I don’t like endings. I rarely go to funerals and whenever I leave someone’s presence, I frequently say, “See you later” rather than “Goodbye”. Equally, I never joke about death or dying. The comedian, Dick Shawn, is said to have ended his act by feigning a heart attack to avoid encores. When he suffered a … Continue reading Author’s Intent: Endings
Category: Literature
Real Bible Studies, Matthew and Mark
Tradition of the Elders Chapters 15-16 of Matthew are an almost word for word insertion from Mark 7-8 though Matthew makes several changes to the source material. Both cite passages from various scriptures in condemning the Pharisees and Scribes for dishonoring their elders (Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16, Exodus 21:17, Leviticus 20:9). Given that Yeshua himself … Continue reading Real Bible Studies, Matthew and Mark
Real Bible Studies, The Gospel of Mark
Baptism, Temptation, and Disciples Most scholars agree that Mark was the first Gospel and both Matthew and Luke made liberal usage of Mark, going so far as to lift entire passages without changing a word. Mark tells a simple, straightforward story of an itinerant preacher and miracle worker who begins as a follower of John … Continue reading Real Bible Studies, The Gospel of Mark
Author’s Intent: Motivation
A common question for any writer is why we write. For me, I have a desire to express myself and do so better in writing than speaking. This has been consistent throughout my life. When speaking extemporaneously, I often disengage my brain, leading to either saying the exact wrong thing at the exact wrong time, … Continue reading Author’s Intent: Motivation
Real Bible Studies, Matthew 14, The Death of John
The entirety of Matthew 14 corresponds with Mark 6:14-56. As with other sections borrowed from Mark, Matthew makes notable changes to the story, which tailors the meaning to his audience, and these changes hint at the message Matthew wishes to convey to his readers. Mark 6 begins with the story of Yeshua’s rejection at Nazareth … Continue reading Real Bible Studies, Matthew 14, The Death of John
Author’s Intent: Expanded Universe
My Expanded Universe of Fictional Atlanta came about when I realized a character I created for a play I was writing in 2011 was the same individual maligned by the lead character in a novel I had shelved around 2000. That novel, Boom Town, featured a character named David Cairo (pronounced “kay-ro” like the Georgia … Continue reading Author’s Intent: Expanded Universe
Real Bible Studies: Matthew 9-10
Tax Collectors and Sinners Yeshua returns to Capernaum, where the crowd brings out a paralyzed man. Yeshua is quick to forgive his sins, which raises charges of blasphemy from the scribes. To counter this, Yeshua tells the man to rise, take up his bed and walk, which the individual does, astounding the crowd. Afterward, we’re … Continue reading Real Bible Studies: Matthew 9-10
Real Bible Studies: The Gospels
While most are familiar with the four canonical gospels found in the Bible, early Christianity produced many gospels, one for just about every notable follower of Jesus. The Gnostics were some of the most prolific in this endeavor, issuing gospels for Peter, Thomas, Mary Magdalene, and even Judas Iscariot. There are surviving relicts of the … Continue reading Real Bible Studies: The Gospels
Writer’s Manifesto (Revised)
The most important weapon in a writer’s arsenal is language; wield it with skill and precision. The writing should always speak for itself; never explain; never apologize, but always be willing to edit for clarity. Don’t worry about telling the literal truth; be true to the characters, the story, and the artistic vision. Never consider … Continue reading Writer’s Manifesto (Revised)
Atlanta Stories: Fables of the New South, Second Edition
Atlanta Stories: Fables of the New South (ISBN: 978-0-9848913-6-8) is now available in its second edition. Eight stories featuring people who have come to Atlanta, Georgia to reinvent themselves. Portions of these stories appeared on this blog between 2014-2017. Stories include: Mockingbird Journey From Night A Debt to Pay Dead Man’s Hat Remains Bare-Assed Messiah … Continue reading Atlanta Stories: Fables of the New South, Second Edition