Book Review: Distant Thunder by Jimmy Root Jr.
Posted on August 25th, 2009
by Simon Barrett in Book Reviews, Reviews
Book One Of The Lightning Chronicles
I read a lot of books and while I am not as cynical as the wag that suggests there are only 7 plots in the entire literary world and authors merely recycle these plots over and over, however I do feel that a good many books lack that spark that sets them apart. That is not the case with Distant Thunder, Jimmy Root Jr. has found a most unique angle to base his book around. The basis for his action/thriller novel are two rather obscure chapters from the old testament, Ezekiel 38 and 39. In these writings can be found a prophecy concerning the future well being of the Jewish people in Israel. Is Ezekiel predicting that at some point Israels enemies will rise up united against her?
Distant Thunder weaves two distinct story lines together. In the first we have a group of fanatical Muslim terrorists who have procured some portable nuclear devices from Russia. These devices were ‘liberated’ when the Soviet Union crumbled. Their mission? To destroy the west by detonating them in major cities. In the second story line Israel’s enemies have joined forces and plan to launch an Iranian made missile equipped with an Iranian made nuclear device at the city of Haifa.
Our main heroes are Pastor Ty Dempsey, a peace loving man residing in the small town of Plattsville, Missouri. His life is becomes shattered with the death of his brother serving in Iraq. It is this event that draws Ty into his bible and most particularly the book of Ezekiel. In his eyes there is a clear connection to the the woes befalling the modern world in this ancient text. When he reveals his fears to his congregation not everyone is in agreement and certain elements start to seek his removal from the church. His sermons have started to fragment this quiet community.
In Israel we meet Captain Moshe Eldan, a fighter pilot tasked with keeping the airspace free from intruders. It is through his wife that he learns of Ezekiel’s prophecy. That becomes of even greater importance after he is shot down over the Golan Heights and makes a horrific discovery.
I do not think it is appropriate to reveal any more of the plot at this stage. Distant Thunder is without doubt the hidden gem of the summer. I know it is cliché, but this book is a genuine page turner. I cannot profess to be much of a practicing Christian, the occasional wedding and christening, and as I grow older, funerals are my main occasions to venture into the world of religion. This plot though piqued my interest and for the first time in years actually picked up a bible and read what Ezekiel had to say. My wife almost had heart failure when she saw me do this!
I will now share a secret with you. Jimmy Root Jr. is indeed a pastor in real life. This fact eluded me until I read his biography at the end of the book. I guess I should not have been surprised as the biblical quotes are likely outside of the realm of a regular author. But the style of writing, and indeed the action, thriller plot just does not seem like something I would have expected from a man of the cloth.
There is one section in particular that sticks in my mind. The dieing thoughts of a suicide bomber. It is very thought provoking and ends with the phrase: "Then suddenly and with infinite impact, it dawned on him that the voice was his own, and it was not subsiding. So this was hell."
Great book, grab yourself a copy and take a ride on the wild side. I can not wait for book two in this series.
Distant Thunder is available from Jimmy Root Jr’s web site.
Simon Barrett
Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Hard Work and Miracles
How I Got Published
A permanent fixture etched in my childhood memories is that of an ancient hymn. It was sung off key by parishioners seated in wooden pews with the harsh strands of an old organ dragging it along. But not only the gusto of the singing stuck in my mind, so did the truth of the words. “It took a miracle to fling the stars in space.” From that tender age onward I have been convinced that miracles happen.
There are those that believe the art of getting a book published rests solely on hard work. They are the real blood, sweat, and tears aficionados. They might even be classified as literary sadists. You know; those that believe an author must suffer through years of angst and nail biting just so that they can be classified as having “paid their dues.” But what happens when someone comes along and breaks the rules by way of a miracle or two?
After I had notched the last period on the manuscript of Distant Thunder, Book One of the Lightning Chronicles, I joyfully and expectantly began the search for a publisher. I was clueless, but clueless can be good, at least when it comes to that part about angst and nail biting. No one told me that I was supposed to plow my way through months, maybe years of rejection. No one coached me on how to write a query letter for submitting the manuscript. I simply pressed forward, formed what I thought was a decent query, implemented my Google search button, and began.
For those of you who are now beginning to shake your head in disbelief or click your tongue on the back of your teeth like a school teacher lecturing a wayward second grader, you have to realize I am totally given over to the miraculous. Yes, you heard it correctly. I believe in the miraculous. From the way God works with those who seek him, to the way cool things happen for those who persevere and believe, I believe in miracles. In the case of the publishing of Distant Thunder, hard work and a miracle worked hand in hand.
Over two hundred query letters were pecked out on my keyboard. Manuscripts were sent. Selected chapters, synopsis, outlines, and character sketches were divided up and handed out over the internet. It all happened in gleeful bliss. And then the responses began to flood in. No! Sorry! Not what we’re looking for at this time! Check with so-and-so. Nice idea, but not our style! We don’t publish new authors, ever! Over two hundred queries attracted over two hundred rejections. But something in the back of my mind said, “Don’t give up. This book is good.” So I folded perseverance into a prayer for a miracle! That is when it happened. I received a positive response in the form of a contract exactly four months after beginning the hunt. And then another contract arrived, and another. Three contracts in all. I chose the one that fit my needs the best, American Book Publishers, and Distant Thunder became a reality.
