R. Frederick Riddle's Blog, page 73
June 14, 2014
Writer's Clog
I've been sitting at my computer working on my blog talk radio show (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/riddleta...). A good share of this Monday's (June 16, 2014) show has been completed. But I still have not settled on my primary subject.
That's the kind of day its been with me being able to work on the necessary but not primary things. So I decided to write on my blog. But once again, what do I write about?
Ever have that kind of day where you can't quite get your mind in full gear? I'm not talking about Writer's Block, which I consider a total shutdown, an inability to write anything. It's more like Writer's Clog, where you are not stopped altogether, but it's like a clogged drain where it is very slow going.
Now that felt better! Got it off my chest. Let's see what I can do now.
That's the kind of day its been with me being able to work on the necessary but not primary things. So I decided to write on my blog. But once again, what do I write about?
Ever have that kind of day where you can't quite get your mind in full gear? I'm not talking about Writer's Block, which I consider a total shutdown, an inability to write anything. It's more like Writer's Clog, where you are not stopped altogether, but it's like a clogged drain where it is very slow going.
Now that felt better! Got it off my chest. Let's see what I can do now.
June 10, 2014
Did You Know About Location of Sodom?
As an author, I am required to do a great deal of research; the results of which I am sharing with you.
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Did You Know About The Location of Sodom?
Most people would say, “Of course I do. It was located SE of the Dead Sea.” But if you say that, you may be wrong.
First of all, it is a basic principle in studying the Bible that the Bible is supreme. When looking at archeology you look through the prism of the Bible. You don't look at the Bible through the prism of archeology.
With that in mind, if you read the Bible literally you will find it doesn't match the popular belief regarding Sodom's location. For instance, Genesis 13:10 says, “And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan ...” The plain of Jordan, also known as the Kikkar, was the plain on either side of the Jordan and ended at the northern shore on the Dead Sea.
Another verse, Genesis 13:11 reads: “Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: ...” This was east of Bethel, which was located northwest of the Dead Sea.
Still another verse, Genesis 19:27,28: “And Abraham gat up early … and he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah ...” There existed a mountain range between Hebron (Abraham's new location) and the southern tip of the Dead Sea, whereas looking northeast and across the Dead Sea on a clear day Sodom may have been visible (according to archaeologists of the 19th century and more recently W M Thomson).
You look at your typical Bible map and you see that Sodom and the other four cities are all located at the southern tip of the Dead Sea, but archaeologists have been unable to discover any of the cities, but they have determined that none are buried beneath the Dead Sea. On the other hand, they have found at least five Tells (mounds of ancient cities). One has even been suggested as possible Sodom.
Interesting, to say the least. Perhaps the famous Archaeologist of the 20th century W. F. Albright was wrong! (Albright was the one who resurrected the southern-underwater theory. His fame and success carried the day for awhile.)
But what about the mention of the Vale of Siddim, which was located on the southern tip of the Dead Sea?
That is a good question. It was answered by an archaeologist who pointed out that the Vale of Siddim was where they fought their battles. It was further pointed out that kings often fought battles away from their cities so as to reduce the element of danger to their cities.
Therefore, for the person who believes in the literal understanding of the Bible it would seem that the location of Sodom and the other four cities were all northeast of the Dead Sea.
R_Frederick Riddle
-------
Did You Know About The Location of Sodom?
Most people would say, “Of course I do. It was located SE of the Dead Sea.” But if you say that, you may be wrong.
First of all, it is a basic principle in studying the Bible that the Bible is supreme. When looking at archeology you look through the prism of the Bible. You don't look at the Bible through the prism of archeology.
With that in mind, if you read the Bible literally you will find it doesn't match the popular belief regarding Sodom's location. For instance, Genesis 13:10 says, “And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan ...” The plain of Jordan, also known as the Kikkar, was the plain on either side of the Jordan and ended at the northern shore on the Dead Sea.
