Search Results for Easter at the Mission
Political Turmoil
Tribal Logic follows a group of people who find themselves struggling to survive in a world plagued by political turmoil and shifting loyalties. Could you please share what inspired the initial idea for this series and how it evolved as you were writing it?
Well, um…that’s a big question. I’ve been writing the series for over three decades. And maybe I learned how to write! The situations and characters get better with each book.
Political turmoil is a big theme in the series. In the previous book HOME RULE, the tribes gain a new leader and feel that they are united. With TRIBAL LOGIC, we expand the worldview to include a military coup at Stargate Junction and a rescue mission into the asteroid field.
I like to think that the action reflects moments in our own world, like when the cosmonauts were in space for over a year and returned to find a dismantled Soviet Union.
For evolving themes, we added more magic into TRIBAL LOGIC. Characters begin to meet others from an elusive tribe with skills in making wards, charms, scripts, and hexes – mostly to defend themselves. One new character is a young healer named Opin who can lay-on-hands for relief from a bleeding wound. I researched Indian and Middle Eastern traditions of healing and learned a great deal about our larger world too.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I see TRIBAL LOGIC as a pair to the next book UTCAN’S TALISMAN that will be released in August 2024. The story arch is satisfied over the two books. There are many characters, but we mostly follow the urge to connect between Jesse Hartley and Hershel Henry. Jesse is a flawed character – high-handed and a poor negotiator. We love to hate her and wonder how she will make a place for herself.
Dr. Greensboro is a primary character still, married to General Shaw. Her research has led her to a remote fishing village called Sergiio, but events bring the world to her door.
My principle is to show women in more roles than newlyweds or evil queens. I keep exploring how relations operate over time and how women make choices to keep the marriage fresh and manage the decades for child raising. The stories tend to stretch out rather than being satisfied with winning the day.
What was one of the hardest parts of Tribal Logic for you to write?
Each book section has its own narrator, so we see the world through the eyes of Jesse Hartley, then Dr. Greensboro, then Hershel Henry, then Bybiis el Putuki. Developing the individual voices so each section is personal and conversational with a specific point-of-view can be a challenge – and a reward.
After spending a hundred pages with Henry’s voice, we are jolted to encounter Bybiis’s view of him as a feckless philanderer, for example.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
UTCAN’S TALISMAN is Book Five in the series and slated for release in August 2024. Utcan is from the tribe with magic. His talisman is modeled after a found-in-nature “mermaid’s purse” that’s actually a folded seaweed frond where a shark has inserted a fetus for extra incubation. For sci-fi, I was able to embellish that idea to a talisman where the holder can peer through a hole in the head of a dead serpent and talk with another holder. Ha, ha…I love magic.
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A change in leadership on Stargate Junction makes all characters question how the future will shape. How to survive the shifting loyalties among the city-states? Will my home even be there when I return?
While on a deep space rescue mission, Hershel Henry misses karsci on Dolvia the Abydian khalif steps down. Within the turmoil, will Henry connect with Jesse Hartley, or is that romance lost forever?
Sermons with Insight
Sermons with Insight, written by Roland Zimany, presents a riveting compilation of sermons inspired by his rich experiences as a Lutheran pastor. Covering an array of subjects, from the significance of Easter and Christmas to deeper themes of resurrection and salvation, this collection is both vast and profound.
Zimany’s candid sharing of his theological reflections is commendable. Particularly when addressing events like Easter, he offers discerning perspectives on God’s boundless love and its pertinent role in every Christian’s life. Zimany conscientiously roots his arguments in scripture, ensuring a foundation that is both reliable and enlightening. A standout feature of this work is his dedication to tracing theological concepts back to their origins. His exploration of early church festivals offers readers an insightful journey into traditions and celebrations, prompting introspection about their own faith and practices.
Right from the beginning, Zimany delineates his distinction from many mainstream ‘fundamentalists.’ His perspectives, somewhat different from predominant Western Christian views, furnish readers with a chance to delve into a refreshing biblical interpretation. While I enjoyed the book, I felt it could have been further enriched with a guide pointing to historical sources and influential theological references that have shaped Zimany’s views. I think such inclusions would have paved the way for readers to dive deeper into the subject matter, enhancing their grasp of Zimany’s inspiration and rationale.
Sermons with Insight deviated from my initial expectations, presenting theology from an angle I hadn’t previously encountered. This variance, however, makes for a captivating read, introducing alternative theological stances. While the omission of certain references slightly curtails the depth to which readers can probe the topics, the book remains a stimulating read, unveiling a myriad of unique theological perspectives. Highly recommended for those seeking a fresh gaze on familiar religious themes.
