'Riting, Reading, Recalcitrant

I'm a dabbler.

Well, if one wishes to be literate and snobby about it, I am eclectic.

Yeah. We'll go with that one. (laugh)

As stated in a previous post, I often need distractions such as music, or a movie playing on the television, to help me focus, to jump start the synapses and keep the creativity pistons firing. But, on the other hand, I can be so concentrated on a project that other things -- phones ringing, people addressing me, doorbells sounding, alarm clocks buzzing -- can be relegated to just background noise. I hear them, but I don't register the need to respond to them. Anybody else ever been there?

Well, there's some similarity between that imaginary bubble that keeps out unwanted distractions, and the bubble that only lets in books that truly capture my interest.

I am unfaithful to my genre. Yeah, I write speculative fiction (SF and fantasy), but I've read enough Westerns and mystery novels to paper the inside of a good-sized spaceship.

Then there are pieces of classic literature, some of which I was forced to read but ended up appreciating (The Mayor of Casterbridge, for example), or was forced to read and ended up despising (Jude the Obscure, ironically by the same author), or read quite willingly on my own, many of them several times (Moby-Dick, The Call of the Wild, Tom Sawyer, Jane Eyre, Oliver Twist, Les Miserables).

In addition to reading for pleasure, I've edited many manuscripts in a variety of genres and skill levels. The ones that have unintentionally made me laugh out loud? Romances, especially the tawdry ones. Perhaps they are, as much as any other books, fantasy novels.

But what about speculative fiction? Why write it if I don't often read it? After all, Lewis and Tolkien and Carroll and Poe and Bradbury and Kipling and their ilk are major influences on why I started writing when I was a kid.

I need the distraction. I need to step outside the world of my own creation and let my imagination take some R & R in someone else's creation. That means leaving the dragons or the space pirates, and setting off across the Oregon Trail or sailing the Mediterranean. The brain needs a stretch.

Besides, I don't always like doing what I'm told: "You must read Twilight! It sooooo good!" or "How can you not want to watch Avatar? It's, like, the most awesomest movie ever!" or "You write fantasy, and you've never read a Harry Potter book?"

Yeah, well, as I wrote recently to a friend:

I'm finally reading an Orson Scott Card book. I know, I know, any self-respecting science fiction writer already has a slew of OSC novels on the shelf, tattered from much reading. I, however, am somewhat of a heretic.

The book I'm reading is THE novel in the OSC repertoire: Ender's Game. It's actually pretty good.

I might even write a book report about it.

So, any other recalcitrant but eclectic readers? Anyone else out there with a library of literary mismatches that seem to coexist quite well?

Opening Salvos - 5: Some Danger Involved

It's been a long while since the last entry in the "Opening Salvos" series of posts, and I may have turned myself into a pest with all the praise heaped on my two favorite mystery series, but why apologize for promoting good work? So here's the opening to Some Danger Involved, the first in the Barker & Llewllyn books by Will Thomas:

If someone had told me, those many years ago, that I would spend the bulk of my life as assistant and eventual partner to one of the most eminent detectives in London, I would have thought him a raving lunatic. It was my intention from an early age to aspire to a quiet life of letters, an Oxford donship, if possible, with the occasional slim volume privately printed every couple of years. The last thing I expected was to live with permanently barked knuckles, bruises and contusions over most of my body, and the compulsion to scan every room I entered for the exits. Life doesn't always turn out as we plan. Perhaps for some of us that is a good thing.

I recently re-read the entire series extant for the third time, and it stands up well. And that opening paragraph is a summary of, a teaser for, and barely scratches the surface of the adventures to come for young Llewellyn and "the guv". If you like historical settings, buddy stories, mysteries, or just good yarns, these are the books for you.

Though I write in a far different genre, the word skill and the story craft present in these books inspire and challenge me.

ADD Writing

If you're the creative type -- anything from inventing gadgets to writing music -- you probably have a routine, rituals that help you create: utter silence, background music, the noise and bustle of the food court in the mall. I tend toward a combination: solitude, but not necessarily silence; concentration, but not always single focus.

At this moment, I'm watching (more like listening to) The New World while typing this post. A half-hour ago, I was watching a television episode online while working on the rough draft of a script, an adaptation of someone else's novel.

An aside: The first time I read the book, I was disappointed in the outcome, but the story stayed with me. A couple readings later, I see the beauty of it, and the outcome is not disappointing at all. It reads like a collaboration between Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, where his darkness is tempered by her optimism.

During commercials, or when I needed to pause the online show in order for the buffering to catch up, I stopped working on the script and read a few paragraphs in a different book. I didn't plan it -- I just did it -- and the creativity and concentration actually improved. It's as if the distractions helped my focus.

This is not always so.