If you are getting discouraged in your hunt for a publisher, I have some advice. Keep looking. Learn from the rejections. Persevere! In the meantime, polish your work in every way. Then, when you are working your hardest, step aside from the angst and allow yourself to believe for a miracle. Miracles still happen.
Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,
A permanent fixture etched in my childhood memories is that of an ancient hymn. It was sung off key by parishioners seated in wooden pews with the harsh strands of an old organ dragging it along. But not only the gusto of the singing stuck in my mind, so did the truth of the words. “It took a miracle to fling the stars in space.” From that tender age onward I have been convinced that miracles happen.
There are those that believe the art of getting a book published rests solely on hard work. They are the real blood, sweat, and tears aficionados. They might even be classified as literary sadists. You know; those that believe an author must suffer through years of angst and nail biting just so that they can be classified as having “paid their dues.” But what happens when someone comes along and breaks the rules by way of a miracle or two?
After I had notched the last period on the manuscript of Distant Thunder, Book One of the Lightning Chronicles, I joyfully and expectantly began the search for a publisher. I was clueless, but clueless can be good, at least when it comes to that part about angst and nail biting. No one told me that I was supposed to plow my way through months, maybe years of rejection. No one coached me on how to write a query letter for submitting the manuscript. I simply pressed forward, formed what I thought was a decent query, implemented my Google search button, and began.
For those of you who are now beginning to shake your head in disbelief or click your tongue on the back of your teeth like a school teacher lecturing a wayward second grader, you have to realize I am totally given over to the miraculous. Yes, you heard it correctly. I believe in the miraculous. From the way God works with those who seek him, to the way cool things happen for those who persevere and believe, I believe in miracles. In the case of the publishing of Distant Thunder, hard work and a miracle worked hand in hand.
Over two hundred query letters were pecked out on my keyboard. Manuscripts were sent. Selected chapters, synopsis, outlines, and character sketches were divided up and handed out over the internet. It all happened in gleeful bliss. And then the responses began to flood in. No! Sorry! Not what we’re looking for at this time! Check with so-and-so. Nice idea, but not our style! We don’t publish new authors, ever! Over two hundred queries attracted over two hundred rejections. But something in the back of my mind said, “Don’t give up. This book is good.” So I folded perseverance into a prayer for a miracle! That is when it happened. I received a positive response in the form of a contract exactly four months after beginning the hunt. And then another contract arrived, and another. Three contracts in all. I chose the one that fit my needs the best, American Book Publishers, and Distant Thunder became a reality.
If you are getting discouraged in your hunt for a publisher, I have some advice. Keep looking. Learn from the rejections. Persevere! In the meantime, polish your work in every way. Then, when you are working your hardest, step aside from the angst and allow yourself to believe for a miracle. Miracles still happen.
Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,
Friday, August 14, 2009
Fodder for an Author
Fodder for an Author
Jimmy Root, Jr.
Author of Distant Thunder: Book One of the Lightning Chronicles
For the storyteller, inspiration sometimes comes in unlooked for places and unexpected moments. Usable anecdotes and ideas for building true to life characters can happen just about anywhere. I have found it pays to keep my eyes open and with the intent of looking beyond the surface of what I see.
One type of epiphany comes in the form of a flash, the spur of the moment. For instance, inspiration came as I was brushing off a freshly formed cobweb from my dining room window one morning. I wasn’t thinking about much beyond getting my first cup of coffee and checking out the early news when a white flash in the back yard caught my attention. It was our young Jack Russell Terrier named Harley, and he was worked up into a frenzy. That’s a normal state for Harley and most Jack Russells, no matter what a dog whisperer might claim. But there was something different about the way he was running and throwing himself into the air. It appeared as if he were trying to get away from a swarm of bees, but it was something else, and it kept me from continuing on toward the coffee pot.
A brown, furry clump had attached itself to Harley’s head and was hanging on for dear life. I could see the whites of the little creature’s eyes, its mouth wide open in a silent scream. Its long tail wound all the way down and into Harley’s mouth. The scene was hilarious. He’d evidently caught the little rodent encroaching in his sacred territory and had grabbed it by the tail. Harley has hated squirrels ever since. I took all of three days to fit that story into a sermon portraying a life principle about how to properly treat our neighbors.
Another type of inspiration comes a bit slower, something that happens when an author takes what he sees then begins to ask questions that go beyond the surface. An example of this took place just the other day as I drove through South Carolina on an out-of-the-way route. The scenery had been pretty much the same through northern Florida and Georgia, but I’d noticed that the signage marking county roads had changed. One particular road was named “Lucas Ferry Road,” and riding off the highway onto it was an old African American man on a bicycle. Though I was driving down highway 17 at sixty miles an hour, something about what I’d just seen grabbed my attention. A story formed. Let me share it in its primitive form.
“The dust rolling up from behind Ed’s tires was beginning to clot in the back of his throat. He wanted to spit, but the sweltering heat had drained his body of any extra moisture. Worse, Ed was still six miles from Lucas Ferry, and then he’d have sixty yards of hauling to do before he reached the other side. But he wasn’t discouraged for he knew his wife Martha would be waiting at the door with a tall glass of lemonade and a kiss.”
That thought took place from one quick glance at a man riding up a country road in South Carolina. How much more could be developed by simply asking deeper questions about what I’d seen?
