Jason E. Fort's Blog, page 18
December 30, 2014
What is the Activity?
In my debut novel, Misguided, I introduce readers to a very secretive branch of our government that I simply refer to as the Activity. But what, or better yet - who - are they? In my book, I refer to the Activity as being comprised of the top military leaders, the Director of the CIA, and the sitting President of the United States. I wrote that the Activity was actually started at the same time as the CIA back in 1947. So basically it goes back to the days of Harry Truman, and the changing of the guard from the OSS. Now while this all sounds intriguing, the Activity has had its hands in almost every major political action of the United States since 1947. I even allude to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Granted, every bit of what I write in my novel is fiction...but a lot of that fiction is brought about by fact. What IF...there really were an unseen, unheard group of people who really controlled the puppet strings of our government? I am not saying there is - but if there were, then how would we know? When I started the Knox Mission series, I didn't even mean to delve too deep into this conspiracy. However, I think this could lead to some interesting stories - especially as it relates to the further adventures of John Knox and Malik Sharif. Stay tuned as I write more...the Activity will have bigger and bigger roles in each book in the Knox Mission. And as the series goes on, maybe we will see just how far-reaching the influence of the Activity goes...
December 21, 2014
The Perfect Story
I am a writer; a storyteller. In order to become a storyteller, I think you have to be fairly familiar with how other people tell stories. I have always been a big fan of stories told in all sorts of ways...plays, movies, video games, skits, and of course, books. I think every author of a story is trying their best to write that perfect story...it's like the ultimate objective. All the stories that seem to entertain us the most are the ones that do such a good job telling us that story, and answering the biggest questions in the most ways that connect with us. But here's the catch - I don't think any of us are capable of writing the perfect story, because that is a task only achievable by God...and He has already done it. Think about it - if it is the perfect story, it can only be told for the first time once, be totally original, and have all the answers to all the reader's questions.
However, since I believe the only perfect story ever written is the Bible, plus it's real sequel - HIS story (History), the story is not finished. The good Lord above has begun a work with all of us, and it will not be finished until it ends the way He said it would in Revelation. I honestly think that is why I am such a believer - because I have always been so drawn to stories, and His story answers every major question you should ask (although it might not be the answer we want to hear), and has every aspect that makes up good stories (action, drama, the 'unbelievable' or awe-inspiring, love, violence, reality, and most importantly...TRUTH).
Who is God? The Bible answers that question. Why are we here? The Bible answers that question. Where did we come from? The Bible actually answers this. What is the meaning of life? See the Bible. Why is pain and suffering in this world? What is love? Why do bad things happen to good people? How do we overcome life's biggest obstacles? Who did it? Who, what, when, where, why, and how? No story in the history of the world has answered all these questions the way the Bible does in a way that doesn't just give humans some self-serving answer. The Bible does this and glorifies God...although eternal life with Him is promised, there is no self serving prize like 72 virgins, or the perfect golden palace, or getting to live as a higher being because you were good while you were here, etc. No, the Bible is ultimately Jesus's story of humility, but then power...the power of God!
The perfect story, even if we know how it ends...because the best lesson of it all is that the joy in the writing of the story is not even knowing yourself all the things you will experience along the way! The best part is that we are all characters, in a grand story made up of so many plots and subplots, that the human mind cannot begin to comprehend it all. Yet, the author makes this story different from any other story - He gives his characters the ability to choose which ending they want to be a part of. How awesome is that? What is crazy is there are so many people blinded by pride and selfishness, they refuse to be part of the good ending.
So here's the deal...if you don't believe me, at least start reading the story from the beginning. Then give the story a chance. Apply things you learn in the Bible to your life. Apply it to the pain and suffering in the world, and try to see it from more than just one human's point of view; especially from the point of view that we are not the author. Don't be so skeptical just because the rest of the world tells you to. If you do that, and give the story a chance...just like you may have picked up a book, gotten frustrated with how a book started, then picked it up later only to end up loving it - then maybe you will experience the story the same way I have in my life.
I will continue to write stories. I will continue to strive to write my perfect stories, just as we Christians strive to live a Christ-like life, despite knowing we will continuously fall short. But I am excited as I write each story, because I don't know what all will happen along the way. I am going to try to get excited about living life day to day, as I attempt to play my part in the perfect story...won't you join me?
