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Stunning covers by Uvi Poznansky, And an article on vernacular dialog in Biblical lust!
Those covers are very attractive indeed, and David is an intriguing figure to write a novel about.
Matt wrote: "Those covers are very attractive indeed, and David is an intriguing figure to write a novel about."Oh thank you Matt! Indeed, he is a fascinating figure, with so many internal contrasts to build upon. I am writing the third volume in the trilogy as we speak, and at the same time working with a wonderful narrator for the audiobook edition of the second volume, A Peek at Bathsheba.
So exciting! Producing the audiobook edition of A Peek at Bathsheba is quickly coming to its completion! This is a sweet moment for me, and a sad one too, because I would miss working with my wonderful narrator, Justin Harmer, who has truly become David, and every one of his wives and enemies. To read more click here:
This is a sweet moment for me and a sad one
Mod
Back when audio books were generally only made for the use of blind people, I discovered that my books were available on audiotape because my mother, who had a connection to the training school for blind people, told me she liked sitting on the porch with her eyes closes and letting my books flow over her in the mellow voice of the actor who read them.
Andre Jute wrote: "Congratulations, Uvi. Back when audio books were generally only made for the use of blind people, I discovered that my books were available on audiotape because my mother, who had a connection to..."
Aw... This is truly touching, on so many levels, Andre! You took her to a different place, with the voice of your actor!
Oh, and thank you so much for the good wishes :)
Hope you had a great Halloween, everyone! Like to dress up in costumes, or to strike a funny pose? You've come to the right place! Here is Bathsheba Bathing, a lovely oil painting painting by Paolo Veronese, showing king David approaching her with a proposition in mind... I invite you to step into the scene, and help the action along! Here's how:
Come join David and Bathsheba in the royal gardens
My book, A Peek at Bathsheba (narrated by Justin Harmer) includes a sighting of Bathsheba at mouth of a cave, located just above the Kidron valley, near Jerusalem. I was inspired to paint the scene. My watercolor is homage to A Woman Bathing in a Stream, painted in 1655 by Rembrandt, immediately after he painted Bathsheba at Her Bath. To read more click here:
Cover reveal for A Peek at Bathsheba (audiobook edition)
Mod
Andre Jute wrote: "I think I understand how you came to your title, Uvi, but I did wonder when I first saw your watercolour on the book cover why you didn't call the book Bathsheba at Her Bath, exactly because of the..."Andre, thank you for giving thought to the title. The title you suggested is good, but it does not convey the forbidden element in seeing her at this private moment of bathing. Similarly 'Susanna at her bath' does not convey the awkward nature of the elders who are peeping at her, in the famous depictions of Susanna and the elders.
The book is about the peek at her, and the costly consequences of that moment of temptation, which resulting in sending her husband to his death.
Also, the book is written in David's voice, and if you take a look at the trilogy as a whole, it expresses his character from childhood to old age. You see him maturing, losing the delightfully naughty attitude and becoming more philosophical later in life. He is in love with Bathsheba, but she is one of several wives. The affair with her marks a point in his life, after which he starts to decline.
At the height of the lunar cycle, when the moon grows full once again, I give in to temptation. I go out onto the roof, where I hope, in vain, to catch a glimpse of her. And just as I start agonizing, asking myself how long can our secret be kept silent, an interruption occurs. My bodyguard, Benaiah, comes out. I want to believe that he knows nothing about me except what orders I give him, and how I want them obeyed.
When he comes to a stand near me I spot a note in his hand. I recognize it: this is the same little papyrus scroll I sent with him that first time, a month ago, but she must have sealed it anew.
I break the seal and then, then I stare at the unfurled thing, utterly speechless. It takes just three words to get me into this state.
In long, elegant glyphs, Bathsheba has written, simply, “I am pregnant.”
David in A Peek at Bathsheba
The correspondence between David and Bathsheba is the invention of artists, whose mind was tickled to imagine how the two lovers communicated to try and prevent a public scandal. Here is the work of two great artists, Rembrandt's Bathsheba at her bath, and Picasso's version based on Rembrandt's. Compare how he makes Bathsheba lean forward, emphasizing her keen attention to the letter, and how he plays with the patterns so that the entire space is abuzz with energy.