Both processes were implemented in the writing of Distant Thunder. Sideways glances at interesting personalities opened a world of depth in the characters. It worked the same for the settings I developed. I call it inspiration. Others may call it something else. All I know is it worked, and Distant Thunder is richer because of the process.
Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Distant Thunder Review by Norm Goldman of Book Pleasures
Norm Goldman, B.A. LL.L, is the Publisher & Editor of http://Bookpleasures.com. He is also a top 500 http://Amazon.com reviewer.
Author: Jimmy Root Jr.
ISBN: 13: 978-1-58982-553-6: 10: 1-58982-553-5
Depending on your religious beliefs, Jimmy Root Jr.’s Distant Thunder is either likely to dazzle you or affront you. It is a Christian novel with an overt Christian perspective and message. Accordingly, many readers and predominantly those of faiths other than Christianity may be totally turned off. Then again, if you can avoid becoming too enmeshed with the religious aspect of the novel, there remains a well-written chilling yarn that will make you eager to stick around and enjoy the read.
Root creates two worlds or theaters of action, one in Plattsville, Missouri, just a stone’s throw away from Kansas City, and the other in Israel.
As our story evolves, Ty Dempsey, a pastor in Plattsville has recently lost his brother in the Iraq War. Ty gets into hot water with his Board of Deacons, as they are not too pleased with his sermons and the way he is preaching to his congregants. This was in reaction to one of his sermons where he told his congregants that the Lord had revealed to him through Isaiah chapter seventeen that the world as we know it is about to come to a spectacular end.
Ty goes onto explain that nuclear material will fall into the hands of people bent on the destruction of Israel and this will emanate from Iran, through Iraq and Syria. Israel will respond swiftly and obliterate and erase Syria from the map. And what follows will replicate the prophesy of Ezekiel, who predicted the destruction of several nations located in the Middle East and Russia pursuant to their aggression against Judah (Israel).
The novel’s second principal character is Captain Moshe Eldan, an intense thirty-four year old F-161 ace Israeli pilot whose wife Tasha has similarly suffered the loss of a family member, her mother. She has turned away from Judaism and has embraced Jesus Christ and would like her husband to join her in her new found religion.
Moshe is passionate in his defense of Israel and is constantly in danger guarding his country’s borders from its hostile and devious neighbors. One night, however, his luck runs out and he and another air force pilot are shot down by Russian migs. Moshe finds himself behind enemy lines in Syria where he is about to discover something very disturbing that could have dire consequences for his country.
Mixed into the plot are Arab terrorists that are preparing a hideous attack on the USA which is tied in with plans to destroy Israel by unfriendly Arab neighbors as well as Russia. Could this be what Ezekiel prophesied? Is this scenario happening today when we read the headlines concerning Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and other Arab countries? You have to admit this does give readers reason to pause and re-examine the state of world affairs, particularly as it concerns Iran and its foreboding threat to Israel. All of this, no doubt, will intensify your fascination because much of the novel is inspired by actual events that we are reading about in the media.
Root is not afraid to assume that you will follow him down controversial and sometimes frightening paths. His writing is imaginative, although some of the conversations between Moshe and Tasha are a trifle far-fetched, especially when the security of the State of Israel is at stake. What particularly makes you willing to stick with the story, despite its obvious religious slant, is that the author impressively brings life to his two main characters who both are caught up in overwhelming struggles. On the one hand, we have a devoted pastor who has a intense belief in his teachings and spurns any attempt by others to change them. On the other hand, we have an Israeli warrior who is zealously passionate about his country and will safeguard it at all costs. We can even feel Ty and Moshe's passions and emotions wishing that all will turn out for the good in the end. There is also a little romance thrown in as Ty falls madly in love with a beautiful blond. However, don't expect any steamy love scenes! This is after all a Christian novel.
Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Interview With Reviewer Norm Goldman of Book Pleasures
Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, Pastor Jimmy Root Jr. author of Distant Thunder: Book One “The Lightening Chronicles.”
Good day Jimmy and thanks for participating in our interview
Norm:
Could you tell us something about yourself and how you became interested in writing?
Jimmy: My pleasure, Norm. I am about as mid-western as a person can be, born in Kansas and raised in Nebraska, and instilled with the values known to the region. With that upbringing comes an enjoyment of the out of doors, sports, gardening, fishing, and being around lots of friends. My wife and I have been in the ministry for nearly thirty years, including a stint in Colombia, South America that lasted five years. But somewhere along the line I picked up a great love for writing. It has been a part of my life in the ministry for over thirty years, but it was only recently that I decided to scratch an itch that was driving me to write fiction. I am happy I took the plunge.
Norm:
Does your writing career ever conflict with your career as a Pastor?
Jimmy: I believe I have the best of both worlds. I love being a Pastor and just about everything that comes with it. It is my calling and my purpose. But I also have a passion to write. Juggling the two loves has been challenging at times, but the wonderful thing about the people in my congregation is that they are behind me one hundred percent. They come first for me and they know it. I think that frees them to allow me the leeway to write as often as I am able.
Norm:
One of your principal characters in Distant Thunder: Book One “The Lightening Chronicles” is Ty Dempsey who is a pastor like yourself. How much of you is in Ty?