Pages: 300 | ISBN : 1643147250
Zarathustra’s Journey
Nanette V. Hucknall’s Zarathustra’s Journey is based on Eastern yogic tradition. It explores the spiritual quests of two advocates, as well as their connections with other worlds, spiritual guides, and deadly forces. The book is comprised of two major sections. The first deals with Anton’s mission, while the second centers on Zarathustra’s teachings. Anton Bauer, 32, holds a Ph.D. and has written a book on European philosophy. While he meets with enigmatic otherworldly people, he is ostracized by his old world and devout family in Switzerland when he accepts a call to write a book on Eastern philosophy; it’s a book about Zarathustra, who preaches what he calls Higher Self Yoga.
The characters in the novel are outstanding and well-developed, including Anton’s wife, who works with the Secret Service and is on a mission involving an illegal trafficking company with links to the Far East, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and possibly ISIS.
Zarathustra’s Journey weaves together various themes, including relationship troubles, religion, other realms, reincarnation, karma, manipulation, premonition, spiritual battles, espionage, marriage, and more. The plot contains several suspenseful developments, such as Anton’s relationship with a wife who must fight the control of an evil, powerful mother.
My favorite aspect of the book is how it depicts the real challenges that come with seeking enlightenment. Anton’s transformation is resisted by his parents and siblings, who fear that his controversial book would strain their social bonds. I also liked Zarathustra’s practical advice and realistic anecdotes, which are beneficial for enlightenment and meditation.
Zarathustra’s Journey is filled with important messages about connecting with your heart chakra. It’s a fiction story but carries more impactful, wise lessons than many philosophical books I’ve read. Readers who love philosophy, psychology, and lessons about meditation will enjoy this book. You will be captivated by its magical personalities and missions, transformed by its practical exercises, and hypnotized by its beautiful language.
Pages: 741 | ASIN : B0C5YF15B5
The Good Guys Don’t Always Win
Revenge I Will Have follows a former Navy SEAL who is recalled to active duty when a terrorist is discovered to be working with his ex-girlfriend and nemesis. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve seen this story so many times; people want to turn the page on certain chapters of their lives and move on; they think they are done with certain situations, whether it’s a job, role, or relationship. Then they find out the situation at hand, albeit a job role or relationship, isn’t done with them, and they are forced to confront the situation before they can move on.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
Readers often judge the worth of a hero by the size of the villain he or she has to confront. To that end and to make the story come alive, Jake has to confront a clever, cunning adversary with nearly unlimited financial resources and, more importantly, a burning hatred for all things Jake believes in; the antagonist is consumed with hatred and has the capability and means to realize his vision. I wanted the outcome of the story to be in doubt for the reader because of my realization that in the real world, the good guys don’t always win.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
It’s really been my husband and the life he has pursued. There is never a dull moment, coupled with the fact he’s never hesitant to call BS on people and confront things he believes are wrong. Also, moving to the United States from the UK has really opened my eyes up to the complexities of the world.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
The characters will continue to evolve and confront challenges that are innate to human nature, some of which include all-encompassing jealousy that turns into hatred and betrayal. The reader will also be exposed to new characters from Jake’s past.
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Dealing With A Broken Relationship
Sleeping with a Wall Street Banker follows a couple in New York whose relationship is threatened by the man’s ex-girlfriend. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?
Foremost, the book is based on a true story. The catalyst for this book was my own experience dealing with a broken relationship and the search to understand why and how it happened. That said, I weave real people into my characters so….my husband and the life he led were an inspiration. From Main Street to Wall Street and London, as well as adventures in between coupled with the individuals he’s encountered – good, bad and really bad transformed this story.
Jake, Alice, and Jessica are all interesting characters in their own way. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Yes, Jake, Alice, and Jessica are all interesting characters in their own way. I enjoyed writing for Jessica. I found it more challenging because her character is afflicted with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The writing challenge is due to the complexity and depth of the condition. DID, previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states, each with its unique pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self. It requires a nuanced understanding of psychology to accurately portray these switching identities, which can vary in age, gender, knowledge, behaviors, and even physical characteristics. Plus, any misrepresentation runs the risk of propagating harmful stereotypes or misinformation, adding another dimension of responsibility to the task. As such, writing a character with DID demands not only extensive research and sensitivity but also literary skill to convey the character’s experiences authentically and respectfully.
Do you write more by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two? Can you summarize your writing process?
As a writer of a psychological thriller my writing style combines logical detail with intuitive understanding of human emotions. This genre demands extensive plotting, neat narrative structures, and intricate detailing, all of which lean on my logical faculties. It’s crucial for me to build suspense, introduce unexpected twists, and maintain an eerie, tense atmosphere with a solid logical foundation, ensuring the story remains plausible to keep readers engrossed.
A psychological thriller delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring motives, hidden fears, and quiet suspicions that drive their actions. This requires an intuitive understanding of human nature, emotions, and responses under stressful situations. Intuition becomes crucial when defining character motivations and reactions, painting vivid emotional panoramas, and creating moral dilemmas that add complexity to the story.
In essence, I employ both logic and intuition, a balanced blend of rigorous plot construction with insightful peeks into character minds. The writing style usually involves precise, evocative language, intended to create an immersive atmosphere and push readers to question and speculate until the mystery unravels.