Rembrandt, Bathsheba at her bath
Picasso, Bathsheba at her bath
Volume II of The David Chronicles trilogy:
A Peek at Bathsheba
★ Ebook ★ Print ★
Mod
Andre Jute wrote: "Yes, that's what I concluded, that the neutral "at her bath" doesn't even hint at the illicit element. It's an education already, just knowing you, Uvi."Aw... Thank you so much Andre! I so enjoy this exchange!
Perhaps it is the smell of blood, together with the sense of mystery, that bring to my mind the dangers lurking ahead—not just on this journey, and not just in my generation, but in generations to come. Somehow I foresee, right here and now, how our offspring will be lead, powerless, to the brink of extinction. I shudder to see the calf, held with a knife to its throat, fall to its knees before the sacrifice. Sharply has its last bleat died down.
Then it is placed on the bronze altar, and carefully arranged into position between all the odd implements: the pails for removing ashes, and the shovels and basins and forks and fire pans and the utensils of bronze. In a flash, its body is completely consumed by fire. Nothing but ash remains.
This burnt offering is a vision of our future.
This calf is us.
I feel an overwhelming sadness, and to escape its grip I begin to dance. I dance because this is our moment, because the future is faraway and the dangers it holds are still obscure. With enough joy, enough energy in all of us, perhaps we can change its course.
Denial is bliss.
I give it everything I have. I dance with abandon. I dance with all my might.
As we come near the walls of the city I hear shouts, cheers, and the sound of trumpets, which spurs me to cry out, to sing. And as I am singing, the gates open before me.
David in A Peek at Bathsheba
To read more, see beautiful art, and listen to the narration click here:
Dancing with all his might
Mod
Andre Jute wrote: "Justin Harmer reads better than well, he reads passionately. The interesting thing is, reading a passage silently at the speedreading pace the modern educated professional cannot break himself of, ..."I agree entirely with everything you've said about this amazing performance. I am truly blessed to have found Justin! And, I'm writing the third volume, The Edge of Revolt, so that Justin can go on almost without a break, to be David and the entire cast.
I invite you to read this fascinating article, written by Justin Harmer, the gifted narrator of my novel A Peek at Bathsheba. Like my legendary character David, Justin is a prolific poet and musician (playing the harp, among other instruments.) If, like me, you are curious about the process of blowing life into story, by delving into your soul, deep inside, to find the truth at the heart of the characters, then check this out:As to the bedroom scene with Bathsheba... Lord, forgive me the sins of my youth!
My announcement of the day is this: Yay!!!!!!!The audiobook edition of A Peek at Bathsheba, narrated by Justin Harmer, has just gone live!!!!
Take a listen, I promise you will love it:
Wrapped in a long, flowing fabric that creates countless folds around her curves, she loosens just the top of it and lets it slide off her head—only to reveal a blush, and mischievous glint, shining in her eye. It is over that sparkle that I catch a sudden reflection, coming from the back window, of a full moon. Looking left, right, and down the staircase, to make sure no one is lurking outside my chamber door, I let her in. Then I lock it behind her, so no one may intrude upon us.
To read more, and listen to the beautiful narration click here:
It must be great to make your own art. I loved your covers when Andre put them up on his blog and at IAI.
Dakota wrote: "It must be great to make your own art. I loved your covers when Andre put them up on his blog and at IAI."Yes Dakota, it is great, and it makes me feel that my creations have sprung to life in all their senses.
Great to hear from you!
“I have no secrets from you,” I say, brazenly. “Perhaps I should have.”He seethes at me. “Behind my back, you’ve been bold enough to entertain the worst of my enemies, the one who has the blood of my brother, Asahel, on his hands.”
To read more & listen to the beautiful narration by Justin Harmer, click here:
Behind my back, you’ve been bold enough to entertain the worst of my enemies
Uvi wrote: "I try to comfort her, but she seems to be far away, locked in her own grief. I raise her to her feet and carry her—all the way up the long, circular staircase—into my chamber. Kissing her I taste t..."Thank you so much for sharing such passion with us, Uvi. It must be a special pleasure for you to be able to illustrate your own work so well, and to have found such a sympathetic reader.
Dakota wrote: "Uvi wrote: "I try to comfort her, but she seems to be far away, locked in her own grief. I raise her to her feet and carry her—all the way up the long, circular staircase—into my chamber. Kissing h..."Oh thank you Dakota! As for the reader, Justin Harmer, he approached me (I'm very lucky that way) and as soon as I heard his audition I knew he was my David!