Jimmy: My wife has accused me of having an alter ego. I don’t see Ty Dempsey in that light. If the truth be known, Moshe Eldan fits that side of me. However, much of Ty’s outlook and experience is filtered through my worldview. His roots are different. His style is different. But many of his day-to-day dealings with people were birthed within elements my own history. He is definitely more of a romantic, which also drives my wife crazy.
Norm:
How did you go about creating your other principal character, Captain Moshe Eldan? Is he based on any person you met or know?
Jimmy: I had no particular sketch in mind when I created Moshe, other than what I imagined a fighter pilot’s personality might be. I wanted him to have a semblance of the ordinary, but with a true potential toward the heroic. I believe that nature reflects the majority of those of us who consider ourselves ordinary human beings. So, I folded a true maverick’s nature into him, but I tried to keep it under the surface. More than anything, I wanted to Moshe to represent the nation of Israel as a whole. He is honest. He has an awareness of danger, yet has learned to live on the edge like most Israeli’s. He has reconciled within his mind the fact that Israel is practically alone in the world. I think that gives his personality a certain sadness.
Norm:
What do you want your book to do? Entertain people? Provoke thinking?
Jimmy: I really hadn’t set out to write a message-oriented book when I began Distant Thunder. However, the more I pursued the storylines the more a message began to surface. We obviously live in a world filled with peril, though many in the west seem to have fallen asleep to the danger of our post 9-11 world. I find that especially true among Christianity. The more I wrote, the more I found myself desiring to sound a warning of what is to come. My intent is not to generate fear, but to demonstrate that there is great hope if we will continue to seek the truth. But I believe the book, and series, are very entertaining and thrilling.
Norm:
Where did all the information come from concerning the Israeli Air Force and its air manoeuvres?
Jimmy: I have always held fighter pilots in high esteem. In fact, at the age of sixteen I visited with a US Navy recruiter to ascertain the possibilities of becoming an F-14 Tomcat pilot. That life never panned out, but I kept up with airborne weaponry and assets as best I could. When I began to build Moshe’s character it became a matter of researching the history of the Israeli Air Force, its military assets, and its incredible aerial history. Creating aerial flight and combat sequences happened on a flight simulator right on my computer. That may be why the crash scenes are so true to life. After the book was done I met a 9th Air Force combat instructor and F-15 ace who graciously reviewed the material. He gave it a full thumbs up, which is quite gratifying for someone who has never piloted a plane.
Norm:
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing your book?
Jimmy: The most surprising moments came when I allowed the story to form itself. I did very little outlining other than the development of my characters and the ultimate end game. The thrill came in actually allowing the storylines to happen naturally. I found myself laughing at times. I had a tear or two slip from my eyes, and I can hardly describe how my heart was pounding while I wrote the action sequences. It is something I never expected to experience.
Norm:
Do you have a local writing community or fellow writers that you look to for support and advice?
Jimmy: Not when I wrote Distant Thunder. I was blessed to discover a small writers group as I was writing the sequel, and they have been a huge source of support and enjoyment. I’ve heard horror stories about such groups, but my experience has been extremely positive.
Norm:
Can you tell us how you found representation for your book? Did you pitch it to an agent, or query publishers who would most likely publish this type of book? Any rejections? Did you self-publish?
Jimmy: I admit I was a novice at the whole enterprise of writing and publishing. When my manuscript was complete I began what I thought would be an easy process. I queried agents and publishers alike with over two hundred emails and letters. The few who responded offered little by way of encouragement. Most chose not to respond. Thankfully, I possess a nature that takes rejection and converts it into a challenge. You can imagine what a joyful day it was when three traditional publishers actually offered a contract. I chose the publisher that seemed to fit my needs, American Book Publishers.
Norm:
How do you celebrate a novel's completion?
Jimmy: This may sound crazy, but I celebrated by starting right in on the sequel. Again, I was a novice. The writing of Distant Thunder took exactly 60 days. No one ever told me it was supposed to take months or years. I just kept on writing. It wasn’t until the first copy of the author’s run came that I celebrated by taking my wonderful wife out for dinner. I suppose ignorance can be bliss in some ways.
Norm:
What is next for Pastor Jimmy and how can our readers find out more about you?
Jimmy: I am now in the editing stage of the second book of the series. It is titled A Gathering Storm. I am also about halfway through the finale called, Then Comes Lightning. After the Lightning Chronicles is complete I plan to write an extended historical fiction series based on the life of Old Testament prophet, Daniel. Readers can find out more about myself and what is behind Distant Thunder by visiting my website at www.lightningchronicles.com. I also write a blog on Biblical prophecy at www.prophecyalert.blogspot.com, and a blog to encourage new authors at www.lightningchronicles.blogspot.com. In the meantime, I will continue my day job of serving as a Pastor.
Norm:
Is there anything else you wish to say that we have not covered?
Jimmy: Just a word of encouragement to budding authors. Don’t give up your dream. Persevere, even when the writing is difficult and the rejections are mounting. It is your dream. It is worth pursuing.
Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors
Good day Jimmy and thanks for participating in our interview
Norm:
Could you tell us something about yourself and how you became interested in writing?
