The Fire that Still Burns: Faith in the Grip of Power
As I wait for the imminent arrival of my new adult novel, I’ve realised a startling fact: of all the ninety-plus creations I have penned over the last four decades, (with the exception of a Grade 7 Text Book that I wrote in 2012), I have never, throughout my career, worked harder on a book.
This particular adult novel – The Fire that Still Burns: Faith in the Grip of Power – has not arrived without its hiccups, and without considerable help, for which I am extremely grateful. If Davida had not meticulously read the initial manuscript and re-read my first revised version, giving her constructive suggestions and advice; and if Lily had not trialled numerous versions of the title, sub-title, cover, font and inside pages, the novel would have been the poorer for it. Their patient persistence has paid off.
For me, one of the most inspiring aspects of creating any book occurs when my brain is flooded with a variety of potential ideas and themes which cry out for my attention. In the case of this new novel, and very much prompted by international events, the words corruption, leadership, persecution as opposed to resilience, perseverance and taking a stand against evil were very much at the forefront of my mind.
I wanted to write a story which showcased brave men and women who, in the face of intense opposition, were prepared to fight the overwhelming evil that was threatening to engulf their community.
Because of the universal themes in the novel, I deliberately chose the generic setting of a once prosperous, peace-loving city called Sanctum, which drastically deteriorates when the dictator, Melor, with the help of his cronies, forcibly removes the ethical mayor and his councillors from power.
But at the heart of the novel is the very personal story of Sarah and her husband, Bruce, who works for the missionary organisation, Quest. As an artist, he has been tasked with promoting the Christian message through his art: posters on notice boards, paintings in public spaces like community centres and libraries, and even murals on walls bordering busy highways. Although she doesn’t officially work for Quest, Sarah is also passionate about spreading good seeds in the world. As a former teacher and as someone who has a great love for storytelling, Sarah delights in re-telling Biblical stories to children all around the city, her favourite places being the conversation pit in the local library and benches and grassy patches in parks frequented by children.
Needless to say, after the coup, both Bruce’s and Sarah’s efforts to spread some light in the world does not go down well with Melor, who will stop at nothing, not only to glorify his own name but also to feather his own nest.
What follows is a plot filled with tension, drama and some violence. However, as readers journey with Sarah and Bruce through their difficult separation, they will be treated to glimmers of hope, especially as Sarah forges a close relationship with a beautiful young girl, Perdita, whom she has been tasked with hiding from ‘monstrous Melor’, who is wilfully indoctrinating the youth of ‘his’ city, ‘Fortress’ – a name change was the first thing he did after clawing his way to power.
Apart from the numerous plot and character revisions which this novel was subjected to, its words, sentences and paragraphs were also sieved and refined so many times that I lost count. I sincerely hope that the final product is as error-free as possible. And that the book will be intriguing and page-turning for readers. Hopefully, they will be able to empathise with my characters and walk with them through their many trials. And ultimately, that the light they shine in their small worlds will resonate with readers and inspire them, too, to make a difference of their own.
I am now eagerly awaiting the arrival of a box of new books on my doorstep and becoming excited about holding The Fire that still Burns: Faith in the Grip of Power, in my hands.
I will never forget, way back in 1989, the thrill of holding my very first book, The Biggest Pizza, in my hands. It is always such a fulfilling experience to open the cover of one of my newly published books.
And now to find my readers… watch this space for the announcement of a book launch later in the year.