My announcement of the day: The Edge of Revolt is available for preorder! The third volume of the trilogy The David Chronicles will be released on December 19, 2014, just in time for the holidays. I am designing the cover as we speak, but for now, you can already see the title page--
To read more click here:
My announcement of the say: The Edge of Revolt is here
The cover art for my new novel, The Edge of Revolt, is my watercolor painting inspired by a quick charcoal sketch which I have drawn while listening to music--several pieces of music, each with a different rhythm and mood, reflected here. I imagined that these rhythms are taking me to a magical landscape, which I am yet to explore--To read more, click here:
Cover reveal for The Edge of Revolt
Mod
Andre Jute wrote: "This is fascinating. Thank you for sharing with us, Uvi."Oh it's my pleasure, Andre :)
CK Webb is an author of thriller books, a book reviewer, and the host of WebbWeaver Books, Where our favorite authors read their books for you and clothing is 100% optional!. What a joy it is to come on her radio show, to talk about my trilogy, The David Chronicles, and the just released third volume, The Edge of Revolt!Come listen for my radio interview with Cassidy Webb:
Where favorite authors read their books for you and clothing is 100% optional
I try to comfort her, but she seems to be far away, locked in her own grief. I raise her to her feet and carry her—all the way up the long, circular staircase—into my chamber. Kissing her I taste the salt of her tears. I smell the sweet fragrance of her milk. Then I make love to her--
I raise her to her feet and carry her—all the way up the staircase—into my chamber
I am so glad for this review, written by Dolores Ayotte, author of A Woman's Voice (and other self-help books) who is a great inspirational writer and one of the best reviewers on Amazon. This is what she said about The Edge of Revolt:★★★★★ The Final Outcome..., December 14, 2014
By Dolores Ayotte (Winnipeg, Manitoba) - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Edge of Revolt (The David Chronicles Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
The Edge of Revolt (The David Chronicles Book 3) by Author Uvi Poznansky
I have experienced the rare opportunity to get to really know a Bible character, warts and all. It would seem that King David had his fair share of them if one were to embrace this author's microscopic view of a powerful man's life in ancient times. In the author's own words..."It's amazing to be in the skin of the character from childhood to old age." My sentiments exactly...a great read indeed! I am an author myself and with each novel I read by Ms. Poznansky, she continues to inspire me to be a better one.
The Prologue sets the pace for the elderly and frail King David. Strongly advised by Bathsheba to choose an heir to the throne before the possibility of unnecessary rivalry results between his eldest living son Adoniah by Haggith, and his youngest son Solomon by Bathsheba, is a decision King David is slow to make. After all...he is still King as he proclaims to Bathsheba when she confronts him yet again.
The poignant presentation in the chronicles of King David as depicted by Author Uvi Poznansky and the endless possibilities of how he conducts the last years of his life, stand out in a very profound way. This talented author has both the skill and the courage to dig deeper into King David's psyche and portray his supposed indecisive character in a mesmerizing way. In doing so, Ms. Poznansky adeptly manages to give him a present day voice combined with a very human, and oftentimes, fragile persona. He seems to be a man with many weaknesses and numerous lustful cravings. This is clearly demonstrated by his several wives and his need for young concubines to frequent his bed and satisfy his sexual cravings. This, now much older King, does not compare to the young, down-to-earth, brave commoner that slayed Goliath. Uncomfortable with the knowledge that his eldest son Amnon follows in his path when it comes to his lustful nature, King David closes his mind to the rumors he hears. Now, emotionally torn by the rape of his daughter... virginal fourteen year old Tamar, defiled by half-brother Amnon, King David lacks the strength and wisdom to effectively deal with this heinous crime. Absalom, Tamar's full brother and Amnon's half-brother, is at his wits end and loses all respect for his father. After much deliberation, frustrating indecision and endless waiting, Absalom decides to take matters into his own hands...
