R. Frederick Riddle's Blog, page 75
December 8, 2013
Dead Eye Will announcement
It is my pleasure to announce that Dead Eye Will (An American Hero) is now available on Amazon.comDead Eye Will
Also, Dead Eye Will is available for review. It is listed on FirstWildCard. Get the html and contact me for your free copy.
Also, Dead Eye Will is available for review. It is listed on FirstWildCard. Get the html and contact me for your free copy.
December 7, 2013
The Need for Christian Writers
Ten years ago I wrote my first novel, Refuge: The Genesis Chronicles, which is a Bible-based novel covering the last 100 years leading up to the Flood. I was just a young writer (I was 60) and didn't know what to expect.
I gave a copy of the novel to a friend who is the president of Louisiana Baptist University. This man not only took the book, but he actually read it!
A short time later he was talking to my pastor and mentioned the book to him. He labeled me a romantic and said he really liked the book. Months later he was at our church to preach. We got to talking and he told me not to quit. But then he told me something I have never forgotten.
"We need Christian writers."
What's so special about Christian writers, you may ask? Nothing, except that they write with a Christian World-view. Christian writers tend to avoid graphic scenes, explicit immorality, and curse words. In other words, their books are clean.
So I repeat to you the words given to me: We need Christian writers.
Not because they are superior but because Christian writers put their faith to work in the books. Their characters interact with real problems and they find Biblical solutions.
Moreover, Christian fiction, once scorned, has improved and is able to compete with secular fiction. But more important their books demonstrate that Christians can live their faith in a practical manner. Christian and non-Christian readers can find hope in an increasingly hostile world.
If you are a Christian, why not write? If you are a Christian author, keep it up, we need you.R_Frederick Riddle
I gave a copy of the novel to a friend who is the president of Louisiana Baptist University. This man not only took the book, but he actually read it!
A short time later he was talking to my pastor and mentioned the book to him. He labeled me a romantic and said he really liked the book. Months later he was at our church to preach. We got to talking and he told me not to quit. But then he told me something I have never forgotten.
"We need Christian writers."
What's so special about Christian writers, you may ask? Nothing, except that they write with a Christian World-view. Christian writers tend to avoid graphic scenes, explicit immorality, and curse words. In other words, their books are clean.
So I repeat to you the words given to me: We need Christian writers.
Not because they are superior but because Christian writers put their faith to work in the books. Their characters interact with real problems and they find Biblical solutions.
Moreover, Christian fiction, once scorned, has improved and is able to compete with secular fiction. But more important their books demonstrate that Christians can live their faith in a practical manner. Christian and non-Christian readers can find hope in an increasingly hostile world.
If you are a Christian, why not write? If you are a Christian author, keep it up, we need you.R_Frederick Riddle
November 30, 2013
Attention FirstWildCard members!
This is just a short post as I wanted to alert people to a great opportunity.
My eBook Dead Eye Will has been accepted for review by First Wild Card. If you are a member of this select group I extend an invitation to you.
Dead Eye Will is available for review now, but you must contact me by Dec. 6th to get in on this review. Please contact me at information@rfrederickriddle.com and I will email you a free PDF copy.
This is an exciting development. First Wild Card members reviewed Perished: The World That Was and its sequel The Rise of Shem. The positive reviews I received are posted on my website.Dead Eye Will
My eBook Dead Eye Will has been accepted for review by First Wild Card. If you are a member of this select group I extend an invitation to you.
Dead Eye Will is available for review now, but you must contact me by Dec. 6th to get in on this review. Please contact me at information@rfrederickriddle.com and I will email you a free PDF copy.
This is an exciting development. First Wild Card members reviewed Perished: The World That Was and its sequel The Rise of Shem. The positive reviews I received are posted on my website.Dead Eye Will
November 27, 2013
Thanksgiving
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for?
On my radio show, I mentioned a number of things I am thankful for. Here they are:
My salvation on May 9, 1973. It is a day I will always remember and forever be thankful for. It took place in Kalamazoo, Michigan in a Best Western motel room.
