Category: History

A Misérable View of the Coronavirus Pandemic

4/15/2020

Image of Fantine from Les Mis

The coronavirus pandemic is weaving in and out of our conversations, social media posts and creative endeavors. Twice, now, I’ve heard people refer to the ‘empty chairs and empty tables’ song/scene in Les Misérables. So, I thought I’d share my Misérables ponderings with you. They relate to our fears surrounding this crisis.

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An Author's Visit Across the Pond

3/5/2020

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I had the privilege of visiting England the last week of February -- one of my favorite destinations. Since I am a historical fiction author, are you surprised? My purpose was threefold. First, to do a bit of research and sightseeing in Bath, where my latest WIP takes place, although many centuries ago. Second, to do an author's talk at the Bristol homeschool coop near my host's town.

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Speaking Truth in Evil Times: Isaiah's Legacy by Mesu Andrews

2/5/2020

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Today I'm featuring a portion of an interview with Mesu Andrews, well-known author of Biblical novels, found on her site, and shared with her permission. Mesu's latest work, Isaiah's Legacy, takes place in a dark time in Israel's history. I had to know - how does one write about evil and speak truth at the same time? Below, Mesu Andrews shares her author's heart and the process. . .

A Biblical Adolescent

. . . let me introduce you to a twelve-year-old boy in ancient Judah—around 700-650 BC. His name was Manasseh. From the moment he was born, everyone around him knew he would be king when he turned twelve—because that’s when his father, King Hezekiah, would die.

“Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: ‘Go and tell Hezekiah, “This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.”’” Isaiah 38:4-5

A Young King’s Confusion

So if you were a kid who grew up knowing Yahweh and his prophet (your grandfather) had sentenced your father to die, how would you feel about Yahweh and His prophets?

Yahweh and Isaiah didn’t “sentence” Hezekiah to death, of course, but even as adults with more fully-developed coping skills, don’t we sometimes get angry with God when adversity visits our own lives? How much more would a young king blame Isaiah and his God for his father’s death? And wouldn’t Manasseh be susceptible then to those whispering about other gods who could perhaps save his father? Or after Hezi’s death, wouldn’t Manasseh seek other gods to save himself from the God who killed his father?

These are the convoluted thoughts of the boy-king in my novel who witnesses his abba’s tragic death and immediately feels the weight of a nation thrust onto his shoulders. A boy, yet considered a man at age twelve in ancient Judah. A boy, yet considered a king because he was an ancestor of King David. A boy, yet somehow he manages to destroy everything his parents built.

“But Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites.” 2 Chronicles 33:9

Prequel to Isaiah's Legacy

How Could He Go So Wrong?

As I began researching Manasseh’s story, I wondered, How could the son/grandson of incredibly faithful Yahwists (Yahweh followers) wander so far astray from the Truth? Some of my dearest friends have had children walk away from their faith, and I’ve asked the same question. Unfortunately, I don’t know the answer, but as I researched Manasseh’s life and reign, I found something interesting about the wickedest king in Scripture.

“Manasseh interpreted Leviticus in fifty-five different ways, corresponding to the years of his reign.” (Sanhedrin 103b – https://www.torah-box.net/torah-pdf/talmud/sanhedrin/103.html)

Quite an impressive feat, considering most of us can’t recite the Ten Commandments. Manasseh’s supreme intellect piqued my curiosity. Was he a savant? Would he have been diagnosed with Asperger’s or placed “on the spectrum” if he’d lived in our modern world?

Is That Why He’s Bad?

Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying Asperger’s or autism causes anyone to sin or become a bad person. In fact, I created a second character in the story who shares Manasseh’s “peculiar” behaviors but is faithful to Yahweh—as well as kind and affectionate.

However, the Asperger’s piece seemed to complete the puzzle of Manasseh’s “rebellion”—except I don’t think it was rebellion at all. What if his intellectual ability was impressive, but his limited social skills left him vulnerable to wicked advisers? What if, because he was unable to read social cues, facial expressions, or hidden agendas, Manasseh trusted the wrong people and fell victim to deceit? He would have known right from wrong—as his parents taught him—but if two people he trusted disagreed (i.e. his mother and a beloved adviser), he would likely have panicked.

More than anything, at twelve years old, Manasseh ben Hezekiah would have simply wanted to fit in. He would have done just about anything to feel and seem “normal” to others—especially to a girl he wanted to impress. (There’s always a girl, right? LOL!) Scripture tells us that Manasseh had one son and gives the name of the boy’s mother. In Isaiah’s Legacy, I give her the nickname, Shulle.

“Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king…His mother’s name was Meshullemeth daughter of Haruz; she was from Jotbah.” 2 Kings 21:19

Why Write About a Bad Guy?

So why devote an entire book to an awful king and his destructive behavior? I didn’t. This is Shulle’s story. And the second half of Zibah’s life-story. Yes, King Manasseh is also a main character, but Evil isn’t. I don’t sensationalize wicked behavior, nor do I condone weakness among the righteous.

In her endorsement, fellow author Pepper Basham (who is also a speech-language therapist w/specialty in social communication disorders) said this when she finished reading Isaiah’s Legacy:

“I began reading this book with trepidation because I knew 2 Kings’ story of Manasseh’s horrifying fall from grace…”

Are you feeling that same trepidation to delve into Manasseh’s story? I was certainly nervous about writing it!

