Word Count and Novel Length

 

Lately, I've been reading a lot about how long a novel should be. For example, The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte are both around a hundred thousand words each. Longer than these is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen which is over a hundred twenty thousand words. Then, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott sets at about a hundred fifty thousand works. 

How long should a novel be? Obviously many writers and readers differ in answer to this question. While George R. R. Martin has written massive books, most writers today do not write novels past a hundred thousand words (ninety thousand seems to be average). 

Over the years, I've come to believe more and more that one of the hallmarks of a good writer is not someone who simply writes well, but who knows when to cut out unneeded material from the story. For this reason, I am not impressed with Rowling's writing concerning Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Sitting at about two hundred fifty thousand words on a bookshelf, I think that Rowling stretched her story into unnecessary subplots and details about the adolescents and their crushes throughout her Harry Potter series. 

To me, the majority of books should be shorter than they are. I think that some people think of their work as more impressive if it compares in length to War and Peace, but most writers are not Leo Tolstoy. Besides, not every story (in my view) should go on to be such a massive book. 

When it comes to the length of a novel, I think Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights is in many ways the perfect size that most stories should be. The author did not overload her reader with unnecessary details about the story. Rather, readers stay engaged with this text as they anticipate where the relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff is going. No wonder, Wuthering Heights is ranked among the greatest works of English literature. 

In conclusion, I don't support short or average-sized novels for the purpose of them being short. Indeed, I think that Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is worthy of its length. However, most works of literature can be greatly condensed into a better and funnier read. 

Christianity in Literature

 

It is a mistake (largely out of ignorance) on the part of many evangelicals to think that the literature of the past is not inherently Christian. While there is no time in this short article to prove otherwise, Christianity is almost never alien to Medieval literature, common in those works of the English Reformation, and often referenced in the works of the Romantic and Victorian eras. Christianity is of significant purpose to the works of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and the Brontes. 

C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien are among the most famous recent novelists to have had strong Christian themes in their fantasy stories. This was especially the case for Lewis. Indeed, Aslan is a type of Christ in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. 

In the twenty-first century, many have attempted to see Christian themes in other works of literature where Christianity is not so obvious. This has been the case for the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. In my view, however, these books cannot be classified as Christian literature for, despite Rowling's Anglican background, her references to Christianity are often mixed with references to practices known for the association with Satanism, witchcraft, and the occult. 

To me, Christian literature does not simply have a literary reference to something good (such as Ron and Harry's friendship in the Philosopher's Stone). Rather, the story must portray Christianity as orthodox without intermingling or mixing another faith with the aspects of Christianity that it is supposedly referring to. For example, some see Harry's resurrection in the Deathly Hallows as symbolic of Christ's own resurrection. However, I do not believe Harry's Ressurection resembles that of Christ when the morals of what is right and wrong are so ambiguous throughout the Harry Potter books (unlike that of Biblical Christianity).   

To say that any book in the present world is Christian because the book may give good portrayals of friendship or good virtues is quite a stretch. I think that many who believe this is trying to force an inspiration on the literary works that they hold dear. 

Thoughts from an English Major

 Why major in English? All sorts of people major in English literature. Journalists, editors, playwriters poets, and novelists do. So do many actors and theologians. 

The English major is a great place to start preparing for one's future career. By knowing grammar, composition, academic writing, and creative writing, a person sets themself up for most careers. Whether or not people like grammar or writing, these are skills that most people will have to use in their careers. Likewise, many theologians benefit from majoring in English as it helps them learn about how to properly analyze and interpret literature. 

By studying English literature at the undergraduate level, a student exposes themself to the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, John Milton, Jane Austen, Percy Shelley, the Brontes, Charles Dickens, and more famous writers from the past. It allows them to often understand how to read literature as academics do: to look for literary themes, notice implications within the text, and understand rhyme schemes. 

Of course, more English Departments are currently moving away from the classics that they studied for generations. In Britain, the Bible is perceived as racist, and in many colleges, Shakespeare's works have been removed as necessary readings from the classrooms. Finally, many colleges are going away from even calling English Departments ''English'' as that implies they to are to focused on white British people. 

For conservatives who want to study English literature, there are other ways that they can learn about it without going to a Marxist university. One of the ways is to read literature for oneself. Second, learn and study literature from Christian scholars who majored in English. This would include people like C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. 

I'm thankful that I've had the opportunity to study British literature from a Christian university. However, in an increasingly anti-Christian America, its wise that young people and their parents think about their education without throwing away their money to godless institutions which are out to corrupt God's elect from the purity of the Holy Scriptures. 