Reading the Bible I realized that I had never done what it clearly said - putting my trust in His hands. I knelt beside my bed and simply acknowledged that I am a sinner (just as the Scriptures declare). Then I asked Him to save me. What a glorious day; what a glorious moment!
My service unto the Lord. God has blessed me with the opportunities to serve Him. Over the years I have been blessed to serve Him as Church Financial Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Master Clubs Teacher, Master Clubs Secretary, Usher, and I even sang in the choir. Thank You Lord for using me.
My family - I have 3 families.
My family consisting of a sister & brother-in-law, two nieces and their husbands and their families. I also have my wife's family consisting of a sister-in-law, brother-in-law, a nephew and his family, and a niece.
The third family is my church family. This is actually in two parts: my northern church family back in Michigan and my southern church family here in Florida. Thank You Lord Jesus for blessing me with these families.
My writing career - God has blessed me with the ability to write. I am so grateful for the opportunities He has so graciously provided. Opportunities to write five books; opportunities that others have appreciated. He has given me a love for writing that makes all the hard work worth while. Thank You Lord Jesus for providing me the talent, the inspiration, and the opportunities to write.
My show - I am so grateful to the Lord for the weekly opportunity to broadcast the R Frederick Riddle show. And I am so grateful for each and every listener! I may never know the impact I am having in somebody's life, but I am thankful for that as well.
But we all have something to be thankful for. Consider the following:
Our nation - What a wonderful nation we have. With all our problems we remain the only nation, at least the only one I am aware of, that people desire to live in - so much so they will sneak across the border. It is a nation that people all around the world dream of someday living within.
Our constitution - In spite of naysayers, our constitution is a by-product of the Bible. Our Declaration of Independence makes references to Almighty God and our constitution adopts Biblical principles. It is a constitution that endures with little adjustments. It is still trustworthy; still reliable. We should thank God daily for such a wonderful constitution.
Our heritage - Modern history books gloss over our Christian heritage, but don't be fooled. You go back and dig out the historical facts and you find that the Christian world view dominated in the founding and early years of our country.
It has only been in the last century that we have begun to drift. But there is still enough of our heritage left that this country is still the greatest nation in the world! Thank You, Lord!
Our right to disagree - This is an endangered right. But we still have it. You and I can disagree on a great many issues and still be civil. Unfortunately there is a movement to deny us this right.
If we disagree with the president, we are racists; if we disagree with so-called gay rights, we are homophobic; and if we simply want to honor God in our business transactions, we are intolerant. But we haven't lost the right yet, and for that we should be thankful.
Our freedoms, such as:
to worship God - the constitution gives us the right to worship God as we see fit. While we can be atheists, the constitution and our heritage are of a Christian nature. It is a precious right that we must constantly protect!
to bear arms - we have the right to bear arms. It is a right that is under attack by the left, but it is still in the constitution and is still a right. Whether you have a gun or not is not the question. You have the right to own a gun!
to vote - This is a right that we Americans have neglected and are in danger of losing. Did you know that many Christians did not vote in the last election? If they had there is a strong possibility it would have turned out differently.
What a shame! Our form of government is based on the concept of an educated people having the right to elect those whom would rule over them. It is a right that was won on the battlefield. It is a right and a duty that we dare not surrender!
to live wherever we want - Think of that, folks. There are people in other countries who cannot move around as freely as we do. My wife and I moved from Michigan to Florida. Others have moved here from Connecticut, New York, and Chicago. We can travel freely without being subject to searches. It is a basic right that few countries have!
to work - we have some folks who would rather live off the dole. But most Americans want to work. They have skills, ideas, and dreams perhaps to start their own company. Or, for that matter, to write a book. We can employ our talents with the idea of making money or simply doing good. The choice is ours!R Frederick Riddle
On my radio show, I mentioned a number of things I am thankful for. Here they are:
My salvation on May 9, 1973. It is a day I will always remember and forever be thankful for. It took place in Kalamazoo, Michigan in a Best Western motel room.
Reading the Bible I realized that I had never done what it clearly said - putting my trust in His hands. I knelt beside my bed and simply acknowledged that I am a sinner (just as the Scriptures declare). Then I asked Him to save me. What a glorious day; what a glorious moment!