Jimmy: My pleasure, Norm. I am about as mid-western as a person can be, born in Kansas and raised in Nebraska, and instilled with the values known to the region. With that upbringing comes an enjoyment of the out of doors, sports, gardening, fishing, and being around lots of friends. My wife and I have been in the ministry for nearly thirty years, including a stint in Colombia, South America that lasted five years. But somewhere along the line I picked up a great love for writing. It has been a part of my life in the ministry for over thirty years, but it was only recently that I decided to scratch an itch that was driving me to write fiction. I am happy I took the plunge.
Norm:
Does your writing career ever conflict with your career as a Pastor?
Jimmy: I believe I have the best of both worlds. I love being a Pastor and just about everything that comes with it. It is my calling and my purpose. But I also have a passion to write. Juggling the two loves has been challenging at times, but the wonderful thing about the people in my congregation is that they are behind me one hundred percent. They come first for me and they know it. I think that frees them to allow me the leeway to write as often as I am able.
Norm:
One of your principal characters in Distant Thunder: Book One “The Lightening Chronicles” is Ty Dempsey who is a pastor like yourself. How much of you is in Ty?
Jimmy: My wife has accused me of having an alter ego. I don’t see Ty Dempsey in that light. If the truth be known, Moshe Eldan fits that side of me. However, much of Ty’s outlook and experience is filtered through my worldview. His roots are different. His style is different. But many of his day-to-day dealings with people were birthed within elements my own history. He is definitely more of a romantic, which also drives my wife crazy.
Norm:
How did you go about creating your other principal character, Captain Moshe Eldan? Is he based on any person you met or know?
Jimmy: I had no particular sketch in mind when I created Moshe, other than what I imagined a fighter pilot’s personality might be. I wanted him to have a semblance of the ordinary, but with a true potential toward the heroic. I believe that nature reflects the majority of those of us who consider ourselves ordinary human beings. So, I folded a true maverick’s nature into him, but I tried to keep it under the surface. More than anything, I wanted to Moshe to represent the nation of Israel as a whole. He is honest. He has an awareness of danger, yet has learned to live on the edge like most Israeli’s. He has reconciled within his mind the fact that Israel is practically alone in the world. I think that gives his personality a certain sadness.
Norm:
What do you want your book to do? Entertain people? Provoke thinking?
Jimmy: I really hadn’t set out to write a message-oriented book when I began Distant Thunder. However, the more I pursued the storylines the more a message began to surface. We obviously live in a world filled with peril, though many in the west seem to have fallen asleep to the danger of our post 9-11 world. I find that especially true among Christianity. The more I wrote, the more I found myself desiring to sound a warning of what is to come. My intent is not to generate fear, but to demonstrate that there is great hope if we will continue to seek the truth. But I believe the book, and series, are very entertaining and thrilling.
Norm:
Where did all the information come from concerning the Israeli Air Force and its air manoeuvres?
Jimmy: I have always held fighter pilots in high esteem. In fact, at the age of sixteen I visited with a US Navy recruiter to ascertain the possibilities of becoming an F-14 Tomcat pilot. That life never panned out, but I kept up with airborne weaponry and assets as best I could. When I began to build Moshe’s character it became a matter of researching the history of the Israeli Air Force, its military assets, and its incredible aerial history. Creating aerial flight and combat sequences happened on a flight simulator right on my computer. That may be why the crash scenes are so true to life. After the book was done I met a 9th Air Force combat instructor and F-15 ace who graciously reviewed the material. He gave it a full thumbs up, which is quite gratifying for someone who has never piloted a plane.
Norm:
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing your book?
Jimmy: The most surprising moments came when I allowed the story to form itself. I did very little outlining other than the development of my characters and the ultimate end game. The thrill came in actually allowing the storylines to happen naturally. I found myself laughing at times. I had a tear or two slip from my eyes, and I can hardly describe how my heart was pounding while I wrote the action sequences. It is something I never expected to experience.
Norm:
Do you have a local writing community or fellow writers that you look to for support and advice?
Jimmy: Not when I wrote Distant Thunder. I was blessed to discover a small writers group as I was writing the sequel, and they have been a huge source of support and enjoyment. I’ve heard horror stories about such groups, but my experience has been extremely positive.
Norm:
Can you tell us how you found representation for your book? Did you pitch it to an agent, or query publishers who would most likely publish this type of book? Any rejections? Did you self-publish?
Jimmy: I admit I was a novice at the whole enterprise of writing and publishing. When my manuscript was complete I began what I thought would be an easy process. I queried agents and publishers alike with over two hundred emails and letters. The few who responded offered little by way of encouragement. Most chose not to respond. Thankfully, I possess a nature that takes rejection and converts it into a challenge. You can imagine what a joyful day it was when three traditional publishers actually offered a contract. I chose the publisher that seemed to fit my needs, American Book Publishers.
Norm:
How do you celebrate a novel's completion?
Jimmy: This may sound crazy, but I celebrated by starting right in on the sequel. Again, I was a novice. The writing of Distant Thunder took exactly 60 days. No one ever told me it was supposed to take months or years. I just kept on writing. It wasn’t until the first copy of the author’s run came that I celebrated by taking my wonderful wife out for dinner. I suppose ignorance can be bliss in some ways.
Norm:
What is next for Pastor Jimmy and how can our readers find out more about you?
