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Childhood
Katie lived a lonely childhood, her after school time filled with responsibilities to her father and special needs brother. Her chores prevented her from experiencing the carefree life her peers, including Joey, her neighbor and secret crush, lived. She began running to impress Joey, then discovered track as a possible way out of the small town of Nortonville, Tennessee. But as the promise of a college scholarship drew her closer to the escape she had dreamed about since childhood, she wondered why she didn't feel better. What was missing?
Childhood is the novelette prequel to Fatherhood, a full-length novel about abortion from the father's point of view.
Childhood is the novelette prequel to Fatherhood, a full-length novel about abortion from the father's point of view.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2019
5 people want to read
About the author
Greg Schaffer
8 books50 followersI am a Christian, husband, father (to rescue dogs), veteran, and information security executive consultant. My novels include Forgiveness (2014), Leaving Darkness (2018), and Fatherhood (in progress, planned for 2024 release). I also have published Summer’s Drowning (2013), a collection of poems, and From the Loft (2017), a collection of horse-humor articles.
I wrote my first novel (unpublished) in high school. It sits in some nondescript box in my basement in its original form on various types of ruled paper. Perhaps one day I will resurrect it.
I began work on what would eventually become Forgiveness in 1991 as a method to deal with my divorce. I found myself fantasizing about “what if” scenarios. What if we hadn’t married early? What could I have done differently to prevent the pain I struggled with daily? I needed to live that fantasy, at least through writing. I wrote in the basement wood-paneled bedroom of my post-divorce house I shared with three others, I wrote during lunch at work in my cubicle, and anywhere I could find a few free minutes away from the world.
The positive reactions to Forgiveness urged me to create a prequel focused on one mysterious character. With Temptations of the Innocent, I created such a complicated world comprising of this life and a fictionalized (certainly not Biblically based) version of the afterlife. I didn’t stop there, adding in an antagonist who is pure evil (if not the devil himself) and a Soviet plot to infiltrate the Catholic church. This title is currently not available as I retool it as Before Forgiveness.
In January of 2017, I received a God nudge to pick up the pen again. I sketched out a three-act story on a piece of paper that would tell the story of healing through small group ministries. I had at that time been involved with one such ministry for several years and was very passionate about it, having seen firsthand the positive changes this eight-week group had on people willing to change. Leaving Darkness was published in the fall of 2018.
My work in progress is Fatherhood, a story about abortion from the father’s point of view.
Web https://secondchancebook.org/
Twitter https://twitter.com/newtnoise
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gregschaffer...
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gregschaffe...
Email greg.schaffer@secondchancebook.org
I wrote my first novel (unpublished) in high school. It sits in some nondescript box in my basement in its original form on various types of ruled paper. Perhaps one day I will resurrect it.
I began work on what would eventually become Forgiveness in 1991 as a method to deal with my divorce. I found myself fantasizing about “what if” scenarios. What if we hadn’t married early? What could I have done differently to prevent the pain I struggled with daily? I needed to live that fantasy, at least through writing. I wrote in the basement wood-paneled bedroom of my post-divorce house I shared with three others, I wrote during lunch at work in my cubicle, and anywhere I could find a few free minutes away from the world.
The positive reactions to Forgiveness urged me to create a prequel focused on one mysterious character. With Temptations of the Innocent, I created such a complicated world comprising of this life and a fictionalized (certainly not Biblically based) version of the afterlife. I didn’t stop there, adding in an antagonist who is pure evil (if not the devil himself) and a Soviet plot to infiltrate the Catholic church. This title is currently not available as I retool it as Before Forgiveness.
In January of 2017, I received a God nudge to pick up the pen again. I sketched out a three-act story on a piece of paper that would tell the story of healing through small group ministries. I had at that time been involved with one such ministry for several years and was very passionate about it, having seen firsthand the positive changes this eight-week group had on people willing to change. Leaving Darkness was published in the fall of 2018.
My work in progress is Fatherhood, a story about abortion from the father’s point of view.
Web https://secondchancebook.org/
Twitter https://twitter.com/newtnoise
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gregschaffer...
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gregschaffe...
Email greg.schaffer@secondchancebook.org
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 16, 2020
My Thoughts on Childhood:
This story was very good. It’s very short and a prequel to Fatherhood. Fatherhood delves into the father’s rights and point of view in the case of abortion.
