . . ANY . . . NEWS . . . ABOUT . . . X-ALITY?

Well, matter of fact there is. Thank you for asking. =)

Jerry. B. Jenkins has gone through the first chapter and chopped it from 5 pages to 2. That is a lot of editing folks. I've been working on the second chapter and Mr. Jenkins has kindly given me pointers on that as well. I may be adding completely new material as well. Which means more adventure for you readers.
 Mr. Jenkins was saying that my title maybe to confusing for marketing. So I'm thinking of making a new title for my manuscript. But I'm stuck and need help. Please read my synopsis and try and come up with an idea for a title I can't promise I'll use the titles but then again I might. Here is the synopsis for X-ality (er my manuscript). Post your title idea as a comment below . . .

"Sixteen-year-old Jason Sorn has a normal life, friends, and goes to school like other American kids. But everything changes when his parents are mysteriously murdered and Jason must move in with his uncle and aunt in Montana. Six months later, while his aunt and uncle are away on a business trip, Jason is seriously injured in a traffic accident. At the hospital, doctors discover an inexplicable new organ growing inside his body. Soon, the FBI becomes involved. Jason is baffled over their interest in him.
Before the FBI can move Jason to a secure facility to study this unusual development, a shadowy agency comes after him. Terrified, Jason runs. He doesn’t trust the FBI, and he has no idea who this other sinister agency—ANO, Agents of the New Order—is. Worse, Jason does not know what is going on inside his body. Why he is haunted by visions of sinister, yellow eyes? Why can he toss people and semi-trucks around with his mind? Is this why he has become the hunted?
Leon Weston, a man with a dark past, comes across Jason and hides him from ANO and the FBI. Jason is drawn to Leon but wonders why he would help . . . and what he is hiding. Leon possesses the ability to see in the future and has invulnerable skin. Leon introduces Jason to others like him, who exhibit unusual powers: Rachel who wields fire with her hands and Jude who can teleport.
Jason learns the reason he has been drawn into this extraordinary circle of unique people: ANO has infiltrated the FBI and plans to start World War III for their own nefarious purposes. Leon’s group, of which Jason is now a member, uncovers a factory where ANO is building an army. Using their God-given super powers, they must destroy it. But as Jason and his friends slip into the factory to plant bombs, everything falls apart. Jason is shot, ANO stops the explosions, and most of the strike team is killed. It appears their mission has failed.
As Jason’s life fades, he finds himself in his mentor’s arms. He asks Leon why he helped him in the first place. Leon reveals that he is Jason’s adopted brother. He’d run away before Jason was born because of his guilt for the death of a loved one. Sadly, Jason dies before hearing this confession.
Leon yells at God to show Himself, but only Jude appears and says they need to leave. When Leon touches Jude, their world spins. The two find themselves back in the past—before the destruction. In shock, Jude has just proven he has the ability to time travel.
Now alive, Jason helps destroy the factory and fights against other ANO super villains. Defeating the enemy, Jason and the others return to their home, grateful to be alive—this time."

You guys are amazing. Thanks.

NOTICE: I just realized that the comments are not working well. So go ahead and post your title ideas on my Facebook Author page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Daniel-Kuehn/1428516144079464?ref=bookmarks

