C.E. Wilson's Blog, page 53

Sha’al is coming along pretty good. I’m getting a steady stream of ideas and Scripture to roll into the book. The last time I checked, I think we’re 45% of the way done with the rough draft. Shooting for: 55 chapters / 511 pages / 126,000 words.

I don’t know if we’ll make the October 30th deadline. But it’s an arbitrary deadline because quality and story trump speed. 

It’s a difficult balance keeping the pace of the read fast and include enough detail to help the reader paint the picture in their minds. 

One of the more fascinating elements I’m trying to paint involves a retrofitted destroyer that’s been modified into a personal yacht. 

I also realize that this story, which takes place over a five month period, could be expanded upon to fill up many more pages. However, that would slow the pace of the book down. So we focus on only what we need and build from there. 

I wonder what it will look like when Mattisyahu and Sarah drive through Iraq…

I’m sorry I haven’t blogged much lately. Honestly, I don’t know what to blog about. The world is in a tailspin. I think we are headed towards the End Times. I’ve been spending my days thinking about how to raise my children in this world that has forsaken God.

Most of all, when I blog, I want to remain positive, to not lean towards the paranoia crowd as it pertains to preparedness, and to share everything in love as Christ would have us do. Will my words bring honor and glory to God? 

Shifting gears. 

I know that I would like to raise my children with an eye on martial arts and self-defense. 

To run towards chaos and disaster so as to lend a hand rather than to run away from. 

To stand firmly for righteousness. 

To be pro-active rather than reactive.

 I’d like them to observe and ascertain people’s strengths and weaknesses so as to compliment them in the task at hand. 

To rescue the damsel in distress. 

To take down the assailant who would harm others for the sake of their own hatred of life. 

To find a balance in all of that and be practical, loving, and centered in the Lord. 

To avoid materialism at all costs. People are valuable, not possessions. 

To love the Lord and share His truths. 

Shifting gears again. 

As for blogging, I’d love to write my opinion on many matters. But everyone has an opinion and many flaunt it on social media. I certainly do not want to stand on a soap box. 

I guess, the most important thing I could say is this:

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. – Mat. 6:33 KJV

Almost one-third of the way there

I’ve been reading a few English language Israeli newspapers over the internet. However, the tactile feel of a real newspaper trumps any electronic device. 

Hamodia means “The Informer”. First of all I like the use of traditional names vs our Americanization. 107 pages, even with classifiedes – huh. Even a youth newspaper, neat. I gotta go, I’d like to read a little and then starting writing more on Sha’al. 

Faith isn’t convenient. It never will be. And it shouldn’t be, because then it would be of no value. 

14 chapters in. 31,769 words written.  90,631 words left of goal. 26% completed. Shooting for around 55 chapters and 511 pages. 

Not too bad. Not where I’d like to be. But, not too bad. 

So I’m waiting for Mom in recovery. Her operation went well. Anyway, I can devour and retain books. However, with “The Lion’s Gate” by Steven Pressfield I can only read one section at a time. After three months I’ve only read 170 pages. This is a good book. 

The book was written in the 1st person from the stories of multiple IDF soldiers who served during the 6 Day War. Most amazingly you can pick out the times when God blesses His people, even though they do not recognize it themselves. His hand was in the winning of that war and in the current protection of Israel. 

If you want a good war read, one that includes perspectives from women warriors as well, then this is the book to pick up. 

I roused out of sleep at 3 a.m. Hate it when book ideas start flooding at me. Got a long, busy day day ahead and won’t be able to write. Gah! 

Maybe I can grab a pre-work nap

To get Sha’al written in a timely fashion I’ll have to write 5 chapters a week between now and Sept. 15th. 12,000 words a week, give or take. The Goal… 122,640 words – 55 chapters – 511 pages. Phew. Prayer for sanity will be needed.

Sometimes you find yourself doing things in what seems like a backwards order. I’ve learned that you gotta run with your heart. When a story comes to mind, you gotta stop and write it. But your heart cannot be fully trusted – it must be tempered against logic and wisdom. But not so much logic and wisdom that faith is overruled.

No that doesn’t make any sense. But does it? As it pertains to tonight’s writing, I felt like I had to make reference to a future (Baqash Origins) novelette in the current book I am writing. But that novelette hasn’t been written yet. In fact, it is #5. A story we find out about after the conclusion of the last Baqash book.

Confused yet?

So, Sha’al (Baqash Book 3) references both Apophis (Baqash Origins) and the Unnamed (Baqash Origins) #5. To which I have the name, but let us enjoy the suspense.

October Falling was referenced in Darash.

Anyhow, I finished writing chapter 9 of Sha’al. And am hoping to get another chapter in tomorrow.

Have a blessed evening.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6