Colin B. Bailey, the director of the Morgan Library and Museum in New York, has written about eighteenth- and nineteenth-century European art for the Review since 2015. In an essay published in the Review’s Holiday Issue, he reviewed “Manet/Degas,” an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum in New York that will close on January 7. “Almost […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/01/06/edouard-edgar-colin-bailey/
A Hypnotizing World: Discovering an Unshakable Hope in a Confusing Culture is a thought-provoking book that explores the questions plaguing humanity and provides answers and hope through a Christian perspective. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book was important for me to write because I was called to do it. It was an act of obedience to God. I believe God called me to write it because of the times we are living in. People are searching for a stable and sure foundation, something that doesn’t change with the political climate of our time. People are searching for truth. This book points them to the source of truth–God.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
This was a fifteen year long project. I spent much time studying the Bible and history, theology, apologetics, psychology, philosophy, and many other subjects. When I make statements and provide explanations about different subjects, I want to have a good understanding of the topic before sharing it with others. And I want the facts. Research is not a quick Google search. It takes time to filter through the opinions and get to the facts of the matter. So, research was a huge part of writing this book.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I set many goals over the course of fifteen years, but I was humbled by the fact that everything happens in God’s timing. The final and published version of this book is the eighth time I completely rewrote my book. This was from the Lord’s leading. God wasn’t simply wanting me to quickly write a book for the people who would read it; He was working on transforming my heart and mind in the process. With that said, I made goals to finish my manuscript in a year, but this happened several times.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from A Hypnotizing World?
The main thing I want readers to take away is the importance of asking the hard and big life questions for the purpose of searching for the truth, even if the truth isn’t what you want to hear. Don’t let fear, feelings, or the culture’s social status get in the way of your pursuit of the truth. Don’t settle for opinion or simply follow the majority. Get to the facts. Demand evidence. Be objective and unbiased.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
In A Hypnotizing World, Weston Knudtson will take you on a step-by-step journey to discover the answers to these complex questions. You will learn:
– How we have all accepted lies as the norm
– Where the world’s problems really started
– The three fears common to humanity and how to overcome them
– Clear guidelines for navigating your way
– Where our true hope lies amidst a world in turmoil
In this thought-provoking book, Weston lays out a logical plan to seek true answers to the questions that have haunted humanity for thousands of years. You will find out why knowing the truth matters.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/06/a-stable-and-sure-foundation/
Stories from the Psalms, Volume 1: Coffee Shops and Spaceships is a collection of short stories based on the Book of Psalms, sharing God’s message through modern situations and language. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I’ve been writing fiction for about thirty years now. I initially began cutting my teeth writing short fiction in the horror genre, and more recently science fiction, but my long-form works (novels) have invariably explored themes of faith. Along with fiction, I have enjoyed creating other types of writing such as blog entries, film reviews, and traditional devotionals (first for my local church then later my own website). All of these divergent styles and genres eventually brought about the idea (or inspiration) of doing a devotional like this, where the devotional itself would be fiction. To be honest, as much as the idea intrigued me, and as much as it felt more and more that I was supposed to do this, I balked for some time. This would be a pretty public show of my faith after all, not to mention I had no idea if there was an audience for this kind of book. In the end, it was worth it. Whether it resonates with anyone else (which would be really nice, let’s be honest), working on this book felt like a tithing of my writing more than any other work.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
One deliberate aspect of my characters’ faith lives which I strived in a few stories, was that they would be confident in their relationship with Jesus. Too often, people of faith have been portrayed as the weaker, Ned Flanders-type. That’s not how I see myself, or the many strong, amazing Christian people I’ve known. I enjoyed taking these characters and, sometimes, seeing how they’d react when faced with something working to turn them away from that faith. Anything else, personality-wise, depended on the story. I tried not to hide the brokenness in people as well, like the little girl in “The Snow” who lives her young life weighed down by others’ fears or the sad, forgotten man in the aptly named “The Forgotten Man.”