However, since I believe the only perfect story ever written is the Bible, plus it's real sequel - HIS story (History), the story is not finished. The good Lord above has begun a work with all of us, and it will not be finished until it ends the way He said it would in Revelation. I honestly think that is why I am such a believer - because I have always been so drawn to stories, and His story answers every major question you should ask (although it might not be the answer we want to hear), and has every aspect that makes up good stories (action, drama, the 'unbelievable' or awe-inspiring, love, violence, reality, and most importantly...TRUTH).
Who is God? The Bible answers that question. Why are we here? The Bible answers that question. Where did we come from? The Bible actually answers this. What is the meaning of life? See the Bible. Why is pain and suffering in this world? What is love? Why do bad things happen to good people? How do we overcome life's biggest obstacles? Who did it? Who, what, when, where, why, and how? No story in the history of the world has answered all these questions the way the Bible does in a way that doesn't just give humans some self-serving answer. The Bible does this and glorifies God...although eternal life with Him is promised, there is no self serving prize like 72 virgins, or the perfect golden palace, or getting to live as a higher being because you were good while you were here, etc. No, the Bible is ultimately Jesus's story of humility, but then power...the power of God!
The perfect story, even if we know how it ends...because the best lesson of it all is that the joy in the writing of the story is not even knowing yourself all the things you will experience along the way! The best part is that we are all characters, in a grand story made up of so many plots and subplots, that the human mind cannot begin to comprehend it all. Yet, the author makes this story different from any other story - He gives his characters the ability to choose which ending they want to be a part of. How awesome is that? What is crazy is there are so many people blinded by pride and selfishness, they refuse to be part of the good ending.
So here's the deal...if you don't believe me, at least start reading the story from the beginning. Then give the story a chance. Apply things you learn in the Bible to your life. Apply it to the pain and suffering in the world, and try to see it from more than just one human's point of view; especially from the point of view that we are not the author. Don't be so skeptical just because the rest of the world tells you to. If you do that, and give the story a chance...just like you may have picked up a book, gotten frustrated with how a book started, then picked it up later only to end up loving it - then maybe you will experience the story the same way I have in my life.
I will continue to write stories. I will continue to strive to write my perfect stories, just as we Christians strive to live a Christ-like life, despite knowing we will continuously fall short. But I am excited as I write each story, because I don't know what all will happen along the way. I am going to try to get excited about living life day to day, as I attempt to play my part in the perfect story...won't you join me?
December 17, 2014
What if...
What if this book I have written one day goes viral? What would happen then? What would I do if my debut novel suddenly started spreading, like 'wildfire'? Is that why I wrote the story? In a word - no. But I would gladly take the profits that would eventually come with that.
What if the right movie producer then gets wind of my novel, and wants to make it a movie? What if I strike up the right deal with a screen-writer..or better yet, learn how to screen-write for myself? Is that why I took on this project? Again, I say - no.
What if the book never makes it outside of my circle of friends and family, and a few hundred random people on the internet who downloaded the Kindle version for free? Does that mean I wasted my time? First of all, I am not finished yet. I started this story, and I plan on finishing it. How many books will it take? I don't know...but the more I write, the more I believe I increase my chances for success. Not to mention - I wrote a book! People who knew me when I was little - never would have predicted this guy to be a writer. An artist - maybe...but not an author.
What if my novel just happens to fall into the right person's hands, at the right time...at a time in their life when they are fighting a spiritual battle, and through some miracle they see through the action and craziness in the book and find the underlying meaning to it all? What if they decided to win that spiritual battle that day? Well then, my friends - that is WHY I WROTE the book. That would make it all worth it, right there. Even if I wrote twenty novels...and none of them made it to the big time - if just one person made the decision to turn to Jesus, that would make it all worth it. In the end, if you take out the black mambas, the assassins, the special forces, the CIA, the military, the FBI, Islam - what matters most in the story is the fact that one person makes that decision. So if this story were to have a tiny little impact like that in this great big world, then my very own "Knox Mission" would be complete.
What if the right movie producer then gets wind of my novel, and wants to make it a movie? What if I strike up the right deal with a screen-writer..or better yet, learn how to screen-write for myself? Is that why I took on this project? Again, I say - no.
