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Stay Strong During Challenging Times
The Pilgrim’s Progress Desert Experience tells biblical stories with a modern twist making them more relatable to today’s readers. Where did the idea for this novel come from and how did it develop over time?
I went to a conference where I learned about the desert experience. It is a time in our lives when we are spiritually dry, and life is hard. Israel had to escape from Egypt and go through their desert experience before they could enter the land of promise. We need to go through a desert experience before we can enter our land of promise, which is when life is easier.
A few years later, I went through a desert experience. I decided to write a nonfiction book called The Desert Experience. I did not think it was good, so I stopped writing.
Years later, I watched a Pilgrim’s Progress movie, and the idea came to me to write a modern Pilgrim’s Progress book. I made the pilgrim progress through a desert experience to enter the Kingdom of Promise. It is better to show people the desert experience rather than talk about it.
It is well overdue for a modern Pilgrim’s Progress book for the modern times in which we are living. Many of the challenges we face today are different to the challenges people faced hundreds of years ago. People need to learn how to overcome these new challenges.
I made the pilgrim progress through Bible stories because they are hard to understand from our modern culture. Many people misunderstand the Bible because they think it is the same as their culture. I wanted to show that the stories are as much for us today as they were thousands of years ago. The stories are more enjoyable to read in the form of a novel.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
One thing that surprised me was that it had a veiled critique of modern life. We do not know the full impact of how modern technology affects our lives and how it can be used against us. I do not think we should throw it out. We need to learn how to use it for our good without it affecting us in bad ways.
Technology can be addictive, but if we limit its use, we can avoid becoming addicted. Modern entertainment makes our bodies release dopamine more often than in everyday life. It is easy to become addicted to the dopamine hits in our bodies. Drugs make our bodies release dopamine, which is one of the reasons why people become addicted to drugs.
What George Orwell wrote in his book 1984 has happened. Big Brother is always watching us. Governments are watching everything we say and do. People need to watch what they say and do because computers pick up certain words that we use. Governments have changed their values. Good is called evil and evil is called good. We are not allowed to stand up for our values anymore.
In the last days, many people’s hearts have become cold. One of the reasons for this is because people are viewing more violence than they normally would. It makes them think violence is normal.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the themes that was important to me was how to stay strong during challenging times. The tribulation the world is going through at the moment is different to any time in history. When one trouble ends, another one begins. Viruses, wars, natural disasters and plagues come at us one after another. We have a psychopath making war at the moment. People need to know how to cope so they can have good mental health.
Another theme was that just because something bad happens to people, does not mean they have done something wrong. Sometimes people are falsely accused of doing something wrong when something bad happens to them. Many times, that is the reason but not always. People need to be careful not to assume it is because of that.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book that I am working on is a sequel to this book. The main character is the pilgrim’s wife. It is a journey with a woman’s point of view. Men will enjoy it too because they can have a better understanding of women. It will be available early next year.
I plan to write many books in the series. The pilgrim’s children will also make the journey one at a time.
Author Links: GoodReads
He goes through tests and trials and meets people who help or hinder him on his journey.
The Pilgrim’s Progress Desert Experience
The Pilgrim’s Progress Desert Experience is a fascinating Christian fantasy novel told through an interesting first-person narrative. The story is set in Egypt and Jerusalem and follows three distinct characters, or perspectives; Heathen, Pastor, and Messianic. Their journey provides ample opportunity for readers to reflect on life and spirituality.
Heathen’s journey to the King of Promise is difficult and his trials and tribulations are thought-provoking and enlightening. He must stay on the Narrow Path, guided by Evangelist and Comforter. He will meet Suffering and Hardship, but his faith will guide him along the way. He often strays from the path, seduced by greed, false-religion, and entertainment. But the desert will test his faith and teach him how to live with Suffering and Hardship.