Notes on Creative Writing For New Writers

 As I've continued other projects outside of Kings And Crusaders, I've realized that it's often a good idea to write several stories at once. It's certainly less boring and allows the writer to experiment with several plotlines without limiting themself to just one. Some stories are much different than others, but all of them allow the writer to freely express his/herself about different ideas and concepts. For example, if I'm writing a novel about war and a novel about romance simultaneously, the two allow me to explore different aspects of humanity as well as be free of my own thoughts on those different subjects.

Understanding the themes of one's work is pivotal to getting the story right. In many ways, the theme is as important, or perhaps more so, than the plot itself. 

No work of literature is relevant unless it touches on the issues that readers care about. Whether it's the turmoil of war, the longing for friendship, or the remorse that one feels over a broken heart, all stories must stay within the perimeter of what concerns the reader's emotions. When the writer is out of touch with the feelings of the reader, the author of the work should be reminded about what aspects of literature are of interest to readers. In general, the fear of betrayal and or the hope for a better life are themes that are relatable to everyone. 

Language has much to do with enticing the reader. What is it about the characters' dialogues that draws readers into the story? Is the language of the book archaic or modern? Does the writer understand the words that he is using? 

Why is this book being written? What is its purpose? What does the writer hope to gain by finishing this literary work? Is she writing this book for fame? Is he writing it to prove himself? Does she hope to start a career out of writing it? 

It's a good idea to ask oneself these questions at the beginning of a new literary project. As long as there is a significant purpose involved, the writer will likely feel more inspired to tell his/her story. 

A Hopeless World?

 

A hopeless world? 

We seem to think that. More Americans are falling into negativity continually, and they have been doing so for a long time. Stress is now part of the American tradition. Politics, religion, and even entertainment have all become hot and divisive topics. 

One aspect that some (especially on the right) have gotten wrong about hopelessness (as I have) is the belief that America is the world's hope. While I believe that America has done much good throughout history, the only lasting hope of mankind comes from Christianity, not necessarily from a country. It's easy to be sucked into the thought that America or the Republican Party will save America from its ugliness. We, as conservatives, expect (in some ways) too much of political candidates in that we expect them to be a savior. While they may help protect the unborn, defend marriage, and secure our borders, not even the best of men can save other men's souls. Salvation from sin is something that God does for us; the Father has begotten the Son, Jesus took the penalty that we deserve, and the Holy Spirit renews us to be like Christ. Faith in any political institution or country is going to be disappointing if that faith expects it to do what only God can.  

True hope comes from Christianity. Everything else is not guaranteed to last. Many of the Romans did not expect their empire to fall but it did. The same was true for the British. The same will be true someday for America. True liberty is not found with the stars and stripes but in submission to Jesus Christ. We often think freedom is doing what we want, but freedom is actually choosing what is best for us (the will of God). 

Our world is hopeless if our faith is in something else more than Christ. Not even a great king nor a brilliant artist can turn around the hearts of men. Regeneration is only achieved by the power of God.

How do we find hope? We find it in Christ. Indeed, we find it specifically in the Resurrection of Christ. Just as he defeated death, so we also do in Him. 1 Peter 1:3 says, ''Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (NIV)...''

Interestingly, Hebrews 1:11 informs us that we do not always see what God is doing in our lives or that of others: ''Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (RSV).''

Genres and What Appeals

 

Literature comes in many forms. Whether it's a romantic comedy or a historical war drama; a gothic mystery, or a work of science fiction/fantasy, a good book is always worth the read. However, what makes some books better than others? Why are some so much more appealing? 

Having written many stories over the years that fall into various literary qualities, there are a few structures to a novel that should be universal to every book: 

1. A solid plotline. This is arguably the most important. It should be consistently appealing from beginning to end. 

2. The characters are developed. From the first pages, the reader follows them and wants more of them. Usually showing some sort of change in the lead role by the end of the story is also important. 

3. The main character is likable, even if they are a villain. We should be able to understand the lead role's reasons for doing what he/she does. 

4. If there is an antagonist in the story, this character should help define the lead role. While there are good stories without good villains, it's obviously better to have both. 