Jimmy: I am now in the editing stage of the second book of the series. It is titled A Gathering Storm. I am also about halfway through the finale called, Then Comes Lightning. After the Lightning Chronicles is complete I plan to write an extended historical fiction series based on the life of Old Testament prophet, Daniel. Readers can find out more about myself and what is behind Distant Thunder by visiting my website at www.lightningchronicles.com. I also write a blog on Biblical prophecy at www.prophecyalert.blogspot.com, and a blog to encourage new authors at www.lightningchronicles.blogspot.com. In the meantime, I will continue my day job of serving as a Pastor.
Norm:
Is there anything else you wish to say that we have not covered?
Jimmy: Just a word of encouragement to budding authors. Don’t give up your dream. Persevere, even when the writing is difficult and the rejections are mounting. It is your dream. It is worth pursuing.
Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tour Stops for August 10 thru 17
The book tour for Distant Thunder contiues. I'm doing both onsite book signings and the Virtual Book Tour on the internet. Both are fun, one is less work. Which may be more profitable is still to be determined.
Below are this weeks tour stops. Some are interviews, others are guest blogs. Check them out and make a comment when you can. Creating an internet buzz is a must for new authors, and I will soon post an article chronicling all my experiences, both good and frustrating. Until then, WRITE ON!
Aug. 10 – The Story Behind the Book (guest post) http://thestorybehindthebook.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/distant-thunder-by-christian-fiction-author-and-pastor-jimmy-root-jr/
Aug. 11 – Divine Caroline (interview) www.divinecaroline.com
Aug. 12 – As the Pages Turn (interview) www.asthepagesturn.wordpress.com
Aug. 13 – Café of Dreams (guest post) www.cafeofdreams.blogspot.com
Aug. 14 – Home Sweet Home Writing Challenge (interview) http://homesweethomewritingchallenge.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/at-home-with-christian-fiction-author-jimmy-root-jr/
Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,
Below are this weeks tour stops. Some are interviews, others are guest blogs. Check them out and make a comment when you can. Creating an internet buzz is a must for new authors, and I will soon post an article chronicling all my experiences, both good and frustrating. Until then, WRITE ON!
Aug. 10 – The Story Behind the Book (guest post) http://thestorybehindthebook.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/distant-thunder-by-christian-fiction-author-and-pastor-jimmy-root-jr/
Aug. 11 – Divine Caroline (interview) www.divinecaroline.com
Aug. 12 – As the Pages Turn (interview) www.asthepagesturn.wordpress.com
Aug. 13 – Café of Dreams (guest post) www.cafeofdreams.blogspot.com
Aug. 14 – Home Sweet Home Writing Challenge (interview) http://homesweethomewritingchallenge.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/at-home-with-christian-fiction-author-jimmy-root-jr/
Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,
Saturday, August 8, 2009
BOOK REVIEW by Writers In The Sky
The first Book Review has come in for Distant Thunder. Check it out below.
Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: Distant Thunder
Author: Jimmy Root, Jr.
ISBN Number: 978-1-58982-553-6
Publisher: American Book Publishing
Genre and Target Market: fiction, thriller, Christian
Publication Date: 2009
Book Length in Pages: 326
As in so many instances, life’s realities make for more interesting storytelling than the most imaginative piece of fiction ever could. I always have enjoyed literature that incorporates actual events into a storyline that shares the moment through the eyes of everyday individuals. Whether I am reading historical pieces about soldiers on the battlefield during the Civil War or the retelling of one family’s struggle on the frontier, I appreciate the research and creativity that goes into such writing. The events that are making headlines today also provide an endless supply of material on which authors can expand. We certainly can admit to a variety of perspectives on the root causes behind the current geopolitical situation in the world. However, regardless of who we choose to blame or victimize, most of us will agree that we are living in fascinating and dangerous times. In his new book Distant Thunder, which is the first release in a trilogy called “The Lightning Chronicles,” author Jimmy Root Jr. shares his perspective on the major events that are unfolding across the globe and how he believes that Biblical prophecy has predicted what we are now seeing on the nightly news.
Root, whose has spent his life in ministry, shares with his readers the lives of Pastor Ty Dempsey, who lives in Missouri, and Moshe Eldan, a pilot with the Israeli military. He skillfully presents these two men as everyday characters whose struggles with love, faith, family, and work can be understood by anyone who decides to sit down and open the book’s pages. By telling his story through the perspective of two such relatable personalities, Root makes the events in Distant Thunder even more startling. Through Root’s expert storytelling, readers are brought to the point at which they can see themselves as participants in the world’s most cataclysmic events.
Distant Thunder opens with an ancient scene in which the prophet Ezekiel foretells of the destruction of Israel’s enemies. The book then brings us to modern times as we see the prophecy of the Old Testament coming to fruition in a terrifying way. Root brings his readers through the plot development in short segments, switching between key locations around the world. Just as a scene reaches the moment of climax and you wonder if destruction is about to occur or one of our protagonists is headed for personal disaster, Root directs your attention elsewhere. These quick scenes give the readers the feel of the 24-hour news channels to which we have become accustomed in our post-9/11 world. Our global society is moving at a pace that is unprecedented, and Root powerfully argues that this progression is bringing us closer to the end times that were foretold in Biblical prophecy many centuries ago.
