Hank and Jess had something in their marriage most couples cannot claim, an unbelievable connection and fierce love for each other. While on a mission trip to Haiti, Jess is murdered. The shock of loss overwhelms Hank and his journey to reconcile he...
This is my first attempt at writing a novel. I have written a dissertation but there really is no comparison. Like probably many first writers, my novel is as much a pouring out of my soul than a fictional story. I tend to like books that I can tell the authors put a piece of themselves in the story. I am sure women will roll their eyes at this but it fells like I am giving birth to something magnificent. It might not be magnificent to anyone else but it is mine, it came from me and carries my image.
Here are a few ways I see a connection to my real life:
*Hank- main character- He is a pastor of a large church. He is in love with his wife and loves his church. He is far from perfect.
Me- I am a pastor and love what I do.
*Jess- Hank's wife. She is tragically dead from the beginning words of the book. She was killed while serving God of all things.
Me- my wife and I were involved in a church shooting in Fort Worth, Texas in 1999 at Wedgwood Baptist Church. Christi, my wife, saw the gunman coming down the hall. He had already wounded two and killed one. She literally threw her shoes off and ran. I am so, so thankful my wife is still with me today. Hank is not so lucky. Writing his story of loss hits me hard as what so easily could have been my story. I have felt his pain in this. Below was the real scene that waited me as I finally made it out of the church.
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*Killed on a mission trip- Jess's dies at the hands of one of the team members- when I went through the church shooting, I became well aware that no place on this earth is completely safe from harm. It is the sad reality of a broken world. This story deals with that reality and brokenness.
*Jess' seems too good to be true- some might read about Jess and think she is too perfect. I know she is possible though because I believe my wife is just like her! Jess is an amazing character. Hank realizes that and cherishes her. I pray I have done the same for my amazing wife. Her picture is my logo picture for this sight. She is an amazing, godly wife and mom. This is a picture of her and my daughter, Reagan.
*Eric- the killer. Eric is a complicated character. It is easy to despise him one minute and hurt for him the next. I find this to be fairly common of many people today. They have such a tough childhood and they end up repeating the pattern of the generation before them. Sure they must take responsibility for their actions but I wonder if I would have faired any better in their shoes. Nevertheless, Eric's evil is on full display in this novel.
*Dr. Boo Headley- we all need a Boo in our life. Someone who can talk sense into us when we need hear it the most. He is full of wisdom, loyalty, and courage.
*Dean- if you read my novel this probably will be your favorite character and deservedly so. He is the epitome of selflessness and loyalty. He shines in my book. He represents that "one of a kind" loyal friend you might find once in a lifetime, if you are blessed.
*Martha- she is a super strong woman who loves her family so much she is willing to lose them to help the one who everyone else has given up on. Her beneficence doesn't pay off though as Eric, her grandson, doesn't change his ways. Yet, Martha (and Ted) stay loyal to the end, while finding a way to love Hank too. It is remarkable to see their hearts.
*Em- Em has been through it. She could have easily folded and called it quits on life. She is a survivor and will not give up. It is hard not to admire her strength, courage, and willingness to make things right in her life.
I hope you read my novel. I am sure we all believe in what we write but this work is special. The story has come out in a rush as it seems it has been building in me for quite awhile. Please check it out and let me know what you think.
*** As of this writing I am working on getting the story on paper and not on editing. It will be obvious to you. I will have it edited and cleaned up. If you read now and see a lot of silly mistakes know that I am still working.