5. Whether a novel is action/adventure or a romance, feeling the character's desires is more important than knowing the details of every battle (historical fiction) or knowing the details of sex between the characters (romance). For example, Michal Shaara's The Killer Angels doesn't tell the reader about every soldier at the battle of Gettysburg, nor did the author intend to do so. Michael Shaara was more concerned with focusing his story on several key characters: Joshua Chamberlain, Robert E. Lee, and James Longstreet. By narrowing his cast of characters to a handful, the author was able to focus on them personally while sharing their perspectives of the battlefield around them. Likewise, Jane Austen never gives the reader details about Edward Ferrars and Elinor Dashwood kissing in Sense and Sensibility. Her writing was more concerned with the romance of the mind than of the body. 

6. The climax is not forced. Just like a good building or a good relationship, a good novel never forces its final action until it has laid the foundation of the story. No matter what the climax is, it will be hardly satisfactory without a solid build-up to it. 

As to the author of the work...

1. The writer doesn't expect the reader to already understand what he does. It can be easy to tell a story and then expect the reader to understand aspects of the plot, places, or characters without the writer explaining them to the reader. However, the writer should never take the reader's potential ignorance for granted. 

2. The author of the work should write what she wants to do. Publishing should be about creativity and imagination; honoring a work of art. Unfortunately, it's often what is just marketable. 

3. The writer should be getting advice from others around him/her with literary knowledge as to the faults and failures of the early drafts. While the writer may not always agree with their criticism, engaging with it is important to make the novel better. 

4. In a world of technology, oversized novels are generally not a good idea. This is especially the case for writers that are not yet well known. 

5. It's important that the writer of a given work ensure a natural flow to the story. If the plot seems uneven, the romance seems forced, and the action is just dry, then it may need to be rewritten from scratch. 

6. While people's reactions can be unpredictable, the author will not satisfy any audience if he/she has not first pleased themselves with it. While there may be exceptions to this rule where the author of the work detests it even if the readers adore it, this is generally unlikely to happen. If anything, the writer will generally appreciate their work more than other people will. 

In conclusion, there is more that goes into a work of literature than meets the eye. Understanding its attributes is important not just for the writer, but for the reader as well. By using the models above, a reader may make their choices easier between reading one novel or its companion. 

 

There is No Life Apart from Christianity

 

In the modern world, it seems acceptable to fly tags of political candidates, to wear t-shirts of movies that we like, and to advocate political causes such as the support of environmentalism or homosexuality. However, quite tragically, it is not very socially acceptable to endorse Christianity publicly. Often when we do, we will face discrimination for holding to the holy ancient faith. The secularist may oppose fiscal conservative ideas, but it is true Christianity that most of them wish to eradicate. In many cases, as soon as we speak of serious faith in Jesus Christ, others will wish to break from our company. 

At the same time, however, it is freeing to establish any new relationships that we make with our fellow humanity by building them on the significance of Christianity. We will free ourselves of much pain to be rejected for following Christ sooner than later. It's often a waste of time to befriend someone whose care for orthodoxy is quite limited; with us having the hope that they will eventually change as we get to know them. If a person rejects a Christian for speaking of the latter's faith upon their first encounter, then the relationship will be brief. Indeed, God will judge him or her for their rejection of Christianity. 

There should be no long discussion of music, literature, or any humanity without it in some way pointing to Christianity. I do not mean this in a legalistic sense, but rather, a freeing one. After all, we are most free when we obey the will of the Creator.  

A life without Christ is truly meaningless. To think that so many of us live for the moment or even this life rather than eternity, is troubling. No college degree, no career, no amount of money, no level of fame, not even relationships will we leave this life with. As the play Everyman demonstrated, all that man leaves this life with are his works. The paper will find himself no lower in heaven than the prince, provided that both shared the same Christian humility. 

The best books are not necessarily the ones we react positively to the first time we read them, but rather, the ones that stay with us. 

Let me end with several my own quotes:

''Christianity has no hope without the Second Advent. As Christians, our faith has been affirmed by the Ressurection of Christ. However, we find great hope that Jesus shall come again.''

''More often we wish to see than what we ought to see. We can be willfully blind to the goodness that God is offering us by contemplating on what we want instead.''

Military Fiction's Inspirations on my Works

 

Over the years, various novels poems, and plays have been inspired my works. Here are just a few examples. 

During the Siege of Acre (1191) that takes place in my first Crusade novel, the writing of this event was inspired by Homer's concerning the Siege of Troy during The Iliad. The fighting between the Greeks and Trojans inspired my writing of the Crusaders and Saracens in conflict. Likewise, the outstanding heroism of Hector and Achilles inspired several of my main characters. 

While the first half of my series was inspired by Homer's The Iliad, the second half's structure in many ways follows The Odyssey. The first several novels deal with the wear in the Holy Land (akin to The Iliad's edition of the Trojan War), while the later novels are concerning Richard the Lionheart's return to England and the wars thereafter (akin to Odyssesues's return to Ithica in The Odyssey).