Another verse, Genesis 13:11 reads: “Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: ...” This was east of Bethel, which was located northwest of the Dead Sea.
Still another verse, Genesis 19:27,28: “And Abraham gat up early … and he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah ...” There existed a mountain range between Hebron (Abraham's new location) and the southern tip of the Dead Sea, whereas looking northeast and across the Dead Sea on a clear day Sodom may have been visible (according to archaeologists of the 19th century and more recently W M Thomson).
You look at your typical Bible map and you see that Sodom and the other four cities are all located at the southern tip of the Dead Sea, but archaeologists have been unable to discover any of the cities, but they have determined that none are buried beneath the Dead Sea. On the other hand, they have found at least five Tells (mounds of ancient cities). One has even been suggested as possible Sodom.
Interesting, to say the least. Perhaps the famous Archaeologist of the 20th century W. F. Albright was wrong! (Albright was the one who resurrected the southern-underwater theory. His fame and success carried the day for awhile.)
But what about the mention of the Vale of Siddim, which was located on the southern tip of the Dead Sea?
That is a good question. It was answered by an archaeologist who pointed out that the Vale of Siddim was where they fought their battles. It was further pointed out that kings often fought battles away from their cities so as to reduce the element of danger to their cities.
Therefore, for the person who believes in the literal understanding of the Bible it would seem that the location of Sodom and the other four cities were all northeast of the Dead Sea.
R_Frederick Riddle
June 3, 2014
Did You Know About the Libertarian Party?
As an author, I am required to do a great deal of research; the results of which I am sharing with you.
-------
Did You Know About the Libertarian Party?
In recent years there has been mounting confusion over what is a libertarian and what is a conservative, so I thought it wise to do the research.
What follows are several stands on the issues as included in the 2012 Libertarian Party Platform. Many of their stands are agreeable to conservatives, but not all.
The confusion is even greater when you realize that many libertarians have joined the Republican Party and call themselves Conservatives. So we need to be able to identify them and understand them if we are to vote wisely.
I will state the Libertarian view on an issue and follow it with my view as a Conservative.
Abortion:
Oppose interference in what is an individual right to decide.
I disagree with this stand. As a Christian and Conservative I believe abortion is murder.
Second Amendment
• Right to bear arms
• Oppose all gun registration
I agree that we have the right to bear arms. I am undecided as to gun registration. In general I agree with their stand.
Free Trade
• Opposed to government redistribution of wealth
• Opposed to trade controls
Redistribution of wealth is contrary to the very principles of our constitution. I oppose it.
Trade Controls are another matter. I think these need to be rethought and reduced, but some regulation needs to be done.
Property Rights
Supports property rights.
I fully agree.
Government Finance & Spending
• Repeal of Income Tax (I agree)
• Abolish the IRS (I agree)
• No national debt (generally agree, but I believe government should have the right to borrow)
• Balanced Budget Amendment (I agree)
• Lower Taxes (I agree)
Education
• Free Market (I agree if this includes private and home schooling)
• Parental authority (I agree)
Health Care
• Free market health care system (I agree)
• Right to purchase insurance across state lines (I agree)
Social Security
• Retirement planning is an individual responsibility (I agree)
• Phase out government-sponsored Social Security (I agree depending on how phase out is managed)
National Defense
• Maintain sufficient military to defend U.S. (I agree)
• Avoid entangling alliances (I support the constitution which provides for treaties, etc. and their enactment. I would support more constitutional safeguards.)
• No draft (I agree and fully support voluntary armed forces)
• Not world's policeman (Agree, but also recognize that with great power comes great responsibility)
These are just some of the stands. You may have noticed that most of these issues found me in agreement. I dare say most conservatives would agree. But we disagree where personal liberty is involved, as libertarians would allow abortions and drug use.
