Special IE author guest blog post
By M.M Cochran

Introducing your novel to the world comes with a handful of tasks that only the author can complete. For example: promoting it on social media, to the press, and word of mouth. I’ve been a published author for only a few months, but I had over a year to prepare for my book launch. Today, let’s discuss the ins and outs of creating a social presence for your novel, written from the fingertips of someone who has very recently done so.

​Build the hype
As soon as you find out you’re publishing your novel, spread the word. There are several steps to take to get the word out and give your book presence among your community, including these tactics: 
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• Contact the local press to report on a community member signing a book contract
• Release the information on ALL social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, etc.)
• Tell your local church, school, or contact your old college who might share the news on their webpage

By announcing this exciting information, your novel will have a presence of its own among your community.

Social media: a whole different presence
The first thing I did when I signed my first publishing contract was share the news on social media. From there, I created excitement and started to build an audience who followed me along my journey, all the way to the moment I was holding my hardback in my hands. Moreover, my novel had an online presence––perhaps the most important there is. But how does this help a book launch? Let’s dive into this.

​By creating an online social presence, the book becomes familiar with your followers, whether you have an audience or not. Prepping for the book launch on social media will unconsciously build an audience among followers; by seeing content related to your book release every few days, it will become expected and desired.

When my book was about to release, I did a few things that my publisher said helped my number of sales, which included:

• Sharing quotes to tease readers
• Sharing fun facts about the book
• Posting aesthetic pictures of the book
• Writing posts about my publishing journey and how I felt about release
• Writing raw and honest posts about the hard parts of publishing and writing

My online presence grew from only hundreds of followers to almost 3,000 between the time I announced my book was under contract to the day of my launch. The experience was encouraging for a little author like myself, plus it impressed my publisher and sold more copies than I thought my homemade advertising could pull off.

What about online presence after the big launch?
Many authors have no problem spilling the hardest part about publishing, and to sum it all up, it’s marketing. Writers are writers, but they’re also content creators, master marketers, and multitaskers. All of this falls under the dreaded umbrella of selling your own book. While publishers have worldwide distribution and connections, in the end, they count on the author of their novel to sell that story better than anyone. I mean, who else is better to do the job?
 
With that being said, I want to share what I did to heighten my success after my book launch.  After my book released, I did a few things on social media such as:

• Expressed the success my book received in the first week
• Shared reviews of my book from online sources
• Had a social media manager design posts about my novel
• Constantly had something book related on my Instagram and Facebook stories
• Focused on keeping my pictures aesthetic and appealing to my teenage audience

​Staying consistent and enthusiastic about your novel brings attention to the story and the author. The more present the book is on social media, the more people will be enticed to read it.

When focusing on a book launch, don’t forget the little details like engaging with followers, responding to their feedback, and being overall active with them. There’s no better way to sell a book than to first build a relationship with the reader. In the end, make your book launch not only about your book but about everyone who is walking alongside you in your journey to publication, and at the end of the day, enjoy your moment in the spotlight!

Vince Bailey writes about the journey. In the case of African-American youth Curtis Jefferson, the protagonist of the award-winning series of the same name, it's been a journey filled with ghosts, both real and imagined. There's a running theme in Curtis's journey: evil, in whatever form it may take, can never really be destroyed; rather it takes a new shape. ​

Vince's original vision for this story also took a new shape—it transformed from a single tome into three individual novels. Path of the Half Moon—the first book in the Curtis Jefferson series—was the Winner of the Arizona Authors’ Association Literary Award and the Chanticleer International Book Awards for Paranormal and Supernatural Fiction. Book two--Courses of the Cursed—was a Finalist in the 15th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards. Merging Paths is the exciting conclusion to the colorful, intricate world presented in this unique paranormal series. 

We caught up with Vince for a Q&A session that sheds some light on his intentions behind the series. Merging Paths is available in print and e-book on October 11, 2022. 

​African American youth Curtis Jefferson’s supernatural saga of restless spirits and ghostly vendettas continues as Curtis escapes from Fort Grant—the remote detention facility to which he was unjustly sentenced. As he sets out upon a dangerous journey, Curtis realizes quickly that the century-old curse of Fort Grant has not been extinguished by the brutal demise of his nemesis, as was hoped.