What if the book never makes it outside of my circle of friends and family, and a few hundred random people on the internet who downloaded the Kindle version for free? Does that mean I wasted my time? First of all, I am not finished yet. I started this story, and I plan on finishing it. How many books will it take? I don't know...but the more I write, the more I believe I increase my chances for success. Not to mention - I wrote a book! People who knew me when I was little - never would have predicted this guy to be a writer. An artist - maybe...but not an author.
What if my novel just happens to fall into the right person's hands, at the right time...at a time in their life when they are fighting a spiritual battle, and through some miracle they see through the action and craziness in the book and find the underlying meaning to it all? What if they decided to win that spiritual battle that day? Well then, my friends - that is WHY I WROTE the book. That would make it all worth it, right there. Even if I wrote twenty novels...and none of them made it to the big time - if just one person made the decision to turn to Jesus, that would make it all worth it. In the end, if you take out the black mambas, the assassins, the special forces, the CIA, the military, the FBI, Islam - what matters most in the story is the fact that one person makes that decision. So if this story were to have a tiny little impact like that in this great big world, then my very own "Knox Mission" would be complete.
December 8, 2014
Black Mambas, crossbows, and syringes - oh my!
Black mambas...crossbows...syringes filled with snake venom - several people have asked me after reading some of my writing, "Where do you come up with this stuff, Jason? You aren't really the violent type." I have had to ask myself that question, especially with my upbringing in the church. I can tell you, I have always had a strange fascination with all the different types of violence in the books I read AND the movies and TV shows I watch.
I mean let's face it - nobody wants to suffer from a violent attack of any sort. But you can't help but wonder: what could I do to someone if they try to hurt me? If you see enough movies over the years, and read enough books, you can mix tricks used by their creators to come up with totally new ways to inflict harm upon imaginary characters. I know this sounds a bit sadistic, but there is just something challenging about writing a story about some way a villain or hero might try to harm some opposing force, and be unique in doing it.
So whether it be getting beat by a baseball bat, or killed by some neuro-toxin injected with a hypodermic needle or snake fangs - you can get the same result by all sorts of means. Ironically it is almost the opposite of the definition of insanity. It is a strange twisted thing to even consider writing about for most Christians, but if you think about it, don't we live in just the sort of world where we have to overcome such things...and sometimes the only way to overcome them - why, turn to God, of course! But hey, that's another story.
I mean let's face it - nobody wants to suffer from a violent attack of any sort. But you can't help but wonder: what could I do to someone if they try to hurt me? If you see enough movies over the years, and read enough books, you can mix tricks used by their creators to come up with totally new ways to inflict harm upon imaginary characters. I know this sounds a bit sadistic, but there is just something challenging about writing a story about some way a villain or hero might try to harm some opposing force, and be unique in doing it.
So whether it be getting beat by a baseball bat, or killed by some neuro-toxin injected with a hypodermic needle or snake fangs - you can get the same result by all sorts of means. Ironically it is almost the opposite of the definition of insanity. It is a strange twisted thing to even consider writing about for most Christians, but if you think about it, don't we live in just the sort of world where we have to overcome such things...and sometimes the only way to overcome them - why, turn to God, of course! But hey, that's another story.
November 30, 2014
Which would you rather have?
November 21, 2014
Would you rather have a father to look up to, who hung the moon, who could do anything, who wants to have a relationship with you, who lets you make mistakes and learn from them, who doesn't control every aspect of your life like you're some puppet on a string, who LOVES you.... or
Would you rather have a father who gives you no choices, who is domineering and inflexible, who cares not about love but about control, who only shows mercy if he feels like it, who stones people when they do wrong, who doesn't want a relationship but your loyalty, who wants not just to surrender, but totally submit to him and his will?
orWe can flip this around. If you were a parent, would you rather have your child look up to you, think you hung the moon, want to have a relationship with you, who makes mistakes and learns from them, who has some freedom to make choices, who loves you... or
Would you rather have your child have no choices, be totally controlled by your will, who has to be controlled, who never receives mercy, who you can stone to death if they make mistakes, who is only loyal to you out of fear and respect, who totally submits to your will?
Maybe I am crazy, but the choice is obvious to me.
