Thomas W. Devine's Blog, page 15
July 24, 2016
Forgiveness
I couldn’t put it better myself, so I’ll just quote.
Withholding forgiveness “creates a darkness within the soul that begins to turn you into a person that no one wants to be around [pessimistic, bitter, angry, snappish]. In this sense, the offender wins twice – first through his offence, then through your lack of forgiveness.”
So says Baptist pastor Dr Stephen Kim of New York (NZ Catholic: June 12-25, 2016).
Act yourself to make the world a better place and don’t withhold forgiveness until an offender repents. If you're unforgiving, the only one being punished is you.
Withholding forgiveness “creates a darkness within the soul that begins to turn you into a person that no one wants to be around [pessimistic, bitter, angry, snappish]. In this sense, the offender wins twice – first through his offence, then through your lack of forgiveness.”
So says Baptist pastor Dr Stephen Kim of New York (NZ Catholic: June 12-25, 2016).
Act yourself to make the world a better place and don’t withhold forgiveness until an offender repents. If you're unforgiving, the only one being punished is you.
July 18, 2016
Contributions
These are my fiction writing contributions to book lists (and praise earned) over 10 years:
Reversal Point (two editions)
“Action from the beginning” – Amazon top reviewer.
“I love the idea of the main protagonist starting in the South of France and then forsaking all to go to the rescue of an heiress in distress” – Phil Rowan, novelist.
Tortolona
“The characters are complex and interesting, the setting familiar enough to engage and unfamiliar enough to be intriguing” – Andrew Wright, novelist.
“I admire Devine’s ability to concoct and then carry off these plots and action” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.
Relinquished
“A riveting story when the thriller element kicks in” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
“Exciting, intriguing, absorbing – a great read” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.
Island of Regrets
“You’ll be kept guessing right to the end” – Tim Jones, writer.
“The fantastic characters really drew me into the story... Maybe it would have been better served over three books, not one” – Judge, 21st Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
A Halo of Strawberries
“This is a powerful book... An accessible read” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.
“Reminiscent of Maurice Gee’s books” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
Green Expectations
“Exposes the strength of passions on both side of the ‘green’ argument” – Mike Britton, conservationist.
“A rich story salted with scenes that challenge the characters and the readers... Peppered with New Zealand culture” – Judge, 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
Green Machinations
“A truly important novel for thoughtful people who care [about the environment] – which should be anyone!” – Judge, 23rd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
“New Zealand writing in the best sense of the term” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
Hillsend
“Right away, I was drawn into this story... I kept turning pages, wanting to know what would happen. A great read. Recommended” – Judge, 23rd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
“Set against a backdrop of adventure and upheaval that Devine does so well” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.
Losing & Winning
“Devine grows in leaps and bounds as an author” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
“A fast-paced storyline that weaves its way around the globe from its New Zealand setting” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.
[All books available from Amazon.com and other outlets. For details about the books, go to the author’s website – thomaswdevine.com.]
Yet to hit a New Zealand bestseller list. Maybe my next one will find the mark – “The Assyrian Girl”, to be releaded soon.
Reversal Point (two editions)
“Action from the beginning” – Amazon top reviewer.
“I love the idea of the main protagonist starting in the South of France and then forsaking all to go to the rescue of an heiress in distress” – Phil Rowan, novelist.
Tortolona
“The characters are complex and interesting, the setting familiar enough to engage and unfamiliar enough to be intriguing” – Andrew Wright, novelist.
“I admire Devine’s ability to concoct and then carry off these plots and action” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.
Relinquished
“A riveting story when the thriller element kicks in” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
“Exciting, intriguing, absorbing – a great read” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.
Island of Regrets
“You’ll be kept guessing right to the end” – Tim Jones, writer.
“The fantastic characters really drew me into the story... Maybe it would have been better served over three books, not one” – Judge, 21st Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
A Halo of Strawberries
“This is a powerful book... An accessible read” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.
“Reminiscent of Maurice Gee’s books” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
Green Expectations
“Exposes the strength of passions on both side of the ‘green’ argument” – Mike Britton, conservationist.
“A rich story salted with scenes that challenge the characters and the readers... Peppered with New Zealand culture” – Judge, 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
Green Machinations
“A truly important novel for thoughtful people who care [about the environment] – which should be anyone!” – Judge, 23rd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
“New Zealand writing in the best sense of the term” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
Hillsend
“Right away, I was drawn into this story... I kept turning pages, wanting to know what would happen. A great read. Recommended” – Judge, 23rd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
“Set against a backdrop of adventure and upheaval that Devine does so well” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.
Losing & Winning
“Devine grows in leaps and bounds as an author” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
“A fast-paced storyline that weaves its way around the globe from its New Zealand setting” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.
[All books available from Amazon.com and other outlets. For details about the books, go to the author’s website – thomaswdevine.com.]
Yet to hit a New Zealand bestseller list. Maybe my next one will find the mark – “The Assyrian Girl”, to be releaded soon.
July 10, 2016
Mercy
Mercy, according to the Hebrew concept of “hesed” means a relationship that “loves, embraces, and forgives even when, and especially when, we cannot measure up or deserve what is given to us.” (NZ Catholic, June 12-25,2016).