I need to progress with my own stories, but the only creativity I find lately is in adapting the words of a writer long dead.

Lost Mission - Day 3

Here we are, last day of the CSFF Blog Tour for Athol Dickson's thought-provoking novel, Lost Mission. (My previous posts can be read here: Day 1 and Day 2.)

As other reviewers have stated, there is several days'-worth of material we could cover. Dickson weaves together many themes and raises questions about faith and morality, compassion and discipline, legality and God's will.

(Just an aside: There are a lot of folks out there who claim to know God's will, and who are quite vocal about telling the rest of us what that is, but their lives just aren't matching up to what I can read for myself in the Bible. Therefore, why would I go to them for advice about following Him? Besides, God can speak to me Himself.)

In my previous post, I discussed some of the thoughts that were raised when I read Lost Mission, and I had planned on exploring more of them, such as Del's rigidness that makes him use Scripture as a bludgeon, or Tucker's behind-the-back dealings as a way to get what he wants while still helping the people in his neighborhood. There's Fray Guillermo, who is much like Del, concerned about his wealth and about everyone else's discipline, whether it is necessary or not; and Fray Benicio whose understandable but misguided passion for good works is akin to Tucker's; then, caught between them, there's Fray Alejandro, whose unfortunate features find a mirror in Lupe's scars.

But I've decided instead to ruminate upon the writing itself. It's a touch old-fashioned, but in a good way. Dickson uses "third-person omniscient" point of view in the structure of the story (this allows him to slide smoothly from one century to another, from one character to another, though it does distance the reader from the story), but he also employs "third-person limited" inside individual scenes, allowing the reader to "view" the story for a time inside the thoughts and senses of a particular character (this draws the reader close, makes him a participant in the story). However, the writing is so good that it's low-key. It doesn't get in the way of the story itself.

That may not seem like a selling point to most readers, but I'm also an editor, and when I can become so lost in a story that I forget to look at the mechanics, it's gotta be good writing. Don't mean to sound like I'm "all that" -- it's just that the nitpickiness of editing can sometimes rob my joy in simply reading.

"But what's the story about?" you may ask. Well, I'm not gonna tell you -- and don't rely on the Amazon.com blurb! Be prepared for a time-bending, thought-provoking, attention-grabbing novel that doesn't rely on whiz-bang action scenes or grandiose plot twists, but instead reminds me of an old storyteller with a seamed face and age-gnarled hands who sits on the edge of the plaza and simply begins telling his tale. And the very inflection of his words, the gentle twinkle in his eye, draws a crowd who forget they are listening to a story and instead begin to live it.

For other opinions, insights, discussions, or reviews, visit these other sites on the tour:
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

Lost Mission - Day 2

We're highlighting Lost Mission by Athol Dickson in this Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour, and the book has stirred unrest among the ranks. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

My first post for the tour was just a brief introduction to the basic plot, which is very much carried on the backs of the characters whose stories Dickson weaves together in fluid strands. It is masterfully done, and is one of the few modern examples of omniscient point of view that I actually enjoyed reading.

Though some reviewers didn't quite take to the story's movement between the present and about 250 years in the past, I like it when an author is capable of telling an engaging story in an unusual way. I may not like real-life roller coasters, but I am always game for the literary version of a good ride. And Lost Mission did not disappoint.

However, being a work of fiction by a Christian author, and possessing themes centered on faith, the book is bound to cause debate and disagreement. Hey, we're human, and ain't none of us truly sees eye-to-eye with anyone. But in the friction there is fire, and where there's fire there's light, and in that light we all may see a little clearer the world around us.

One of those points of contention has already been raised by other reviewers: Is it ever right to do the wrong thing? Is it ever right to break the law in pursuit of God's work?

In Lost Mission, two of the characters cross the US border illegally, one to find a job so he can send money home to his family, the other so she can be a missionary to a nation in need of God. A minister steals money and possessions in order to provide for the poor and the illegals in his neighborhood. Another man, wealthy beyond my imagination, endeavors to build an all-Christian community in order to protect families from crime, ugly influences, and undesirable elements.

Far in the story's past, a trio of Catholic priests and a contingent of soldiers set out to plant a mission in California. The eldest priest is controlling, the youngest priest is rebelling, and Fray Alejandro is caught between them, often sympathizing with the younger's passion and compassion but respecting the elder's authority.

Every one of the main characters is a person of faith -- but in himself, or in God?

Each begins his (or her) journey with good intentions, with noble purpose; how that journey is traveled reveals what he truly believes.

Lupe follows a sign and is given a gift to help her on her journey. Of all the characters, she seems to be the one with the greatest faith, but does she ask for God's help in getting to the US a different way than sneaking across the border? Ramon relies on his family's savings to pay a "coyote" to lead him across the border. Del, too, relies on money -- his own -- in order to accomplish what he thinks is God's will but is really a weapon for his own revenge. Tucker has no money, so he takes what's left unguarded. Everyone justifies his own actions, because -- after all -- isn't he doing good? Isn't he accomplishing God's will?