This final installment in the award-winning Curtis Jefferson series follows our hero through his escape from the cursed reformatory, his struggle to survive a perilous desert crossing, and his attempts to evade a fierce lawman—one whose aim is not to capture, but to kill the young fugitive.
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Meanwhile, in a parallel story related to the curse of Fort Grant, Isabel and Ray Cienfuegos continue to elude their spectral stalker, the murderous demon-spirit Ezra. Former chief of the Aravaipa Apache and self-appointed avenger of the mass murder of his people, the old shaman’s tireless pursuit of his quarry provokes a defensive instinct in Isabel, who refuses to be cornered. Merging Paths presents an alliance of protagonists who grapple with the forces of evil in its various forms, and concludes with a riotous climax that is sure to gratify readers who have followed the journey of good versus evil in Path of the Half Moon and Courses of the Cursed.

We caught up with Vince upon the release of this final novel in the series for a behind-the-scenes look at the end to Curtis's long journey. 

Tell us a little about your book’s title and what it represents.
As the final installment of a three-part series, Merging Paths, recaps its predecessor books, Path of the Half Moon and Courses of the Cursed, and brings the trilogy to its raucous conclusion. Each of the titles suggests a journey, rather than an experience. But I have to confess that, while I worked hard at presenting each of the three as a stand-alone work, the series was originally written start-to-finish as a single effort. Consequently, there are a number of sought-for resolutions held in abeyance for book three, including Curtis’s coming together with the characters and subplots evolving through the first two books—thus the title Merging Paths.

Tell us something in your book that is not in the summary.
Like its two parent novels, Merging Paths continues as a “frame story,” that is, a tale within a tale. We find Curtis feeling inclined to share his harrowing Fort Grant experiences with his friend, Vince. It is Curtis who tells the story while it is fresh in his mind, but it is Vince who absorbs the tale and commits it to ink, presumably years later. The tale-within-a-tale device introduces a number of intermittent points of clarification I call “interludes.” These interludes are presented by Vince in the first person, relating his dialogue with Curtis. But when the tale transitions to the narrative, it is offered in the third person. It is still Vince, channeling Curtis, so to speak, but from an omniscient perspective. With this background in mind, the ever-shifting points of view that punctuate the series should be quite simple for readers to navigate.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I try to be subtle in my writing with regard to themes—I don’t think readers need to be hit over the head with pretty platitudes. However, there certainly are a number of recurring themes in the Curtis Jefferson series that run just under the surface. One theme that merits mentioning involves the notion that evil can never really be completely vanquished. We see it all the time: whenever a wicked plot or evil actor seems to be extinguished, it invariably reincarnates itself in some other way. J.R.R. Tolkien said it best in the opening pages of Fellowship of the Ring: “Always after a defeat and a respite, the Shadow takes another shape and grows again.” In order to avoid spoilers in Merging Paths, I won’t cite examples—just a heads-up for readers to watch for it.

Do you plot your stories or just get an idea and run with it?
I have to laugh at myself over this one. As I said, I wrote the trilogy as one epic tome—1,200 pages blooming from the seed of an excerpt from another (ongoing) writing project. I think that effort was fueled in part by a need for me to know what happens next. Clearly, I leave the plotting to my characters, and I seem to have little control over what they do or say.
​
Tell us how you became a writer—what inspired you to write your first book.
​I was always a daydreamer in grade school—these days they’d call it ADD—always scribbling down all the tales and vignettes that my wandering mind would conjure in order to distract me from long division. Later, I took up journaling as an extension of my adolescent scribbling. As a young adult, I authored a number of letters to my local newspaper, taking issue with home-grown matters that struck me as unjust or worthy of comment. Eventually, the paper hired me to pen a weekly column. In time, I began to write for magazines on a freelance basis (I still write a monthly column for a nationally distributed trade mag). I embarked on the Curtis Jefferson journey at the behest of my young sons who convinced me that I was (am) a pretty good yarn spinner.

Peter and his father, Howard, shared more than DNA—they shared a love of film and television and a talent for writing. Indeed, Howard was an award-winning film and TV writer and book author whose credits included such classic series as Columbo, Mission: Impossible, and The Rockford Files. 

Over the years, ​Peter and Howard worked on numerous projects together, but one screenplay stood out among the rest. It was a clever idea about the future of the justice system in America.