My service unto the Lord. God has blessed me with the opportunities to serve Him. Over the years I have been blessed to serve Him as Church Financial Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Master Clubs Teacher, Master Clubs Secretary, Usher, and I even sang in the choir. Thank You Lord for using me.
My family - I have 3 families.
My family consisting of a sister & brother-in-law, two nieces and their husbands and their families. I also have my wife's family consisting of a sister-in-law, brother-in-law, a nephew and his family, and a niece.
The third family is my church family. This is actually in two parts: my northern church family back in Michigan and my southern church family here in Florida. Thank You Lord Jesus for blessing me with these families.
My writing career - God has blessed me with the ability to write. I am so grateful for the opportunities He has so graciously provided. Opportunities to write five books; opportunities that others have appreciated. He has given me a love for writing that makes all the hard work worth while. Thank You Lord Jesus for providing me the talent, the inspiration, and the opportunities to write.
My show - I am so grateful to the Lord for the weekly opportunity to broadcast the R Frederick Riddle show. And I am so grateful for each and every listener! I may never know the impact I am having in somebody's life, but I am thankful for that as well.
But we all have something to be thankful for. Consider the following:
Our nation - What a wonderful nation we have. With all our problems we remain the only nation, at least the only one I am aware of, that people desire to live in - so much so they will sneak across the border. It is a nation that people all around the world dream of someday living within.
Our constitution - In spite of naysayers, our constitution is a by-product of the Bible. Our Declaration of Independence makes references to Almighty God and our constitution adopts Biblical principles. It is a constitution that endures with little adjustments. It is still trustworthy; still reliable. We should thank God daily for such a wonderful constitution.
Our heritage - Modern history books gloss over our Christian heritage, but don't be fooled. You go back and dig out the historical facts and you find that the Christian world view dominated in the founding and early years of our country.
It has only been in the last century that we have begun to drift. But there is still enough of our heritage left that this country is still the greatest nation in the world! Thank You, Lord!
Our right to disagree - This is an endangered right. But we still have it. You and I can disagree on a great many issues and still be civil. Unfortunately there is a movement to deny us this right.
If we disagree with the president, we are racists; if we disagree with so-called gay rights, we are homophobic; and if we simply want to honor God in our business transactions, we are intolerant. But we haven't lost the right yet, and for that we should be thankful.
Our freedoms, such as:
to worship God - the constitution gives us the right to worship God as we see fit. While we can be atheists, the constitution and our heritage are of a Christian nature. It is a precious right that we must constantly protect!
to bear arms - we have the right to bear arms. It is a right that is under attack by the left, but it is still in the constitution and is still a right. Whether you have a gun or not is not the question. You have the right to own a gun!
to vote - This is a right that we Americans have neglected and are in danger of losing. Did you know that many Christians did not vote in the last election? If they had there is a strong possibility it would have turned out differently.
What a shame! Our form of government is based on the concept of an educated people having the right to elect those whom would rule over them. It is a right that was won on the battlefield. It is a right and a duty that we dare not surrender!
to live wherever we want - Think of that, folks. There are people in other countries who cannot move around as freely as we do. My wife and I moved from Michigan to Florida. Others have moved here from Connecticut, New York, and Chicago. We can travel freely without being subject to searches. It is a basic right that few countries have!
to work - we have some folks who would rather live off the dole. But most Americans want to work. They have skills, ideas, and dreams perhaps to start their own company. Or, for that matter, to write a book. We can employ our talents with the idea of making money or simply doing good. The choice is ours!R Frederick Riddle
November 22, 2013
Dead Eye Will
Today was the big day that my latest novel was published!
If you like adventure, you'll love this. If you like romance, your heart will be filled. Dead Eye Will is both adventure and romance; a story seemingly ripped from the pages of history.
This book is now available only in eBook formats (pdf, epub, kindle, Apple, kobo, barnes&noble,flipkart, and oyster.Dead Eye Will
If you like adventure, you'll love this. If you like romance, your heart will be filled. Dead Eye Will is both adventure and romance; a story seemingly ripped from the pages of history.