Sixteen-year-old Jason Sorn has a normal life, friends, and goes to school like other American kids. But everything changes when his parents are mysteriously murdered and Jason must move in with his uncle and aunt in Montana. Six months later, while his aunt and uncle are away on a business trip, Jason is seriously injured in a traffic accident. At the hospital, doctors discover an inexplicable new organ growing inside his body. Soon, the FBI becomes involved. Jason is baffled over their interest in him.
Before the FBI can move Jason to a secure facility to study this unusual development, a shadowy agency comes after him. Terrified, Jason runs. He doesn’t trust the FBI, and he has no idea who this other sinister agency—ANO, Agents of the New Order—is. Worse, Jason does not know what is going on inside his body. Why he is haunted by visions of sinister, yellow eyes? Why can he toss people and semi-trucks around with his mind? Is this why he has become the hunted?
Leon Weston, a man with a dark past, comes across Jason and hides him from ANO and the FBI. Jason is drawn to Leon but wonders why he would help . . . and what he is hiding. Leon possesses the ability to see in the future and has invulnerable skin. Leon introduces Jason to others like him, who exhibit unusual powers: Rachel who wields fire with her hands and Jude who can teleport.
Jason learns the reason he has been drawn into this extraordinary circle of unique people: ANO has infiltrated the FBI and plans to start World War III for their own nefarious purposes. Leon’s group, of which Jason is now a member, uncovers a factory where ANO is building an army. Using their God-given super powers, they must destroy it. But as Jason and his friends slip into the factory to plant bombs, everything falls apart. Jason is shot, ANO stops the explosions, and most of the strike team is killed. It appears their mission has failed.
As Jason’s life fades, he finds himself in his mentor’s arms. He asks Leon why he helped him in the first place. Leon reveals that he is Jason’s adopted brother. He’d run away before Jason was born because of his guilt for the death of a loved one. Sadly, Jason dies before hearing this confession.
Leon yells at God to show Himself, but only Jude appears and says they need to leave. When Leon touches Jude, their world spins. The two find themselves back in the past—before the destruction. In shock, Jude has just proven he has the ability to time travel.
Now alive, Jason helps destroy the factory and fights against other ANO super villains. Defeating the enemy, Jason and the others return to their home, grateful to be alive—this time. - See more at: https://www.crowdscribed.com/challenges/74#sthash.5gziIBFh.dpuf

Sixteen-year-old Jason Sorn has a normal life, friends, and goes to school like other American kids. But everything changes when his parents are mysteriously murdered and Jason must move in with his uncle and aunt in Montana. Six months later, while his aunt and uncle are away on a business trip, Jason is seriously injured in a traffic accident. At the hospital, doctors discover an inexplicable new organ growing inside his body. Soon, the FBI becomes involved. Jason is baffled over their interest in him.
Before the FBI can move Jason to a secure facility to study this unusual development, a shadowy agency comes after him. Terrified, Jason runs. He doesn’t trust the FBI, and he has no idea who this other sinister agency—ANO, Agents of the New Order—is. Worse, Jason does not know what is going on inside his body. Why he is haunted by visions of sinister, yellow eyes? Why can he toss people and semi-trucks around with his mind? Is this why he has become the hunted?
Leon Weston, a man with a dark past, comes across Jason and hides him from ANO and the FBI. Jason is drawn to Leon but wonders why he would help . . . and what he is hiding. Leon possesses the ability to see in the future and has invulnerable skin. Leon introduces Jason to others like him, who exhibit unusual powers: Rachel who wields fire with her hands and Jude who can teleport.
Jason learns the reason he has been drawn into this extraordinary circle of unique people: ANO has infiltrated the FBI and plans to start World War III for their own nefarious purposes. Leon’s group, of which Jason is now a member, uncovers a factory where ANO is building an army. Using their God-given super powers, they must destroy it. But as Jason and his friends slip into the factory to plant bombs, everything falls apart. Jason is shot, ANO stops the explosions, and most of the strike team is killed. It appears their mission has failed.
As Jason’s life fades, he finds himself in his mentor’s arms. He asks Leon why he helped him in the first place. Leon reveals that he is Jason’s adopted brother. He’d run away before Jason was born because of his guilt for the death of a loved one. Sadly, Jason dies before hearing this confession.
Leon yells at God to show Himself, but only Jude appears and says they need to leave. When Leon touches Jude, their world spins. The two find themselves back in the past—before the destruction. In shock, Jude has just proven he has the ability to time travel.
Now alive, Jason helps destroy the factory and fights against other ANO super villains. Defeating the enemy, Jason and the others return to their home, grateful to be alive—this time. - See more at: https://www.crowdscribed.com/challenges/74#sthash.ARhVpkFl.dpuf