There were definitely points of this short story that I could relate to. I had a childhood somewhat similar to this. While friends did swim lessons and learned to play sports I stayed home with my mom and two older brothers. My two older brothers are twins and have cerebral palsy. We were poor and my dad worked two jobs while going to college. So, I can remember helping do my brothers physical therapy(which I loved doing and I also wanted to become a physical therapist).
Life in my home was far from normal. But it was full of love!
I really enjoyed this short story and now am looking forward to reading Fatherhood. The author has a wonderful way of writing that draws you in and makes you feel connected to the characters. Highly recommend that you read this book as I feel everyone could relate and enjoy it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This story was very good. It’s very short and a prequel to Fatherhood. Fatherhood delves into the father’s rights and point of view in the case of abortion.
There were definitely points of this short story that I could relate to. I had a childhood somewhat similar to this. While friends did swim lessons and learned to play sports I stayed home with my mom and two older brothers. My two older brothers are twins and have cerebral palsy. We were poor and my dad worked two jobs while going to college. So, I can remember helping do my brothers physical therapy(which I loved doing and I also wanted to become a physical therapist).
Life in my home was far from normal. But it was full of love!
I really enjoyed this short story and now am looking forward to reading Fatherhood. The author has a wonderful way of writing that draws you in and makes you feel connected to the characters. Highly recommend that you read this book as I feel everyone could relate and enjoy it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
February 13, 2020
Katie Whetley is ten years old when we first meet her and Childhood deals with her life over the next nine years. Even as a fourth-grader Katie has adult responsibilites: after school she is expected to help her father and also care for a younger brother who has special needs. From the beginning we know that Katie has a crush on her neighbor Joey and she feels like she has no friends. A friendship between Katie and Joey deepens over the years but Katie, still hiding her secret crush, must deal with his romantic relationship with her now best friend Lynn.
This is a very short book, only 66 pages long, so there are only brief glimpses of Katie, Joey, and Lynn during their journey to adulthood. I really like Katie and Joey but Lynn's character changes and it is unclear why. Childhood is definitely a teaser for what is ahead in Greg Schaffer's next book, Fatherhood, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Katie, Joey, and Lynn.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but a favorable review was not required. These are my own thoughts.
This is a very short book, only 66 pages long, so there are only brief glimpses of Katie, Joey, and Lynn during their journey to adulthood. I really like Katie and Joey but Lynn's character changes and it is unclear why. Childhood is definitely a teaser for what is ahead in Greg Schaffer's next book, Fatherhood, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Katie, Joey, and Lynn.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but a favorable review was not required. These are my own thoughts.
February 11, 2020
I’m not really sure how to review this very short story. I felt like I was missing something and started the book in the middle. Katie is a like able character with problems that most young girls have. Her attraction to a boy is one of the main topics in the book. Katie does focus on wanting to be popular in school and running becomes a passion for her. I liked the little bit we know about her life on the farm. I wondered why she seemed to want to leave home so badly. Perhaps doing chores and helping care for her brother prevents her from being more social. One thing I did like was the lesson on being content where God has you. I am interested to read the book Fatherhood which will explain more about Katie and her family.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
February 21, 2020
There is a lot of action and storyline packed into this short 66 page book. We are introduced to Katie at the age of 10 and watched her grow through the book. Katie yearns to have a normal childhood, but many factors have prevented her from doing so, including taking care of her Special Needs brother. She has always has a liking for the neighbor boy, Joey, As a teen, she takes up running, not only to impress Joey, but to possibly win a scholarship. Will Katie and Joey form a relationship? Will Katie get the "Childhood" she so yearns for? I can tell you that this book is that has lots going on, is a quick read and one that I didn't put down as the storyline was VERY intriguing!
Childhood is the prequel to a book upcoming, Fatherhood. I am VERY much looking forward to reading Fatherhood when it is released and I hope it is a GREAT as this book is!!
Childhood is the prequel to a book upcoming, Fatherhood. I am VERY much looking forward to reading Fatherhood when it is released and I hope it is a GREAT as this book is!!
February 24, 2020
What Makes a Story Too Short to Be Great?