Would you rather have a father to look up to, who hung the moon, who could do anything, who wants to have a relationship with you, who lets you make mistakes and learn from them, who doesn't control every aspect of your life like you're some puppet on a string, who LOVES you.... or
Would you rather have a father who gives you no choices, who is domineering and inflexible, who cares not about love but about control, who only shows mercy if he feels like it, who stones people when they do wrong, who doesn't want a relationship but your loyalty, who wants not just to surrender, but totally submit to him and his will?
orWe can flip this around. If you were a parent, would you rather have your child look up to you, think you hung the moon, want to have a relationship with you, who makes mistakes and learns from them, who has some freedom to make choices, who loves you... or
Would you rather have your child have no choices, be totally controlled by your will, who has to be controlled, who never receives mercy, who you can stone to death if they make mistakes, who is only loyal to you out of fear and respect, who totally submits to your will?
Maybe I am crazy, but the choice is obvious to me.
What would you do to protect your family?
November 12, 2014
To what lengths are you willing to go to protect those you love? Ask yourself that question, or ask yourself - what is your limit or line in the sand before you resort to drastic or violent means to resolve a situation? The main character in Misguided never got to answer this question because his family was taken from him, and he had no control over the outcome. But what if you knew someone wanted to harm your family? Would you try at all costs to fight for their safety, regardless of your training or lack thereof? Would you try to meet attackers' demands, or would you fight? This is something I think every 'man of the house' at least ponders at some point in their role as father figure or head of the household. I pray to God I never have to take action to answer this question, but trust me, I have thought about it many times. Me personally - I would use all the tricks in the book. I would use my strength, my size, my training, diversions, whatever it takes - to keep my family. So...what would you do to protect yours?
To what lengths are you willing to go to protect those you love? Ask yourself that question, or ask yourself - what is your limit or line in the sand before you resort to drastic or violent means to resolve a situation? The main character in Misguided never got to answer this question because his family was taken from him, and he had no control over the outcome. But what if you knew someone wanted to harm your family? Would you try at all costs to fight for their safety, regardless of your training or lack thereof? Would you try to meet attackers' demands, or would you fight? This is something I think every 'man of the house' at least ponders at some point in their role as father figure or head of the household. I pray to God I never have to take action to answer this question, but trust me, I have thought about it many times. Me personally - I would use all the tricks in the book. I would use my strength, my size, my training, diversions, whatever it takes - to keep my family. So...what would you do to protect yours?
When Have You Been Misguided?
November 8, 2014
Think about a time when you were misguided. I remember a time in college, when a friend - who will remain anonymous - came up on my dorm hall while intoxicated, and my little brother was in town to visit. This friend at the time was cursing like a sailor, and ignoring the fact that my younger sibling was in plain sight. I let my anger get the best of me that day, and let the anger misguide me toward hating that individual during most of my stay at that school. I learned the error of my ways before graduating, but had been misguided by thinking I could be his judge, when really there is only one true judge over us all.
Think about a time when you were misguided. I remember a time in college, when a friend - who will remain anonymous - came up on my dorm hall while intoxicated, and my little brother was in town to visit. This friend at the time was cursing like a sailor, and ignoring the fact that my younger sibling was in plain sight. I let my anger get the best of me that day, and let the anger misguide me toward hating that individual during most of my stay at that school. I learned the error of my ways before graduating, but had been misguided by thinking I could be his judge, when really there is only one true judge over us all.
November 23, 2009
Spiller, compared to Superman
I wanted to take a moment, and come up with some interesting ways C.J. Spiller could be compared to Superman. I mean let's face it, there is already one of those fun Tigertown Graphics t-shirts out there on the matter, calling CJ Superman. So I thought it would be fun to come up with an actual list of comparisons. So here we go -
1. The most obvious thing I think CJ has in common with Superman is his seemingly inhuman ability to run amazingly fast. I mean let's face it; we all remember in the original Superman movie, when young Clark Kent outruns a speeding locomotive. See Clemson-Miami game, 2009; Spiller ran down the sideline on a kick-off return and was clocked at an astounding 28.8 miles per hour! Folks, Jessie Owens, a world-class sprinter in the Olympics during the 1930's topped out at around 27 mph. Spiller was wearing football pads!
