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Queering My Religion
Queering My Religion by Rev. P. Crim presents a thought-provoking collection of short stories that reimagine biblical narratives through a queer perspective. This collection stands out for its modern twist on familiar tales such as “Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors,” “David and Jonathan,” and “The Centurion and his Servant,” among others. Set against the vibrant era of the 1990s, these stories delve into the intricacies of identity, love, and belonging, offering a unique window into the queer experience within the context of well-known biblical stories.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to breathe new life into these traditional narratives. Each story is carefully crafted to establish a connection with the queer community, challenging readers to embrace ambiguity and celebrate the diversity of human experiences. By urging readers to question their preconceptions, the book facilitates a rediscovery of history through an inclusive and fresh perspective. Drawing inspiration from works like Clarence Jordan’s Cotton Patch Gospels and P.K. McCarey’s Black Bible Chronicles, Queering My Religion adds to the rich tradition of reinterpreting religious texts.
The collection’s standout feature is its bold reinterpretation of biblical stories, providing insight into the lives of characters as they grapple with their identities and relationships. From the journey of self-discovery in “Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors” to the exploration of deep connections in “David and Jonathan,” each narrative resonates with contemporary audiences, bringing a new layer of understanding to these age-old tales. At its core, the collection challenges traditional heteronormative interpretations, highlighting the diverse spectrum of human experiences. Themes of love, acceptance, and resilience are woven throughout, reflecting not just the struggles and triumphs of the 90s but also presenting a timeless message of inclusivity.
Queering My Religion distinguishes itself by sparking discussions about inclusivity, representation, and the transformative power of storytelling. Appealing to fans of biblical narratives, queer literature, or immersive storytelling, this collection invites readers into a world of exploration and reflection, leaving a profound and lasting impact.
Pages: 97 | ASIN : B0CV9K3D61
“Almost There, but Not Quite”
Marginal Madge: Always on the Edge follows a spirited, young cook whose dreams are derailed by a health challenge as she strives to navigate family dynamics and rekindle old love while uncovering life-altering family secrets. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My story was vaguely based on the life of one of my friends. She has always intrigued me with her calm/funny participation in life, even in the face of many challenges; she is an inspiration. I took what was a foundation for the story and then enhanced it into a purely fictional story, steering it straight into the “happy” place.
What inspired the unique name and character of Marginal Madge, and how does it reflect her journey throughout the novel?
Always on the edge. Always just in reach of the dream. Always situated right on the margin – Marginal. Madge just seemed to flow off my tongue; thus, Marginal Madge. I knew my character was going to be “almost there, but not quite” in this first book of the series…but with a little God guidance in her life, she was going to have adventure after adventure, and joyfully obtain her innermost desires. (Books 2-5)
The book intertwines Marginal’s passion for cooking with her personal life challenges. How did you decide to incorporate the culinary arts as a significant element in her story?
In my own family, cooking was a part of what made the house a home. Everyone always joined in and felt like a part of it, involved with it…which made for much laughter and creativity. I felt like Marginal needed something that brought her much joy and was received well by others…cooking, of course.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Marginal Madge Steps Over the Line. This second book in the series is tucked into the midst of several projects that I am currently involved with. Composing music swallows a large portion of my time; always surrounded with people and deadlines. Writing books is where I can be creative in a different, much quieter way. Love the alone time! She’ll be finished soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Impossibly withered lives begin to come alive, when an old miserly woman makes the self-satisfied decision to hire an individual who has the uncanny ability to find dry humor in the most ridiculous of circumstances.As life seems to pass her by, Marginal Madge strengthens her gifts, rolls with the punches, moves herself into new territory, and finds out that her life is, in fact, being guided with impeccable direction.
Marginal Madge, Alice Turbantine, Augustus the Cat, Henry the accountant, Gabe, Theodore J McCallahan, and the rest of the cast are all in for a surprise. Their stories will intersect … and find healing, when the miserly old Alice Turbantine, makes that critical decision to hire our Marginal Madge. It will change everything … for many people … especially Marginal.
