I’ve always had an interest in the sci-fi genre. I remember as a boy that most television and movie stories seemed to focus on police and cowboys. Although I enjoyed those types of stories, I was drawn to something out of the ordinary where literally anything could happen. When I wrote the first draft for Love, Truth, and Power, there were elements of science fiction in the story. I needed an explanation for the mysterious events that took place and this gave me an opportunity to explore my creativity in the sci-fi genre. After talking to my wife, who is not a sci-fi fan, I found a better explanation that involved artifacts connected to Christian history.
Twisting Time and Healing Blood allowed me to write a story based on one of my favorite sci-fi subjects-time travel. As a boy, I had a theory for traveling back in time and who wouldn’t want to go back and fix something or have a do over? Basically, the faster we travel, the less time it takes. If we could travel fast enough, it would take no time at all. If we could travel faster than that, we be going back in time. I actually applied that concept along with a healing blood which has references to Christianity. Since my encounter with God motivated me to write my first book, every book I publish after had to include Him in at least some way.
Of all the books I’ve written, this one grew out of the least planning. I had little or no idea what was going to happen from chapter to chapter. I was flying by the seat of my pants, developing characters and subplots as I went. Bill, my main character, was torn between loyalty to his boss and the honor of helping someone whose life may be at stake. Michele, Bill’s love interest, is dealing with hate and the challenge of forgiveness. Several other characters have unique backgrounds that could have been developed in a separate book. Harley, the antagonist, may have the most complex personality of all, leading to subplots that may make you feel sorry for him and maybe even like him. Once again, my Christian faith found its way into my story. There were turning points in the story that seemed to be guided by divine intervention. Perhaps the two messages of this book are to look for God’s signs and the power of his love on everyone.
Here are three excerpts from my book that illustrate the power of God’s love moving through us when faced with decisions of morality. The first is Bill, torn between loyalty and honor. The second is Michele overcoming her hate with love. Finally, the third is Harley having second thoughts about his evil profession.
Looking down at the blondest hair and bluest eyes he had ever seen, Bill had a decision to make. As Barbara lost consciousness and closed her eyes, Bill viewed this as the opportunity he was looking for. She had already lost blood and might not even survive. Surely, one vial of blood wouldn’t make a difference. Getting her help and forgetting why he was there in the first place seemed like the right and unselfish thing to do. Bill sifted through his fanny pack and pulled out the cell phone. He glanced at Jimmy, still motionless on the floor, before striking the “9” of his “911” call. In the past, whenever Bill had a choice, he would play it safe and do something in between. He could be loyal to the man who gave him a job and saved him from his miserable life. He could do the honorable thing and make every attempt to save the life of someone else. Or he could do both. Bill quickly put down the phone and returned to Barbara’s unconscious body. He prepared her arm and drew one vial of blood. Before he could cap the tube, Barbara stirred. She groaned as her eyes widened, focusing on the vile of blood. “What are you, some kind of vampire?” Bill forced a smile. With trembling hands, he secured the precious liquid in his fanny pack and retrieved the cell phone. “I’m going to help you.”
Excerpt from Chapter 5 of Twisting Time and Healing Blood
This time, Michele initiated an embrace. She knew her father needed calming, even if she wasn’t ready to express any love she may have had for him. “Nobody hurts or even threatens the two people I love most in this world. My love for you and your mom is infinitely greater than all the combined hate I’ve brought on myself.” Michele had never seen her father like this. It was a combination of love, hate, vulnerability, and confidence. It was a display of emotions more honest and real than anything she had ever seen from her father. All of this triggered an emotion in her heart that was crying out to be expressed. For the first time since she was a little girl, she felt the love, security, and peace that only the father she once knew could provide. “How’s your mom? Have you seen her lately?” asked Joe as the two separated, each drying their eyes. “She’s OK. But that guy she was with turned out to be a bigger asshole than you.” Michele managed half a smile. “You know, even she forgave me.” A fresh tear formed in Joe’s eye. “I forgive you, I love you, but I hate what you did!” said Michele, clutching his shoulder with her left hand while striking his other shoulder with her right hand. Soon, both hands held the father she still loved and now needed more than ever.
Excerpt from Chapter 22 of Twisting Time and Healing Blood
The word “time” seemed to take priority in his thoughts. Soon, other thoughts filled his mind as if they were mending every tear in his life that needed to be repaired. Harley entertained a wild thought as he reached for the card given to him at the coffee shop. There was something about that card and the guy who gave it to him. He, for the first time in his life, was experiencing remorse for all his crimes, particularly the people he had killed. Realizing the pain he inflicted on the loved ones they left behind was more than he could endure. Following a yell that got the attention of the grazing cows, he composed himself, covering his face with his hands as if hiding could undo his temporary loss of control. Harley retrieved his cell phone from the glove box and scrolled to Maryland’s number. He couldn’t get the word “time” out of his head and Maryland knew something about time—specifically time travel. Before calling, he pressed his phone to the center of his forehead. With his other hand still clutching the card, he prayed he was doing the right thing. He prayed to the God whose existence he once denied.
Excerpt from Chapter 33 of Twisting Time and Healing Blood
One of my first decisions before the actual writing of a book is how I’m going to name my characters. I try to have a plan so I will at least have a starting point when I introduce a character in my book. For this one, I chose the first names of friends and people I knew as a boy and a young man. Their significance in my personal life mirrored their prominence in my story. I guess it was a way to vicariously relive segments of my life.
I left this book open-ended, unlike my other works, with no sequel. I put the possibility of that sequel on hold while pursuing other projects. This left me with two thoughts. First, sometimes it’s nice for the reader to imagine their own ending or continuation of the story. Second, it seems only fitting that my first and last books were motivated by my love for my wife. Adding another book after didn’t feel right.