I also disagreed with avoiding entangling alliances, which to me means no treaties. The constitution gives our government the power to negotiate treaties, which means our forefathers supported it. Moreover, while we are not the world's policeman, we are the most powerful nation in the world and our friends need us. Even if they don't like to admit it.
Libertarians are not conservatives. The Libertarian Party itself makes a difference between libertarians and conservatives on their website.
R_Frederick Riddle
-------
Did You Know About the Libertarian Party?
In recent years there has been mounting confusion over what is a libertarian and what is a conservative, so I thought it wise to do the research.
What follows are several stands on the issues as included in the 2012 Libertarian Party Platform. Many of their stands are agreeable to conservatives, but not all.
The confusion is even greater when you realize that many libertarians have joined the Republican Party and call themselves Conservatives. So we need to be able to identify them and understand them if we are to vote wisely.
I will state the Libertarian view on an issue and follow it with my view as a Conservative.
Abortion:
Oppose interference in what is an individual right to decide.
I disagree with this stand. As a Christian and Conservative I believe abortion is murder.
Second Amendment
• Right to bear arms
• Oppose all gun registration
I agree that we have the right to bear arms. I am undecided as to gun registration. In general I agree with their stand.
Free Trade
• Opposed to government redistribution of wealth
• Opposed to trade controls
Redistribution of wealth is contrary to the very principles of our constitution. I oppose it.
Trade Controls are another matter. I think these need to be rethought and reduced, but some regulation needs to be done.
Property Rights
Supports property rights.
I fully agree.
Government Finance & Spending
• Repeal of Income Tax (I agree)
• Abolish the IRS (I agree)
• No national debt (generally agree, but I believe government should have the right to borrow)
• Balanced Budget Amendment (I agree)
• Lower Taxes (I agree)
Education
• Free Market (I agree if this includes private and home schooling)
• Parental authority (I agree)
Health Care
• Free market health care system (I agree)
• Right to purchase insurance across state lines (I agree)
Social Security
• Retirement planning is an individual responsibility (I agree)
• Phase out government-sponsored Social Security (I agree depending on how phase out is managed)
National Defense
• Maintain sufficient military to defend U.S. (I agree)
• Avoid entangling alliances (I support the constitution which provides for treaties, etc. and their enactment. I would support more constitutional safeguards.)
• No draft (I agree and fully support voluntary armed forces)
• Not world's policeman (Agree, but also recognize that with great power comes great responsibility)
These are just some of the stands. You may have noticed that most of these issues found me in agreement. I dare say most conservatives would agree. But we disagree where personal liberty is involved, as libertarians would allow abortions and drug use.
I also disagreed with avoiding entangling alliances, which to me means no treaties. The constitution gives our government the power to negotiate treaties, which means our forefathers supported it. Moreover, while we are not the world's policeman, we are the most powerful nation in the world and our friends need us. Even if they don't like to admit it.
Libertarians are not conservatives. The Libertarian Party itself makes a difference between libertarians and conservatives on their website.
R_Frederick Riddle
May 27, 2014
Memorial Day
As an author, I am required to do a great deal of research; the results of which I am sharing with you.
-------
Did You Know About Memorial Day?
While the practice of decorating soldiers' graves with flowers is an ancient custom, soldiers' graves were decorated in the U.S. before and during the American Civil War.
Here is a brief history:
• In 1906 the first Civil War soldier's grave ever decorated was in Warrenton, Virginia, on June 3, 1861, implying the first Memorial Day occurred there.
• There is authentic documentation that women in Savannah, Georgia, decorated Confederate soldiers' graves in 1862.
• In 1863, the cemetery dedication at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was a ceremony of commemoration at the graves of dead soldiers.
• Local historians in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, claim that ladies there decorated soldiers' graves on July 4, 1864.
• The first widely publicized observance of a Memorial Day-type observance after the Civil War was in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 1, 1865 to honor the Union soldiers who were prisoners of war at the Charleston Race Course; at least 257 Union prisoners died there and were hastily buried in unmarked graves.
