Eddie Jones's Blog, page 14
December 6, 2022
Human Cargo
Mark 10:42-45 — The Tales & Adventures of John Mark
[image error]In the captain’s cabin the moon’s faint light bled through grimy panes of a single window. The illumination of a tallow candle cast upon the face of a man seated behind a small table. At first I saw no others in the captain’s quarters. The pair who had escorted me remained in the hallway, chatting in some dialect I did not understand.
For but a moment I could not read the expression of the captain’s face. Then without speaking the captain pulled the candle closer and with the tip of a long, silver reading pointer he studied the scroll before him.
Only when he reached a line mid-way down did he speak. “Take care of Rastus and be quick about it.”
Reacting to the captain’s words, a figure from within shadows stepped forward and approached a bunk bolted to the opposite wall. “And what would you have me do with him, sir?”
From the back window a skittish breeze gathered a rank odor of the newly dead—the stench of bowels and bladder emptied.
The captain returned to examining the scroll. “Cork him up and slip him over when others are not watching. Should the men hear of this there will be no end to the murmuring. Once a crew falls under the spell of superstitions there is no accounting for what they may do.”
The captain’s aid placed a long, wide garment on the wood flooring, then lifted the body from the bunk, and placed the dead man so close I could see the shock of death in his face. A knife of some kind had been thrust in the victim’s chest. An oily, red stain soaked his tunic. I gauged him to be not much older than me. The guards in the hallway were summoned and the pair exited the room with the body. The captain’s aid followed, pulling the door shut behind.
The captain shifted his gaze towards me. “Rastus was my personal assistant. He went before me, stood watch outside my cabin, tasted my food, and checked this cabin before I lay down each evening. More than that, he is my sister’s youngest. How she will mourn when she hears of this.” He shifted in his chair, fixing all his attention on me.”I found him where he lay when I returned from dispensing with those pirates. No doubt that dagger was meant for me.”
I said nothing, merely listened. Did the captain think I had killed his relative? Was he accusing me of murder?
With the back of his knuckles he rubbed his chin. “Your presence aboard, what am I to make of it?”
“I . . . am not part of those who attacked this ship if that is your implication.”
“No? But you were found attempting to escape from the stern of the ship and not more than a moment later Rastus was found dead in my cabin. My window looks over the rudder.”
“I assure you, this is the first I have been in your cabin.”
“Cast from shore and adrift by accident, were you? Happened upon the rudder of this ship by good fortune, did you?”
“My crime, if there is one at all, is that of a stowaway. I only meant to secure passage to Caesarea.”
“And should you learn that this ship is bound for Rome?”
My heart sank. The girl had assured me I would find my way home if I snuck aboard. Had she deceived me also?
“Our departure this evening was kept secret,” the captain continued. “Not even the crew knew of the hour we would cast off, nor do they know our final destination. And yet attacked were we.”
“Perhaps it is your crew, sir. Could they not be the source of this ill luck?”
“‘Ill luck?’ Man, pirates do not arrive by luck but with planning. A man stabbed in his bed is not ill luck, but also planning. The men who brought you to my cabin, they claim they heard you say your name is John Mark and that you stole aboard to deliver an important message for the owner of this ship. Speak, and I will deliver this message myself.”
“To the owner only, I must speak. It is he who ordered the cargo brought aboard is he not?”
“What business have you speaking to the owner? You are but a thief and from all appearances a murderer.”
“As you well know those who regard themselves as owners of another person lord it over them, treating the poor and slave harshly. This should not be. Such behavior is an afront to Yahweh and men. If you wish to become great you must serve others, not force others to serve you. Whoever wants to be considered great must be slave of all. The Son of Man come for this reason. He gave his life as a ransom for all.”
“To open your lips is to reveal your lack of standing. Do you propose to teach me how to command both crew and ship?”
“I only know that anyone who kidnaps another is to be put to death. Even if the victim is sold or still in their possession, the one who steals an individual for the purposes of making a profit from his life and work must die.”
“Justified are you to kill to save a slave? By your very words you condemn yourself.”
“Mine is not a confession to a crime I did not commit but an admission that Yahweh’s ways are higher than ours.”
“Love the slave, do you? Well then a slave you will become. Guards!”
“Anyone who steals must certainly make restitution.” From outside two men rush in, grabbing me. “We are not to rule over our neighbor with harshness but to fear the one who made man in his image.”
“Fear the lash, I say. As for this Yahweh, we shall soon see if he can save you from the penalty of death.”
“There is neither slave nor free,” I continued, struggling to break from of the guards’ grip. “In Christ Jesus we are all one, all the same, all sinners in need of saving. Even you, sir! Even you.”
With a torch light the two guards led me down hallways and ladders and into the belly of the ship. Our route ended before a small door half the height of a full grown man. A guard quickly opened the door and I found myself shoved forward, tumbling headlong into blackness.
In order to save those enslaved I had become a slave myself.
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December 2, 2022
Boris von der Borch — Read by the Pirate Preacher
Boris von der Borch is a mean, greedy old pirate – tough as nails, through and through, like all pirates. Or is he?