Sixteen-year-old Jason Sorn has a normal life, friends, and goes to school like other American kids. But everything changes when his parents are mysteriously murdered and Jason must move in with his uncle and aunt in Montana. Six months later, while his aunt and uncle are away on a business trip, Jason is seriously injured in a traffic accident. At the hospital, doctors discover an inexplicable new organ growing inside his body. Soon, the FBI becomes involved. Jason is baffled over their interest in him.
Before the FBI can move Jason to a secure facility to study this unusual development, a shadowy agency comes after him. Terrified, Jason runs. He doesn’t trust the FBI, and he has no idea who this other sinister agency—ANO, Agents of the New Order—is. Worse, Jason does not know what is going on inside his body. Why he is haunted by visions of sinister, yellow eyes? Why can he toss people and semi-trucks around with his mind? Is this why he has become the hunted?
Leon Weston, a man with a dark past, comes across Jason and hides him from ANO and the FBI. Jason is drawn to Leon but wonders why he would help . . . and what he is hiding. Leon possesses the ability to see in the future and has invulnerable skin. Leon introduces Jason to others like him, who exhibit unusual powers: Rachel who wields fire with her hands and Jude who can teleport.
Jason learns the reason he has been drawn into this extraordinary circle of unique people: ANO has infiltrated the FBI and plans to start World War III for their own nefarious purposes. Leon’s group, of which Jason is now a member, uncovers a factory where ANO is building an army. Using their God-given super powers, they must destroy it. But as Jason and his friends slip into the factory to plant bombs, everything falls apart. Jason is shot, ANO stops the explosions, and most of the strike team is killed. It appears their mission has failed.
As Jason’s life fades, he finds himself in his mentor’s arms. He asks Leon why he helped him in the first place. Leon reveals that he is Jason’s adopted brother. He’d run away before Jason was born because of his guilt for the death of a loved one. Sadly, Jason dies before hearing this confession.
Leon yells at God to show Himself, but only Jude appears and says they need to leave. When Leon touches Jude, their world spins. The two find themselves back in the past—before the destruction. In shock, Jude has just proven he has the ability to time travel.
Now alive, Jason helps destroy the factory and fights against other ANO super villains. Defeating the enemy, Jason and the others return to their home, grateful to be alive—this time. - See more at: https://www.crowdscribed.com/challenges/74#sthash.ARhVpkFl.dpuf

I've talked with Left Behind's Jerry B. Jenkins!

   Big news people! The author of Left Behind emailed me this week. As I mentioned in my last post, there has been some miscommunications. So in order to iron everything out, the president of Believer's Press Publishing, a branch of Jerry B. Jenkin's Christian Writer's Guild, (where I was a student for two years) has agreed to over see my contact issues with Mr. Jenkins.
  When Mr. Jenkins emailed, it was a very lengthy email. I don't want to put the email on here but I thought posting the highlight of the email would do.



  " . . .Look forward to seeing your work and working with you."
                     
                                                                                                       
                                                                                                    ~Jerry B. Jenkins



   So there you are folks. I'll keep you posted for more updates as they come!

   And just for fun I posted the preview for the trailer of the film adaption of Left Behind here. . .
 

 

News on MY book! I'm Reading The Contract NOW!

  Yes, it has been a while since I could report anything. But here it is!
Crowdscribed.com has emailed me the contract to read, sign, and send back. It's been really interesting to read the 11 page contract. It has also been extremely long and boring.
  One thing is for sure, this is not a self publishing company. Which is a good thing in a way, because self publishing has been getting some bad rap lately. The bad thing about traditional publishing is that I don't have as much control over my book by far. Either way, there are sacrifices.
  There is some confusion going on with some miscommunications. Prayers are appreciated. Thank you for you patience and understanding.