The Prodigal Returns

Did you realize Manasseh returns to Yahweh? It’s not a spoiler because it’s in the Bible!

“In his distress [Manasseh] sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed to Him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea.” 2 Chronicles 33:12-13

I’ve said multiple times, Manasseh’s life is the greatest prodigal story in Scripture—not because I’m writing it, but because God recorded it for us all to see! Here’s how Pepper described it:

“What a beautiful reminder that the light of God’s love, the strength of his hand, can reach into the darkest hearts to transform lives for His glory and ultimate fulfillment of His story.”

We all need to be reminded that our God wins over darkness. We may not always see God’s light right away or feel the warmth of His flame, but we can know with certainty that our God IS ALWAYS THE VICTOR! THAT is the true message of Manasseh’s life and story.

I don't know about you, but I am relieved (and grateful) that God always wins over darkness. It's obvious this world is changing -- becoming more and more confusing, frightening and dark. I'm clinging to my only hope -- the Rock - my Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah's Legacy releases on February 18th!

What are you clinging to in this uncertain world? Feel free to share your thoughts below. . .

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3 Must-have Apps for Readers and Communicators

11/6/2019

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And now for something completely different. Do you love to share newsworthy articles? Love to inspire your readers? Or, are you a history buff, but sadly, with very little time to read? Do I have news for you! Apps you'll love. Since I am a Mac girl, these three are found at the app store. If you are an android user, good news - it's available for you as well.

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Greenville, SC: An Author’s Viewpoint

10/9/2019

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When I visit a new city, I like to see it from a writer's point of view. Greenville, SC was no exception. I was here for a conference, book signing and a school visit, but more about that next time. Today, I want to share this burgeoning city to which people of all ages are flocking. It is one of the top ten cities to live in, a mecca for senior citizens, and a model for downtown rehab success -- other cities use the Greenville model when reviving a dead downtown district.

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A Visit to Bath - Jane Austen's Inspiration

8/21/2019

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If you've been following my blog this summer, you know that I am plagued by wanderlust. So, to relieve it, I'm posting one of my favorite trips to date. My daughter and I took a self-guided "Chasing the Janes" tour, visiting the homes of Austen and Brontë (Jane Eyre) and the movie locations of our favorite film versions. Of course, we couldn't leave England without visiting Bath. This was the setting for Austen's Persuasion.

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Circling the Globe: Shakespeare's Theatre

8/14/2019

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Ready for another flashback from our "Chasing the Janes" tour of England? If so, the next stop will transport you into a famous playwright's world!

Missing the tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre due to misinformation, we returned again today for a visit. The performance of 'As You Like It' was fabulous. Well acted and the costumes were perfect for the time period. Here is a photo of the set . . .

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A Medieval City: Wandering Through York

8/8/2019

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Since travel is not an option this summer, I'm continuing with my wanderlust summer series. This time, it's a medieval city in England - the quintessentially historic York. After we toured this famous town, Olivia and I agreed its one of the places in England we'd love to live!

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A Dickens of a Good Time!

7/23/2019

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Still sharing my memorable trip to England four years ago! Come join me for a literary tour. This day we headed to the Charles Dickens Museum. Dickens was 25 when he moved to this home in London with his wife Catherine:

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A Victorian Shopper’s Paradise: Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason

7/17/2019

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Still plagued with wanderlust, I'm continuing my posts on my former favorite travels. This time, it's historic department stores.

During our time in London, we stopped in two which go back over 300 years. The story of the first, Selfridges, is told in a BBC series of the same name. It's fascinating to learn how a large store like this one (began in 1856) grew from the ground up. They were nominated as the best department store in the world three times. I believe it was Selfridges that first had the motto, 'the customer is ALWAYS right'.

This Selfridges link will give you a quick summary.

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<<Previous

A Writerly Blog

A Misérable View of the Coronavirus Pandemic

An Author's Visit Across the Pond

Speaking Truth in Evil Times: Isaiah's Legacy by Mesu Andrews

A Biblical Adolescent

A Young King’s Confusion

How Could He Go So Wrong?

Is That Why He’s Bad?

Why Write About a Bad Guy?

The Prodigal Returns

What are you clinging to in this uncertain world? Feel free to share your thoughts below. . .

3 Must-have Apps for Readers and Communicators

Greenville, SC: An Author’s Viewpoint

A Visit to Bath - Jane Austen's Inspiration

Circling the Globe: Shakespeare's Theatre

A Medieval City: Wandering Through York

A Dickens of a Good Time!

A Victorian Shopper’s Paradise: Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason

Good News!

Archives

Categories

A Writerly Blog

A Biblical Adolescent​

A Young King’s Confusion​

How Could He Go So Wrong?

​Is That Why He’s Bad?

Why Write About a Bad Guy?

​The Prodigal Returns

What are you clinging to in this uncertain world? Feel free to share your thoughts below. . .

Good News!

Archives

Categories

A Biblical Adolescent

A Young King’s Confusion

Is That Why He’s Bad?

The Prodigal Returns