Nearly ten thousand people, including teachers, missionaries, and black residents of Charleston gathered on May 1 in an organized May Day ceremony which was covered by the New York Tribune and other national papers.
Today this national observance is marked by political speeches, parades, and partying. Many people still practice placing flowers on the graves.
-------
Did You Know About Memorial Day?
While the practice of decorating soldiers' graves with flowers is an ancient custom, soldiers' graves were decorated in the U.S. before and during the American Civil War.
Here is a brief history:
• In 1906 the first Civil War soldier's grave ever decorated was in Warrenton, Virginia, on June 3, 1861, implying the first Memorial Day occurred there.
• There is authentic documentation that women in Savannah, Georgia, decorated Confederate soldiers' graves in 1862.
• In 1863, the cemetery dedication at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was a ceremony of commemoration at the graves of dead soldiers.
• Local historians in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, claim that ladies there decorated soldiers' graves on July 4, 1864.
• The first widely publicized observance of a Memorial Day-type observance after the Civil War was in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 1, 1865 to honor the Union soldiers who were prisoners of war at the Charleston Race Course; at least 257 Union prisoners died there and were hastily buried in unmarked graves.
Nearly ten thousand people, including teachers, missionaries, and black residents of Charleston gathered on May 1 in an organized May Day ceremony which was covered by the New York Tribune and other national papers.
Today this national observance is marked by political speeches, parades, and partying. Many people still practice placing flowers on the graves.
May 22, 2014
Did You Know About American Exceptionalism?
As an author, I am required to do a great deal of research; the results of which I am sharing with you.
-------
Did You Know About American Exceptionalism?
You've all heard the term "American Exceptionalism" and you probably have noticed different uses and applications. In researching this term I went back to its original meaning.
The theory of the exceptionalism of the United States can be traced back to Alexis de Tocqueville in 1831. The exact term of "American Exceptionalism" began in the 1920s. In 1989 Scottish political scientist Richard Rose defined it as:
"America marches to a different drummer. Its uniqueness is explained by any or all of a variety of reasons: history, size, geography, political institutions, and culture. Explanations of the growth of government in Europe are not expected to fit American experience, and vice versa."
Combine that with liberal definitions and assertions and you have a rather wide definition.
Being a simple man, I prefer a stricter view which can be summarized by two statements:
1) American Exceptionalism refers to the fact that America was the only nation where Democracy was foundational - a characteristic of the nation. It refers to the fact that true power rests in the people. Thus, "We the people."
While many countries have tried to copy our form of government none, to my knowledge, have succeeded. They have copied many or most of the elements, but not all. They always retain something that dilutes the power base.
2) American Exceptionalism is based on another extremely important founding principle or fact: It is the only nation where the founders drew their inspiration and principles from the Bible!
Liberals deny this, but anyone wanting to know the truth need only read the Declaration of Independence (which authorized a new government) and the Constitution (which is the basis of all government and law).
Is American Exceptionalism dead? Only if we let it die.
Are Conservatives wrong in adopting or referring to it? Absolutely not!
Some may misuse it, but American Exceptionalism is something we should all strive for in America. America was described as an "experiment." That experiment has lasted over 200 years!
Yes, America is unique and exceptional. But if we forget what makes us unique and turn our backs on God and His Word, which was foundational to the Constitution, we will become as other nations where institutions and ruling classes prevail.
-------
Did You Know About American Exceptionalism?
You've all heard the term "American Exceptionalism" and you probably have noticed different uses and applications. In researching this term I went back to its original meaning.
The theory of the exceptionalism of the United States can be traced back to Alexis de Tocqueville in 1831. The exact term of "American Exceptionalism" began in the 1920s. In 1989 Scottish political scientist Richard Rose defined it as:
"America marches to a different drummer. Its uniqueness is explained by any or all of a variety of reasons: history, size, geography, political institutions, and culture. Explanations of the growth of government in Europe are not expected to fit American experience, and vice versa."