Author John Bartell writes this Christian allegory in easy-to-understand language so that even the more abstract lessons and ideas are easily understood. This is an intriguing quest story that will appeal to readers who want a book that focuses on the expedition and the lessons learned along the way, rather than describing elaborate sets and backgrounds. The story proceeds at a steady pace, instructing and informing all the while. This is a wonderfully educational book as well, as terms concerning faith are explained to the protagonist by the other characters throughout the book.
This engaging biblical fiction novel represents the religious story of a pilgrim’s journey to the King of Promise, but is set in modern times. One scene in particular caught my attention; “Heathen, do you want to watch a video of the creation of the universe on my phone?”. I certainly do! This book blends religion and modern society in interesting ways and presents a veiled critique of modernity.
The Pilgrim’s Progress Desert Experience, by John Bartell, is a unique book that will appeal to readers looking for an inspiring Christian fiction novel. With its intriguing images of the Bible and a central message focused on religion, it will be loved by readers keen on faith and religion.
Pages: 147 | ASIN: B09JP6ZMXT
This Earth-shattering Mystery
The Brink follows an archaeologist who discovers a cave painting that could shatter the worldwide religious order and becomes the target of a sinister organization. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
It has been years since I last wrote a book. I finished a trilogy so I was content on that. You never really know what will inspire you until the moment happens. For me I was watching a very intriguing history show and the thing absolutely captivated me. I knew right then and there that I had to somehow write a book with these shocking revelations about history that few of us know about. Luckily, I already had an ideal character in place from my previous trilogy who was perfectly suited to tackle this earth-shattering mystery.
Vince Ramsey is an intriguing character that I enjoyed following. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I created this character over a decade ago. As a Christian myself, I wanted someone who knew everything about the Bible but was also just as comparable to a James Bond or Indiana Jones character. Vince Ramsey is that guy. He’s no-nonsense, gets to the root of the problem, and solves it without letting anything get in his way. He’s my ideal type of hero and I can’t wait for readers to get to know him on his latest journey. They’ll get a chance to see how he operates in order to solve cases with dire end-of-the-world implications, not always by the book but he gets results.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A lot of the time as I write, I learn right alongside the characters and just as the readers do as the story unfolds. I have a handful of notes but never try to predetermine or force and preplan every scene. I have a general outline of course, but I like to keep the story spontaneous and fresh for the benefit of the reader, and hopefully let a natural progression flow. Like Stephen King once said, “Sometimes a book writes itself.” Themes I explore in this book are just what the readers will experience, a lot of obscure history that blows the lid off every textbook I ever read!
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Nothing in the works as of yet, but then again, like I said before, you never know what will come along and inspire me. I usually write one book every 2-3 years and that’s been the trend so far and I hope that continues. I only write when the mood strikes me. Many thanks to all the readers out there for their unwavering support! In a crowded field it never goes unnoticed and it can make a world of difference for any author!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter
When a young archaeologist discovers the earliest known cave painting hidden deep within the heart of Africa, she suddenly becomes the target of a sinister organization. They will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden, knowing it could shatter the fabric of religious order worldwide and rewrite history as we know it. In comes Vince Ramsey, Israel’s top investigator and biblical scholar for matters like these. He must not only protect the archaeologist as they embark on a dangerous journey through Europe’s most iconic ruins—but he must help her find a mystical relic with ties to an ancient royal dynasty—one so powerful that it ruled the continent after the fall of the Roman Empire. Can they be the ones to solve a mystery for the ages—or will history repeat itself—once again?
*For fans of James Rollins, Clive Cussler, and Preston & Child
Something We Never Imagined
Colton Dust is a talented young writer who lives in California and works for a respectable local news company. Colton’s sheer talent as a columnist, producing stories about his views, has created quite a stir within the community. Colton denies that there is any need for a God, if one exists at all. Emma Lee, a competent and charming young woman, enters the picture. Colton catches her attention in a chance encounter, but his attitude leaves a foul taste in her mouth. Days pass and Emma only finds out that she disagrees with his morals as well. Despite this, both characters are drawn to each other inexplicably, and it is only a matter of time until they cross paths again.