In a country burdened with rampant crime and prison overcrowding, ambitious politicians roll out an innovative, but controversial technology called 'TimeLock' that instantly ages prisoners the number of years of their sentence—the ultimate punishment for inmates and the ultimate deterrent for potential criminals.

​Just one problem, though: what happens . . . if you happen to be innocent?

These and other questions about morals, politics, and the danger of power are brilliantly addressed by the authors in this story, along with a plucky hero, a little romance, and lots of action and humor. 
​
Although Peter lost his father, Howard, before translating this exciting story into a novel, the father-son spirit of family and creativity is fully present in this work.

​And the circle continues as Peter now collaborates with his own sons, Jordan and Daniel, on various creative endeavors.

​We caught up with Peter ahead of the TimeLock book release on September 22 and learned more about the origins of this utterly unique story and the authors who created it. 

Why did you pick this particular subject matter to write about?
I always thought the premise of TimeLock was one of my father’s cleverest ideas, so when COVID hit and I was stuck at home day after day like most people, I was inspired to translate the original screenplay we wrote into a novel. Beyond the action and sci-fi elements of the story, however, I always felt the most interesting aspect of the premise was how a young man with his whole future ahead of him is forced to adjust to sudden middle age when he becomes one of the first to undergo the radical and terrifying process that is TimeLock.

What makes you the happiest?
Corny as it is--family, of course, friends, writing (both fiction and music) and tennis--the one sport I’m fairly good at (for my age!).
 
What fact about yourself would really surprise people?
I can’t say this would qualify as surprising info to anyone, but I actually originally planned on becoming a film composer and songwriter. Inspired by such movie composers as John Barry, Jerry Goldsmith, and John Williams, I locked onto writing music as a career as young as 13 years old and thought I’d have my first Oscar by 25. It obviously didn’t exactly work out that way, but to my great pleasure, both of my sons, Jordan and Daniel, are excellent composers and Daniel has already amassed some 75 film, TV and commercial music scoring credits--about 73 more than I ever did!
 
What is your favorite scene in your book? Why?
I have two favorite scenes, actually. The first is an early lighthearted scene at Morgan’s workplace when he and two of his fellow programmers hack into their horrible boss’s car and take over its spoken navigation system. It’s a silly scene that doesn’t advance the plot in any way, but I think it provides some levity before the action kicks in shortly thereafter. It also, I hope, depicts Morgan as the young and slightly immature man he is before TimeLock changes everything. My other favorite scene is in the prison auditorium when Morgan, his fellow inmates and we the readers first truly become aware of what TimeLock is and the horrifying future these prisoners are about to face.
 
What books did you love growing up?
Like many young people of my generation, I devoured the Ian Fleming/James Bond novels, but also gravitated toward sci-fi authors such as Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov, while also taking in such classics as Catcher in The Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird. As I got older, I tended to alternate between “fun” reads like some of the ones mentioned above and books about WWII and world history. And of course I can’t leave out my father’s first two novels, The Hero Machine and The Sun Grows Cold.
 
Please tell us something about your book that is not in the summary.
TimeLock actually began life as a screenplay I wrote with my father—and two more of the five novellas planned for the series also originated as movie scripts. In tandem with IngramElliott Publishing, I very much hope to bring some or all of these stories to the big or little screen in the future.
 
What motivates you to write?
The never-ending inspiration of my father, Howard--the best writer I’ve ever known. I’ll  cherish the countless hours we spent writing together and now I can honestly say that thanks to IngramElliott, bringing the projects my dad and I wrote together to life in this series of novellas is easily the most gratifying work I’ve ever done in my life.

Special IE author guest blog post
By M.M Cochran
 
Writers and social media don’t always mix very well. But authors and social media? That’s a must. I know, I know. . . writers of all kinds are typically reclusive when it comes to making private life public. All we ask of the world, with puppy dog eyes and hands in prayer position, is this: “Will you buy my book?”

Here’s a fact: the world just might do that––IF you put it out there for them to see. So, the nagging topic that seeps its way into every author’s life . . . “social media as a new author.” Let’s chat about it.

I’m M.M. Cochran, new author of my debut young adult novel Between the Ocean and the Stars, published by our very own IngramElliott. When I first signed my contract with them, they told me to prepare to do some heavy marketing on social media. And if you’re trying to promote your book, personality/brand is what’ll make you or break you. Seems crazy, right? But as a new author myself, I had to find a way to make myself known, and to tell you the truth, branding myself, which means also branding my book, is really quite fun.