Real life isn't easy, and often comprised of shades of gray. There are times when black-or-white is difficult thinking. Difficult guide to making decisions. Right and wrong are not always perfectly knowable.

That is why the Book of James tells us, "If any man (or woman) lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally." Sure, circumstances look bad. There's no money. There's a law that keeps us out or hems us in. There's no vehicle, no way of escape. There's no map, no food, no shelter. There's no apparent way to fulfill the tasks we've been given by God.

So, then, exactly how big is God? How capable is He of helping those He loves? Those He sends?

Faith without works is dead, but works do not make faith. We show our faith by our works. Many of the works done by the characters spring from reliance on themselves rather than faith in God. Sounds like us, doesn't it? Fretting, nagging, stressing -- trying to do everything in our own limited strength, using our own fallible logic. How often to do we ask God to step in and guide us, or to provide the right means to an end?

I know what I ask. I am the main exhibit in the "Museum of Stupid Mistakes", and fit just as well into the "Hall of Thinking Too Small" or the "Gallery of Going My Way". I've justified my actions, argued my logic, been too proud to admit my mistakes. Like Del, I've used "Christianity" like a weapon, and -- like Tucker -- I have taken what isn't mine because I thought someone else needed it more than its owner did. But Robin Hood, as charming and swashbuckling as he may be, is still a thief.

In Lost Mission, I see a wealth of thought-provoking material. It's a work of fiction, but it's a mirror, too. What do you see?

For further reflection (pun entirely intended):
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

Lost Mission - Day 1

Today marks my return, after a long absence, to the Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour. My schedule has been jammed, and -- I must be honest -- some of the previous books didn't appeal to me enough to try wedging them in among other items on my "to do" list. (My, that sounds pompous, doesn't it?) I admit I may have been mistaken about those titles, but I can say with unalloyed truth that I am glad I read the subject of this tour: Lost Mission by Athol Dickson:

Let us begin the story of La Mision de Santa Dolores on the holy day of the three kings, in Italy, in Assissi. To commemorate his twentieth year among the Franciscan brothers, Fray Alejandro Tapia Valdez made a pilgrimage to his beloved San Francisco's humble chapel, the Porziuncola. For more than a week the friar prayed before the chapel's frescoes, rarely ceasing for food or sleep. But despite his lengthy praises and petitions, despite his passionate devotion to Almighty God, Fray Alejandro was a pragmatic man. He did not believe the rumor, common in his day, that the frescoes' perfection was beyond the ability of human hands. As we shall see, in time the friar would reconsider.

My first thought as I read the opening lines: This reminds me of one of my favorite books. Though it has been years since I read it and therefore my memory may be faulty, were Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop a person, it would embrace Fray Alejandro as a kindred spirit.

But the good priest is not the only character we follow through the tale. There is also a wealthy man and his daughter, a well-intentioned but misguided young minister, a Mexican man seeking work north of the border, and Mexican woman who believes God is calling her as a missionary to the United States. Their storylines in the present interweave with Alejandro's in the past, until they all converge at a single moment in time, with explosive results.

On the less dramatic side, I found gentle humor in how Catholic characters believed Protestants in error, and vice versa, and yet they each learned how much someone of a different religious background can still love God, seek to serve Him, and be used by Him.

There is much fodder for discussion -- even debate -- in Lost Mission, and I hope to cover a few of those topics over the following two days. Meantime, visit the following stops along the tour for other opinions and insights:

Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

Okay, So Humility's a Good Thing

I've been out of contact for a while, due to work and life and trying to keep up with ScriptFrenzy. All my braggadocio last month hasn't served me well this month: I'm several pages behind on the script, haven't read several print or online magazines that I like to keep up with, and Episode 12 of Thieves' Honor is still unfinished. And the laptop's motherboard died.

But enough with the depressing stuff. April is National Poetry Month, and though I haven't written any new poetry in a great long while, it's a reminder that progress in writing doesn't have to mean a new chapter in the novel or a finished short story -- it can be as simple as a poem.

Below is one I wrote in 2005, with a couple of revisions since then. It's especially relevant, since Arkansas's usual wild and rowdy spring storms are on their way, maybe even today.

Indomitable

Metal tangs dusty air,
and devils dance—

lightning threads fire in the west.

Green sky looms,
thunder threatens—
gorged black clouds oppress the light.

Fire stabs, scattering
the blood of clouds—
fat warm drops blessing my face.

Trees bow before the wind
but I stand, arms outspread,
welcoming the storm.

c. 2005, KB