Jake Logan is an extraordinary character that I think has more stories to tell. Where does the next book in the series take him?
Mired in grief over the recent murder of his girlfriend, Alice Francis, at the hands of his psychotic ex-lover, Jessica, former Navy SEAL turned Wall Street banker Jake Logan is suddenly called back into action. While his team’s primary target is internationally known terrorist financier Asyd Omar Batdadi, a.k.a. “the Bat,” the mission soon becomes personal for Jake when he learns that Jessica — a dangerous woman with dissociative identity disorder — is wrapped up in the plot. In fact, Jake’s connection to Jessica is the very reason he has been reactivated as a SEAL.
Their efforts to capture or kill Batdadi and his associates soon take Jake and his fellow SEALs to various locations in Europe and the United States, but the wily terrorist manages to elude them at every turn. In the midst of their hunt, they learn that, with Jessica’s help, Batdadi is plotting a bold terrorist strike on American soil.
For Batdadi, his terrorist act is a form of revenge for America’s interference in the lives of his Middle Eastern brethren, a chance to put himself in the “terrorist hall of fame” alongside names like Osama Bin Laden. For Jessica, her move to help Batdadi is the ultimate form of payback against the journalists whom she holds responsible for ruining her life and her future with Jake.
Battling a ticking clock, international criminal masterminds, and his own grief, Jake strives to transform his troubled relationship with Jessica from a liability into an asset, his only hope of saving thousands of innocent lives — not to mention his soul.
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Who Is Playing This Game?
Catfishing Caitlyn explores the thrilling journey of a brilliant yet aimless Ph.D. graduate who, while unraveling enigmatic historical riddles, inadvertently uncovers the hidden traumas of her own past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The simplest answer is that I’m not really sure! The story arrives, so to speak, as is the case with almost all the stories I write, and I find myself rushing to put it to paper before it leaves me.
If I were to dig a little deeper though, I would confess that the exploration of historical archives has always captivated me. As a historian by training, I spent most of my university years with my nose in dusty pages (long before there were digital archives!), and I was constantly astounded by the gems I found hidden deep in the lines that filled the library shelves. I wondered how much of ourselves we might find if we only looked closely.
Caitlyn is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I grew up around strong and powerful women. My mother, my grandmother, my two sisters, and my seven aunts were all fascinating to observe and listen to, and essentially incredibly inspiring. What I love most about them is how indifferent these women were to how they were perceived by others. I grew up at a time and in a culture when this type of indifference was predominantly a male privilege. But in my family, it was the women who were eccentric and lived life entirely on their terms. I think I am constantly recreating these women in many different manifestations in my novels.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I am possessed by the idea that something, which is at times referred to as ‘God’, though I would rather not describe it in such terms, appears to be interacting with us — pulling us and pushing us, and ultimately communicating with us. In this novel, something is communicating with Caitlyn, and is doing so through the very object of her desire, namely, her love for history and research. She is lured into what appears to be a game of academic skill only to find herself unexpectedly confronting her own childhood trauma. In a similar manner, I have often found myself pulled towards certain destinations only for them to unfold in a manner very different to that which I’d anticipated, perpetually leaving me with the question: who is playing this game?
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next novel, Erasures, is scheduled to be published in October. I actually completed this book some time ago, along with several others that will follow it. It’s a post-apocalyptic story that focuses on the life of a man who works at one of the last libraries on earth. He is shocked one day to witness the disappearance of words from texts, sacred texts it turns out, first from digital versions but eventually from paper copies as well. It’s both a thriller as well as an exploration of the complexities of humanity’s spiritual past and future.
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Password required.
Hint: If you’re not smart enough to guess the password, you’re not smart enough to play.
Gifted with an extraordinary mind, a ravenous appetite for knowledge, food, and women, Caitlyn thrives on challenges.
Despite having just finished a highly specialized PhD in Middle Eastern History, with an impressive array of potential careers ahead of her – from intelligence agencies to Ivy League posts – Caitlyn finds herself spiraling, unable to make her next move. She is at a loss, suspended on a precipice of uncertainty, a feeling reminiscent only of being abandoned by her mother many years ago.
But then, in her last hours as a student at Yale, she receives a mysterious invitation. One she cannot refuse. Selected by a panel of twelve of the world’s greatest minds in her field, Caitlyn is invited to play a game – a unique contest of knowledge based on a series of expertly crafted questions. The stakes? Incredible rewards or instant elimination.
The search for answers takes Caitlyn on a journey from Jerusalem to Tibet, Arabia to Mesopotamia, Christie’s auction house in London to the Four Seasons hotel in Istanbul. But, as she continues to follow the clues and her investigation into historical archives deepens, she is unexpectedly pulled further into the mystery of her own traumatic past.
The challenge of winning the game quickly escalates into a mission of uncovering who, or what, is asking the questions, and why.
LITERARY TITAN 