New authors, Instagram is your best friend. (Raise your hand if you want to consider spending hours on Instagram “work”!). My tips and tricks for promoting my book is this:

• Stay active.
• Keep your audience engaged in your life.
• Do you go to coffee shops often? Share that on your story.
• Do you write a new chapter every day? Let your followers know that.

After all, your audience follows you for a reason, and that reason is because they’re interested in seeing your life as a writer. With a debut novel coming out, show them what the publishing process looks like, or the writing process, or the editing process.

My social media development started taking off when I announced on Instagram that I’d signed my first publishing contract. It’s been growing ever since. Here’s some quick tips and tricks that helped me get the ball rolling:

•  Posting consistent content that’s book/writing related
• Familiarizing my followers with my novel/book title/cover
• Staying engaged with my followers (comment and like their posts, respond to their DMs)
• Letting them know they can contact me with questions
• This is an important one: Keeping my page pretty
• Building a community of readers/writers/my fans that support me
• Having longer captions vs. one-liners
• Being honest. I.e., Reflecting the hardships of book writing 

 

It's been an an interesting year as the world peeks out of it's shell once again. IngramElliott has been working behind the scenes with both existing and new authors to bring you four exciting new releases for 2022. Whether you're a fan of mystery, young love, sci-fi, action, or otherworldly fiction, we've got something to tickle your fancy. You'll see release dates for late summer/early fall and author interviews and information in coming days. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on pre-sales and release information. Enjoy a sneak peek below and feel free to share the love on your own social sites!

With crime rampant, the President authorizes a hugely controversial program: TimeLock, a cellular acceleration process whereby select prisoners are instantly aged the total number of years of their sentence. In other words - three strikes and you’re old…very old.
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A sci-fi-tinged action-adventure with heart and humor, TimeLock is the first in a new series of novellas set in the crime-ridden near future where a bold new technology transforms the justice system and challenges America’s moral compass. Only one problem—what happens if you’re innocent? 

​An award-winning novelist and screenwriter, Howard Berk’s credits include memorable episodes of such classic TV series as Columbo, Mission: Impossible and The Rockford Files, as well as the feature film, Target, starring Gene Hackman and Matt Dillon. Peter Berk has written six novels, three TV pilots and a dozen screenplays, including several with his father which became the basis for the TimeLock series of novellas. Peter and his family live in Southern California.

As a newcomer on Ophelia Island, Florida, Sam Carter is less than enthused about moving away from West Virginia. But the moment he lays eyes on Georgia Gabeheart at the beach one morning, he can’t help but surrender to her bewitching allure that summons him toward breaking the rules.

A young adult novel where high winds and passion collide, "Between the Ocean and the Stars" is a debut novel by a fresh new voice that will take your breath away.

M. M. Cochran is an award-winning fiction writer, who lives in Greenville, South Carolina.  With an educational background in English and creative writing, she is currently a journalist for the world’s smallest daily newspaper.  She has also worked in the agenting and publishing industry. A lover of all things coffee, autumn, and baking, M. M. delights in spending her afternoons in the kitchen creating goodies for her family, and when she’s not scouting for new coffee shops, she can be found listening to a Frank Sinatra vinyl or hanging out with her standard poodle, family, and friends. Connect with M. M. Cochran on Instagram @m.m.cochran_writer to keep up with her upcoming novels.

As the title suggests, this third book in the award-winning Curtis Jefferson series concludes Curtis's journey to gratify readers who have sought for fulfillment of unresolved issues of good versus evil, as presented in Path of the Half Moon, and developed through Courses of the Cursed. This final installment of his supernatural saga follows our hero in his escape from the reformatory, his struggle to survive a perilous desert crossing, and his attempts to evade a fierce lawman.


​Vince Bailey grew up in Central Arizona, starting in the late nineteen-fifties. His youthful experiences there contribute significantly to his award winning Path of the Half Moon and Courses of the Cursed - Books 1 & 2 in the award-winning Curtis Jefferson series. 
Vince has also been published in several college and local newspapers, and penned a column for a nationally distributed trade periodical. Mr. Bailey currently resides in Arizona, with his family. Connect with the author at vincebaileyauthor.com.