Combine that with liberal definitions and assertions and you have a rather wide definition.
Being a simple man, I prefer a stricter view which can be summarized by two statements:
1) American Exceptionalism refers to the fact that America was the only nation where Democracy was foundational - a characteristic of the nation. It refers to the fact that true power rests in the people. Thus, "We the people."
While many countries have tried to copy our form of government none, to my knowledge, have succeeded. They have copied many or most of the elements, but not all. They always retain something that dilutes the power base.
2) American Exceptionalism is based on another extremely important founding principle or fact: It is the only nation where the founders drew their inspiration and principles from the Bible!
Liberals deny this, but anyone wanting to know the truth need only read the Declaration of Independence (which authorized a new government) and the Constitution (which is the basis of all government and law).
Is American Exceptionalism dead? Only if we let it die.
Are Conservatives wrong in adopting or referring to it? Absolutely not!
Some may misuse it, but American Exceptionalism is something we should all strive for in America. America was described as an "experiment." That experiment has lasted over 200 years!
Yes, America is unique and exceptional. But if we forget what makes us unique and turn our backs on God and His Word, which was foundational to the Constitution, we will become as other nations where institutions and ruling classes prevail.
May 20, 2014
Did You Know About The American Flag?
As an author, I am required to do a great deal of research; the results of which I am sharing with you.
-------
Did You Know About the American Flag?
For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation's strength and unity. It's been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. And the American Flag has been a prominent icon in our national history. Here are the highlights of its unique past.
On January 1, 1776, the Continental Army was reorganized in accordance with a Congressional resolution which placed American forces under George Washington's control. On that New Year's Day the Continental Army was laying siege to Boston which had been taken over by the British Army. Washington ordered the Grand Union flag hoisted above his base at Prospect Hill. It had 13 alternate red and white stripes and the British Union Jack in the upper left-hand corner (the canton).
In May of 1776, Betsy Ross reported that she sewed the first American flag.
On June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: "Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."
Between 1777 and 1960, Congress passed several acts that changed the shape, design and arrangement of the flag and allowed for additional stars and stripes to be added to reflect the admission of each new state.
• Act of January 13, 1794 - provided for 15 stripes and 15 stars after May 1795.
• Act of April 4, 1818 - provided for 13 stripes and one star for each state, to be added to the flag on the 4th of July following the admission of each new state, signed by President Monroe.
• Executive Order of President Taft dated June 24, 1912 - established proportions of the flag and provided for arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of eight each, a single point of each star to be upward.
• Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated January 3, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in seven rows of seven stars each, staggered horizontally and vertically.
• Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated August 21, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in nine rows of stars staggered horizontally and eleven rows of stars staggered vertically.
Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.
For more on our flag, visit http://www.usa-flag-site.org/about.shtml
-------
Did You Know About the American Flag?
For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation's strength and unity. It's been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. And the American Flag has been a prominent icon in our national history. Here are the highlights of its unique past.
On January 1, 1776, the Continental Army was reorganized in accordance with a Congressional resolution which placed American forces under George Washington's control. On that New Year's Day the Continental Army was laying siege to Boston which had been taken over by the British Army. Washington ordered the Grand Union flag hoisted above his base at Prospect Hill. It had 13 alternate red and white stripes and the British Union Jack in the upper left-hand corner (the canton).
In May of 1776, Betsy Ross reported that she sewed the first American flag.
On June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: "Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."
Between 1777 and 1960, Congress passed several acts that changed the shape, design and arrangement of the flag and allowed for additional stars and stripes to be added to reflect the admission of each new state.
• Act of January 13, 1794 - provided for 15 stripes and 15 stars after May 1795.
• Act of April 4, 1818 - provided for 13 stripes and one star for each state, to be added to the flag on the 4th of July following the admission of each new state, signed by President Monroe.