The fighting between Christians and Muslims in The Song of Roland was inspirational to my books. Roland's death likely inspired one of the deaths of my main characters in one of the earlier novels. 

While more fantastical than military fiction, the Arthurian stories have also inspired my books. The conflicts between Arthur's knights, their friendships, and the betrayals that Arthur faces have all had their influence on my works. The Arthurian stories, however, more strongly inspired the second half of my series than the first. 

Shakespeare's Henry V inspired my books at different points. I drew from it inspiration to my own novels from its rich dialogue, the king's speech before the Battle of Agincourt (1415), and Henry's wooing of Princess Catherine of France. Likewise, Richard III was heavily inspirational on the second novel of the series as Richard III's character inspired on of the main villains of that novel. 

J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings inspired several battles in the first several novels. Among them, I used his Siege of Gondor as an inspiration to the Battle of Jaffa (1192). 

The various novels of Michael and Jeff Shaara have at some point been used for the inspiration of my stories. This has been especially the case for The Killer Angels. 

My Favorite Works of Literature

 While it's harder to organize literary works in a particular order, these books are among some of my favorites: 

The Iliad by Homer

The Metamorphoses by Ovid

The Quest for the Holy Grail 

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Everyman

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Henry V by William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

A Song to a Dryad

 

Previously, I wrote three poems to a Nymph. This poem is unrelated to the earlier one. However, it does share some literary qualities akin to them. 

Let me sing a sweet song, 

my heart's love stretches long, 

as I play my heavenly harp, 

I adjust to this work of art. 

I thought my life was complete, 

until a goddess, I did greet, 

moved by a sweet sight and aroused by my affection, 

I immediately hoped and prayed for her radiant reception. 

I said to the dreamy Dryad, 

Of all the things that we can have, 

lady, let love be ours to share, 

and may it eternally endure. 

While from this forest, I drew a fair flower, 

to my maiden, I gave this gift at the next hour, 

I wood her with the idyllic intention of her love to awake, 

so that we be merry as our affection we both share and make. 

Oh, dear Dryad, listen to my deem and patient plea, 

your glory is beyond the eager earth and the sacred sea. 

Let the stars not decide our fair fates, 

our future is for us alone to make. 

Having said the wise prior words, 

I was pleased that we then became a pair, 

we kissed under the majestic moonlight, 

our hearts beamed as both warm and bright. 

Of all the things that pertain to roses and romance, 

let nature's instincts in you abide and advance, 

This has been a long noble night in joyful June, 

Truly, nothing is more passionate than a sweet summer afternoon.  

Britain the Bear

   

I wrote this poem in honor of the British Isles.                                   

                                  As England's East Anglia feels the rise of the western shores, 

                                 To my British country, I will bravely turn and adore, 

                                 There is no home like that of Saint George, 

                                 Her garden greenwood is mine forevermore. 

                                I vow to the land of good King Arthur, 

                                my sword, my arms, and my armor, 

                                my loyalty is with thee alone, 

                               I pledge all that I own. 

                              God bless my lovely England!

                             

                              

                               

                                  

                                 

Poem of an Angel from Paradise

 

This poem was primarily inspired by Dante's Paradiso. I imagined this poem from the pictures of paradise from Gustav Dore. This is an English sonnet concerning the future resurrection of the dead.  

                                                

                                                As the curtains of heaven unfolded,

                                               I saw those who are Christ-devoted, 

                                               from sin, they have eternal freedom, 

                                               theirs, is the glorious heavenly kingdom.

                                         

                       
                                               While I watched this unearthly scene,

                                              an angel came down to me, 

                                              I asked him where were the former dead, 

                                              and he replied, that I had nothing to dread. 

                                             My eyes looked to the clouds above,

                                            I saw saints standing beside the Paraclete-Dove, 

                                            I realized then, that all things had become new,

                                            the scriptures, bear witness to all that is true. 

                                           Let not the fear of death be of dread to us, 

                                           If in Christ, we be faithful and in Him, forever trust. 

                                            

Poem to a Roman Female

My vision was more obscure in this poem. I wasn't sure to who I wished it to be addressed. However, the text supports the conclusion that it is to a Roman female (possibly divine). 

Sweet angel of light, be mine one last time,

great goddess of goodness, hear my rugged rhyme, 

Now or never, I do not wish to be alone, 

Yours, is the loveliest sight that I have ever known.  