Sam Abernethy plays by the rules, but his sister Alex doesn't. These siblings are closer than anyone but can their bond transcend the grave? When Sam, a by-the-book insurance investigator, begins channeling letters from dead people after his daredevil sister's untimely death, Sam's eerie new ability may be the only thing that saves his family from a deadly arson case. 

This other-worldly mystery will have readers on the edge of their seats . . . and craving some plain, old cornbread.

A fan of action, thriller, mystery, and literary fiction, author T.E. Lane enjoys blending aspects of many genres into a single work, creating a unique reading experience that will keep readers turning the pages. From the shores of south Florida to the mountains of the Carolinas, T.E. Lane creates worlds you want to inhabit with characters that make you feel right at home. 

Students of Heidi E. Kent now have a reason to celebrate. Heidi's new non-fiction book Highlights of Palmistry goes on sale September 7th. Heidi spent a decade sharing her wisdom with students at The Kent-Cook Institute in Davidson, North Carolina. The Institute, now closed, served the Lake Norman community for many years as a school of meditation, mysticism, spiritual healing, and a place for seekers to discover their deepest gifts and connections. 

Heidi is a highly-experienced Master Palmist and has practiced palmistry and other metaphysical arts all over the world.  Her psychic gifts of clairvoyance, clairaudience, and clairsentience were trained at the Spiritual Community of Camp Chesterfield where she received a diploma as a Certified Medium. 

Heidi is now sharing some of those gifts through her new book, Highlights of Palmistry. We caught up with the author recently to learn a bit more about what inspires her.

Highlights of Palmistry
Available September 7, 2021 in e-Book and paperback
​Explore who you are . . . with Master Palmist Heidi E. Kent. Highlights of Palmistry is designed to help you explore the world of palmistry with simple techniques and illustrations. This introduction to the art of palmistry is a quick method of exploring your own nature—in simple shorthand and useful tidbits. Learn to see the hand as a map of the self, a physical expression of the inner you. Embark on your life’s journey with a map of your destiny . . . in the palm of your hand.

or…..
A Lesson on Narration Styles and Adverbs
​By guest contributor Macy Cochran

​Hello writers, new and experienced alike!  There’s never been such a thing as over-studying, so allow us here at IngramElliott to offer our best lesson on narration styles and adverbs in dialogue tags, a couple of the most important aspects to consider while drafting.
           
Point of View
The point of view (POV) of your book sets the initial tone for readers whether we’re aware of it or not.  While first person narrative gives the story a tighter grip on the main character, third person offers a more story-telling tone.  But let’s dig deeper…

First person narrative is used often in thrillers and young adult novels so readers can feel a deeper connection with the main character (MC).  This style of POV reads as though the MC is speaking his thoughts, though it can be written in present tense or past tense.  I’ll share an example from John Green’s young adult novel The Fault in Our Stars, “I woke up in the ICU.  I could tell I was in ICU because I didn’t have my own room…”

Notice how that quote is written as if coming straight from the mind of the MC and being told as though it happened in the past by using past tense verbs.  This narration style is used frequently when authors strive for their audiences to experience a more intense relationship with the book and the characters within, and past tense is included to give a more nostalgic tone.  Here’s an example of first person, present tense in Gayle Forman’s If I Stay: “I can feel them praying.  Which also makes me think I’m dead…And I’m not crying either, even though I know that something unthinkable has happened to my family.”  This tense is used by authors who want to convey a story that’s more action-packed with an in-the-moment feel. 

Third person narrative is a regularly used POV, especially in literary fiction, using pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “they,” opposite of first person’s pronouns like “I,” “myself,” “me,” etc.  However, there are two types of third person POV––omniscient and the more common past tense.  Third person omniscient is rather flexible for writers in that this POV is all-knowing of numerous characters in the story, following more than just one character.  This omniscient style allows readers to be aware of what is happening in each of the character’s lives, permitting the author to “head-hop” from one person to the other. 

Editors note: Take care when hopping from one character to another while using omniscient point of view--if not crafted with much care, this approach may confuse readers. 

Third person past tense follows only one character, similarly to first person, though the story is told from the author’s point of view, saying things like, “He walked to the store,” or “She helped the man up, and then she pushed him back in his chair.” Most genres in commercial fiction such as thrillers or young adult pieces are written in first person narrative.  Literary fiction is most often seen in third person.  Some examples of this are Great Expectations, Pride and Prejudice, and The Scarlet Letter. 