This book is now available only in eBook formats (pdf, epub, kindle, Apple, kobo, barnes&noble,flipkart, and oyster.Dead Eye Will
November 20, 2013
Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving still a week away, I thought I would write about it from a different perspective. Usually we look at Thanksgiving as a day that the pilgrims thanked God for preserving them during the ocean crossing.
Of course, another aspect of Thanksgiving is football; in particular, Lion's football. And, to be sure, I will be parked in front of the TV urging them on.
Still, there's more to this than a historical remembrance. In all of our lives, in all our dreams, there is a loving God Who desires our very best!? This extends to our writing careers.
If there is one thing I have discovered over the years it is that God has a plan for my life and I must keep the communication lines open with Him. One of the things I am thankful for is my salvation.
Every day I am thankful that Jesus Christ came from heaven to die on a cross meant for me! And to receive that special gift I had to trust Him and ask Him to save me. There was nothing I could do; no work and nothing I could add.
But what I am thankful for in addition to all the above is His blessing and direction in my writing career. I would not be the writer I am today without His gifting.
Now I am not talking about Holy Spirit gifts in the normal sense. Rather, I am speaking of those so-called coincidences of life.
Have you ever wondered how your career would have gone if it hadn't been for a simple coincidence? Perhaps you were looking for a theme or subject to write about and you just happened to be reading your Bible at the right time and place (in the Bible).
That's what happened to me. I was struggling to write my very first novel. I thought I had a good plot and good characters, but when I did my daily devotions in Genesis I discovered stories that leaped off the pages!
This coincidence changed my life!
See where I am going? A normal Bible study turned my writing career upside down. Was that a coincidence or was it the Holy Spirit working in my life to accomplish His goal?
He works in our lives often unnoticed. Sometimes He is unnoticed by design. He pulls things together that appear unrelated to us until the time comes for us to sit down and start writing.
Suddenly our minds go back to these little happenings and we start developing a character or a plot. We think we did it all, but it was the gentle touch of God throughout.
This Thanksgiving why not write down all the scenes, characters, etc. that you were so proud of doing. Then, working backwards, discover the person, event, or whatever that was the inspiration. That might just have been one of God's little gifts to you!
If so, thank Him.
R Frederick Riddle
Of course, another aspect of Thanksgiving is football; in particular, Lion's football. And, to be sure, I will be parked in front of the TV urging them on.
Still, there's more to this than a historical remembrance. In all of our lives, in all our dreams, there is a loving God Who desires our very best!? This extends to our writing careers.
If there is one thing I have discovered over the years it is that God has a plan for my life and I must keep the communication lines open with Him. One of the things I am thankful for is my salvation.
Every day I am thankful that Jesus Christ came from heaven to die on a cross meant for me! And to receive that special gift I had to trust Him and ask Him to save me. There was nothing I could do; no work and nothing I could add.
But what I am thankful for in addition to all the above is His blessing and direction in my writing career. I would not be the writer I am today without His gifting.
Now I am not talking about Holy Spirit gifts in the normal sense. Rather, I am speaking of those so-called coincidences of life.
Have you ever wondered how your career would have gone if it hadn't been for a simple coincidence? Perhaps you were looking for a theme or subject to write about and you just happened to be reading your Bible at the right time and place (in the Bible).
That's what happened to me. I was struggling to write my very first novel. I thought I had a good plot and good characters, but when I did my daily devotions in Genesis I discovered stories that leaped off the pages!
This coincidence changed my life!
See where I am going? A normal Bible study turned my writing career upside down. Was that a coincidence or was it the Holy Spirit working in my life to accomplish His goal?
He works in our lives often unnoticed. Sometimes He is unnoticed by design. He pulls things together that appear unrelated to us until the time comes for us to sit down and start writing.
Suddenly our minds go back to these little happenings and we start developing a character or a plot. We think we did it all, but it was the gentle touch of God throughout.
This Thanksgiving why not write down all the scenes, characters, etc. that you were so proud of doing. Then, working backwards, discover the person, event, or whatever that was the inspiration. That might just have been one of God's little gifts to you!
If so, thank Him.
R Frederick Riddle
November 11, 2013
Veteran's Day
I am a Navy veteran (1964-68 - Vietnam War) and proud of it. But to list my name among the hundreds and thousands who risked and maybe lost their lives seems to me a bit much.