  I'll keep you posted!

The Giver Offical Trailer #2

Well, since I'm on this THE GIVER tangent. I thought you'll like to see the trailer. Enjoy and spread the word about this movie.

The Giver (the film)

    Most stories are entertaining. Most movies are cool, fun, hilarious, or intense. But very few go into the category of powerful.

  I came home last night from seeing THE GIVER, and was moved in a way that I have never felt before.
  The movie starts with a boy named Jonas, who is selected to become the receiver of memories in his socialistic community far in the future.
  But what happens when emotions return to a emotionless mind? What of color, life, death, hope, and morals?
  They are told, in the this fictitious world, that control is to protect people. Control is to keeps harmony and prevent murder. But what happens when control become the very thing that kills?
  Memory has been stolen, so how can they learn from the mistakes of the past?
What is the sanctity of life? Just because something seems painless or humane doesn't mean that it is not murder. What of family? What of love?


This film asks all of these questions and more. Bringing strange parallels to our world of big government, forgotten history, abortion, and true love.

Of course, that is not the only thing that this movie offers. A good story is one thing that is films wields with good characters and action. The action oriented question is: Will Jonas survive long enough to find the truth and set his family and friends free?

There are plenty of "cool" films to go out and watch. But usually they don't mean much. Don't get me wrong, I love pulp fiction books and movies. But is that all our generation is going to produce? Will we forget our memory and history? Will we forget our morals?

Most stories are entertaining. Most films are fun, awesome, or intense. But very few are powerful.

This film is powerful.

If you can, go see this movie.
And if you agree with me on this post, please share THE GIVER on Facebook, blog about it, Tweet about it, or talk about. This film has not done well in the box office so let's spread the news about its merit. 

Book Review for "Mindwar" by Andrew Klavan

  Andrew Klavan has proven once again his ability to create and craft diverse worlds, stories, and people. I have to admit that the synopsis on the back of the book didn't seem as appealing as Klavan's other books. But once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Here is the synopsis:

  "Rick Dial has the potential to be a hero. He just doesn't know it yet.

  Rick's high school football team couldn't be stopped when he was leading them as their quarterback. He was going to Syracuse on a scholarship. But then his dad abandoned them and a terrible accident left him crippled.

  Certain his old life is completely lost, Rick spends months hiding away in his room playing video games. He achieves the highest scores on so many games that he's approached by a government agency who claims to be trying to thwart a cyber attack on America that would destroy the technological infrastructure of the entire country. The agents say that the quick-thinking of a quarterback coupled with Nick's gaming experience make him perfect for this assignment. The problem is that there are no extra lives and this isn't just a game . . . but Rick doesn't have many other options at the moment.

  Entering "The Realm" gives Rick the one thing he thought he'd never have again: a body that's as fast and as strong as he ever was before the accident. But the more time he spends in The Realm, the more questions he has. What secrets are these agents keeping from him? What really happened to his father? How many others have gone into The Realm already . . . and failed? And perhaps most important, is he the hero they think he is?"

 
Content Advisory:

Violence: There is plenty of violence but nothing more than a PG-13 movie would have. Most of the violence happens in the Realm where if a person dies, they dissolve. It is mentioned that blood spatters once or twice but it is only a sentence or two and nothing more. 
Language: None.

Sexuality/Crude Humor: There is only one mention of a boy kissing a girl but none of it is shown.

Positive Elements: God is shown to have power even in the Realm. There are various situations of bravery, goodness, selflessness, love, and character growth (especially with Rick).