Something We Never Imagined, by Douglas J. Wemple, is a fascinating read about faith and love. Wemple’s work is centered around the young and ambitious Colton Dust and Emma Lee, a struggling but resourceful young woman of faith. Both characters are highly relatable and will quickly draw readers into their tale. Despite being raised in a Christian family, Colton believes that a person is accountable for their own destiny and should not believe or rely on a God he isn’t even convinced exists. Emma Lee, on the other hand, is a fervent believer that God not only exists but should be the focus of one’s life despite the fact that she’s constantly tested by life circumstances. The conflict of their principles is one of many factors of the book that captured my interest, and I became emotionally invested in both characters.
Wemple’s writing style is easy to follow, and it is also encouraging and uplifting, giving readers faith. The author seamlessly conveys the message that forgiveness and faith in God are essential for finding meaning in life.
Something We Never Imagined, by Douglas J. Wemple, is a heart-warming and eye-opening read I can highly recommend to those who enjoy contemporary Christian romance.
Pages: 377 | ASIN: B09ZF19P2J
The Betrayal
The Betrayal, by Doug Dorsey, is set in the future after much of the earth’s population has been wiped out by a series of catastrophic events, but civilization has not yet come to an end. A new government, ruled by Sovereign Alexander Wraith, has risen to power to ensure everlasting peace. In this riveting dystopian novel, not everything is as it seems. In reality, Wraith is a brutal dictator who will do anything and take out anyone to ensure his hold on power. Thankfully, a rebellion is coming.
This rebellion is led by two unlikely heroes. Liam Adler is a loyal citizen and computer genius who specializes in AR and VR technology. All Liam wants is a quiet, respectable life. However, a series of unfortunate events leads him down a rabbit hole, and he discovers his life is a lie. Jessica, on the other hand, is a rebel fighter, an amnesiac, and a fugitive on the run. She has been fighting The Sovereign for years and is a loyal soldier of Mordecai, rebel leader, and prophet. Liam and Jessica are truly compelling characters that make this first book in the trilogy an exciting read cover to cover, which is important in a character driven dystopian thriller like this.
The Betrayal often reminded me of a Christian version of George Orwell’s 1984. One of the main themes of the book is that religion has been banned, and it is down to Christian rebels to free the world. This focus on religion gives Dorsey’s novel an interesting twist. Government surveillance is everywhere, and expression of religious freedom is a death sentence. Liam is constantly thrown for a loop as friends become enemies and vice versa. The Sovereign is always watching. The author deftly borrows from countless sci-fi classics whilst managing to write something new. This is a refreshing twist on some older sci-fi tropes.
The pacing of the storyline is excellent. The first half is a little slower as Dorsey does some important world-building and introduces and begins to define his characters. In the second half, the story ramps up as utter chaos is unleashed.
Liam and Jessica are both great leads who are easy to root for. Liam especially makes for a very cerebral protagonist. Wraith is an immensely dislikable antagonist in all the right ways. The Betrayal, by Doug Dorsey, is a rollercoaster ride and a great read for any science fiction fan.
Pages: 361 | ASIN: B09RPYHM8F
The Teaching Tales I Write
God’s Greatest Miracle follows a traveler who is given the task of sharing the tale of God’s miracle of unconditional love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The source of this teaching tale is multi-dimensional. I say this because this book contains five stories. The tales of the angels, the storyteller, the transmission, my childhood, and now. Each reflects the themes of our teaching tale.
Did you create an outline for the characters in the story before you started writing or did the character’s personalities grow organically as you were writing?
The descriptions of Morgana and Tristan are based upon actual persons. Morgana is a childhood image of a woman I loved very much named Anna Marie, in Puerto Rico. I mention her and her holy sisters in the book. Tristan is me as a child. After all, how can I produce a story of unconditional love without being in some semblance of this state when I record-live a new teaching tale?
The teaching tales I write are not pre-planned. They come to me as I place my awareness into what I named the Oneirion (the Dreamtime). Soon I find myself operating within a character in a particular storyline, say Camelot or ancient Hellas. My participation in a new story has a beginning but I don’t know the endpoint. What happens as the story becomes more complex, I see “storyline attractors” appearing so to adjust the character and action appropriately.