• Executive Order of President Taft dated June 24, 1912 - established proportions of the flag and provided for arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of eight each, a single point of each star to be upward.
• Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated January 3, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in seven rows of seven stars each, staggered horizontally and vertically.
• Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated August 21, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in nine rows of stars staggered horizontally and eleven rows of stars staggered vertically.
Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.
For more on our flag, visit http://www.usa-flag-site.org/about.shtml
May 14, 2014
Why I Write Historical Fiction
I am an author who writes primarily in the historical fiction genre, whether it be secular history or Biblical history. I combine those two because of their similarities.
A fair question would be, Why do you write historical fiction?
To answer that question, let's first look at the two similar yet different historical genres.
Secular History
I define secular history as history that is recorded in historical records and is generally accepted as factual. Thus my last novel, Dead Eye Will, concerns the War of 1812 and early American, especially Michigan, history up to 1836.
Such history can be hard to nail down simply because of differing viewpoints. This creates problems for an author, sometimes forcing him/her to make decisions as to which "facts" to believe and accept.
Biblical History
I define Biblical history as history that is recorded in the Bible and is therefore known to be factual. People who do not believe in the Bible would deny its accuracy, but their objections have been debunked thoroughly.
Biblical history is therefore reliable. A researcher, however, has difficulty when trying to match Biblical historical records with secular records. A good example are Biblical records pertaining to Egypt. Egyptian records are so varied and so wildly unsupportable that dates, for example, are unreliable, to say the least. This is why there is so much controversy as to when certain Biblical events actually took place.
I use the simple yet effective conceptual tool of always treating the Bible as the authoritative resource with the secular facts as helpful or explanatory.
So, Why do you write historical fiction?
First, I write in this genre because it is exciting. So far, my primary area has been Biblical Historical fiction with an emphasis in Genesis. It is exciting to track down the facts and incorporate them into my novels.
Second, I write in this genre because I find it enlightening. Researching the Bible causes me to learn more about it and about the people and places mentioned therein.
Third, I write in this genre because it is the one area I can write where the facts are truly reliable! In a world where truth is often muddied, it is always refreshing to know there are some things that you can accept as absolute truth.
Fourth, I write in this genre because my faith grows. By this I mean that knowledge tends to increase one's faith as long as that knowledge is dependable. Many dependable facts are reported in the Bible and those facts build up my faith.
Secular fiction shares some of the same attributes such as exciting and enlightening. But secular history suffers from its inaccuracies. In some ways it is more challenging than Biblical history simply because you have to really dig to find the truth. In researching secular history the researcher always must remember that much of man's recorded history is shaped by political considerations, whereas Biblical history is shaped by God's agenda.
Both of these forms of Historical fiction demand much effort on my part. I find both to be exciting, challenging, and instructive.
Perhaps more important is the pleasure I derive when I have written a novel that others say brings history alive! To hear such comments truly makes me feel good. In the case of Biblical fiction I derive a sense of satisfaction when someone tells me that they had to read the Bible to see if what I said happened actually happened. And in the case of secular history, I like it when people discover historical facts they didn't know about (a distinct possibility considering today's politically correct history books).
R. Frederick Riddle
A fair question would be, Why do you write historical fiction?
To answer that question, let's first look at the two similar yet different historical genres.
Secular History
I define secular history as history that is recorded in historical records and is generally accepted as factual. Thus my last novel, Dead Eye Will, concerns the War of 1812 and early American, especially Michigan, history up to 1836.
Such history can be hard to nail down simply because of differing viewpoints. This creates problems for an author, sometimes forcing him/her to make decisions as to which "facts" to believe and accept.
Biblical History
I define Biblical history as history that is recorded in the Bible and is therefore known to be factual. People who do not believe in the Bible would deny its accuracy, but their objections have been debunked thoroughly.