Ronald Rolheiser says:
“The only thing at which we are adequate is being inadequate. We are forever falling short at something, no matter the strength of our sincerity, good intentions and willpower. Only mercey, receiving it and giving it, can lead us out of the choppy waters of our own anxieties, worry and joylessness. Only in knowing mercy do we know gratitude.”
Ronald Rolheiser says:
“The only thing at which we are adequate is being inadequate. We are forever falling short at something, no matter the strength of our sincerity, good intentions and willpower. Only mercey, receiving it and giving it, can lead us out of the choppy waters of our own anxieties, worry and joylessness. Only in knowing mercy do we know gratitude.”
July 3, 2016
Movie Mumbling
With older citizens dominating movie audiences, “The Telegraph” argues (according to “The Dominion Post”, May 30, 2016) for red wine instead of popcorn at cinemas, and subtitles for actors who mumble too much.
I’ve certainly noticed the mumble trend of late. Would-be Marlon Brandos perhaps? I’d prefer improved diction to subtitles. The red wine I could leave alone.
I’ve certainly noticed the mumble trend of late. Would-be Marlon Brandos perhaps? I’d prefer improved diction to subtitles. The red wine I could leave alone.
June 25, 2016
Euthanasia
Writing to the Editor of The Dominion Post (June 22, 2016) one Roseanne Harmon supports the uintroduction of lawful euthanasia in New Zealand.
She says people should have access to it if their lives:
• are beyond repair
• causing personal distress
• causing private and public expense.
That is either an amazingly honest revelation of opinion by a dyed in the wool euthanasia advocate or a statement by someone who hasn’t really thought of the consequences.
The fundamnental questions remain:
• is an assisted suicide a situation of truly dying with dignity?
• should physically sick humans be put down like animals or can medication sufficiently ease their pain and allow a natural death?
• do we want the kind of society that encourages our grandmothers and grandfathers to feel guilty for taking advantage of modern medicine to prolong their lives?
• do the mentally ill and mentally disabled not deserve help with their distress that stops short of killing them?
At various levels we suffer all our lives, and in the past, we’ve lauded those who coped exeptionbally well with their adversities (e.g. Helen Keller). Should they not have lived to touch our lives with inspiration?
She says people should have access to it if their lives:
• are beyond repair
• causing personal distress
• causing private and public expense.
That is either an amazingly honest revelation of opinion by a dyed in the wool euthanasia advocate or a statement by someone who hasn’t really thought of the consequences.
The fundamnental questions remain:
• is an assisted suicide a situation of truly dying with dignity?
• should physically sick humans be put down like animals or can medication sufficiently ease their pain and allow a natural death?
• do we want the kind of society that encourages our grandmothers and grandfathers to feel guilty for taking advantage of modern medicine to prolong their lives?
• do the mentally ill and mentally disabled not deserve help with their distress that stops short of killing them?
At various levels we suffer all our lives, and in the past, we’ve lauded those who coped exeptionbally well with their adversities (e.g. Helen Keller). Should they not have lived to touch our lives with inspiration?
June 18, 2016
Novelty
It’s my birthday. I’m so fortunate to have lived for 71 years and to be at an advanced stage of producing my 10th novel since retirement in 2006.
My latest work – now titled “The Assyrian Girl” – is currently with a professional editor.
Two beta readers have said this about the novel:
“Another intriguing story by this author. A great read. The novel addresses certain issues in our times in a way that is human and understandable. Good questions are raised about faith and dogma, and whether it’s better to be free, in a Western sense, or to stay embedded in one’s own culture. The author, though non-Islamic, shows a grounded understanding of Muslim characters and issues, and there are good details” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
“Since the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior the face of terrorism has changed. Fanatics don’t need State support, just the Internet, as Devine so ably presents in a love story where the juxtaposition of family life in two different cultures is dramatic and eminently readable” – Richard Barnaby, analyst.
What better way to celebrate the start of my seventy-second year than to reflect on this achievement.
My latest work – now titled “The Assyrian Girl” – is currently with a professional editor.
Two beta readers have said this about the novel:
“Another intriguing story by this author. A great read. The novel addresses certain issues in our times in a way that is human and understandable. Good questions are raised about faith and dogma, and whether it’s better to be free, in a Western sense, or to stay embedded in one’s own culture. The author, though non-Islamic, shows a grounded understanding of Muslim characters and issues, and there are good details” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
“Since the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior the face of terrorism has changed. Fanatics don’t need State support, just the Internet, as Devine so ably presents in a love story where the juxtaposition of family life in two different cultures is dramatic and eminently readable” – Richard Barnaby, analyst.
What better way to celebrate the start of my seventy-second year than to reflect on this achievement.
May 29, 2016
A Comparison
It’s always a delight to read an interview of another New Zealand writer, especially when it’s a fellow author of fiction I didn’t know about previously.
Popular fiction writer Nicky Pelligreno has had a recent interview by Eleanor Black (“Your Weekend”, 28 May 2016).
She is described as prolific, published in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, with her nine bestsellers available in “far flung places”.