I admit it is curious. For I am embodying on paper, a dimension of existence that most people are oblivious to. The truths within the story are mine, but more than mine. I am open to what I call the Noble Organ which feeds me what I need to write. I discuss the various aspects of Creation and World Maintenance in my later writings and blogs.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I am interested in the true teachings of Yeshua. Some we find in the New Testament, but much remains hidden. He gave pablum to the people and meat to his disciples. The foundation of his teaching derives from his unique understanding of the Vedanta and other Indian schools. He taught a workable remedy and method for liberation from endless rebirths with Atman. He saw how people held onto their sins from life to life.
Part of my mission is to expand upon and correct the message given by the various avatars.
My themes are practical and spiritual: (1) moving humanity from egoism-hoarding onto altruism-generosity (to become H dei), (2) the spiritual marriage of man and woman, (3) learning to care for others no less than we care for our families and selves, (4) ending the oppression of the masses, (5) bringing the Kingdom of God to earth, (6) ridding our universe of the archetype of evil, and others.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
THE MEAL BLESSING OF THE ENLIGHTENED.
“May this food nourish the bodily and mental needs of this creature, aiding it in its progress towards final awakening. May I always remember those not having enough to eat, who face oppression, and endure illness to not forsake them but help them. For who am I, if not them? So Mote It Be.”
OTHER PUBLICATIONS AWAITING RELEASE
ROMANCE DU TRESOR DES ROSES – ADVENTURES OF A TRUE KNIGHT
THE PURPOSE JOURNEYS BEGIN – A SPIRITUAL FANTASY
CODEX I: THE PATH AND NOT-PATH TO CAMELOT
CODEX II: THE HIND AND THE HART
THE SECOND JOURNEY BEGINS
CODEX III: NOUSEUM AND MONTIMAR
THE THIRD JOURNEY BEGINS
CODEX IV: FINAL WAR TO ENTER THE GOLDEN AGE
THE SPIRITUAL TEACHINGS OF GABRIEL BAAL EYT – A SPIRITUAL FANTASY
CODEX I: CONVERSATIONS WITH A ROSE-CROIX
CODEX II: HISTORY AND META-THEOLOGY OF THE DJINN
CODEX III: PREPARATIONS FOR WAR
CODEX IV: THE HIGHEST INTERVENES
CODEX V: FESTIVAL OF THE UNIFICATION OF HELLAS
TBC
THE GOSPEL OF LORD YESHUA – A SPIRITUAL REVELATION
CODEX I: THE FIRST CODEX OF SCRIPTURE
CODEX II: THE SECOND CODEX OF SCRIPTURE
CODEX III: TBC
THE WORLD-TREE UPANISHAD – EASTERN SPIRITUALITY
LES CHANSONS D’AMOUR COURTIS D’UN PRINCE ADVENTUREUX
A Canon of Love Poetry
THE ADVENTURES OF SAINT CELIA – A SURREALISTIC EROTIC FAIRY TALE
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website
says, I love you, our hearts melt, for we feel the
gift of unconditional love, perhaps for the first and only time in our adult lives. Unconditional love is natural only to the very young, which is why Lord Yeshua loved them. A love he showed us how to rekindle in later life if we choose to leave the Forest of Errors and Return Home.
Suppose you want to live unconditional love. If so, allow two little angels to show you how to love as God would like. Join them on their journey to fulfill God’s plan of making a Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. A voyage teaching them to love each other unconditionally and eventually ridding their planet of egoism and evil.
How do we return home? By remembering our original state of innocence, when we weren’t afraid to love. Listening to our angel within, willing to put altruism first in the physical world to live and work for the benefit of everyone. All God asks of us is to receive the love God bestows, allowing it to shine into our world for the sake of all. Become angels of God again.
This children’s tale is the first codex in the Nouseum sagas. Some codices of the series are for adults and some for children. Currently, I have nine more to publish.