A Tithing of My Writing
Stories from the Psalms, Volume 1: Coffee Shops and Spaceships is a collection of short stories based on the Book of Psalms, sharing God’s message through modern situations and language. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I’ve been writing fiction for about thirty years now. I initially began cutting my teeth writing short fiction in the horror genre, and more recently science fiction, but my long-form works (novels) have invariably explored themes of faith. Along with fiction, I have enjoyed creating other types of writing such as blog entries, film reviews, and traditional devotionals (first for my local church then later my own website). All of these divergent styles and genres eventually brought about the idea (or inspiration) of doing a devotional like this, where the devotional itself would be fiction. To be honest, as much as the idea intrigued me, and as much as it felt more and more that I was supposed to do this, I balked for some time. This would be a pretty public show of my faith after all, not to mention I had no idea if there was an audience for this kind of book. In the end, it was worth it. Whether it resonates with anyone else (which would be really nice, let’s be honest), working on this book felt like a tithing of my writing more than any other work.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
One deliberate aspect of my characters’ faith lives which I strived in a few stories, was that they would be confident in their relationship with Jesus. Too often, people of faith have been portrayed as the weaker, Ned Flanders-type. That’s not how I see myself, or the many strong, amazing Christian people I’ve known. I enjoyed taking these characters and, sometimes, seeing how they’d react when faced with something working to turn them away from that faith. Anything else, personality-wise, depended on the story. I tried not to hide the brokenness in people as well, like the little girl in “The Snow” who lives her young life weighed down by others’ fears or the sad, forgotten man in the aptly named “The Forgotten Man.”
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Hmm. Early on, it was probably my introverted nature. I spent too much time in my head. When I realized my rather strange imagination and daydreams were nothing more than the raw material for stories I could write down someday, I was able to silence that inner voice that told me for most of my life I had no stories worth telling. Everyone does. As time has gone on, I’ve become a parent and husband, had my heart broken with both pain and joy. Just as importantly, I have met so many people who have been through so much in their lives, like my wife Linda, yet never let events define who they were, especially in their relationship with God. Life teaches lessons. Eventually, as a writer, these lessons get shared with others.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about, and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
Well, if we’re talking about Stories from the Psalms, Volume 2, I honestly don’t know. That was a big part of the joy of writing Volume 1, everything was spontaneous. At the moment, I’m in the editing phase of the sequel to my science fiction novel Plague of Locusts. It’s being a difficult, petulant child of a book, however. I am itching to jump into Psalm 16 and beyond for Volume 2, as well.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
What do twenty-somethings on a date, a body in a hole, people falling from the sky and a ninety-nine-year-old woman have to do with the book of Psalms?
Everything.
In these pages you will find a collection of stories which bring God’s Word into a new light; with events and characters much like ourselves drawn prayerfully from each Psalm.
A devotional, using fiction.
There are no rules, only images and scenes inspired by Psalms 1 through 15; nor is any story restricted to one specific literary genre. All will entertain and illustrate how wide, and how relevant, God’s Word can be to our own modern world, and beyond.
Stories from the Psalms, Volume 1: Coffee Shops & Spaceships
Stories from the Psalms, Volume 1: Coffee Shops and Spaceships by Daniel G. Keohane, weaves a tapestry of narrative fiction, drawing inspiration from the Psalms of the Bible. The book encapsulates a series of character-driven stories, each exploring themes of faith and redemption. Characters like Lucas, who grapples with guilt over alcohol consumption and its impact on his family, and Mateo, a young boy whose early interest in the church leads him to the priesthood, are central to the narrative. These diverse stories collectively maintain reader engagement throughout the book.
Keohane’s approach to writing this book is noteworthy. Having read the Psalms repeatedly, he states that the motivation to write came as a divine inspiration. The lack of a predetermined plan lends his writing a spontaneous and authentic tone. This book primarily targets Christian audiences, offering inspiration and encouragement in faith. Keohane skillfully intertwines his personal experiences and reflections, effectively guiding readers through his creative journey. He reinforces the narratives with relevant Biblical verses, enhancing the thematic depth of the stories. While some tales stand out for their clarity and direction, others may seem a bit convoluted, potentially leading to moments of reader disorientation. In particular, the story of Mateo resonates deeply, prompting introspection about life and interpersonal relationships.
The book predominantly explores themes of compassion, honesty, selflessness, faith, and community. These elements are foundational to its appeal as a Christian literary work. Stories from the Psalms, Volume 1: Coffee Shops & Spaceships it serves as a meaningful devotional tool for Christians seeking to deepen their spiritual connection.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B007CPL8YS
LITERARY TITAN 