I have nine published novels as well (averaging about one a year) so I guess I must also be prolific. I don’t, however, have her claim to fame of reaching a bestseller list. While I share her inability to support myself from royalties, I’m fortunate to have retired early from a good job and am able to live on my retirement savings.
Pellegrino grew up in England and spent summers in southern Italy as a child (sleeping on relatives’ floors) which makes her more cosmopolitan than I am.
Pellegrino “views herself as something of an outsider” in influential New Zealand writing circles – a “tiny, clubby community”. She’s not, however, as far outside it as I am as a self-published novelist with not enough time left to wait to be discovered by a big publisher, if I ever could be.
Best of luck, Nicky, with your future books and I hope you escape another “eviscerating” review like the one you mention having from Ursula Le Guin in “The Guardian”. I guess it’s made up for by having such an international writer noticing one of your books at all.
Popular fiction writer Nicky Pelligreno has had a recent interview by Eleanor Black (“Your Weekend”, 28 May 2016).
She is described as prolific, published in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, with her nine bestsellers available in “far flung places”.
I have nine published novels as well (averaging about one a year) so I guess I must also be prolific. I don’t, however, have her claim to fame of reaching a bestseller list. While I share her inability to support myself from royalties, I’m fortunate to have retired early from a good job and am able to live on my retirement savings.
Pellegrino grew up in England and spent summers in southern Italy as a child (sleeping on relatives’ floors) which makes her more cosmopolitan than I am.
Pellegrino “views herself as something of an outsider” in influential New Zealand writing circles – a “tiny, clubby community”. She’s not, however, as far outside it as I am as a self-published novelist with not enough time left to wait to be discovered by a big publisher, if I ever could be.
Best of luck, Nicky, with your future books and I hope you escape another “eviscerating” review like the one you mention having from Ursula Le Guin in “The Guardian”. I guess it’s made up for by having such an international writer noticing one of your books at all.
May 21, 2016
Too Much
The Coroner recently released a joint finding on four suicides in a 13 month period (The Dominion Post, May 12,2016). The suicides all had these things in common:
• teenage girls aged 15
• from the same impoverished suburb of the same city
• ethnic Maori (indigenous people)
• from violent and dysfunctional homes
• difficult or non-existent relationships with a biological parent
• lack of parental control
• high level of responsibility for younger siblings
• alcohol & drug use
• negative & destructive social media communications.
The coroner’s findings mainly blamed the tradgedies on the failure of social services.
I’d call that the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. We need better parenting, greater individual accountability, a better sharing of wealth, and re-emphasis on good moral behaviour instead of self-centred selfishness.
All of which is easy to say but would require a major societal shift in attitude.
Do we all find the world less than ideal? Then let’s change it by being better people ourselves.
• teenage girls aged 15
• from the same impoverished suburb of the same city
• ethnic Maori (indigenous people)
• from violent and dysfunctional homes
• difficult or non-existent relationships with a biological parent
• lack of parental control
• high level of responsibility for younger siblings
• alcohol & drug use
• negative & destructive social media communications.
The coroner’s findings mainly blamed the tradgedies on the failure of social services.
I’d call that the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. We need better parenting, greater individual accountability, a better sharing of wealth, and re-emphasis on good moral behaviour instead of self-centred selfishness.
All of which is easy to say but would require a major societal shift in attitude.
Do we all find the world less than ideal? Then let’s change it by being better people ourselves.
May 15, 2016
Rights
So, New Zealand has signed up to the UN Millenium goals that include reproductive rights for women i.e. ready access to contraception and abortion by choice.
What about the right of unborn girls to live and grow to reproductive capability?
Rights, rights and more rights.
What about bringing back some old-fasioned personal responsibility?
What about the right of unborn girls to live and grow to reproductive capability?
Rights, rights and more rights.
What about bringing back some old-fasioned personal responsibility?
May 7, 2016
In Praise
It’s an honour to be a citizen of Wellington, New Zealand.
The Editor of The Dominion Post said this about us in a recent editorial (April 30, 2016):
“We’re big enough to acknowledge that people don’t come to the coolest little capital on earth for the weather; they come despite it. They come because they are lively people, the brightest and most creative in the country, who so to speak carry their own personal weather system about with them.
“In Wellington, the warmth comes from within ... Wellington people are serious, focused, purposeful and above all tough. We flourish in the teeth of the gale.”
For all that, we’re having a glorious autumn – lots of sunshine, less rain and wind than usual, and the forecasters promise us a milder than average winter. Gliobal warming has that small upside.
The Editor of The Dominion Post said this about us in a recent editorial (April 30, 2016):
“We’re big enough to acknowledge that people don’t come to the coolest little capital on earth for the weather; they come despite it. They come because they are lively people, the brightest and most creative in the country, who so to speak carry their own personal weather system about with them.
“In Wellington, the warmth comes from within ... Wellington people are serious, focused, purposeful and above all tough. We flourish in the teeth of the gale.”
For all that, we’re having a glorious autumn – lots of sunshine, less rain and wind than usual, and the forecasters promise us a milder than average winter. Gliobal warming has that small upside.