Biblical history is therefore reliable. A researcher, however, has difficulty when trying to match Biblical historical records with secular records. A good example are Biblical records pertaining to Egypt. Egyptian records are so varied and so wildly unsupportable that dates, for example, are unreliable, to say the least. This is why there is so much controversy as to when certain Biblical events actually took place.
I use the simple yet effective conceptual tool of always treating the Bible as the authoritative resource with the secular facts as helpful or explanatory.
So, Why do you write historical fiction?
First, I write in this genre because it is exciting. So far, my primary area has been Biblical Historical fiction with an emphasis in Genesis. It is exciting to track down the facts and incorporate them into my novels.
Second, I write in this genre because I find it enlightening. Researching the Bible causes me to learn more about it and about the people and places mentioned therein.
Third, I write in this genre because it is the one area I can write where the facts are truly reliable! In a world where truth is often muddied, it is always refreshing to know there are some things that you can accept as absolute truth.
Fourth, I write in this genre because my faith grows. By this I mean that knowledge tends to increase one's faith as long as that knowledge is dependable. Many dependable facts are reported in the Bible and those facts build up my faith.
Secular fiction shares some of the same attributes such as exciting and enlightening. But secular history suffers from its inaccuracies. In some ways it is more challenging than Biblical history simply because you have to really dig to find the truth. In researching secular history the researcher always must remember that much of man's recorded history is shaped by political considerations, whereas Biblical history is shaped by God's agenda.
Both of these forms of Historical fiction demand much effort on my part. I find both to be exciting, challenging, and instructive.
Perhaps more important is the pleasure I derive when I have written a novel that others say brings history alive! To hear such comments truly makes me feel good. In the case of Biblical fiction I derive a sense of satisfaction when someone tells me that they had to read the Bible to see if what I said happened actually happened. And in the case of secular history, I like it when people discover historical facts they didn't know about (a distinct possibility considering today's politically correct history books).
R. Frederick Riddle
May 13, 2014
Did You Know About Mother's Day?
As an author, I am required to do a great deal of research; the results of which I am sharing with you.
The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia. She then began a campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the United States. Although she was successful in 1914, she was already disappointed with its commercialization by the 1920s.
Jarvis' holiday was adopted by other countries and it is now celebrated all over the world. In this tradition, each person offers a gift, card, or remembrance toward their mothers, grandmothers, and/ or maternal figure on mother's day.
Various observances honoring mothers existed in America during the 1870s and the 1880s, but these never had any staying power beyond the local level. Jarvis never mentioned Julia Ward Howe's attempts in the 1870s to establish a "Mother's Day for Peace", nor any connection to the Protestant school celebrations that included "Children's Day" amongst others.
Neither did she mention the traditional festival of Mothering Sunday, which actually was about the so-called mother church. Jarvis always said that the creation was hers alone. Whether this was true or not is not said in the material I read.
However, it seems obvious to me that she was probably aware of and possibly influenced by these earlier attempts. But whatever the truth may be Mother's Day is a time to celebrate our mother's!
Did you let your mother know how much you love her?
The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia. She then began a campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the United States. Although she was successful in 1914, she was already disappointed with its commercialization by the 1920s.
Jarvis' holiday was adopted by other countries and it is now celebrated all over the world. In this tradition, each person offers a gift, card, or remembrance toward their mothers, grandmothers, and/ or maternal figure on mother's day.
Various observances honoring mothers existed in America during the 1870s and the 1880s, but these never had any staying power beyond the local level. Jarvis never mentioned Julia Ward Howe's attempts in the 1870s to establish a "Mother's Day for Peace", nor any connection to the Protestant school celebrations that included "Children's Day" amongst others.
Neither did she mention the traditional festival of Mothering Sunday, which actually was about the so-called mother church. Jarvis always said that the creation was hers alone. Whether this was true or not is not said in the material I read.
However, it seems obvious to me that she was probably aware of and possibly influenced by these earlier attempts. But whatever the truth may be Mother's Day is a time to celebrate our mother's!