   Granted, the beginning tended to be slow. But to me it seemed just the right pace considering this is not a stand alone novel. The character development was not as strong as Klavan's other works lately but then again this is the first book in a trilogy. There is plenty of growing room.
Rick's emotional state seemed plausible and understandable. The Realm felt unreal and real at the same time. I couldn't help but see the world the author was describing (red grass and blue leaved trees and all), and feel the booming footsteps of gigantic monsters. It may sound far fetched and weird but hey, its a computer game. Its weird surrealness is the very thing that makes the book credible. Let's face it, video games can be on-the-other-side-of-the-galaxy weird

  Oh, and I hope that a certain character named Victor One returns for the remaining two books. He is a small character but I couldn't help but love him. His coolness probably came from his strength of character and 3D personality.

  Over all, I really loved this book. If you enjoy action, strong characters, and intriguing plots (Think a Matrix/Inception hybrid with some other unique story plot ideas mingled within).

This book is for you.

"From the Dark to the Dawn" book review

  From the Dark to the Dawn by Alicia A. Willis is an intriguing novel that follows a well-used premise. It avoids clichés and delivers crisp life-like characters. And it stands as a sparkling fresh take on Roman history.
The story opens with a young Britain—Phillip—being captured by the Roman Empire. Phillip becomes a slave and is sold to a Roman named Marcus. This story follows these two men as they endeavor to survive a turbulent time in brutal Rome.
   For all its merit, the novel had some weaknesses. It lacked a lot of action considering the period. But it almost compensated with its dramatic and emotional plot.
There are some intense Christianity lessons in this novel which could be thought of as preachy. And unfortunately some of the premise has been used before (see Beric the Britain by G. A. Henty). But the novel keeps to itself enough to retain the sense of discovery and freshness that it wields.
   Miss Willis crafts the characters well—even the evil ones. You can’t help but sympathize with the good and bad, hoping that it will turn out okay in the end. The plot has some good twists that are very original.
   In other words, I liked it. I couldn’t help but cry at parts, smile at others, and love the characters by the end. I couldn’t stop reading and stayed up late a lot while reading this book.

8 stars out of 10!

While You (and I) are waiting for news about my book, here is a trailer of a book that a friend of mine has written.

While you're waiting for news about my book X-ality, feel free to watch this video. From the Dark to the Dawn  is coming out on July 18th. Check it out! I've read it and have posted my review on Goodreads and Amazon. I may release the review here on my blog in a few days. I'll keep you posted. =D

My Book is Getting Published . . .

It is official. I was #1 and won the CrowdScribed contest with 42000+ votes. Thank you so much for doing so much, sacrificing time, and everything else to help make this a success. Thank you. God be Praised.
P.S. Please share this to everyone that you told about my book. I can't reach everyone that has been helping, so I would appreciate it. They deserve to know.
P.P.S. This means that I'll be mentored by Jerry B. Jenkins and my book is GOING TO GET PUBLISHED.

Book Excerpt

 https://www.crowdscribed.com/challenges/74

Here is a preview/excerpt from my book. If you think this has potential and you haven't gotten around to voting my book up please do by clicking the link above. REMEMBER that you can cast your vote DAILY for my book NOT JUST ONCE! See *Update for my Book* for details.

                                                   X-ality

                                               Daniel Kuehn

                                                       Chapter 1

                                                           Dead

Yellow eyes in the dark. Screams rang. A rippling growl echoed in the night . . .

Jason Sorn gasped, blinking away the strange mental sounds and images. Where did that come from? He frowned and shook his head. Weird.

Jason sat at a table in a food court beside a Starbucks. The warm, kind, and sweet-sour smell of coffee grounds pervaded the air like quiet memories. Childish laughter surrounded him with feet pounding on the hard floor, and voices echoing in the large expanses of the mall.

“You okay?”

Jason jumped in his chair. He’d forgotten that his best friend Shane still sat across the table from him. Shane, a ginormous quarterback, grinned back at him. His dark brown eyes twinkled. “What’s wrong with you? You look a little—what’s the word—disgruntled?”

