The Lost Symbol

I thought I would read a Dan Brown book to see why his novels sell a million copies on the first day of publication. Herr Brown tells a fascinating story. He is definitely a master of suspense and tension. His theology - if that is what he really believes - is heretical. He may be writing tongue in cheek,  and pandering to a contemporary secular audience.  I wonder, since Brown is the son and grandson of Episcopal priests,  has he ever heard of Eastern Orthodox?  To quote: "Peter, the Bible and the Ancient Mysteries are total opposites. The mysteries are about the god within you...man as god. The Bible is all about the God above you...and man as a powerless sinner."  I think Brown has read too much Calvin.  He also has a character saying: "the only difference between you and God is that you have forgotten you are divine."  These words remind of the Garden in which the fallen angel says: "You shall not surely die...then you eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."  (Genesis 3: 4-5).  Well...if Brown had read some of the Fathers he might realize that yes, man is divine and is called to share in the glory (energies) of God. I have to give Brown credit for describing evil as destructive, ending in darkness. But I suspect he has been sadly hookwinked by that angel of light.

TEEM TIME

My guide to the Internet for concerned parents is now available on Nook and at  www.pokrovpress.com.  Young people are not only influenced by the Internet but they themselves (the ones with discernment) are influencing the Internet.  Don't let this powerful medium control your child.  Become an informed cyber-parent!
Visit: www.websavvy.ws

The Night of the Cossack

I've just finished reading this fascinating novel by Tom Blubaugh.  If you enjoy a riveting read then you won't be disappointed.  From the opening paragraph, the reader feels the cold, the despair and uncertainty of the hero, Nathan (aka Stepan, aka Ivan).  Mr. Blubaugh has certainly done his research.  Throughout the 'adventure' he describes vivid scenes, places, people and the emotions of his characters with great skill. Imagine being kidnapped and forced to convert by the sword and then accepting one's fate.  I liked Nathan. He is kind, brave and honorable. He is unjustly accused of a crime and is forced to flee. I felt I was with Nathan in spirit, throughout his ordeals and hardships.  - Well done, Tom, you have created a fine character.

Getting back to work

I decided to take a summer break...well from my latest novel.  I am still finishing TEEN TIME and should have it out on the shelves by the end of the month.  I am currently reviewing "Night of the Cossack". It's a great story and the writing is captivating.  I haven't finished reading it but I am enjoying it so far.  The author writes from a western perspective of Russian history...what does that mean? It means that our history is biased towards our understanding of religion and politics. If you read Russian history in Russia, you get a different feeling and view of world history. I'll write more about this when I finish the book.

Angel above the sea

My new novel (in progress) is becoming more interesting as I research into the Japanese occupation of Shanghai in the 1930s. Apart from the hagiography of this period i.e. St John of Shanghai, I am finding interesting facts about the Japanese Army and Chinese ancestor worship. I am also amazed how characters take on a life of their own...I know I have some memorable heroes and heroines, plus a tragic hero...a bit like Captain Ahmet Ali in The Landing Place.  BTW The Landing Place  www.creativecopy.us/lp.html is now published by Pokrov Press. I am very pleased with the new cover and the fact that I get all the royalties this time.  Any way back to work and less blogging!

I hear that Disney is offering chocolate frogs at its $250 million theme park based on Harry Potter. I thought the US was in recession but apparently there is still oodles of money around and some people will always find the cash to enjoy their particular brand of fantasy. I found the first HP book a good read. The prose was lean (just as I like it) and it was a clever story. It reminded me of Enid Blyton and her naughty pixies….not literally, but it had a simple ring about it. I would recommend HP as a fun read but not call it a classic. I don’t expect that Disney will turn my novel into a film that breaks the box office nor do I envisage a theme park, complete with a Russian SB-6 bi-plane and a concrete replica of Mt Ararat...and chocolate snakes.    A Supernatural Adventure

Latest writing doodles

What am I doing these day? I often ask myself this question about my creative writing. Hey. All writing is creative, isn't it, even your tax form..?

Well, the big project is my new non-fiction (and I've almost completed it) called TEEN TIME: Spending quality time with your cyber-savvy teen.

I believe there is a need for a guide for parents to the Internet. We are, after all, living in the 21st century, the new digital world.  As parents we surely need to know what our teens are up to?  I am covering the pros and cons of social networking, surfing, games, with an appendix on fantasy/sex addiction and the new princess narcissism.

I am writing TEEN TIME for a secular audience but I am also writing some articles, based on the book, for a Christian readership.

And I'm working on a new novel for teens about Shanghai in 1936-37. It tells of the lives of street kids, a Japanese Officer and a mysterious Russian bishop.