The Brink
Julie Tiscareno is an archaeologist who sets out on a trek through the remote wilderness of Botswana to learn more about the indigenous San people. She documents the discovery of what she believes to be the world’s oldest petroglyphs found in a sacred cave. After an explosion causes a rock slide that traps her inside, along with her African guide, Kemba, and a student from the local university, they escape out another exit to find Kemba’s village under attack. They are too far away to help and can only watch in horror as everyone is killed and the village burned. Why was the village destroyed and who is responsible? Could it be related to her recent discovery? And how is this connected to the murder of a cyber-security analyst for the Ministry of Jerusalem? It will be up to Vince Ramsey to find out the answers–but how can he focus on this when there is trouble back home?
I loved the global feel of this suspenseful novel. Especially when events happen on different continents and we find out that they’re connected, the writing makes it feel like this story can go anywhere. Readers who enjoy history will revel in the historical elements that weave this suspenseful story together and ground this otherwise fantastic adventure. There are so many things that are unknown throughout the story that readers must piece together. The author sure does know how to consistently elevate the level of intrigue in the story with a balance of curious little mysteries and interesting resolutions. I was very invested in the mystery of why Ramsey’s friend was murdered and I wanted to see how the threat to Ramsey’s wife April would be eliminated.
I liked the sense of urgency during most of the story as it truly does feel like a race against time for Vince Ramsey to complete his mission and return home to save his wife and unborn baby, and he must discover the truth so that his family will not be placed in danger again. However, I felt that the domestic aspects of Vince Ramsey’s everyday life, which are shown at the beginning of the story in scenes with his wife, slowed the pace of the story a bit. I was much more interested in jumping right to following the trail of clues to learn who killed D.K. and what happened to Julie after she disappeared.
The Brink is a spirited adventure novel with a surprising ending that I was certainly not expecting, but enjoyed nonetheless. Even though this is the fourth book in the series, I think that it can still be read and enjoyed as a standalone story. Fans of globe-trotting action adventure novels will find James McPike’s mystery novel simply engrossing.
Pages: 309 | ASIN: B09YMQCDFD
God’s Greatest Miracle
God’s Greatest Miracle is the book you need to feel closer to God and connect with him. In the book, Jean-Michel Polyakov, through different tales, shares the actions of God and how he reveals himself through his people. God’s Greatest Miracle is a straightforward book and fun to read. The language in the book is simple, and the text is streamlined for young readers. Every sentence or phrase is precise and can be understood after the first read. I love how unambiguous the author made the text. Jean-Michel Polyakov’s simplicity with words inspires even kindergarten kids to embrace a reading culture.
In God’s Greatest Miracle: A Tale of Two Little Angels, we follow the story of a traveler who gets transported to a new country. This traveler meets an old man, and later a prince and princess. I loved the transition between the traveler’s transportation and his encounter with the prince ad princess. Jean-Michel Polyakov is a smooth writer, and every time a new character is introduced in the story, the reader feels like they have already bonded. The traveler is given tasks, one of them being sharing the tale of God’s Greatest Miracle. This is where it gets intriguing as the narration becomes more easy-flowing. The reader feels like they are part of the story thanks to the engaging nature of the writing.
The story of God’s Greatest Miracle was fascinating to follow and had dozens of lessons. The story of the two angels was touching. As a reader, you feel a shift in your thinking and get to be reintroduced to the love of God, knowing self, being kind, and living righteously. As you keep reading, you reflect on your life and resonate with the teachings. My favorite teaching in the story was about choosing good versus evil. Through this book, the reader can find pride in living morally and virtuously and ask for God’s guidance. I like that the author helped me connect with my inner child. In a way, the story of God’s Greatest Miracle makes the reader view everything with innocence and purity.
The concept of having a story within a story was genius. This helped with the comprehension and made the reading experience such a delight. I would recommend God’s Greatest Miracle: A Tale of Two Little Angels to readers that enjoy spiritual stories and anyone that wants to become closer with God.
Pages: 60 | ASIN: B09WJWKW2H
LITERARY TITAN 