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Hmm. Early on, it was probably my introverted nature. I spent too much time in my head. When I realized my rather strange imagination and daydreams were nothing more than the raw material for stories I could write down someday, I was able to silence that inner voice that told me for most of my life I had no stories worth telling. Everyone does. As time has gone on, I’ve become a parent and husband, had my heart broken with both pain and joy. Just as importantly, I have met so many people who have been through so much in their lives, like my wife Linda, yet never let events define who they were, especially in their relationship with God. Life teaches lessons. Eventually, as a writer, these lessons get shared with others.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about, and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
Well, if we’re talking about Stories from the Psalms, Volume 2, I honestly don’t know. That was a big part of the joy of writing Volume 1, everything was spontaneous. At the moment, I’m in the editing phase of the sequel to my science fiction novel Plague of Locusts. It’s being a difficult, petulant child of a book, however. I am itching to jump into Psalm 16 and beyond for Volume 2, as well.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon
What do twenty-somethings on a date, a body in a hole, people falling from the sky and a ninety-nine-year-old woman have to do with the book of Psalms?
Everything.
In these pages you will find a collection of stories which bring God’s Word into a new light; with events and characters much like ourselves drawn prayerfully from each Psalm.
A devotional, using fiction.
There are no rules, only images and scenes inspired by Psalms 1 through 15; nor is any story restricted to one specific literary genre. All will entertain and illustrate how wide, and how relevant, God’s Word can be to our own modern world, and beyond.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/06/a-tithing-of-my-writing/
The Girl and Her Noble Steed follows a young orphan with a talent for animal riding who sets out to save her orphanage by winning a challenging race. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to create The Girl and Her Noble Steed to give young readers an exciting adventure in a quirky world. I’ve always loved underdog stories, and I wanted to tell one that entertains while teaching kids important values. This story reminds us that, with God by our side, we can overcome any challenge. No matter where we come from or what talents we have, God sees us and answers our prayers in ways we might not expect.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
The concept of family, defined not by blood but by love and the unwavering support they offer one another, was another essential element. I aimed to convey to children that the bonds we form with those who care about us are incredibly valuable, and together, we can achieve remarkable feats.
My love for animals played a significant role in shaping the narrative. Through this story, I wanted to inspire children to be compassionate towards animals, highlighting that while animals may not comprehend our words, they do feel our emotions. This lesson in empathy and kindness towards all living creatures is an important one.
Ultimately, The Girl and Her Noble Steed is a tale of triumph against all odds. I wanted both children and adults to recognize that they do not have to face their battles alone. The story underscores the comforting belief that God is always with us and that help will come when it is needed most. It is my hope that this story will resonate with readers, offering them inspiration, faith, and a reminder of the enduring power of love and unity.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The story revolves around the themes of perseverance, unwavering faith, and the constant presence of God’s guidance. It aims to show young readers the strength found in hard work and determination, emphasizing that they can conquer even the most formidable obstacles.
Throughout the narrative, faith and trust in God play a central role, with characters relying on divine guidance when confronted with challenges. The protagonist’s journey exemplifies courage and perseverance, while the bonds of friendship and loyalty shine brightly among the characters. The recurring motif of divine guidance underscores God’s active involvement in the story.
Adventure abounds within the tale, encouraging young readers to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery. Important moral lessons promote kindness and compassion, foster a belief in the possibility of miracles, and highlight the boundless power of God.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
My Kickstarter campaign is set to go live on the 5th, and I have exciting plans. With the support of backers, I aim to create and print the second book while also securing the first print run for Book 1. I’m hopeful that people will rally behind this project, helping bring Book 2 to life and enabling it to reach readers worldwide.
Here’s the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kirthanajfanning/the-girl-and-her-noble-steed
If all goes well, Book 2 will be ready for release in May 2024.
For those who have read Book 1, you know how it ends. Book 2 picks up from there and promises an exhilarating journey. Within its pages, you can expect a thrilling voyage from one land to another, mysterious quests, detective work, moments of heartbreak, the introduction of new friends, and the unveiling of names and character arcs for some of Ofe’s companions. This sequel is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover what happens next.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | BookBub | Amazon
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you inspired and wanting more in…
The Girl and Her Noble Steed, the first book in this series.