Oh, Mercury, deliver this message unto her person, 

that she is the most beautiful of the lower heavens. 

My Italian Sonnet

 

I've written this poem as similar to an Italian sonnet. It has an octave in the first stanza, followed by a sestet in the second. I lacked specific inspiration that had helped my recent previous poems address a Dryad. However, I wanted to write this as I've never done an Italian sonnet before. Who the poet is describing in the poem is at best, ambiguous. Throughout the poem, however, I had in mind a Medieval minstrel wooing an Italian girl. 

Let love be found in my lent speech,

and your beating heart be within my reach.

your affection I wish to again attain,

let not my veneration be in vain.

Now, as I become ready to read, 

let me to you, surely lead. 

I pray that my voice not vex, 

what I am to narrate next. 

Of all the things that a heavy heart does feel, 

let my warm wooing make an appeal. 

I admire thee as with all my admiration, 

You capture and conquer my full comprehension. 

Worthy or no, this writing be, 

Same as ever, is this song in me. 

Poem to a Crusader Knight

               

         

 

  I decided to write a poem to a pilgrim knight who is en route to Outremer. It has been established in the style of an English sonnet. 

                                           

                                                Behold, a mounted horseman comes, 

                                                Indeed, he is praised by many tongues, 

                                                 a red cross he bears on his white shield, 

                                                 he rides ferociously to the battlefield. 

                                                Behold, the pilgrim prepares for the fight,  

                                                he is England's best and bravest knight, 

                                                his lance he stabs into the enemies, 

                                                his courage is hardly plenary. 

                                               Behold, the crusader returns triumphant, 

                                               he responds gladly to the court's trumpet, 

                                               he begins to sheath away his sword, 

                                               knowing that Outremer is again restored. 

                                               Valiant and honorable be Lord William,

                                               who is the greatest of all Christian pilgrims. 

                                                

                                               

                                               

                                                

                                               

                                                 

                                                 

Balancing Writing with Literature

 One of the things that I've learned most over the years is that writers have to write continually to do it well. They can't write every so often and expect to do well at it. With the possible exception of 2014, when I was focusing more on theology than anything else, most of my life I've focused on writing every year since at least 2011. However, writing often is not the only charge for authors and aspiring ones. 

Knowing the literature of the past is arguably the most important aspect of being a good writer. Knowing good composition and the essentials of storytelling may work for some who are ignorant of literature, but for most writers, knowledge of past literary works such as the Iliad by Homer and Hamlet by William Shakespeare should be expected. By knowing the literature of the past, writers will more naturally pick up on themes of storytelling, good punctuation, and the smoothness of the classics. In many ways, writers can do this even if they are not grammar experts. 

That said, the literature of the past is not all the writer needs to know. They must understand what is interesting to people in the present. Reading contemporary fiction is also important because the styles of some older books are sometimes not appealing to modern audiences. As much as I could say otherwise, Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott's novels would likely be less popular today if they were just now published than they were in the early nineteenth century. 

As Stephen King once noted, writers ''Read, read, read.'' The same is true for writing. Good writers must write frequently (I don't consider Facebook and Twitter posts as either professional or creative ''writing.''). Learning to balance how to read both literature and stay in one's own works, is one one the most important aspects of a writer's life. 

Third Poem to a Nymph

This is the final of my three sonnets to a Roman nymph. While I did not plan three such sonnets, I greatly enjoyed writing the first one so much that I decided to add two more. 

                                           As ageless as some things be, 

                                          so is the love found within me, 

                                          if words cannot express what my senses do not allow,  

                                          I pray that music alone be the language for me now. 

                                          A graceful nymph has captured my desire, 

                                         my affection, she has entire, 

                                         her beauty, never rests from my thoughts, 

                                         my admiration, she has bought. 

                                        Let my wooing not be meaningless, 

                                        For truly, let me bear witness. 

                                       Never to my love, need there be revise, 

                                       I adore the nymph of my heart's paradise. 

                                      I pray these poems justice do, 

                                      for the returned love that I desire in you. 

Second Poem to a Nymph

                                         

                

                                                          While the muses assemble,

                                                          the Romans worship in their temple, 

                                                          the Latins offer honor to the Deities,  

                                                          with their utmost faith and piety. 

                                                          Juno looks with jealousy, 

                                                          she sees how Jupiter is ever jolly, 

                                                          by a sight most fair, 

                                                         as of it, all the gods become aware. 

                                                         By the roaring river stream, 

                                                         is she who is gay with a gleam, 

                                                         my nymph plays a tune, 

                                                         as all gaze at her by noon. 