2. Flying - So CJ can't fly through the air...but he has had some crazy highlight reels where he flew through the air over a couple of defenders, or faked some guys out of their shoes, and then of course flies along the ground with his awesome speed.
3. Super Strength; Look, CJ Spiller is only 5' 11", and 195 pounds. Yet there have been times when his smaller frame has moved mountains of linemen and linebackers that one extra yard that was needed for a first down. Now, Spiller may not have been able to do this his first two years, but he has developed into a very strong athlete.
4. Kryptonite - At least during Spiller's senior season, his Kryptonite was the nagging Toe injury that plagued him every game of the season...yet just like Superman, he was somehow able to overcome, and provide the Clemson nation with unbelievable Youtube footage that will not soon be forgotten, game, after game, after game!
5. American - What could be more American than a kid who is blessed with talent, and came from a little family in Florida, went against the grain and against all his family and friends and decided to follow his heart because it just felt right? The most fitting picture was when CJ Spiller crested the top of the Hill at Death Valley, holding the American flag for Military Appreciation Day. Remember in Superman, when the Man of Steel carried the American flag (only it was on a large metal flag pole; not the small stick Spiller carried).
So, CJ Spiller might not have superhuman powers, and he does not have x-ray vision, nor can he lift an actual mountain. But I still thought it would be fun to compare Clemson's superman to the famous fictional character.
1. The most obvious thing I think CJ has in common with Superman is his seemingly inhuman ability to run amazingly fast. I mean let's face it; we all remember in the original Superman movie, when young Clark Kent outruns a speeding locomotive. See Clemson-Miami game, 2009; Spiller ran down the sideline on a kick-off return and was clocked at an astounding 28.8 miles per hour! Folks, Jessie Owens, a world-class sprinter in the Olympics during the 1930's topped out at around 27 mph. Spiller was wearing football pads!
2. Flying - So CJ can't fly through the air...but he has had some crazy highlight reels where he flew through the air over a couple of defenders, or faked some guys out of their shoes, and then of course flies along the ground with his awesome speed.
3. Super Strength; Look, CJ Spiller is only 5' 11", and 195 pounds. Yet there have been times when his smaller frame has moved mountains of linemen and linebackers that one extra yard that was needed for a first down. Now, Spiller may not have been able to do this his first two years, but he has developed into a very strong athlete.
4. Kryptonite - At least during Spiller's senior season, his Kryptonite was the nagging Toe injury that plagued him every game of the season...yet just like Superman, he was somehow able to overcome, and provide the Clemson nation with unbelievable Youtube footage that will not soon be forgotten, game, after game, after game!
5. American - What could be more American than a kid who is blessed with talent, and came from a little family in Florida, went against the grain and against all his family and friends and decided to follow his heart because it just felt right? The most fitting picture was when CJ Spiller crested the top of the Hill at Death Valley, holding the American flag for Military Appreciation Day. Remember in Superman, when the Man of Steel carried the American flag (only it was on a large metal flag pole; not the small stick Spiller carried).
So, CJ Spiller might not have superhuman powers, and he does not have x-ray vision, nor can he lift an actual mountain. But I still thought it would be fun to compare Clemson's superman to the famous fictional character.
November 18, 2009
They only come around once in a lifetime...
Sure, for fans of schools like Southern Cal, or Florida, or Oklahoma, it happens a little more often. But at a school like Clemson, players like CJ Spiller only come around once in a lifetime. I have seen Michael Jordan play basketball in person, and that night, he scored 28 points. This was when he was a Washington Wizard, but I can say that I got to see MJ play. Although LeBron James is great, and even Jordanesque, there will never be another Michael Jordan. Well, to Clemson fans, CJ Spiller should be your Michael Jordan. Sure, James Davis was pretty good, and Clemson has had some other exciting players like Woody Danzler. But no player that I can remember in my lifetime was as big a threat to score from any point on the field as Spiller. Personally, I am glad my son is getting to see Spiller pull off such a senior season on the football field. CJ Spiller can catch a kick-off and go the distance, scoot around a key block on a basic draw play and break off a 70 yard run, run a wheel route and run 60 yards on a pass play, and even throw touchdown passes! These are things you just don't hear about other players - ANYWHERE! Not only is he a scoring machine and a human highlight reel - but he moves faster than most four legged animals! To be fully dressed in full football pads, and still be clocked running 28.8 mph is rediculous. I have never seen a college football player force so many tacklers to miss him like Spiller. The best replay I have ever watched of him is when he fakes two Georgia Tech defenders out, one right after the other, using the same move twice, just in oppostie directions. The young man is absolutely breath-taking to watch in action. The only bad thing about him is you only have a few seconds to see him in action. Once he scores, it is almost like it never happened because it happened so fast. Fortunately for us, we have the wonderful invention of You-tube. I know not many people will read this, if anyone; but I can say I am truly glad I got to be part of this season, watching one of the best college football players ever. Earlier this season, I took my son to Fan Appreciation Day. He got a small orange football signed by CJ. Spiller put his signature right across the big white tiger paw on the ball. When my little son got his ball back, I got down next to him and told him, "Son, you better hold onto that ball for a long, long time." He simply replied and said, "Why, Dad?" I just said, "Because, son, players like CJ - they only come around once in a lifetime."
