Hello Friends!
If you’re reading this it is most likely because you were directed here by my email, a friend, or perhaps I met you at a signing or other author event. For most of you this is probably a surprise. If you’re a family member, a member of our Bible Study at FBC, or a personal friend of either Michelle or me, then most likely you did not know I have been working on this book for the past several years. So, let me take this opportunity to introduce you to The Second Trumpet!
First and foremost, this is a book about faith in God. My hope more than anything else is that it brings glory to God. For the past twenty years I have enjoyed writing short stories, essays, and even a novel. (Yes I did write a National Best Seller in 1998 – unfortunately, it wasn’t published :( but that’s OK maybe soon! :) ) Anyway, in 2004, while sitting in an airport, the Lord spoke to my heart and told me I was to write Christian fiction. I thought, “Well OK Lord, but I don’t really have a good Christian story in mind.” That problem was solved when about two and a half years ago the Lord “delivered” the entire storyline of The Second Trumpet to me one morning in about forty-five minutes. The ideas, even the most intricate plot turns, came to me so fast that I could barely write them down. I spent the next two weeks sorting through the notes I’d taken that morning (trying to read my own handwriting) and outlining what the Lord had given me, into chapters. After that, I went to work actually writing. This was not as easy as it had been in 1998, since as many of you know we’ve had two beautiful additions to our family since then Bethany Grace & Anna Faith. Nonetheless, I persevered, and in May 2007 I finished. The next step was to find a publisher, and since I’d already been down that track in 1998, I knew what I was in for. This time however was totally different. After praying and asking the Lord to guide me, the very first publisher I contacted (Tate Publishing – http://www.tatepublishing.com/) agreed to edit, publish, distribute and market the book for me. (The folks at Tate are awesome!) I admit I was unaware that the process would take a whole year, but nevertheless, here we are! The book was officially released on June 18, 2008 and that brings you all up to date on how it came about.
So back to the actual story. . . (In future posts I plan to share thoughts and analysis, as well as publish some of the interviews about the book, but let me give you an overview). This book is about two men, and God’s desire to be involved in each of their lives. It is my strong conviction that God desires to be deeply involved in each of our lives, and will be to the extent that we allow it. In The Second Trumpet, both men are confronted with facts, notions and experiences about God that are new to them. They’re forced to change their own thinking and stereotypes in order to experience all that God has for them. It is my hope and prayer that this exact same thing happens to everyone who reads this book. As you read, you’ll notice that denominational lines are blurred; something I firmly believe is Christ’s desire (see Jn 17:11). I hope that the book challenges all readers to examine some of their own preconceived notions about God, the Word and how God operates in the world today; and as each person does that they will grow closer to the Lord.
Something to think about as you read this book is what the Lord said through the prophet Isaiah.
If you’re reading this it is most likely because you were directed here by my email, a friend, or perhaps I met you at a signing or other author event. For most of you this is probably a surprise. If you’re a family member, a member of our Bible Study at FBC, or a personal friend of either Michelle or me, then most likely you did not know I have been working on this book for the past several years. So, let me take this opportunity to introduce you to The Second Trumpet!
First and foremost, this is a book about faith in God. My hope more than anything else is that it brings glory to God. For the past twenty years I have enjoyed writing short stories, essays, and even a novel. (Yes I did write a National Best Seller in 1998 – unfortunately, it wasn’t published :( but that’s OK maybe soon! :) ) Anyway, in 2004, while sitting in an airport, the Lord spoke to my heart and told me I was to write Christian fiction. I thought, “Well OK Lord, but I don’t really have a good Christian story in mind.” That problem was solved when about two and a half years ago the Lord “delivered” the entire storyline of The Second Trumpet to me one morning in about forty-five minutes. The ideas, even the most intricate plot turns, came to me so fast that I could barely write them down. I spent the next two weeks sorting through the notes I’d taken that morning (trying to read my own handwriting) and outlining what the Lord had given me, into chapters. After that, I went to work actually writing. This was not as easy as it had been in 1998, since as many of you know we’ve had two beautiful additions to our family since then Bethany Grace & Anna Faith. Nonetheless, I persevered, and in May 2007 I finished. The next step was to find a publisher, and since I’d already been down that track in 1998, I knew what I was in for. This time however was totally different. After praying and asking the Lord to guide me, the very first publisher I contacted (Tate Publishing – http://www.tatepublishing.com/) agreed to edit, publish, distribute and market the book for me. (The folks at Tate are awesome!) I admit I was unaware that the process would take a whole year, but nevertheless, here we are! The book was officially released on June 18, 2008 and that brings you all up to date on how it came about.
So back to the actual story. . . (In future posts I plan to share thoughts and analysis, as well as publish some of the interviews about the book, but let me give you an overview). This book is about two men, and God’s desire to be involved in each of their lives. It is my strong conviction that God desires to be deeply involved in each of our lives, and will be to the extent that we allow it. In The Second Trumpet, both men are confronted with facts, notions and experiences about God that are new to them. They’re forced to change their own thinking and stereotypes in order to experience all that God has for them. It is my hope and prayer that this exact same thing happens to everyone who reads this book. As you read, you’ll notice that denominational lines are blurred; something I firmly believe is Christ’s desire (see Jn 17:11). I hope that the book challenges all readers to examine some of their own preconceived notions about God, the Word and how God operates in the world today; and as each person does that they will grow closer to the Lord.
Something to think about as you read this book is what the Lord said through the prophet Isaiah.
“For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” Isa 55:8 KJV
In my years as a Christian, I have heard many people quote this verse. I’ve heard sermons on it, and I’ve even taught on it myself. One thing I’ve noticed, however, is that even though many people quote it, and claim to believe it, as soon as they are confronted with an experience that doesn’t fit into the neat little frame of reference they have for God and all things spiritual, they are quick to dismiss or deny the experience or event as being from God. I hope that as you read this book you are challenged to take a larger view of who God is. To really think about the fact that God is GOD! He created everything from the smallest molecule to the largest galaxy! He’s not limited to acting and working in ways that make us comfortable. In fact, the Biblical record indicates that he rarely operates in ways that make us comfortable. Rather, the Lord so often enjoys doing new things in peoples’ lives and in communities of faith; things we might not recognize if we’re not open to God moving in our lives.
OK – more of that later . . .
Well, if you’re still reading, here’s the part where I ask for your help. First, I hope you will all click on one of the links to the right and order the book if you haven’t already. Next, I’ll tell you that the process of marketing and selling a new book for a first time author is quite daunting. It really comes down to creating a demand and getting it into the right hands. That’s what I’m asking of each of you. If after reading the book, you feel like I do that it glorifies God, that it challenges readers to grow stronger in their own faith and closer to the Lord, then please share it with your friends! Encourage people in your Church or Bible study groups to read it. Give a copy to your Pastor or Bible study leader. Beyond that, if you have any ideas about marketing it, or getting it into more peoples’ hands please send me a message and let me know! I’m new at this and can use all the help I can get.
Thank all of you your friendship and I hope that you enjoy the story. I truly look forward to hearing from you!
God Bless,
Larry
1 comments:
Larry,
Congrats on your accomplishment. This is without a doubt something to be proud of. I will put the book in my hands and it will be a "must read".
You are exceptional without a doubt.
From your family,
Randy, Crystal, Colton, Garrett and Abigail
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