Although I knew this was a “novelette” and a prequel, I didn’t expect it to feel so incomplete. The story could be an interesting one, but as it is, it reads as a series of connected vignettes in a young girl’s life.
The writing is strong, characterization well-done, and aside from a couple of typos, it’s a pretty clean copy; however, reading the entire book in italics means that you can’t tell narrative from internal monologue–until it just switches into present tense out of nowhere. That was the most frustrating part aside from the length.
I’ll answer my own question. Because the story doesn’t have a strong opening, middle, and close, Childhood feels incomplete, rushed, and jumbled. All that said, I am interested in the book that is to follow. I suspect I’ll like that one much more.
Although I knew this was a “novelette” and a prequel, I didn’t expect it to feel so incomplete. The story could be an interesting one, but as it is, it reads as a series of connected vignettes in a young girl’s life.
The writing is strong, characterization well-done, and aside from a couple of typos, it’s a pretty clean copy; however, reading the entire book in italics means that you can’t tell narrative from internal monologue–until it just switches into present tense out of nowhere. That was the most frustrating part aside from the length.
I’ll answer my own question. Because the story doesn’t have a strong opening, middle, and close, Childhood feels incomplete, rushed, and jumbled. All that said, I am interested in the book that is to follow. I suspect I’ll like that one much more.
January 7, 2020
This was a very short novelette, prequel to Fatherhood. I enjoyed it, but it was a quick read. I grew to really like Katie and Joey, and at first really liked Lynn; however, she seemed to change from the sweet girl in elementary school to a jaded girl in later high school and college years. Maybe Fatherhood will explain why the change for us. Having read the back blurb for Fatherhood, I’m curious about the storyline and feeling invested with the characters from this short novelette, I’m intrigued and can’t wait to read the “rest of the story.” This author is new to me but I liked his tone, style and he drew me into wanting to read more.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
February 14, 2020
"Childhood" by Greg Schaffer is a very short book, only 66 pages. I'm disappointed that it isn't longer. I can understand the ending, it is a cliff hangar but it feels like some much is left out. Katie is a likable young girl and what's what other girls wants. Her attraction to a boy is the main focus and she starts running too get a scholarship. I wondered why she wants to leave home so much as she seems to love her little brother Evan. What little, there was to this book , did keep me turning the pages.
"I am wanting to read "Fatherhood" which I hope will answer my questions and wondering.
I received a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
"I am wanting to read "Fatherhood" which I hope will answer my questions and wondering.
I received a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
February 22, 2020
In Childhood, we are able to see into the “beginning of the story” so to speak, and see where the main characters in Greg Schaffer’s upcoming full length novel Fatherhood are coming from. I like the fact that we see into the backgrounds - a lot of times when we don’t know the background of someone, we are quick to judge rather than feel compassion. I’m looking forward to reading Farherhood when it comes out!
May 11, 2020
Childhood is the prequel to Greg Schaffer’s novel Fatherhood. It helps illustrate how some children are unable to have a “normal” childhood because of circumstances. Childhood tells the story of Katie, her best friend Joey, and her other friend Lynn.
All Katie wants to do is to leave the farm she has grown up on with her father and her brother. In some ways this book seemed very disjointed to me because it jumped from year to year without a continuous flow. Only bits and pieces of Katie’s life are explained. As a prequel, it only makes sense to read this book if you are going to read Fatherhood as well. There is some language in the book that I could do without easily. Also, the book touches on the topic of abortion.
Also, I felt the ending was very abrupt but I attribute that to the fact this is only a prequel designed to make you want to read Fatherhood. I have to say I did not like Lynn. I felt she was manipulative and petty. But I recommend checking this book out for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
All Katie wants to do is to leave the farm she has grown up on with her father and her brother. In some ways this book seemed very disjointed to me because it jumped from year to year without a continuous flow. Only bits and pieces of Katie’s life are explained. As a prequel, it only makes sense to read this book if you are going to read Fatherhood as well. There is some language in the book that I could do without easily. Also, the book touches on the topic of abortion.
Also, I felt the ending was very abrupt but I attribute that to the fact this is only a prequel designed to make you want to read Fatherhood. I have to say I did not like Lynn. I felt she was manipulative and petty. But I recommend checking this book out for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews