R. Frederick Riddle's Blog, page 51

Why I Self-Publish

In 2014 my wife, Teresa, and I went out to lunch at a small McDonalds located in Murdock, part of greater Port Charlotte, and made a very important decision. As we sat there we discussed my writing career and the possibility of hers although at that time she hadn’t started writing her first novel yet. The upshot of that meeting was the establishment of T&R Independent Books.

Let’s look at the Why form our own publishing company.

Up to that time I had been publishing using what is commonly called self-publishing companies to publish my books. But as I studied these companies I discovered:

They control the content
They control the cover
They determine the royalties
I still had to do the marketing

In other words, while I had more freedom and control that I’d have with a traditional publisher I still didn’t really have control of anything. By going independent and truly publishing by myself, I would:

Have control over the content
Have control over the cover
Determine the royalties
Still do the marketing

Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t consider myself a control freak. Rather I believe that if the author is going to invest his or herself into writing a book, any book, then they deserve to benefit from it.

Case in point. With traditional and self-publishing companies the average author’s royalties are scaled. It varies from publisher to publisher but in general it might go like this: 8% of retail for the first 2,500; 15% for the next 5,000; 25% thereafter. Now the numbers I just used may not be accurate (I did it from memory), but the concept is true.

But by doing my own publishing I can receive 35% or 70% right from the start! That is a major difference.

What about the content?

With traditional publishers you generally have to first go through an agent who then tries to find a publisher. The agent has certain criteria which may involve you changing the content. But just finding an agent can be long and frustrating. Then the agent gets to tell you whether the book is good enough for publishing based on their expertise.

Even self-publishers exert control. For example, say you are writing a book and you quote from the King James Version Bible. It is possible they will substitute a different version whether you agree or not. They may also reject passages they don’t like. In other words, just because you are pleased with your results they might not be and can act accordingly.

Another thing involved is the ability to correct. No matter how or to what extent you have had your book previewed and edited, there is always the chance of errors. Moreover the publisher may have printing errors. I ran into this with my books. I was sent a ‘Proof’ copy and given about three days to review, find errors, make corrections, and return (electronically, of course). Three days may sound like a lot. But if the publisher made errors, which in this case they did, the finding and correcting  could be extensive, which it was. As a result I was only able to make a limited number of corrections and then it was published. And once published I could not make any corrections without going through the submission process again including paying money!

But by publishing the book myself I am able to take my time and do a more thorough job of previewing and editing. And, if there are still errors in the published version, I can correct the errors and republish at no cost to myself!

What about the Cover?

In last week’s Free[dom} of CreateSpace I spoke about the Cover Creator and the Photo Gallery. I won’t go into all the details again other than to say I can use one of their free pictures or I can upload a picture of my own. I don’t have to deal with the publisher to get permission like I did with my previous self-published books with a publisher. Even though I had a certificate proving I owned the rights, they rejected the photo and the certificate. But as the publisher I can use them.

And one last thing: Writing a book can be and is stressful; so is marketing. Having greater control over the publishing removes a lot of stress; and having greater control over price and royalties is far more rewarding.

Have you considered publishing your book yourself?

More and more authors are discovering the value of a DIY (Doing It Yourself) approach. Yes it requires more work on your part, but it’s worth it.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.

If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).

– – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

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The Joy of Writing

Today I am writing about the Joy of Writing. If you’ve followed me for awhile you have probably read where I said something like, I love writing. I love writing, Period!

Do I want to sell books? Of course. Do I want my books to be best sellers? Who wouldn’t? Do I want to influence others? You bet.

But when the day is done I love writing!

That is why I am currently working on two novels. One is another World of books while the other is a Christland book. Worlds far apart. But I love both.

I love the creation of scenes, the necessary research to bring characters alive, and bringing it all together into a complete novel. I’m not so thrilled with the editing, polishing, and changing of the story, but they are necessary so I endure.

Writing brings me a feeling of accomplishment. Seeing my words in print, whether on my computer or the Internet, feeds my ego. When I finish a novel I probably sit a little straighter and smile more.

On the other hand, I don’t like negative reviews. Reviews are a necessary part of successful writing, which is why I constantly ask for reviewers. I will never have enough reviews!

But won’t some be negative?”

That’s a good possibility. But both are needed. Good reviews tell the reader that it’s a good book; bad reviews help the writer improve. In fact, bad reviews, even if wrong or uninformed, enable a writer to improve.

I primarily write novels. But novels influence people sometimes far beyond the author’s original intentions. There have been times when a reader told me that he or she had to look something up in the Bible to find out whether the scene just read was my imagination or the Bible or both. That’s a compliment!

So what am I saying? Simply this. If you write for the joy of writing, don’t let the details get you down. Maybe your book isn’t selling like you’d like; don’t let it get you down. Be alert to helpful advice or criticism, but continue writing. Each book, each scene, each criticism makes you a better writer.

Write!

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.

If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).

– – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

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The Persecuted Church Part 4

I’ve been writing about the persecuted church. Today I continue with Part 4.

When writing about the persecuted church it might be wise to take a step back and consider what church I am talking about. In this day and age the word church has become a huge umbrella that includes “Christians” that don’t really belong under that label.

So what is a Christian?

A Christian, Biblically speaking, is a person who:

Has acknowledged he/she is a sinner
Knows he/she needs a Savior
Knows that Jesus Christ the Son of God died for his/her sin
Knows Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days/nights later
Has asked Jesus to save based on His shed blood and not his/her works
Accepts the Bible as the Word of God

This is a very tight definition on purpose. Although I believe that the KJV Bible is the only Bible for English speaking people, nowhere does the Bible indicate believing in the KJV is necessary for salvation. God gave us a simple plan of salvation and we should leave it that way.

That said, there are many people out there who claim to be Christian. Look at them carefully and you will find they are not Christians. Mr. Romney can protest all he wants but Mormons do not preach or teach about the same God as found in the Bible. Mormons are very religious and try to live a good life, but they are not Christians.

The same can be said about other faiths that claim to be Christians but depart from one or more of the points made above. And while I’m at it, not all humans are the children of God. All humans are the creation of God; He’s the Creator of all. But to be a child of God requires a definite act; i.e.., being Born Again.

Once you have defined the Christian then it is easy to find the church. It is not a denomination. It is that body of believers who are born again. Since baptism doesn’t save it wasn’t listed above, but most churches require baptism since it is the first command to a believer.

I am going to all this bother because some of you may point to churches that are thriving and are not being persecuted. It’s possible that a church of true Christians hasn’t yet experienced persecution, but as mentioned in previous blogs persecution takes many forms and it may not be readily visible. But the pastors sense it!

It is also possible that a Christian church is not being persecuted yet because they try to “fit in” with the world. The job of the church is to tell the world about Christ being the answer to their sinful condition not to change the social/political world. It is the church’s job to warn of coming judgment not affect climate change or any other issue. That message brings condemnation from the self-righteous people who sound great but have bought into the world’s righteousness not God’s.

America has been spared the truly vile persecutions that have been seen around the world. Even European countries have started persecuting Christians. Why should we be surprised at that? Christians were persecuted there once before. Here, in America, we may still be enjoying the fruits of Christian churches that once shouted out the Word of God. But without revival I don’t see this lasting much longer.

It is a shame that Hollywood considers itself able to teach Christians about what is right and wrong. We need to get our doctrines from the Bible and not from the world. The Bible is the only absolute authority. And yes, there are still absolutes to be obeyed or followed.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.

If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).

– – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

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Insights: World of Noah and the Ark

Insights: World of Noah and the Ark

“The Flood is a myth;” “The Ark could never float;” and “There’s no evidence of a worldwide flood.” You’ve probably heard these statements. But are they true?

Not when you take a hard look at history and science. According to evolutionary science our planet is billions of years old. This view teaches that the changes that have taken place have done so over billions of years. The problem is that even though evolutionists exercise great control over the scientific community these days they have not been able to provide legitimate evidence to support their theory.

Instead the weight of observable and researchable evidence supports a far more recent creation. Moreover they have not been able to provide a reasonable understanding of how we got worldwide stories (labeled myths) that tell of a worldwide flood. These stories have even been found where civilization had not previously been visited.

The real reason people reject the Ark and the Flood is fear; fear that they would have to acknowledge there is a God and that He holds them personally responsible for their actions. It is a fear that pushes them to the unreasonable and extreme positions they hold. The plight of the modern day evolutionists should break our hearts. It is like a man desperately holding onto the railing of the ship even as the ship slides beneath the waves.