"The Edge of Revolt" is the third and final installment in the Chronicle of David Series. As previously stated, I have read and reviewed the other two but Book 3 is my favorite thus far. It is penned by the same gifted author....well-written in Author Uvi Poznansky's unique and captivating style. However, it offers closure to the life and eventual death of King David. He has led a ponderous life, a gifted psalmist...filling up scroll after scroll, yet persecuted by the realization of his own humanity and need for redemption. Haunted by his love for Bathsheba, the taking of her when she was married to Uriah, and his subsequent act of perpetuating Uriah's murder on the battlefield clearly demonstrates one of the many reasons for the spiritual and emotional turmoil in King David's life. Will he ever find the peace of mind he so deeply desires before his death...?
Mod
Andre Jute wrote: "That's a meaty review! I like that sort. There's a view extant that the short, snappy review, a couple of lines, does the author more good. Maybe in the short term, but in the longer term the thoro..."I agree with you, Andre, that there is an art to writing good reviews, reviews that inform the reader and offer a taste of what the book is about. I like both 'short and sweet' reviews and this meaty variety. In fact I cherish every review (even though some of my books have over a hundred of them) because they are a point of contact with the reader, and give me an insight of how he or she takes to my writing.
Uvi wrote: "Andre Jute wrote: "That's a meaty review! I like that sort. There's a view extant that the short, snappy review, a couple of lines, does the author more good. Maybe in the short term, but in the lo..."There is indeed an art to writing reviews, or at least to writing well considered, intelligent and helpful reviews. It takes time and good intentions to develop those skills. I'm not sure that many authors appreciate that; it's too easy to get caught on the criticism such a review may include.
Tahlia wrote: "Uvi wrote: "Andre Jute wrote: "That's a meaty review! I like that sort. There's a view extant that the short, snappy review, a couple of lines, does the author more good. Maybe in the short term, b..."So true, Tahlia! I appreciate ALL the reviews I get--the good and the bad--because they are a point of contact with my readers, and sheds light on how the book affected them. It's the beginning of a conversation, too.
When wind raged around me I would whisper words into it. When it died down I would hum a melody. In my loneliness I would listen to the echoes rolling back from the hills, singing with me. Even though I walk... Through the darkest valley... I will fear no evil... For you are with me--To read more click here:
When wind raged around me I would whisper words into it
Uvi wrote: "So true, Tahlia! I appreciate ALL the reviews I get--the good and the bad--because they are a point of contact with my readers, and sheds light on how the book affected them. It's the beginning of a conversation, too."Sometimes a bad review actually gets you sales. Somebody gave me a two star review for Defenders of Valinthia on Amazon, complaining that magic was picking on science, making it not worth the time to read. However, there was a nice dose of downloads in the following month after that review, the only two star among the 4's and 5's, because some readers actually liked the idea of magic kicking science in the rear.
So even the not-so-good reviews can have a nice selling point for those who are taking a look-see at the writing. ^_^
Mod
Daniel wrote: "Uvi wrote: "So true, Tahlia! I appreciate ALL the reviews I get--the good and the bad--because they are a point of contact with my readers, and sheds light on how the book affected them. It's the b..."How interesting, Daniel! And so true, Andre! I think that it also draws reader to compare the reviews and try to understand the discrepancy between the ratings. Some books provoke thought in usual ways, so readers may respond in opposite ways depending of where they are coming from.
Mod
Andre Jute wrote: "Wow, I've always said novelists don't have to invent plots, they can just raid the Old Testament, but would be stunning stuff even if your characters like in Asheville, world capital of redneck inc..."You're so right, Andre! These are such universal and at the same time personal challenges to overcome, and it's such an adventure watching your characters do it...
Tales around a fire. That’s how it started… the oral tradition, the first way knowledge was stored and transmitted.Thousands of years later, we’ve rediscovered the power and presence of the human voice in the telling of new tales. Digital technology has made the recording and delivery of high-quality audio narration both convenient and affordable. Now storytellers everywhere are lifting their words from the page (or pixel) and breathing new life into their tales through audio fiction podcasts and audiobooks.
Translating a written tale into an audio presentation has unique rewards and challenges… and that’s the terrain we set out explore on this Roundtable Dialogue episode.
Facilitated by Dave Robinson, here is an inspiring conversation between Tom Barczak, Walter Rhein, Janet and Chris Morris and yours truly. This is a panel of astonishing artists and storytellers who have expressed their tales beautifully in both formats. Together, we set out to examine this old/new art form, sharing observations and insights to better understand the new oral tradition.
Click and take a listen: Audiobooks, the new Oral tradition.