#kidseducation #kidslearning #kidsbooks #kidsreadaloudbooks #kidsreadaloudbook
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December 1, 2022
The Crew of the Mighty Cuda — Read by the Pirate Preacher
A 9-year-old boy’s imagination comes to life in this classic adventure on the high seas when the British Royal Navy battles a powerful pirate ship to free slaves and share recently uncovered buried treasure. Written by Manu Ofrecio
#kidseducation #kidslearning #kidsbooks #kidsreadaloudbooks #kidsreadaloudbook
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November 30, 2022
Act 3: Writing Your Story’s Advent
This week on Reality Coaching for Writers we discuss Act 3: Writing Your Story’s Advent. In this episode we will give tips for how to conclude your story while creating interest in its sequel.
Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers.
For more information, check out:
https://writerscoach.us
#writinghelp #RealityCoachingforWriters #blogger #articlewriting #writingcommunity
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November 23, 2022
What Is In Your Hand, Writer?
Don't put down your staff / pen!
Don’t put down your pen! What you write CAN make a difference.Today, Diana and Eddie share 12 books they believe have impacted the world and, in particular, their lives.
The Bible/ William Tyndale
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hudson
So Send I You/ Oswald Chambers
The Book of Revelation by John
C. S. Lewis- The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis- The Great Divorce
C.S. Lewis- Mere Christianity
Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Heaven (for kids) by Beverly Lewis
Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
The Shack by Paul Young
Martin Luther’s 95 Thesis/ University of Wittenburg/Germany
#writinghelp #RealityCoachingforWriters #blogger #articlewriting #writingcommunityEddie
Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers. For more information, check out: https://writerscoach.us
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November 17, 2022
20 GREAT Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers / Gifts for Every Writer
Reality Coaching for Writers
It’s our joy to love on and support the writing community. This episode of Reality Coaching for Writers is all about the gifts every writer would like to receive based on the conversations we have had with our published and unpublished writer friends. From the pricy (registration for a writer’s conference) to the practical: the best books to help with character development, how to craft a bestselling nonfiction title, and the top-selling fine point pen and moleskin notebook (Eddie’s favorite) for recording those moments of inspiration away from your desk.
There are even a few gift suggestions for stuffing the stocking of your favorite author that won’t cost you a dime and just might prove to be their favorite. Writers– share this video with your loved ones and friends. This might be the year you actually get the gifts you can use.
Writers Conferences:Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference: https://www.blueridgeconference.com/
Asheville Christian Writers Conference: https://ashevillechristianwritersconference.com/
Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference: https://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com/
Florida Christian Writers Conference: https://word-weavers.com/floridaevents
Carolina Christian Writers Conference: https://www.fbs.org/christian-writers-conference/
Northwest Christian Writers: https://www.nwchristianwriters.org/Conference
Mt. Hermon Writers Retreat: https://christianwritersretreats.com/retreat-vs-conference/
Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers. For more information, check out: https://writerscoach.us
#writer #topgiftsforwriters #realitycoachingforwriters
These are but a few SEO keyword phrases where you might find writing tips and help for your book and blog: face writing obstacles, how to overcome writers block, pick paths in writing, character development exercises for writers, character development in writing, character development in script writing, best books on writing character development, character arcs, coaching for writers, writing coach, coaching for writers, book writing coach, writing coach online, writing coach book online, writing coach book More SEO keyword phrases to follow in later episodes.
The post 20 GREAT Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers / Gifts for Every Writer appeared first on Eddie Jones - Author.
20 GREAT Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers / Gifts for Every Writer / Reality Coaching for Writers
It’s our joy to love on and support the writing community. This episode of Reality Coaching for Writers is all about the gifts every writer would like to receive based on the conversations we have had with our published and unpublished writer friends.
From the pricy (registration for a writer’s conference) to the practical: the best books to help with character development, how to craft a bestselling nonfiction title, and the top-selling fine point pen and moleskin notebook (Eddie’s favorite) for recording those moments of inspiration away from your desk.
There are even a few gift suggestions for stuffing the stocking of your favorite author that won’t cost you a dime and just might prove to be their favorite. Writers– share this video with your loved ones and friends. This might be the year you actually get the gifts you can use.
Writers Conferences:Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference: https://www.blueridgeconference.com/
Asheville Christian Writers Conference: https://ashevillechristianwritersconference.com/
Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference: https://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com/
Florida Christian Writers Conference: https://word-weavers.com/floridaevents
Carolina Christian Writers Conference: https://www.fbs.org/christian-writers-conference/
Northwest Christian Writers: https://www.nwchristianwriters.org/Conference
Mt. Hermon Writers Retreat: https://christianwritersretreats.com/retreat-vs-conference/
Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers. For more information, check out: https://writerscoach.us
#writer #topgiftsforwriters #realitycoachingforwriters
These are but a few SEO keyword phrases where you might find writing tips and help for your book and blog: face writing obstacles, how to overcome writers block, pick paths in writing, character development exercises for writers, character development in writing, character development in script writing, best books on writing character development, character arcs, coaching for writers, writing coach, coaching for writers, book writing coach, writing coach online, writing coach book online, writing coach book More SEO keyword phrases to follow in later episodes.