Take a look at the opening remarks. Science has and is revealing that the Flood actually happened. Unless of course you believe that thousands of local floods could have occurred at the very same time around the world. Or unless you believe that people separated by water and distance could have all come up with similar stories of a worldwide Flood. Such miraculous events would require from us a very strong faith.

When I started writing about Noah, the Ark, and the Flood I believed the Biblical account but I had no other evidence. But, as with all my books, I researched the whole idea. And I have found that not only is there Biblical evidence but secular, architectural, and scientific evidence supporting the Flood. It is no wonder that more and more scientists are leaving the evolutionary theory and heading over to the creationist theory. These are people who have not fully rejected the existence of God and do truly desire to know the truth.

When writing the novel World of Noah and the Ark I did something I’d never done before. At the end of the book I included a Q&A section where sincere questions are asked and properly authenticated answers are given. It required a great deal of research, but I’m glad I did so.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.

If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).

– – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

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Immigration Compromise

Today’s Issue: Immigration Compromise

Monday’s I try to focus on issues. Today we are taking a look at the GOP House bill that represents a compromise on immigration. To be honest, the details of this compromise have not been fully revealed or explained at the writing of this blog. However, I am a man who hearkens back to the days when conservatives and liberals could get together, be civil, and come up with a workable compromise.

Is this compromise one that is workable?

Because we don’t know all the details, we can only make guesses. On the surface at least it appears workable. To continue to not solve the problems of immigration and the so-called Dreamers is like two or more doctors agreeing you have a serious infection in your leg. But because they cannot agree on your treatment they do nothing. So the infection gets worse with the passage of time and becomes cancerous ultimately leading to amputation or worse.

You say that would never happen. But it happens all too often! We elect men and women to serve us. Yes, we lean toward certain ideals. But over and above those ideals we expect our congressmen/women to actually do something!

So, at the moment, I think this compromise is a good starting point. I particularly like the shift from family to skills emphasis. The family emphasis used to work well, but no longer meets the needs of America. On the other hand getting people into our country who can contribute to it immediately or soon should be a sought after result.

I also think a compromise on the Dreamers is desirable. There are millions of people out there hanging in limbo because nothing has been done about them. Amnesty is sometimes treated as a dirty word. The argument goes like this, to allow amnesty for these Dreamers is like rewarding them for doing wrong. The problem is they are called Dreamers because they came with their parent(s). On the other hand, we need to put a stop to future Dreamers, otherwise parents will continue to bring their children across the border and create an unending burden on our economy.

So take care of the Dreamers now within our borders but stop future Dreamers. That seems like a compassionate and responsible compromise.

Will it pass?

These days you never know. But this is an election year and voters will be watching. And both democrats and republicans better be taking notice that the American people (at least a very large minority or possibly majority) have bought into Trump’s America First. And those politicians who continue to buck or defy the President could lose their jobs.

Every day the media continues to bash President Trump and every day President Trump gets high marks from the American people. I think many of those in power, including the media, fear Trump. Not that he’ll bring disaster to America as they suggest, but that he’ll truly drain the swamp of which they are a part.

Such people will try to stop the compromise. They will make righteous speeches, thunderous accusations against Trump and his administration, and vote against any bill that attempts to cross the divide. True patriotic politicians will seek a place where they can meet and find common ground. But the problem is do we have enough true patriots?

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.

If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).

– – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

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The Free[dom] of CreateSpace

If you were to really know me you’d know that a favorite saying of mine is, “My middle name is free.” I like free as do most people.

Sometimes “free” is not all that great. The saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” But sometimes “free” is rewarding. I have found over the years that CreateSpace (CS) can produce quality books with “free” tools. As a result I make use of them.

My philosophy is simple, if I can get a job done with the least expenditure of money I will take a serious look at it. Sometimes I may need professional help, but almost all the time I check out the “free stuff” first.

A good example of this is the Cover Creator. It is a “free” tool with a relatively inexpensive enhancements available. With this tool I can easily create a quality cover. Here you have a good selection of themes and styles enabling you to create a very good cover.

An associated “free” tool is the Cover Gallery where I can search for pictures, etc. to use for the cover. Now I’ll admit right off that the gallery needs to be broadened and expanded. That said, I always take a look at the pictures, etc. offered for “free” and most of the time I’ve been able to use one of them.

In addition, Cover Creator allows you to upload pictures from your computer to be used as a cover. That is tremendous!

Another “free” tool is the ISBN. They actually offer an ISBN for a small price. Plus you can go elsewhere to get the ISBN. But most of us can do alright with the “free” version. This “free” ISBN works across the CS platform for publishing and marketing.

If that isn’t enough for you, they also provide “free” resources for your use. These can range from writing to publishing to marketing. And it is all free and practical. Plus they might point you to inexpensive sources.

In my opinion every author who wants to be independent and keep costs down should take a serious look at CreateSpace. And CS didn’t even have to pay me to put that little plug in here. I guess they also appreciate free.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.

If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).

– – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

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The Mighty Pen

Today I am writing about the power of the word. We writers wield a powerful tool that can inspire, transform, build or it can tear down, spoil, destroy. Writing is a time honored craft that can and often does serve God.

Generally I blog about writing books; in particular, novels. But there are other examples of where writing can be viewed as a service. These are writing:

Blogs

Blogs are not only an expression of yourself, but they are sources of influence, as well. Some people are only known because they have a fantastic blog. It’s easy to get started with WordPress and it is fun.

Letters

Some people write letters for others. You can actually make money doing this. You can also personally influence people for your own causes.

Novels

My favorite. If you have a lively imagination you can write lively stories. Writing Christian fiction is not much different than writing fiction. It is fiction with a Christian worldview. If you can do this, you have the potential to be very successful or extremely happy because you are doing something you truly love.

Poetry

In the early days I wrote poetry, but it was for personal use. It actually helped me win my wife. I was never interested in pursuing it as a career, but I did enjoy it.

Skits

Writing for skits, plays, etc. can be rewarding. I know next to nothing about this, but people have and do make good money in it.

Soul Winning Tracts

You’ve seen all those tracts out there. Go to any church that believes in and practices soul winning and you will find a tract rack or display. Somebody writes them. And many are very good.

What other examples are there? Write them down. And then take them to the Lord to find out if any are for you. Being a writer is rewarding whether you make money or not. There are other more enduring rewards like satisfaction, self respect, the respect of others, and that feeling you get when you’ve done something right.

As for me, I write not to get rich (probably a good thing) but because I love to write. You could say it’s in my blood. Why do you write? What is your motivation?

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.

If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).

– – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

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The Persecuted Church Part 3

I’ve been writing about the persecuted church. Today I continue with Part 3.

It is hard for us in America to visualize true persecution. We see it in other countries but here in America it is still somewhat hidden. Here it is more sophisticated, less obvious. But it is growing.

The anti-Christian movement has reached our colleges.

That’s right. In the very place we expect open discussions and tolerance the opposite occurs where Christianity is involved. Christians are ridiculed, ignored, and/or punished. Belief in the Bible is equated with ignorance even though many of these colleges were started by Christians. Christian beliefs and behavior is frowned up.

The world, even here in America, has decided their morality is higher than God’s. They have turned things upside down. Where once life was valued, abortion (the taking of an innocent life) is considered a woman’s right. Where once freedom of expression was upheld, Christians are losing the right to practice their faith. Where once we were taught in our schools that God was our Creator and Savior, He is now persona non-gratis.

Immorality is not only on the rise, it is lauded as morality. Homosexuality is the new right not found in any religious text, but praised by men and women around the globe. Disrespect for the American flag is growing; the flag is fast becoming just a thing of the past rather than the representation of men and women of whatever color fighting for our nation and paying with their blood.

Our schools today are unsafe. Because of guns? That’s ridiculous! Our nation grew up with guns. The problem isn’t guns in our schools; the problem is God and His Bible has been kicked out. Do a little digging and you will see that about the time God was kicked out the violence began.

If you really want to stop violence in the workplace, in the schools, and in the home, you need to invite God back into your lives.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.

If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

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Insights Death Ship

But those days were now but a memory. Anti-Christian forces in and outside the government turned it back to a liberal course and clamped down on Christian thought and expression setting the stage for a great collision.

The above quote is from the opening Prologue to Death Ship. Today, I wish to comment on why I think the very idea of the persecution of Christians is not farfetched. It is very real! All you need to do is pick up your local newspaper or scan the internet. It’s out there and it is increasingly virulent. Travel to other countries like India, Sudan, Netherlands, and even Israel and you find anti-Christian thought and expression. While not always violent it is real nonetheless.

So the concept of persecution is today’s reality. Persecution has existed since the days of Christ and has continued to this day. Persecution may take various forms. The only thing about persecution in the book that is new is the plan to send Christians into the very heart of a Red Dwarf star.

Here in America we have what I call creeping persecution. Instead of imprisonment we have attacks against churches; personal attacks, both vocal and violent; collegiate, where college administrations deny rights to Christian students; and governmental, which involves city, state, and national.

But in Europe and across this planet persecution has taken a more sinister and vicious approach. Can we stop it? Not without revival. Here in America we have a President who could be classified as a Friend of Christianity. Is he saved? I don’t know. I am, however, confident that the Vice President is saved. And I believe that President Trump is willingly influenced by him and other Christian leaders.

But we are mistaken if we think one men or even a group of men, no matter how powerful, can reverse this trend toward persecution. It is a worldwide movement that the Bible indicates will one day reign supreme.

So what can we do?

Reach out to the One Person who can make a difference. Pray to God for revival for the world, for the nation, for your state, for your community, and for yourself! Pray for a revival that starts in our own hearts.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.

If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

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Christian Speculative Fiction

In a previous blog Why Christian Science Fiction I concluded that there may not be such a genre. But thanks to a reader I discovered I was wrong. So, instead of writing about issues today I will take this time to update my perceptions and yours.

The reader informed me that there is Christian Speculative Fiction and he mentioned Enclave Publishing, an outfit that specializes in Christian Speculative and Science Fiction. So I checked it out and he was right. So in the future I will refer to Christian Speculative Fiction.

Now that I have found a safe harbor  let me promote it. Just like any genre or sub-genre there will be all kinds. The word Christian denotes a certain worldview, but since there are all kinds of Christians it is probably wise to consider there are all types of Christian worldviews. And my research into it verifies such wisdom.

From what I have seen my novel Death Ship and the series Christland springing from it fit nicely into this genre. One writer recently commented that Christian Speculative writing is hard. Now she may have been referring to the difficulties of getting publish which I don’t have. But she could be referencing the writing itself. And with that I agree.

In writing Death Ship I didn’t have the luxury of aliens as a potential enemy. The enemy is twofold: 1) a general charged with destroying Christianity and 2) space itself.

The Christland series involves at least three elements: 1) Earth, 2) Space, and 3) another planet. And then there is General Abner Smith who hates Christians. Powerful, egotistical, and devious, he is a real danger to Christians on Earth and in space.

In addition, there is the nature of animal life on distant planets. I believe that animals may exist on earth-like planets. Only humans are said to be unique. Animals may resemble what we have on Earth or be entirely different. Imagination can provide those animals. What I find difficult is the degree you wander from Earth bound animals. Some science fiction books I have seen and read get real creative with animals. But I think a good solid story doesn’t want to get too creative. There is a story to be told and these additional factors should enhance the story not detract from it.

But so far I have found that writing is still much the same. Christian Speculative is simply telling a story with a Christian worldview and placing it in another part of our universe. You’ll notice I’m not talking about a new world. And why should I? There are other solar systems out there just begging for writers to discover. And mankind has begun not only looking from afar but planning on visiting them. Enter speculation or science fiction.

Actually I think the hardest part of being a writer of Christian Speculative Fiction is the marketing. You go to the Library and try to find that genre. I go regularly and I haven’t found such a genre yet. Part of the problem is that Christian Speculative Fiction is considered, at least in a library, as a sub-genre of science fiction. Which is fine, but it makes it that much harder for readers to find. Avid science fiction readers may consider that statement laughable, but readers who don’t naturally read science fiction might find themselves in agreement.

Having discovered the appropriate sub-genre (whoever came up with ‘speculative’ anyway?) I am more upbeat than before. I’d much rather be in an established genre or sub-genre than to start one.

Reading other authors in your genre is always a good thing. So that is one thing I will now be doing in the Christian Speculative sub-genre. Who knows, I may even do a review. I have just downloaded a novel and have started reading it.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.

If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).

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R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

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