If you are a Christian who believes in the literal interpretation of the Bible, you will embrace Distant Thunder as an affirmation of your faith and a way to share the coming prophecies with others. Or, perhaps you have heard discussions about how current events are aligning with the messages shared in the Bible, but you have never studied the prophecy of end times or understood how it relates to what we see on the news every evening. In this case, Distant Thunder will serve as a wonderful book through which to experience through the eyes of “ordinary” characters the events which many Christians believe are soon to come. Whatever your motivation, I believe that you will find Distant Thunder to be a book that will make you think and desire to learn more.
An mp3 Podcast with Writers In the Sky will be posted next week....an interview that took place just a few days ago.
Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: Distant Thunder
Author: Jimmy Root, Jr.
ISBN Number: 978-1-58982-553-6
Publisher: American Book Publishing
Genre and Target Market: fiction, thriller, Christian
Publication Date: 2009
Book Length in Pages: 326
As in so many instances, life’s realities make for more interesting storytelling than the most imaginative piece of fiction ever could. I always have enjoyed literature that incorporates actual events into a storyline that shares the moment through the eyes of everyday individuals. Whether I am reading historical pieces about soldiers on the battlefield during the Civil War or the retelling of one family’s struggle on the frontier, I appreciate the research and creativity that goes into such writing. The events that are making headlines today also provide an endless supply of material on which authors can expand. We certainly can admit to a variety of perspectives on the root causes behind the current geopolitical situation in the world. However, regardless of who we choose to blame or victimize, most of us will agree that we are living in fascinating and dangerous times. In his new book Distant Thunder, which is the first release in a trilogy called “The Lightning Chronicles,” author Jimmy Root Jr. shares his perspective on the major events that are unfolding across the globe and how he believes that Biblical prophecy has predicted what we are now seeing on the nightly news.
Root, whose has spent his life in ministry, shares with his readers the lives of Pastor Ty Dempsey, who lives in Missouri, and Moshe Eldan, a pilot with the Israeli military. He skillfully presents these two men as everyday characters whose struggles with love, faith, family, and work can be understood by anyone who decides to sit down and open the book’s pages. By telling his story through the perspective of two such relatable personalities, Root makes the events in Distant Thunder even more startling. Through Root’s expert storytelling, readers are brought to the point at which they can see themselves as participants in the world’s most cataclysmic events.
Distant Thunder opens with an ancient scene in which the prophet Ezekiel foretells of the destruction of Israel’s enemies. The book then brings us to modern times as we see the prophecy of the Old Testament coming to fruition in a terrifying way. Root brings his readers through the plot development in short segments, switching between key locations around the world. Just as a scene reaches the moment of climax and you wonder if destruction is about to occur or one of our protagonists is headed for personal disaster, Root directs your attention elsewhere. These quick scenes give the readers the feel of the 24-hour news channels to which we have become accustomed in our post-9/11 world. Our global society is moving at a pace that is unprecedented, and Root powerfully argues that this progression is bringing us closer to the end times that were foretold in Biblical prophecy many centuries ago.
If you are a Christian who believes in the literal interpretation of the Bible, you will embrace Distant Thunder as an affirmation of your faith and a way to share the coming prophecies with others. Or, perhaps you have heard discussions about how current events are aligning with the messages shared in the Bible, but you have never studied the prophecy of end times or understood how it relates to what we see on the news every evening. In this case, Distant Thunder will serve as a wonderful book through which to experience through the eyes of “ordinary” characters the events which many Christians believe are soon to come. Whatever your motivation, I believe that you will find Distant Thunder to be a book that will make you think and desire to learn more.
An mp3 Podcast with Writers In the Sky will be posted next week....an interview that took place just a few days ago.
Writer's In The Sky REVIEW of Distant Thunder
This is the first review of Distant Thunder to come back. Check it out from WRITERS IN THE SKY. A Podcast interview will be up in about a week.
Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: Distant Thunder
Author: Jimmy Root, Jr.
ISBN Number: 978-1-58982-553-6
Publisher: American Book Publishing
Genre and Target Market: fiction, thriller, Christian
Publication Date: 2009
Book Length in Pages: 326
As in so many instances, life’s realities make for more interesting storytelling than the most imaginative piece of fiction ever could. I always have enjoyed literature that incorporates actual events into a storyline that shares the moment through the eyes of everyday individuals. Whether I am reading historical pieces about soldiers on the battlefield during the Civil War or the retelling of one family’s struggle on the frontier, I appreciate the research and creativity that goes into such writing. The events that are making headlines today also provide an endless supply of material on which authors can expand. We certainly can admit to a variety of perspectives on the root causes behind the current geopolitical situation in the world. However, regardless of who we choose to blame or victimize, most of us will agree that we are living in fascinating and dangerous times. In his new book Distant Thunder, which is the first release in a trilogy called “The Lightning Chronicles,” author Jimmy Root Jr. shares his perspective on the major events that are unfolding across the globe and how he believes that Biblical prophecy has predicted what we are now seeing on the nightly news.
Root, whose has spent his life in ministry, shares with his readers the lives of Pastor Ty Dempsey, who lives in Missouri, and Moshe Eldan, a pilot with the Israeli military. He skillfully presents these two men as everyday characters whose struggles with love, faith, family, and work can be understood by anyone who decides to sit down and open the book’s pages. By telling his story through the perspective of two such relatable personalities, Root makes the events in Distant Thunder even more startling. Through Root’s expert storytelling, readers are brought to the point at which they can see themselves as participants in the world’s most cataclysmic events.