Jason smirked. “The football player has cracked open the dictionary!  Congrats on your first step to getting a brain cell. ”

Shane didn’t answer at first. He slurped up more Mocha Frappuccino from his cup and then rolled his eyes. “Hey, I like words. You know I’ve gotten straights A’s in English.” He was a quarterback through and through, but the strangest part of Shane’s personality was his love for words. He could be practicing football, laughing with his friends, and then later be in a corner reading a book during the same day.

Jason shrugged, chuckling. “Yeah, yeah, I know. In all seriousness though, I’m fine. So, where were we?” He wasn’t really fine, but how could he tell his best friend he’d just about jumped out of his skin over some yellow eyes and a scream in his head?

“I was trying to tell you that Kiera likes you,” Shane said.

“She doesn’t.”

“How do you know she doesn’t?

“Well, how do you know she does?”

“She always sits by you. You should see how she looks at you when she thinks no one’s looking. That’s evidence or I’m crazy!” Shane said triumphantly. He acted like a quarterback in football

 A blaze of yellow flashed. A sudden scream—

Chills raced up Jason’s spine as the sounds and images invaded his mind. His heart began to pound. He wiped his clammy forehead with the back of his hand. His skin felt hot. Do I have a fever?

Shane was still talking. “Of course, Kiera’s not a blond—which I prefer—but she’s cute, really cute.”

Jason tried to push the creepy images from his mind. “Sure, whatever you say, Miss Matchmaker.”

Shane looked offended. “I’m not a matchmaker! And I’m definitely not a ‘miss’.”

“Well, you’re acting like one.” Jason laughed, trying to brush the troubling images aside. Where did the thoughts come from? Jason started a mental tally of all the creepy movies he’d seen.

World War Z?

No.

 Aliens?

 Definitely not.

Just then, Jason’s iPhone buzzed. Fishing it out of his pocket, Jason glanced at the screen. It was a text from his mom.

YOUR FATHER AND I ARE DONE LOOKING AROUND THE MALL. MEET US @ THE CAR IN FIVE.

Jason looked at the time the message was sent. Twenty minutes ago! He got to his feet, jammed the phone in his pocket, and hurriedly grabbed his untouched Frappuccino off the table.

Shane stood up in surprise. “What’s up?”

“We need to go,” Jason said. “My mom told me to meet her at the car twenty minutes ago. My stupid phone is acting up again. It didn’t receive the message until now.”

Shane grabbed his green backpack from the floor and fell in line with Jason. He swaggered, tall, and strong with his brown hair and dark eyes finished the good looking package. Jason nervously checked the time again and hurried on.

Five minutes later, they reached the exit. The automatic doors slid open and the warm night air rushed into Jason’s face. The sounds of the mall became muffled as the doors shut behind them.

Jason fished his phone out of his pocket, checking for new texts from his mom. Nothing. Then he heard Shane gasp. “Wow.”

“What?” Jason looked up and stopped. The mall parking lot was crowded with cars and people. Cameras flashed. Reporters shouted behind yellow caution tape.  Gaping, Jason slipped his phone back into his pocket.

In the middle of this confusion, paramedics were hurriedly lifting two bodies onto gurneys. Jason couldn’t see anything from behind the paramedics. He stood on tiptoe and strained to make out the figures being carried away. His gaze caught a bare, slender hand hanging limply off one of the gurneys.

A diamond bracelet hung around the wrist.

Then the world stopped spinning for Jason. The flashing lights burned his soul like fire and he forgot to think—to breathe.

“Mom!” Jason cried. That’s her favorite bracelet! His heart plunged to his stomach, and he took off running. 

“Jason! Stop! What do you think you’re doing?” Shane shouted behind him.

Jason ignored him. He pushed through the crowd and ducked under the yellow tape.

A police officer stepped forward. “Hey! Stay back!”

Jason took no notice of the officer. He raced past him and reached the gurneys, shaky, and suddenly covered in sweat. “Mom! Mom!”

