If you’ve read any works by Henry James, American-born British author (1843-1916), great suspense probably isn’t the first thought that leaps to your mind. Consider the all-important first sentence of his famous novella The Turn of the Screw. The story had held us, round the fire, sufficiently breathless, but except the obvious remark that it was gruesome, as, on Christmas Eve in an old house, a strange tale should essentially be, I remember no comment uttered till somebody happened to say that it was the only case he had met in which such a visitation had fallen on a child. That’s sixty-two words in the first sentence alone. By today’s standards, such writing is “wordy” at best and “frankly hard to read” at worst. But writing styles come and go just like the bell-bottoms of the seventies, and during James’s day, this was cutting-edge stuff. Perhaps the economical writing so popular today…
Some have asked me where I get my story ideas. I read a lot, but I also watch the news. Crime news is also something I follow, including this latest heartbreaking news (see below) about Jacob Wetterling’s body being found after being missing since 1989. At least his family can now bury his body and find closure after waiting for so many years for him to come home. Why stories like this? The evil of this world, when depicted tastefully without offense, only makes the gospel of Christ shine brighter, and that’s the contrast (light overcoming darkness) I like to show in my novels. Here is the latest on Jacob’s killer: http://www.people.com/article/source-danny-heinrichs-plea-deal-approved-by-jacob-wetterlings-parents
Greetings, family and friends! Yes, it’s that time of year again—and I’ll try not to bore you by saying the same ol’ things I say every year. At this time of year, however, it’s tough not to reflect on where we were a year ago and on what God did in our lives over the last twelve months. And God, as always, did many wonderful things as only He can. I consider myself to be a very blessed man for many reasons. God has blessed me with an amazing wife, Kim, and two gorgeous daughters, Laura (13) and Julia (10). I also get to work from home as a full-time editor and write novels as God grants me time, and I’m so thankful for that. I get to work with words all day, every day, so that’s another blessing. Writing time was frankly hard to come by this year. With two…
Yeah! I have exciting news. Though Fatal Illusions is going out of print with Kregel, another publisher has stepped up, eager to republish it. I’m so encouraged! I was afraid the novel might be doomed for a drawer somewhere. The contract is in the mail, and I hope to have official news soon. I’ll keep you posted!