I have great respect for the men and women who have fought for our country no matter what war. With the enemies we fight today war seems uglier than ever. Our men and women are returning, some broken, some injured, and some having paid the ultimate price.
They deserve our thanks and our prayers.
I also think of those returning physically and mentally healthy but now living among the homeless. This aught not to be! Every soldier, every airman, every sailor - all our servicemen and women returning from war should have a job waiting for them.
I want to tip my hat to Walmart stores. I recently saw an ad saying that if you are a returning serviceman or woman you have a job. If that is true, then I honor you for it.
As a writer, I sometimes include war scenes. I try to write word pictures, but however good I am at it, these pictures don't come close to the horror of war.
I pray that the day of peace may come, but the reality is that the Bible tells us that there will be wars. That being the case I pray our men and women in uniform be kept safe. And, if they do not know the One who watches over them, that they will hear the wonderful Gospel and get eternally saved!
I have great respect for the men and women who have fought for our country no matter what war. With the enemies we fight today war seems uglier than ever. Our men and women are returning, some broken, some injured, and some having paid the ultimate price.
They deserve our thanks and our prayers.
I also think of those returning physically and mentally healthy but now living among the homeless. This aught not to be! Every soldier, every airman, every sailor - all our servicemen and women returning from war should have a job waiting for them.
I want to tip my hat to Walmart stores. I recently saw an ad saying that if you are a returning serviceman or woman you have a job. If that is true, then I honor you for it.
As a writer, I sometimes include war scenes. I try to write word pictures, but however good I am at it, these pictures don't come close to the horror of war.
I pray that the day of peace may come, but the reality is that the Bible tells us that there will be wars. That being the case I pray our men and women in uniform be kept safe. And, if they do not know the One who watches over them, that they will hear the wonderful Gospel and get eternally saved!
November 9, 2013
Historical Fiction
As a new member of Goodreads, I recently started following the American Historical Fiction group.
Based on the discussions I have followed so far it seems to be a group that I will enjoy being a part of now and into the future. The most recent discussion was about a book being true to the facts.
In Dead Eye Will I was particularly mindful of that. Centered in and after the War of 1812 the facts are easily searched out. Anybody with a computer and internet setup can search out the facts.
I mention all of this not as an entry in the discussion (wrong place), but as part of an overall view of historical fiction. I believe that historical data provides ample room for a fictional story. The test of a writer is to be able to weave a believable tale mixed with fiction and fact, which brings me to the primary thought of this blog:
Historical Fiction writing requires research.
Simple enough. But if you are writing a novel based in history you must assume that your reader knows or has the ability to know general historical facts. Or, for that matter, an even deeper knowledge.
But that is not a bad thing. When writing my historical novel based in American history, I would start with a general fact. But soon I would discover numerous rabbit trails, some of which were worth exploring. This often leads to including little known, yet discoverable, facts that add to the overall enjoyment.
I haven't seen it mentioned, but I think the author needs to be a reader as well as a writer. Read other author's books; yes. But I mean write the story with a reader's mindset. That is why I proof my own book. (Oh, I have others proof it as well.)
As a fan and reader of historical fiction, I bring to the table personal expectations developed over the years. I apply those to my own book, which sometimes requires me to rethink and rewrite. If the events, places, or people don't seam right to me, then it won't seam right to my readers.
I realize this is pretty basic. However, sometimes authors get so wrapped up in the their characters that the basics are forgotten.
Based on the discussions I have followed so far it seems to be a group that I will enjoy being a part of now and into the future. The most recent discussion was about a book being true to the facts.
In Dead Eye Will I was particularly mindful of that. Centered in and after the War of 1812 the facts are easily searched out. Anybody with a computer and internet setup can search out the facts.
I mention all of this not as an entry in the discussion (wrong place), but as part of an overall view of historical fiction. I believe that historical data provides ample room for a fictional story. The test of a writer is to be able to weave a believable tale mixed with fiction and fact, which brings me to the primary thought of this blog:
Historical Fiction writing requires research.