                                                         Let these words be taken, 

                                                         that this tree-lady is the adoration of creation. 

                                                          

                                                         

                                                         

Poem to a Nymph

Below, I have written a sonnet. Greek mythology usually finds a way into my poems. I began work on this last night.                           

                                                             As the lovely lilies sway by the wild wind, 

                                                             summer's evening grace does begin, 

                                                             The muses now sing of a nymph,

                                                             her presence transcends all other myths. 

                                                             As a lady among the forest trees, 

                                                            she is a fair sight for all to see, 

                                                            she dances as she makes a melody, 

                                                            her laurel wreath is her great glory. 

                                                           Oh muses, forbid me not of my sight, 

                                                           let my poetry praise her as I write, 

                                                           that in all of the garden greenwood, 

                                                           this nymph is the picture of maidenhood.

                                                           As sure as sweet summer ends, 

                                                           let this labored love make amends. 

                                                            

                                                   

    

Update on Fourth Draft

The fourth draft of Kings And Crusaders (the first novel) has kept me closely engaged with research. I have been meticulous in keeping the novel accurate to history. So far, the fourth draft is a better transcript than the previous attempts. It has kept the story of Richard the Lionheart, the Plantagenets, and the Angevin Empire centralized in its narrative. Lately, I've been returning to biographies on the key characters by reading biographies and the works of modern historians. 

When telling a story, especially if it is a novel, it is always vital for it to read like good literature. That has been part of my attempt here. At the same time, however, I am also strongly concerned with keeping my novel historically accurate. 

Grammar and the Change of Meaning in Words

 

Words matter. Their meaning alone especially matters when understood within a proper historical context. Many today are attempting to interpret the King James Version of the Bible as if its meaning has in no way changed since the seventeenth century when it was published. In reality, though, to understand past works of literature, we often should be  learning how the grammar within them has changed over time. 

The history of grammar goes back to Aristotle. It's interesting how much the Latins took from the Grecians. Likewise, it is fascinating to think about how much the English language has been taken from the Latin one. Languages impact one another, and they have done so throughout history. I like your paragraph on tyne history of traditional grammar. I'm not sure about you, but one of my favorite aspects of this course so far was reading about the history of the Romans and Greeks as these ancient peoples related to the development of what we now know as ''grammar.'' 

On the other hand, universal grammar, and how it impacts every one of us startled me in this course. It is wild to think about how we have learned the language since our births into this world. Likewise, the fact that we all speak different languages across this globe has always appalled me. 

One of the most exciting aspects of grammar is how the meaning of words changes over time. Take, for example, the word ''charity.'' Now, many of us would likely (and wrongly) believe that this word is simply a word for giving away money to good causes. While this has not been the historic definition of charity, others of us still would wrongly claim that this word simply means ''love.'' However, charity, as known to writers like Augustine of Hippo (at least in the English translations from his works), charity meant the love of God. In the more grammatical sense, however, charity means the love of others. The King James Version of the Holy Bible used the word in 1 Corinthians 13. According to the Norton Anthology of English Literature, the King James Version was more moderate in its Protestant theology than other Reformation Bibles. Charity meant not simply love, but good works toward God in general, and this is why the Norton Anthology describes it as a moderate Protestant version: 

''In the passage selected here, 1 Corinthians 13, Tyndale's use of the word ''love,'' echoed by the Geneva Bible, is set against the Catholic ''charity.'' The latter term gestures toward the religious doctrine of ''works,'' against the Protestant insistence on salvation by faith alone. It is a sign of the conservative, moderate, Protestantism of the King James version that it too opts for ''charity (The Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, p. 618).''

The word ''charity,'' has meant much to me over the years. It does even more so now as I announce my work on a future publication concerning early Christianity which will be titled: Suprised by Charity. The title has taken its inspiration from other works with similar names written by C. S. Lewis and N. T. Wright. 

References: 

The Norton Anthology of English Literature.W. W. Norton and Company. (2006).

Begining the Fourth Draft of the first Kings and Crusaders Novel

 

As I began my Medieval Art course through Liberty University's programs, I began to realize that schoolwork had distracted me from the focus that I would love to dedicate to my books. Indeed, I wish that I could study Medieval history, art, literature, theology, and philosophy for my whole degree. Especially since high school, I have had to study a lot of other subjects that my interest in is minimal (math, science, etc). As I begin to finish the first quarter of my Medieval art course, however, I realized my strong desire to be able to spend much of my time simply writing my novels on the crusades as I use to do. I look forward to having my final courses in the sciences done. I want to focus my mind on literature and history. 