A paramedic was laying a white sheet over the woman’s face. It took Jason a full second to realize what that sheet meant. She’s . . . dead? Jason froze, stunned. His eyes flicked to the other gurney, where his father lay. His father’s bright blue eyes stared back at him blankly. His eyes sucked Jason’s mind into to their deep blue chasms. Another paramedic laid a white sheet over him, cutting Jason off from those blue depths.

No! No! No!

Jason stood upright, numb. A strong hand gripped his arm. “Hey kid, get back behind the caution tape!”

Jason turned, slowly. A police officer towered over him. His green eyes flashed. Normally Jason would’ve felt daunted by this tower of flesh but right now he just didn’t care. Nothing really mattered anymore. 

“Th-they . . . they were my parents,” Jason said.

The officer faltered, stood silent for a moment, and then his grip on Jason’s arm loosened. “You’re their son?”

“Yeah, I—I’m Jason . . . Sorn.”

The officer nodded. He took a deep breath and pinched his nose with his thumb and forefinger as if to think. “I’m Officer Yates.” He stopped to look at Jason again. “I’m very sorry for your loss. I—”

“How did this happen?” Jason interrupted, a lump beginning to grow in his throat.

Officer Yates’ jaw muscles twitched. “We don’t know. We got an anonymous call and found them in the alley over there.” He pointed to a dark opening between two buildings. “We got to the scene just as your mother died. She kept saying something about ‘a dark face’ and ‘glowing yellow eyes.’ That’s all I know, I’m sorry.”

Through his muddled and numb mind, Jason began to wonder. Glowing yellow eyes. A dark face. How can I know this?

Jason caught a glimpse of Shane pushing through the crowd. “Jason!”

Jason didn’t answer. Yates began to lead him away from the gurneys. He didn’t have the energy to resist, or talk, or anything. Cameras flashed. Shouts echoed loudly in Jason’s ears.

Shane ducked under the tape but was stopped by a female police officer. “Stay back, sir!”

“I’m a friend.”

“I don’t care, stay back!”

Shane ducked back under the yellow tape and waited. Shane’s eyes met Jason’s. Neither one spoke.

Jason couldn’t help looking back—just one more time. The bodies were still lying on the gurneys. The flashing lights burned his parent’s forms into his soul. Tears filled his vision. They’re gone.

*Update For My Book* The Contest . . . The Link . . . And You . . .

It has been many a moon since I blogged last. Whoops.

Well, I have good and bad news folks. The bad news is that I've been waiting for quite a while for anything to happen. No publishers have contacted me even though I've taken some lengths to get their attention.
The good news is . . . I've submitted my book to a website called CrowdScribed.com. Its a competition to get the most votes. Whoever gets the most votes will get their book published and Jerry B. Jenkins becomes his/her mentor as they edit the book.

Its a $5,000 package. This is what it includes:

• One-on-One Mentoring by your choice of Celebrity Mentor
• Editorial review and treatment of your manuscript
• Professional cover design and interior
• A personal marketing representative to help with getting the word out about your book
• A publishing contract with CrowdScribed, including distribution through the largest distribution network in the world

I've gotten 183 votes so far. I've contacted friends and family on social media and have them gotten them to spread the word. But the thing is, I need a lot of help. The contest ends in 11 days. I am in 3rd place right now. The 1st slot goes to a book that has nearly 2,000 votes.
I'm in this for the long haul of 11 days and counting. Please contact friends and family through social media, email, blogging, etc. And once you've convinced someone to vote, encourage them to pass it on. If you "just" vote this will probably fail. But if you takes some lengths to help this could be a movement. Here is the link:https://www.crowdscribed.com/challenges/74
It is all up to God. But could you consider doing your part? Its a race of 11 days. . .

P.S. By the way, the link has a full synopsis of my book in case you are dying to know what happens in my book.