Did you let your mother know how much you love her?
May 9, 2014
Thoughts on Mother's Day
This Sunday is Mother's Day and I have been preparing another Did You Know? article on Mother's Day. Not wanting to take away from that I have included only one excerpt plus additional thoughts.
My radio program for May 12 is dedicated to Mother's Day and I talk about some of the great mothers of history. But today I want to make it more personal.
The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia. Jarvis' holiday was adopted by other countries and it is now celebrated all over the world. In this tradition, each person offers a gift, card, or remembrance toward their mothers, grandmothers, and/ or maternal figure on mother's day.
Both Teresa and I were blessed with good parents. My mother, Sarah Lucille Riddle, was a stay at home mom, however, she also had a small business of her own. Basically she was a beautician, although I understand that term may be outdated these days. At the same time she raised two children: my sister Joan Kay Taylor and myself. She must have done a good job because both of us turned out OK - so I am told.
Born in Michigan (possibly Port Huron) on February 11, 1915 she died in Marysville, Michigan on February 15, 1988.
My wife's mother Evalyne P. Wheeler was born on January 7, 1918 in Rector, Arkansas and died on January 11, 2013 in Port Charlotte, Florida. Her mother was also a beautician operating out of her home, although she did later work outside the home. Mrs. Wheeler was a godly woman who was very active in her church.
Her two children consisted of Annetta Daub and my wife Teresa Riddle. Both these women are active in their church (actually attend the same church).
Perhaps your mother has passed away. If so you can still honor her by taking time to thank God for them. If they are still alive you have the opportunity to let them know of your love.
Happy Mother's Day
Perished: The World That Was
My radio program for May 12 is dedicated to Mother's Day and I talk about some of the great mothers of history. But today I want to make it more personal.
The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia. Jarvis' holiday was adopted by other countries and it is now celebrated all over the world. In this tradition, each person offers a gift, card, or remembrance toward their mothers, grandmothers, and/ or maternal figure on mother's day.
Both Teresa and I were blessed with good parents. My mother, Sarah Lucille Riddle, was a stay at home mom, however, she also had a small business of her own. Basically she was a beautician, although I understand that term may be outdated these days. At the same time she raised two children: my sister Joan Kay Taylor and myself. She must have done a good job because both of us turned out OK - so I am told.
Born in Michigan (possibly Port Huron) on February 11, 1915 she died in Marysville, Michigan on February 15, 1988.
My wife's mother Evalyne P. Wheeler was born on January 7, 1918 in Rector, Arkansas and died on January 11, 2013 in Port Charlotte, Florida. Her mother was also a beautician operating out of her home, although she did later work outside the home. Mrs. Wheeler was a godly woman who was very active in her church.
Her two children consisted of Annetta Daub and my wife Teresa Riddle. Both these women are active in their church (actually attend the same church).
Perhaps your mother has passed away. If so you can still honor her by taking time to thank God for them. If they are still alive you have the opportunity to let them know of your love.
Happy Mother's Day
Perished: The World That Was
May 7, 2014
My Blog
Up to now the Goodreads blog that I have maintained has been in addition to my primary blog hosted at my website. However this feature is being discontinued, so it is my plan to now use Goodreads as my primary blogging tool.
I have been occasionally using this blog for such features as my Did You Know? series. That will continue, but I will now expand it to include other features as well. Some of these features may be Book Reviews, excerpts from my Blog Talk Radio Show (The R Frederick Riddle Show), and other articles of interest.
I am looking forward to this new outreach and to hearing from you. Your comments and criticisms will be taken seriously.
I have been occasionally using this blog for such features as my Did You Know? series. That will continue, but I will now expand it to include other features as well. Some of these features may be Book Reviews, excerpts from my Blog Talk Radio Show (The R Frederick Riddle Show), and other articles of interest.
I am looking forward to this new outreach and to hearing from you. Your comments and criticisms will be taken seriously.