On the other hand, taking science has made me think more about terms like ''acceleration'', ''velocity'', and so forth--- terms that I intend to use for my novels. Using terms from science and math fit well in for the description of siege weapons moving up against castle walls and trebuchets slinging stone against the defenders (or attackers). 

Finally, I can say that so far, the fourth draft is superior to all the rest. It introduces the characters better than the other drafts did and starts off the story with the feeling that it truly is set in the Middle Ages. Having taken much inspiration from Chaucer for the beginning of the Kings And Crusaders series, my fourth draft reads largely as a work from Medieval literature. While a lot of work is still needed to be done, I am pleased with where I'm at in this work so far. 

How Theology Impacts Literature

Over the years, my writings have been influenced often by the theologians that I was reading at that time. For example, Augustine has had a strong impact on me for many years. I do not know any writer, however, who has not been impacted by Augustine or a religious leader in some way. Indeed, most English literature until modern times reflected Christian themes. 

Literature often (if not always) reflects the theological views of the writer. In the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, we see semi-Christian themes (especially liberal Anglicanism). Likewise, Tolkien called The Lord of the Rings a ''Catholic'' work. While neither of these works is as obvious about Christianity as the Narnia series, the religious views of the writers are found in their works. 1* While some works may reflect certain Christian values, others, are explicitly Christian. 

Obvious examples of Christian literature include The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, Everyman, Piers Plowman, and The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. Each of these works has helped to inspire Christians for many generations. 

But how does theology impact literature? I believe that this question is easily answered by looking at the English literature of the past. For example, it is clear that Catholicism impacted Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Additionally, look as well to the influences of Christianity (whether Lollard or Catholic) in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Finally, look to the works of Jane Austen and see how her writings reflect conservative Christian views on marriage and family. My point here is not to give a thesis. I am not here to prove all that I have just said (much of which I have proved in other articles). Rather, I simply wish to illuminate the reader who agrees with my assessments already. Literature is impacted by theology because almost all works of art (if not all) somehow reflect the worldview of the artist. We simply cannot escape our view of God and His creation no matter how much we may try. 

The philosophies that we accept about God whether from Augustine, Descartes, or Rousseau. will affect us in every way of life---including in our art. There is no escape from us having a view of God because there is another universe to live in than the one that He has made. 

Whatever we do and whatever we think says something about how we see God. Many people wrongly preach that some people don't have theology. In reality, though, we all have a theology of God. The problem, however, is that many of us do not have a Biblical one. Our reverence towards God is demonstrated through us by our choices. 

In summary, literature is impacted by theology because every writer has a view of God. The pen may be more powerful than the sword, yet not even it can rid us of the existence of God in our lives. 

1*It should be noted, however, that Rowling is far from a conservative Christian. Even besides the controversies in her writings concerning witchcraft and adolescent rebellion, she has consistently been liberal on many issues pertaining to abortion and homosexuality. 

My Favorite Writers

 

The following writers have so far had the most influence on my philosophical ideas: 

Origen of Alexandria (for his allegorical interpretations), Jerome of Rome (for his commitment to using the Hebrew texts), Augustine of Hippo (for his views on predestination, the Eucharist, and about everything else), Peter the Venerable (for his views on Islam), Thomas Aquinas (for his views on Islam and his support of the Filioque), John Wycliffe (for his support of all men having access to the scriptures), Martin Luther (for his support of Sola Scriptura,) John Calvin (for his thoughts on the free-will debate), Thomas Cranmer (for his justifications for the English Reformation), Alister Mcgrath (for his views on justification, the authority of scripture, etc). N. T. Wright (for his views on justification and other issues), Scott Hahn (for his views on the Eucharist), Norman Geisler (for his views on free will), Craig Blomberg (for his eschatology), J. C. Ryle (for his thoughts on Christian wisdom), J. I. Packer (for his views on evangelism), C. S. Lewis (for basically everything), and J. R. R. Tolkien (for his views on Catholicism). 

I would also add that in general, the Greek fathers and the medievals of the Latin west have influenced my theological views on various topics. Athanasius of Alexandria has helped to inspire my loyalty to Trinitarianism. Of all the above mentioned, Augustine and Lewis have probably influenced me theologically the most. 