The Moon

  I just thought I would post a excerpt of a book idea I had. It's short and sure it's a rough draft but I enjoyed writing it. I have no idea where to go from here but I thought it would be enjoyable to let others read it. Please feel free comment:




                                                                    THE MOON






  The Moon. That is the first thing I see. The pale orbs light fills my soul with a solemn wistful warmth.
  I'm lying on my back, on hard ground. Cold air whips around me with soft sighs.
Where am I? I sit up and look around. Tall black pines surround me on every side. The trees filter the light of the moon into beams.
  My mind starts to spin. How did I get here?
  Silence surrounds me like a shroud. The loneliness of the forest gnawed at my being and the darkness grips my throat in fear. Who am I?
  I sit up . . . and gasp. All my senses  are heightened, well, I can't remember anything different. But maybe I do; I just don't know.
  The wind is cold. I don't feel its bite, even though I'm naked except for a brown cloth that hangs from my hips down to to just above my knees. 
  Dry snow crunches under me as I stand up on bare feet and gingerly take a step. It isn't cold to my skin. I look down at my feet confused. I shrug. It doesn't hurt and that's all that matters, I guess.
  I stop, listening to the night air. I can hear human laughter far away among the pines. One man's voice is uniquely deep.
  Then I hear the deep chested growl behind me. 



 

*Update*: My Book

   Thank you for waiting so patiently for news about my book. After WinePress Publishing closed their doors, my family and I have been looking for another publishing house. You can imagine how crazy things got when I began talks with Deep River Publishing. But due to financial issues the negotiations are on hold and I'm looking for another publisher . . . again.
  
   But God has been extremely merciful. A family member of mine who was the first person to point me toward WinePress, requested to read the latest copy of my manuscript. After I sent it to her, she didn't respond for a few months and I had totally forgot about it. Well, lo and behold, she contacts me today saying that she not only read the manuscript but passed it on to three publishers and is waiting for them to reply. Also, I've been preparing a proposal letter to post on ChristianManuscriptSubmissions.com.

   ChristianManuscriptSubmission.com is a epicenter where top Christian Publishers come looking for new books. Since the proposals are all cataloged its easier for Publishers (and agents) to find types of book they're looking for.
   So in other words, God has been showing me different ways to get my book out in the open and has been doing most of it without my knowing it.

Review for "If We Survive" by Andrew Klavan

                                                         
                                          
                                             

                                                    A Review for:

*found on Google images

                                                               

                                                 IF WE SURVIVE
                                                 by Andrew Klavan





   This is probably the most political, emotional, and intense action ride I've ever read in a Young Adult novel. Andrew Klavan has done it again with this stunningly beautiful epic that lays open the truth about some misunderstood politics. Here is the plot . . .


 

 "High schooler Will Peterson and three friends journeyed to Central America to help rebuild a school. In a poor, secluded mountain village, they won the hearts of the local people with their energy and kindness.

But in one sudden moment, everything went horribly wrong. A revolution swept the country. Now, guns and terror are everywhere—and Americans are being targeted as the first to die.

Will and his friends have got to get out fast. But streets full of killers . . . hills patrolled by armies . . . and a jungle rife with danger stand between them and the border. Their one hope of escape lies with a veteran warrior who has lost his faith and may betray them at any moment. Their one dream is to reach freedom and safety and home."

 

  There is not much weaknesses in this novel that I could catch. The pacing is a little slow for the first chapter or two but it rewards you with a ton of action by the third chapter. (and the chapters aren't long).  Also, a girl named Meredith may seem too calm and surreal for some readers. But I thought she was one of the best characters.And she has a spiritual strength that actually emboldens the plot more than anything else.
The characters are deep. The main character, Will,  is so relatable it's creepy at times. His fears, his pains, all that haunts him from home, and his emotions about girls are all so real. A man named Palmer Dunn is the rugged, good looking hero, and ex-marine that leads. And a shallow blonde named Nicki, learns to how become real and strong.
The story is bold, the theme relevant, and the soul of the plot is stark, edgy, and beautiful. 

10 out of 10 stars!