The post 20 GREAT Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers / Gifts for Every Writer / Reality Coaching for Writers appeared first on Eddie Jones - Author.
November 9, 2022
Are Paid Book Promotion Sites Worth the Money?
Join us for this episode of Reality Coaching for Writers where we answer the question: Are paid book promotion sites worth the money?
Book promotion services can be a great way to get your book in front of new readers, but before you invest heavily in these sites and services it helps to gain some perspective and set realistic expectations.
Here are a few book promotion sites I recommend:
BookDeals: https://bookdeals.app/submit-a-book/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/partners
E-Reader News: http://www.ereadernewstoday.com/bargain-and-free-book-submissions/
Fussy Librarian: https://authors.thefussylibrarian.com/one-time-free-ebook-promotion-genres/
For a complete list of book promotion sites visit Dave’s list at: https://kindlepreneur.com/list-sites-promote-free-amazon-books/
Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers. For more information, check out: https://writerscoach.us
Are paid book promotion sites worth the money? Check out this video.
The post Are Paid Book Promotion Sites Worth the Money? appeared first on Eddie Jones - Author.
November 4, 2022
Where Do Devotional Writers Get Their Ideas?
Where Do Devotional Writers Get Their Ideas? That is our discussion today on Reality Coaching for Writers today when Diana interviews well published and award winning author, Cindy K. Sproles! Stay tuned for a fun and informative conversation!
Cindy K. Sproles is an author and speaker. Raised and living in the mountains of East Tennessee, she spins tales of life in the deep crevices of the Appalachian mountains. Cindy is proud of her mountain heritage and her desire is to see this culture live on in history. Where do devotional writers get their ideas? Cindy answers, “God and . . . ” Watch and listen to the rest of her answer.
#writingcommunity #writer #writingtips #realitycoachingforwriters
Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers. For more information, check out: https://writerscoach.us
The post Where Do Devotional Writers Get Their Ideas? appeared first on Eddie Jones - Author.
October 26, 2022
Does EVERY Story need a Villain?
https://writerscoach.us — Does every good story need a villain or antagonist? In this episode of Reality Coaching for Writers with Eddie and Diana discuss why we need villains and what characteristics a good villain must have. It is the struggle against the forces of unfairness and injustice that helps a hero/ protagonist grow and change.
Does EVERY Story need a Villain?There are four ways to introduce a villain’s POV:
Predisposition
Past
Personal demons
Present environment
Predisposition is the auto-mechanism that guides your character at the start of her journey. Her habits, manner of dress, quirks, and social interaction shape her in a way that is uniquely suited for her role in your story. Study her. Watch the way her hands swing when she walks, the shift in her eyes when confronted by her boss, and the way she twirls her hair whenever he walks in the room. Identify these traits and show them to the reader.
Temperament is a person’s manner of behaving, thinking, and reacting to others and circumstances. Temperament reveals itself best during stressful events, so after you define your character’s basic temperament, then turn up the heat and burn away the dross, the impurities. Allow the reader to watch her change during the story.
Past PointersHow was your character raised? What events shaped her? Dig into her past and reveal in small bites. Each element should reinforce why she acts, thinks, and feels the way she does. Often one defining moment in her past is enough. Be selective, show her wounds, allow readers to touch her scar. Then ask:
With what has she struggled? A physical affliction? Emotional wound?What has she discovered about herself?How has she changed over the years?Personal DemonsInternal conflict is the energy of your character. Imagine an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other, each whispering into your Lead’s ear. Allow the reader to see this internal struggle as your Lead weighs the consequences of her actions. It is here in the moral struggle between good and evil that your character will grow or shrink. Every character must go through an internal transformation. External struggles are problems that need to be solved.
Internal struggles are questions that need to be answered. As your character solves the external problem, she gains insight into how to answer the inner questions. To create a story with depth, get to know what she wants. Then reveal her motives by showing how she:
Interacts with other charactersResponds to events in the storyPursues her objectivePresent EnvironmentIt’s not the “what” that’s important but the “why.” Reveal her internal motivation for the way she dresses, talks, and acts. Your job is to help the reader grasp the desires, motives, beliefs, attitudes, dreams, and frustrations of your characters. Subtlety is key. Err on the side of understatement. The more you tell readers how to feel, the less they will. Show emotion through action, dialogue, and body language. The more personal the struggle and impending danger, the more suspenseful the story.
Building Your SatanDoes every story need a villain? Yes and for your bad girl to be likable, she should have at least one of these qualities and the more she exhibits it, the greater the tension between your protagonist and antagonist. We want to pull for the bad girl because often we see our faults in others. We just don’t want them to win.
Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers. For more information, check out https://writerscoach.us
#writercommunity #writer #RealityCoachingforWriters #characterdevelopment
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