A tale of resilience, hope, triumph, and answered prayers.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/06/82295/
Perceiving Depression is an intellectual journey that prompts readers to consider new perspectives on mental illness and look at a mix of historical, religious, and scientific approaches to understanding human experiences. Why was this an important book for you to write?
To try to know myself, in moments of deep emotional crisis, or in short, to know in depth what is happening to me and the possibility of controlling myself, with the help of people who in my opinion represent the greatest moral authority or the truth of the things that can be applied in my life.
What were some of the goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
The exploration of the things that so intensely affect me, but in the realm of self-knowledge, even though such inquiry terrified me, nevertheless at the same time I felt protected by the promise of the truth in which I always believed if I stuck to Socratic philosophy through reading the classical Greek Plato. In order to regain the security of which I felt I had lost in a resounding way; due to the intense and morbid fears to which he suffered daily.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Yes, because unexpectedly, without really intending to, I discovered the thoughts that violently subjugate me and arouse intense fear, and above all, to be able to see them in their essence or reality, that is, as senseless or merely absurd thoughts.
What do you hope readers take away from Perceiving Depression?
May they allow themselves to know themselves by breaking down the barriers or fears that often prevent us from seeking the truth, that is, that under solid guidance it is possible not to fall into deviations or misdirection for all those who, out of necessity or interest, wish to cross the oceans of thought; which, like a sailboat, is carried by the prevailing winds where we do not want to go. However, this knowledge, of diseases due to psychiatric imbalance, does not promise a cure without specialized medication, but it can contribute powerfully to helping us not to fall into the downward spiral of uncontrollable fears. And I want to add that, for me, it allowed me to conclude my working life, after 32 years of work, of which almost 27 were developed in harsh work environments (as an operations engineer on offshore oil platforms), a period in which, for various reasons, I experienced strong relapses, which I, not without little difficulty, overcame and even more, allowed me to conclude in a normal way with the end of my working life.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
It is not the product of an inspiration or state of mind, nor is it the product of a set of observations only, nor is it yet the product of arriving at reason, nor is it reason itself. It is the product of a method attached to the desire for the search for truth, which makes it a scientific method with unexpected and impersonal conclusions that end with the reality of the path to the stillness of thought.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/06/breaking-down-the-barriers/
In Sovereignty: He Lied For Your Sins, by Rhys Hagan, readers are transported into the life of Amphion, an ambitious Roman banker whose thirst for recognition and fame leads him down an unconventional path. In his quest for renown, Amphion conceives a plan that intertwines the resurgence of the city’s religion with his financial aspirations. His search for a collaborator leads him to an unexpected partnership with Jesus Christ, setting the stage for a narrative that blends historical intrigue with thought-provoking dilemmas.
As a piece of historical fiction, I feel Sovereignty offers a captivating premise that may provoke contemplation among readers with deeply held beliefs. Narrated from the perspective of the avaricious Amphion, Hagan crafts a narrative that is both accessible and fluid, inviting readers to ponder the delicate balance between morality and ambition. The novel challenges readers to reassess their perceptions of right and wrong, advocating for introspection over blind adherence to established norms. Hagan’s storytelling is marked by its neutrality, allowing readers to engage with the tale and its characters without feeling coerced. The author’s boldness shines through in his willingness to juxtapose fictional elements with real-world implications, encapsulated in the provocative assertion: “Luke if there’s one thing to take away from Christianity, it’s that faith is profitable.”
Sovereignty: He Lied For Your Sins boldly navigates a subject fraught with complexities, handling the theme of religion with the subtlety and respect it demands. Hagan’s prose is immersive, managing to be both unpretentious and direct. The characters are vividly drawn, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Rhys Hagan’s novel is a compelling and articulate novel that deftly explores a contentious topic with skill and sensitivity.
Pages: 306 | ISBN : 978-1642049589
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/06/sovereignty-he-lied-for-your-sins/