Overall, each of these POVs is fun to work with, so before you take on your first draft, do a little research and find which narration style works best for you!

Now for the Adverbs
Watch out, avid writers, because we’ve all come across adverbs in dialogue tags like this one: “‘I love you,’ she said sweetly.” Now let’s try, “‘I love you.’  She touched his cheek and rubbed the tip of her nose on his.” Notice how readers can interpret that the dialogue was said sweetly due to the actions that followed. 

Editors often warn against adverbs in dialogue tags because adverbs are known to tell action instead of show it.  But how come we see adverbs so much in bestselling novels? Many times, authors with a high platform can get away with including these risky techniques in their writing because publishers want the authors’ exposure. 

But the cornerstone to good writing is using exciting verbs that help the reader see the action rather than taking the easy way out by using adverbs.  The best way around adverbs is to step back, imagine what action you’re trying to convey, and search out your best verb for that description. 

​So once you’ve nailed your POV and started writing, choose your words carefully!  They just might land you on the bestseller list…           

​Macy Cochran is a freelance editor and writer for the Tryon Daily Bulletin. Learn more about how to work with Macy on her website at ElegantEditingServices.com or by email at eleganteditingservices@gmail.com. ​

By guest editor and contributor Macy Cochran

Patience is key to publication, and after writing a novel, the dreaded editing process is next, calling for the utmost patience. Writing a novel might sound like the difficult and tedious part of publishing, but isn’t editing your work the most time-consuming part? 

The editing and revision process is hard on the author and even more trying when beginning the process right after completing your last chapter.  All writers need a break from their manuscript, so before taking a nose dive right back into your novel, give yourself a break and allow for time to refresh your creative mind prior to looking upon your manuscript with a pair of fresh eyes. 

Some of the best practices for editing your work prior to publication or professional editing can be quick and easy if you take one step at a time. 

First, read through your manuscript checking for instances where you might “tell” the action instead of “showing” it.  Doing a word search for adverbs that end with “ly” is a perfect place to start.  The best way to avoid pesky adverbs is to consider the sentence and create a description the adverb was trying to imply.

All writers face overused words that always make their way into your work.  While editing your own piece, start cutting some of those overused words.  Though it might seem time consuming, a quick read-through of your book is what will call attention to any sort of redundancy that’s woven within. 

Like most authors, we’d like to think our work is a masterpiece that needs no professional editing.  The problem is that all authors need editors, and even better––all editors need editors.  While you might not catch some awkward phrasing or wordy sentences, an editor is sure to polish those blemishes. 

Editors can seem intimidating in the beginning because they’re literally hired to find your mistakes. But what might not meet the eye upon first introduction is that working with an editor builds a level of trust.  An editor cares for your book as much as you do, and that’s why they chose to work with you. 

​
Macy Cochran is a freelance editor and writer for the Tryon Daily Bulletin. Learn more about how to work with Macy on her website at ElegantEditingServices.com or by email at eleganteditingservices@gmail.com. 

Fans of Jeffrey F. Meyer may be surprised to know that he was a member of the Franciscan Order and studied to be a priest for seven years. This important time in his life, combined with thirty-five years as a professor of Religious Studies, informs, inspires, and influences his latest novel, Crooked Lines. 

Crooked Lines follows Jeffrey's award-winning debut historical fiction novel, A Call to China, heralded by Kirkus Reviews as "An engrossing fictional exploration of family, culture, and what it means to belong in both China and America."

Set in the late 2020s, Jeffrey's latest visionary work of fiction asks the question: Can our hero and his strange band of friends find the courage to restore democracy to an America teetering dangerously on the precipice of authoritarian rule?

When asked about his motivation to write, Jeffrey notes, "Since I retired from UNC Charlotte in 2008, I have spent most of my time writing fiction, a first novel that I could never get right, then A Call to China, now Crooked Lines, and I’m working on another novel, now about half way through the first draft. I consider myself lucky to have this inner urge to write fiction¸ which I suppose was inborn, something in my heart and mind that can’t be fully explained."