October 8, 2008
Football
Well, if any Greenville High people who went to school with me read this, they will tell you that I did not play football in high school. Actually I was a huge football fan in high school, but I didn't really get into it until my little brother began playing when he got to the seventh grade. He started out playing rec league football for the Mauldin Mavericks, and it turned out that he was pretty good. His coaches had him playing every position on the field! Now I have always been my brother's biggest fan, but I also have a very addictive personality. So when I started going to his games, my late blooming obsession with football got worse from there. When I got to college, I finally started to put on some pounds and fill out a little bit. Next thing I know, I am being asked to play intramural flag football and be on the offensive and defensive line. I was thinking "Sure, what could it hurt - it's flag football." Well, there was my first mistake. I wasn't too clear on the rules when we first started playing; I thought it would be like flag football in high school PE - Boy was I wrong! It turned out that the rules allowed full contact on the line of scrimmage...and we even had a "Hit Zone" designated in a three yard wide area all the way down each sideline of the field! I will never forget lining up for the first play, and I was supposed to block just one guy in front of me. His name was Aaron and he played on the baseball team for Erskine; his nickname was "A-train". Well, let's just say the ball was snapped, and he simply ran me down like a train zipping through fog. He was aptly named. Fortunately, the play was a run play going the other way, but I definitely caught the "A-train" that night. He pulled me up after the play, slapped me on the rear, and said,"You ain't no fortress yet, kid!" That would turn out to be my nickname later, but not before I put on twenty pounds of muscle. So, although I enjoyed the rugby style flag football, and it toughened me up a bit, I still had to have a taste of tackle football every Thursday or Friday from then on. I would make special trips just to see my kid brother play rec ball, and become an "A-train" himself, knocking people down and causing snot bubbles to appear in their face masks. After my fill of those games, the chance to go to Clemson games came every so often, and of course I jumped at the chance to go if I was invited. Whatever girl I was dating at the time had to give in to the Ever-Precious football schedule, which usually took precedent over any other boyfriend-girlfriend outing, or even the eventual fiancee-related events/ dates. So college went by, and as I kept getting bigger in the weight room, my little brother got bigger as well. So I got to still play our rough-and-tumble "flag" football, and my brother Adam got into high school football for Greenville High. While he was getting better and seeing some good playing time for varsity at a young age, I was getting more acquainted with the weight room and actually began personal training for the YMCA right out of college. I also got to coach some basketball and baseball. Eventually, my brother graduated with a pretty good high school football career. Although this left a small void in my yearly obsession, I still attended Greenville games. I also read up a lot on the game; studied books on the fundamentals of the game. Then one Friday night late in the season a year after my brother played, the team doctor and I got into a conversation, and he found out I had been personal training, and he saw what a good repoir I had with some of my brother's friends. He told me I should talk to the Coach about a job with the football team, as a strength coach or something. So I did at the end of that season...and before I knew it, I was coaching C-team players on the offensive line, and varsity players in the weightroom. Now although this doesn't sound like much to a lot of people, it was everything to me. Because like I said, people who went to high school will tell you... I was the skinny runt in school who never would have made it on the football field. So, to sum things up, a true football player, I am not, nor ever have been. But I still feel more connected to the sport of football than any other, and the funny thing about it is I owe it all to my little brother. Thanks, bro!
