I’m completing the draft of a new novel that involves many of the characters of my first novel, A STAR AND A TEAR. This one is a psychological thriller that explores how faith confronts violence in our world. In a world in which people tend to find all sorts of justifications for the use of violence, I wanted to tell a story of how the church might react when it is the church that is the target of violence and yet the church wants to be faithful to the Prince of Peace.
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS takes place from the beginning of lent to Pentecost Sunday, so in a way it is the Body of Christ experiencing it’s own passion story.
It will be awhile before it finally gets published, but I’m interested in whether this opening would hook you so that you would be interested in reading the rest of the story.
I’M NOBODY NOW
Chapter 1
First Sunday in Lent
I’m nobody now, but soon the whole city will know who I am—all of North Carolina, maybe even the nation .
Jeremy chuckled as he straightened his tie and walked down the sidewalk towards the church. He saw on the sign that it was a Presbyterian Church, whatever that was. He adjusted his backpack so that it did not pull on his newly purchased suit. The Leader always said if you cut your hair and wear clothes that fit in this phony society, no one will see you coming—until it is too late.
He hated to lose his flowing blond hair. He was a scrawny nineteen-year-old, but his blond tresses falling over his shoulders caught the attention of the girls. At least Natalie liked to run her fingers through it. Given more time, he thought, Natalie wanted to touch more than his hair.
He continued walking towards the church, smiling at the unsuspecting morons who joined him on their way to worship.
It was sad last night when he said goodbye to Natalie. He wanted to have sex with her right then, but she said he needed to preserve his strength. He knew it was so, but his whole body tingled when she stood next to him, trying to be brave herself. The Leader told them they were both part of a larger cause. Soldiers have to make sacrifices so the world can be better.
When can we buy a copy???
Still editing Probably by summer