And Crooked Lines is no ordinary literary journey. The reader will encounter action, humanity, humor, and serious issues, all wrapped into a framework based upon an abridged translation of the Chinese classic Journey to the West.  This pilgrimage story follows a famous Buddhist monk traveling from China to India in order to bring back to his native country all the sacred scriptures that were lacking in China. The monk seems unlikely to succeed.  

In Crooked Lines, Bishop Donovan is an ordinary man, neither brilliant nor possessed of heroic virtue. Set in a future where authoritarian governments have taken hold around the world and the planet heads toward a climate disaster, Bishop Donovan and two unlikely companions—an Asian monk and a former pro-football player—risk everything to share a way forward with the world. 

​Accepting the complexity of all human beings, Crooked Lines also deals with a number of important issues: authoritarian government, the threat of climate change, the intersection of religion and politics, the place of faith in a cynical world, women’s role in traditional religious institutions, and the meaning of success and failure as individuals and institutions strive to realize their ideals.

We chatted with the author about his new novel in advance of it's upcoming release. Crooked Lines is available September 18, 2020 in print and e-Book. 

What fact about yourself would surprise your fans?
Readers might be surprised to know that I was a member of the Franciscan Order, studying to be a priest, for seven years. I left the order about a year and a half before ordination, but my time in the Order was very important in my life.  I became aware that a number of my colleagues who also left the Order resented the time wasted and years lost. I did not.  I felt that I gained a lot by the experience, maybe the most important thing was learning how to live in a community. Another thing was learning of the importance of religion or spirituality in human life, a conviction I have never lost.  That conviction is obvious in Crooked Lines, as it is in all my writings, fictional and academic. 

Where do you find joy in life?
Exploration and travel.  Learning about nature, in the manner of Mary Oliver (for its spiritual meaning), and exploring and foreign lands and peoples.  I’ve spent, for example, about three years of my life in Asia, mostly China and Taiwan, amazed and intrigued at times at how different these cultures are from my own, and at other times marveling at how much alike all of us are, from the east or west,  as human beings.

Tell us something about Crooked Lines that's not in the summary.
The inspiration for Crooked Lines comes from an Asian source.  About three years ago I was reading an abridged translation of the Chinese classic Journey to the West, a sort of pilgrimage story in which a famous Buddhist monk goes from China to India in order to bring back to his native country all the sacred scriptures that were lacking in China. The monk seems unlikely to succeed.  He is often diffident, somewhat fussy about his own comfort. How will he be able to make the arduous and dangerous journey across the Silk Road to India?  He does it by finding three companions who will accompany and help him, the chief one being Monkey, probably the most popular character in all of Chinese fiction. The three are mischievous, sometimes badly behaved characters as well as “superheroes” so there is a strong element of fantasy in the novel.  My aim was to retell this story in a western setting, preserving the serious religious purpose while using elements of fantasy and humor. 

What books did you love growing up?
As a kid I remember riding my bicycle to the local library in Cincinnati, where I grew up, and checking out books regularly.  I read all the Wizard of Oz series, the Hardy Boys (young detectives) stories, and I recall going through an African period, reading stories about its fascinating animals and terrain. I can remember only one title, Treks Across the Veldt, though I read many. These were books written from the imperialist’s point of view, glorifying the big game hunters and explorers, with the actual people of Africa playing secondary roles as scouts and bearers. But early in my teen age years I began to read adult books that left a permanent mark on my mind, like Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth, about a Chinese farmer and his family. Another was J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye.  I was also deeply moved by the Anne Frank story. 

Why did you pick this particular subject matter to write about?
Besides my love for the original story of Journey to the West, I took up this novel as a way to touch on three issues that I consider crucial at this time in American history, and really, world history.  The first is the growth of authoritarian governments around the world and the corresponding weakening of democracy, which can be seen right now in the U.S., China, India, the UK, Poland, Hungary, Brazil and the Philippines. The second is climate change, and the third is the role of women in world religions—name me a single world religion where the patriarchal model does not dominate.

I hope these issues become more tangible as the reader encounters them in real social settings in the novel. 

A professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for thirty-five years, Jeffrey F. Meyer taught Asian religions in the Religious Studies department, with a focus on Buddhism and Daoism. He is married with three grown children and currently living in Davidson, North Carolina.
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His first novel, A Call to China, is a Silver winner in the 30th Annual Benjamin Franklin Awards and a finalist in the 13th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards and the 2019 NextGen Indie Book Awards.

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