Mod
Another author in Cookie's giveaway has just taken part in a powerful exploration of audiobooks, the new medium of mythology. Check it out, then go to Cookie's and enter for one of Uvi's books. http://www.roundtablepodcast.com/2014...
Andre Jute wrote: "Powerful stuff, Uvi. The new mythos."Oh thank you Andre! And yes, it is powerful...
I am so thrilled to discover such an eloquent review, written by a Top 500 Amazon Reviewer! Here is what Dii wrote, on her great review blog and on Amazon, for of my novel, The Edge of Revolt:★★★★★ The Imperfect Life of an Imperfect Ruler-Magnetic Reading, January 1, 2015
By Dii (Florida) (TOP 500 REVIEWER)
This review is from: The Edge of Revolt (The David Chronicles Book 3)
The voice of King David comes alive as he tells of his life as he ages and faces some of the greatest heartaches and turmoil to date. A man once driven by his own needs and desires, a masterful poet, a man possessed by the love of his life, Bathsheba, David is aging and decisions once so readily handed down have hit sickeningly close to his home and heart. Murder and rape within his family have gone unpunished. Why has he been paralyzed into inactivity? He knows his time as ruler will come to a close soon and a successor must be named. Is his eldest, the assumed heir to the throne worthy or will Absalom’s lust for power and control attempt to steal what was his already?
Treachery is afoot and David is losing respect, allies and quite possibly his throne. Emotionally, he is torn, so he is ill-prepared to avoid being overthrown by his own son. Does Absalom have the power to maintain his hold on David’s kingdom? If David should retake his throne, who of his remaining sons can be trusted to continue the legacy he has created?
The Edge of Revolt by the gifted Uvi Poznansky is a beautiful journey back to the time of David, not as a Biblical ruler, but as a flawed man, a ruler who lost touch with his people, his family and with the man he once was. The poet still lives within, but even his pretty words cannot forestall the events to come. Great pain and suffering, death and bloodshed will now be on his hands. Ms. Poznansky gives voice to her characters, with rich emotions while etching their actions into our minds. Each scene is painted into existence by her words with a clarity that causes reality to fade as the centuries are swept away between the now and the “then.” This is a tale of the imperfect life of an imperfect ruler who makes mistakes, matures and seeks his own forgiveness for the chaos he has fathered throughout his reign.
Told as only Uvi Poznansky can, this trilogy is powerful, thought-provoking and at times, painfully difficult to read as a biblical figure becomes human before our eyes.
Get ★★★★★ The Edge of Revolt
The review intrigues me. Especially perhaps because of the character flaw that I alluded to in a verse in my poetic drama "The Story of Our People"I embrace the world in a psalm / yet abandon my love's lawful mate / amidst the swords.
So, I have to order the book. As I looked it up I discovered that it is the third book in a series. I assume I should start with the first book to enjoy the full force from the story's progression.
David Hillstrom
David wrote: "The review intrigues me. Especially perhaps because of the character flaw that I alluded to in a verse in my poetic drama "The Story of Our People"I embrace the world in a psalm / yet abandon..."
First of all, I love the little glimpse you offered into your poem here.
And yes, David, The Edge of Revolt is the third volume in The David Chronicles. I find it amazing to be in the skin of the character--your namesake!--from childhood to old age, and I hope you will too.
Yes, my namesake, which was the inspiration for the verse. I have started on the voyage. Couldn't quite figure out why Amazon prices the last book lower than the first two.
David wrote: "Yes, my namesake, which was the inspiration for the verse. I have started on the voyage. Couldn't quite figure out why Amazon prices the last book lower than the first two."
Bon voyage, David!
lol... I've set the price of the last one lower to let it gain momentum with my readers... This is a temporary sale, and the price will go higher in the near future!
The only question that torments me now is this: what could his purpose be? Let me rephrase it: what have I become an accomplice to, unwittingly? What is the crime—And the minute I ask it, the answer becomes clear, dreadfully clear to me. My heart starts hammering, hammering heavily inside my chest—
To read more, and see beautiful art, click here:
What have I become an accomplice to, unwittingly? What is the crime—
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Inspired by Art: Fall of a Giant (other topics)
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Stunning covers from Uvi Poznansky, who is a superior artist as well as a novelist. And an article on the vernacular dialogue in David's desire for Bathsheba. Enjoy!