The Pope Would Like It, I think?

As with both The Paradise Alternative and Abomination, Demons of Obenin has subtlety weaved into dynamic interactions between characters.  To get an appreciation of what you will encounter in Demons of Obenin, I recommend reading Abomination.  I can’t give away Abomination’s plot though the title gives a hint.  I can only say that readers really appreciate the story but are left with a brief moment (sometime much longer) to really consider how people are treated. 

Abomination is a quick read.  Race or gender doesn’t matter.  I believe the Pope would appreciate the book.  Really, you should read Abomination.  Send me an email.  Then, of course, please come back to read Demons of Obenin.     

Thank You Stephanie Jackel!

Thank You Stephanie Jackel!

Stephanie is the owner of Printer’s Ink.  She proved to me that a self-published book can be just as professional as one from a publishing house.  It takes working from midnight to morn, on breaks, lunch time, waiting for soccer practice to end…. Also, it takes a knowledgeable and skilled partner to build a good finished product.  Printer’s Ink remains a key partner in the process of bringing most of my books to market.

Stephanie, thanks for your open conversation about the characters I created.  Not just for this book but for the others as well.

Renee, Motivator, and Mentor

A huge thanks to Renee Ryan!  It’s great to have someone in your virtual corner who has been there, done that, and is still going strong.

Renee doesn’t just have the T-shirt, she has the books – at least fifteen of them.  Renee writes for Love Inspired Historical Romance.  The publishing house is part of Harlequin Enterprises Limited.  Yes, “The” Harlequin.  Recently, she won the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Inspirational award for The Outlaw’s Redemption.  My favorite book of hers is Courting the Enemy.  She has another book due out in September 2014, His Most Suitable Bride.

Renee, thanks for being a motivator and mentor.

Wow Holly, Thanks for the Right Cross!

The Southeastern Writer’s Association (SWA) Workshop at Saint Simon's Island, Georgia, gave me access to very experienced writers, publishers, and other people in the business.  The guest speakers and instructors offered great insights, criticisms, and industry knowledge.  For me, the conference was a very good value.

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It was there that Holly McClure, agent and award-winning author, gave me an experience in criticism that left me and my manuscript pummeled and reddened. 

She was a heavy-weight champion.  I was the untried trainer and manager of a pretty raw manuscript.  I threw it into the ring with her and felt every blow that followed.  Loosely, the session went something like this:

She started in on my manuscript.  I felt the first jab. “That first chapter was a good move.  All that stuff in the preface… keep that up… you and your manuscript will get knocked over the ropes and out of the ring the instant the bell rings.  Actually, you won’t even make the starting bell.”

Then came a body blow.  “Whatever that was, change it."

She hit me with a right cross.  "These parts are weak and don’t land solidly. These parts are good, mostly because you are lucky; they are raw in the right places not because you were good at crafting them." 

The chastisement went on for what seemed like an eternity between every ticking second.  At the end, “There is good stuff here, she commented.  "Fix it.  Call me after you do.  And, by the way, you need to add about 75,000 words before you call me!”

This was an enormous job.  Imagine deconstructing a house that has taken you a very long time to build.  After deconstruction, you have to rebuild the house and add 75,000 square feet all by hand.  That takes weeks of planning and counting up costs before the first shingle is removed.  I had a choice.  Take Holly's challenge and become better or give up.  I took the challenge.

So, Holly, thanks for the well-placed jabs, hooks, and uppercuts. Most of all, thanks for the tap on the chin, telling me to #keepyourheadup.  

I Would Like To Thank The Academy

Seriously, first, thank God, merciful... merciful... and merciful. In a position of authority, help me to return that mercy through my actions toward others.

I just want to name a few who have given me so much more than I ever expected or imagined in bringing this book to market.

Stascia, thank you for having pity on this dreamer and NOT kicking me to the curb. I know sometimes you looked at me, shook your head and wondered, what is he doing now? Thanks for hanging in there. I love you.

More to come. I wanted to lead with these statements.

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Long Description of Demons Of Obenin

  Octun kicked the door off its hinges and stormed from the room.

The Kingdom of Obenin dominates over half the known world. It is named after its founder, Obenin Bedowyn. His subjects are called Obenites. Obenites believe Obenin Bedowyn has transcended into godhood.  The High Priest of Obenin’s Primary Temple crowns each successive King, the eldest son.

Four hundred years after Obenin’s ascension to godhood, the current Obenite king miscalculates the response of an ancient enemy alliance in a game that has been played for centuries. To counter, the Obenite king escalates the conflict. The alliance exacts a heavy toll. Obenin stands to be invaded for the first time in centuries. Only winter in the Abringian Mountains keeps Obenin safe. The spring thaw will bring a flood of alliance soldiers. King Saroth prepares every able-bodied man, woman, and child to defend the kingdom. The wizard, Lord Cuere, promises to save the kingdom with his new found powers.

The High Priest is manipulated into accepting this plan and given a key role in carrying it out. He does so in a way that brings about the only results it could.

Map and Chapter Titles

DEMONS OF OBENIN

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Demons of Obenin

Dogma, faith, and conscience battle for the body and soul of Keeper and High Priest Iberius Octun. And then there is the wizard who has gained the faith of the ailing king. The king trusts Lord Cue're to save the kingdom from an ancient enemy. Keeper Octun sees the entire matter with the wizard as a conflict of faith.