The following historians are among some of the most influential on my scholarly studies concerning history: 

Brian Tierney (for papal infallibility), N. T. Wright (for the first century), Helen Nicholson (for the Knights Templars and the crusades), David Nicolle (for the crusades), Jonathan Riley-Smith (for the crusades), C. S. Lewis (a literary historian of Medieval literature), Thomas Asbridge (for the crusades), Geoffrey Reagan (for the crusades), John Gillingham (for the life of Richard the Lionheart), George Grant (for the crusades), Stephen Greenblatt (for English literature), Benjamin W. Griffith (for English literature), Jamie Blosser (for medieval history), Peter W. Edbury (for the crusades), Harold Lamb (for the crusades), James Mcpherson (for the American Civil War), Mike Aquilina (for early Christianity), and J. R.R. Tolkien (historian of Anglo-Saxon literature). 

The works of Asbridge, Nicholson and Nicolle have been especially useful for my novels about the crusades. I'm not going to bother listing the authors of medieval accounts concerning the crusades in this article that have also inspired my works though I may do that some other time. 

The following literary writers have greatly impacted my storytelling: 

Homer, The Beowulf poet, The Lancelot-Grail poet, Virgil, Ovid, Dante, Petrarch, Chaucer, The Pearl poet, The Everyman poet, Shakespeare, John Bunyan, Sir Walter Scott, Jane Austen, Olivia Coolidge, Michael and Jeff Shaara, G. A. Henty,  C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien. 

I tried only listing those in his article who I have read enough from to say that they have had in some way or another, a significant impact on me. This list does not include every theologian, historian, or novelist that I have ever read from. I hope this list will be helpful for those who wish to gain familiarity with some of the sources that I have used for my research. 

The Complexities of Writing Historical Fiction

 

I am currently working on two series about the Anglo-Normans during Medieval Times. The first series will be called ''Kings And Crusaders.'' It will consist of three novels. The second series will also consist of three novels (or four) and be titled ''Knights of Christendom.'' Whereas the first trilogy deals with the Anglo-Normans during the Third Crusade, the latter deals with the conflict between England and France in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. 

Knowing history is an important aspect of writing historical fiction. However, perhaps a greater challenge than this is applying a literary focus to a novel rooted in history. The work of historical fiction can neither be fully fictitious nor fully factual. It is rooted in history and yet reads like literature. This type of formatting makes the writing of historical fiction a challenge. 

Throughout the writing of each trilogy, I struggled to balance both history and literature in each of these novels. Sometimes, I went more towards one than the other. However, it has been my desire to make the books include both. 

When I look at biographies of Saladin of Syria and Richard I of England, it is not so simple as taking non-fiction and writing about it. Writing about the past within the framework of historical fiction means adding good dialogue among the characters, a strong imagination towards the settings, and portraying my novels by the historical evidence found in works from various historians, theologians, and scholars. Likewise, I often have to look at various historical accounts (for example, I have often used the Crusade text in Translation series) from the era in which my stories are set in. Indeed, the letters of Richard the Lionheart, the writings of Baha ad-Din, and the descriptions from William of Tyre are even more important to me than are the opinions of modern scholars. Thus, knowing when to sound historical and when to sound literary (or preferably both) is key to this type of writing. 

In many ways, I believe that writing historical fiction is more complex than writing either non-fiction or pure fiction. The former requires getting the facts right, the latter requires imagination, and yet historical fiction sometimes requires both.

The Third Draft of the first novel is completed

 

I am glad to say that the third draft of the first of the Kings And Crusaders novels is now complete. While having some problems of its own, I would say that the third draft is a considerable improvement over previous errors from the first two drafts. In my view, the story of the third draft has better dialogue, is more consistent with the plot, has limited unnecessary material, and is better written. Likewise, the romance between some of the characters is less forced, the characters are better individually described, and the action is more plot-driven. One of the greatest improvements of the third draft, however, has been its use of Medieval Catholic themes throughout the work. My growing familiarity with Gothic Architecture and illuminated manuscripts has made this edition more literary beautifully than those that I have formerly written.

As I wrote the third draft, I did not rewrite much of the original novel. The reason for this is because I have felt for many years that the first half of The Rise of the Saracens (my first novel) was more literary problematic near the beginning than it was in its second half. Soon, I will begin to read the entire text of the first draft before beginning (or during) what may be the final draft of the first novel. Until then, I have some other work to finish up on, however. I hope that the upcoming fourth draft succeeds in areas where the other previous texts fell short of my vision. 

The Rise of the Saracens is the first book a trilogy of books about the King's Crusade (1189-1192). A work of historical fiction, it follows the collision between the English crusaders headed by Richard the Lionheart of England and the Ayyubid Saracens commanded by Saladin of Syria.