Simple enough. But if you are writing a novel based in history you must assume that your reader knows or has the ability to know general historical facts. Or, for that matter, an even deeper knowledge.
But that is not a bad thing. When writing my historical novel based in American history, I would start with a general fact. But soon I would discover numerous rabbit trails, some of which were worth exploring. This often leads to including little known, yet discoverable, facts that add to the overall enjoyment.
I haven't seen it mentioned, but I think the author needs to be a reader as well as a writer. Read other author's books; yes. But I mean write the story with a reader's mindset. That is why I proof my own book. (Oh, I have others proof it as well.)
As a fan and reader of historical fiction, I bring to the table personal expectations developed over the years. I apply those to my own book, which sometimes requires me to rethink and rewrite. If the events, places, or people don't seam right to me, then it won't seam right to my readers.
I realize this is pretty basic. However, sometimes authors get so wrapped up in the their characters that the basics are forgotten.
November 4, 2013
Int'l Day of Prayer for Persecuted
One of the things I do on behalf of my writing career is blog talk radio. I've been doing this for over a year.
My show, The R Frederick Riddle Show [http://www.blogtalkradio.com/riddleta... news, events, and people from a Christian viewpoint. Tonight's show was about yesterday's International Day of Prayer for the persecuted. Prayer is a vital part of a Christian's life.
We are instructed to pray for one another in the Bible. But what does this have to do with writing? A whole lot!
I believe that it was God who gave me the ability to write. I also believe that God has inspired my writings. If that is so [and it is], then I have a responsibility to use that ability responsibly.
It also means that I need to pray responsibly. Part of that is for me to pray for others beside myself. Concern for Persecuted Christians is fast becoming my cause. It is already a regular part of my devotions. And I regularly speak of it on my radio show.
I encourage all authors to, yes, pray for your writings, seeking God's guidance and blessing (assuming you are a Christian), but to also pray for the persecuted. Prayer works and the persecuted Christian believers need it!
R Frederick RiddleR Frederick Riddle
My show, The R Frederick Riddle Show [http://www.blogtalkradio.com/riddleta... news, events, and people from a Christian viewpoint. Tonight's show was about yesterday's International Day of Prayer for the persecuted. Prayer is a vital part of a Christian's life.
We are instructed to pray for one another in the Bible. But what does this have to do with writing? A whole lot!
I believe that it was God who gave me the ability to write. I also believe that God has inspired my writings. If that is so [and it is], then I have a responsibility to use that ability responsibly.
It also means that I need to pray responsibly. Part of that is for me to pray for others beside myself. Concern for Persecuted Christians is fast becoming my cause. It is already a regular part of my devotions. And I regularly speak of it on my radio show.
I encourage all authors to, yes, pray for your writings, seeking God's guidance and blessing (assuming you are a Christian), but to also pray for the persecuted. Prayer works and the persecuted Christian believers need it!
R Frederick RiddleR Frederick Riddle
October 28, 2013
Patience
Patience has many meanings, such as:endurance, forbearance, perseverance, persistence, resignation, resolution, tenacity. Most of the meanings could apply to writing.
Now that I am with Goodreads, I find that I need patience. I think endurance and perseverance are the two best, although persistence, resolution and tenacity are pretty good. Just because I am a member of Goodreads doesn't mean I can sit back and relax. There's still work to be done.
As I type this blog I have several things on my mind. One item high on the list is reviews. That is a priority.
But exploring Goodreads and discovering its many facets is also important. For instance, the use of this blog to reach others. I'm not new to blogging, but this is possibly the best blogging experience I can get.
So building my own library, blogging, and getting reviews are my first priority.Dead Eye Will
Now that I am with Goodreads, I find that I need patience. I think endurance and perseverance are the two best, although persistence, resolution and tenacity are pretty good. Just because I am a member of Goodreads doesn't mean I can sit back and relax. There's still work to be done.
As I type this blog I have several things on my mind. One item high on the list is reviews. That is a priority.
But exploring Goodreads and discovering its many facets is also important. For instance, the use of this blog to reach others. I'm not new to blogging, but this is possibly the best blogging experience I can get.
So building my own library, blogging, and getting reviews are my first priority.Dead Eye Will