Distant Thunder opens with an ancient scene in which the prophet Ezekiel foretells of the destruction of Israel’s enemies. The book then brings us to modern times as we see the prophecy of the Old Testament coming to fruition in a terrifying way. Root brings his readers through the plot development in short segments, switching between key locations around the world. Just as a scene reaches the moment of climax and you wonder if destruction is about to occur or one of our protagonists is headed for personal disaster, Root directs your attention elsewhere. These quick scenes give the readers the feel of the 24-hour news channels to which we have become accustomed in our post-9/11 world. Our global society is moving at a pace that is unprecedented, and Root powerfully argues that this progression is bringing us closer to the end times that were foretold in Biblical prophecy many centuries ago.
If you are a Christian who believes in the literal interpretation of the Bible, you will embrace Distant Thunder as an affirmation of your faith and a way to share the coming prophecies with others. Or, perhaps you have heard discussions about how current events are aligning with the messages shared in the Bible, but you have never studied the prophecy of end times or understood how it relates to what we see on the news every evening. In this case, Distant Thunder will serve as a wonderful book through which to experience through the eyes of “ordinary” characters the events which many Christians believe are soon to come. Whatever your motivation, I believe that you will find Distant Thunder to be a book that will make you think and desire to learn more.
Jimmy Root Jr
Distant Thunder A Prophetic Fiction Thriller Based on Bible Prophecy
Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: Distant Thunder
Author: Jimmy Root, Jr.
ISBN Number: 978-1-58982-553-6
Publisher: American Book Publishing
Genre and Target Market: fiction, thriller, Christian
Publication Date: 2009
Book Length in Pages: 326
As in so many instances, life’s realities make for more interesting storytelling than the most imaginative piece of fiction ever could. I always have enjoyed literature that incorporates actual events into a storyline that shares the moment through the eyes of everyday individuals. Whether I am reading historical pieces about soldiers on the battlefield during the Civil War or the retelling of one family’s struggle on the frontier, I appreciate the research and creativity that goes into such writing. The events that are making headlines today also provide an endless supply of material on which authors can expand. We certainly can admit to a variety of perspectives on the root causes behind the current geopolitical situation in the world. However, regardless of who we choose to blame or victimize, most of us will agree that we are living in fascinating and dangerous times. In his new book Distant Thunder, which is the first release in a trilogy called “The Lightning Chronicles,” author Jimmy Root Jr. shares his perspective on the major events that are unfolding across the globe and how he believes that Biblical prophecy has predicted what we are now seeing on the nightly news.
Root, whose has spent his life in ministry, shares with his readers the lives of Pastor Ty Dempsey, who lives in Missouri, and Moshe Eldan, a pilot with the Israeli military. He skillfully presents these two men as everyday characters whose struggles with love, faith, family, and work can be understood by anyone who decides to sit down and open the book’s pages. By telling his story through the perspective of two such relatable personalities, Root makes the events in Distant Thunder even more startling. Through Root’s expert storytelling, readers are brought to the point at which they can see themselves as participants in the world’s most cataclysmic events.
Distant Thunder opens with an ancient scene in which the prophet Ezekiel foretells of the destruction of Israel’s enemies. The book then brings us to modern times as we see the prophecy of the Old Testament coming to fruition in a terrifying way. Root brings his readers through the plot development in short segments, switching between key locations around the world. Just as a scene reaches the moment of climax and you wonder if destruction is about to occur or one of our protagonists is headed for personal disaster, Root directs your attention elsewhere. These quick scenes give the readers the feel of the 24-hour news channels to which we have become accustomed in our post-9/11 world. Our global society is moving at a pace that is unprecedented, and Root powerfully argues that this progression is bringing us closer to the end times that were foretold in Biblical prophecy many centuries ago.
If you are a Christian who believes in the literal interpretation of the Bible, you will embrace Distant Thunder as an affirmation of your faith and a way to share the coming prophecies with others. Or, perhaps you have heard discussions about how current events are aligning with the messages shared in the Bible, but you have never studied the prophecy of end times or understood how it relates to what we see on the news every evening. In this case, Distant Thunder will serve as a wonderful book through which to experience through the eyes of “ordinary” characters the events which many Christians believe are soon to come. Whatever your motivation, I believe that you will find Distant Thunder to be a book that will make you think and desire to learn more.
Jimmy Root Jr
Distant Thunder A Prophetic Fiction Thriller Based on Bible Prophecy
Monday, August 3, 2009
Virtual Book Tour Begins
It's on! Today is the day. My Virtual Book Tour with Pump Up Your Books Promotions begins today. No, I do not de-materialize in some cyberspace transporter to each location, only to re-materialize with an element of DNA missing. No, these are specific interviews and articles that will appear daily throughout August and September.
Here is how you can help. At each tour stop below you can read and comment. In fact, your comment will help raise the level of awareness for Distant Thunder. Go for it.
Here are the tour stops for this week.
Aug. 3 – American Chronicle (interview) http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/111839
Aug. 4 – Between the Covers (book spotlight) http://bookexcerpts.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/distant-thunder-by-jimmy-root-jr/
Aug. 5 – Let’s Talk Virtual Book Tours (interview) http://letstalkvirtualbooktours.wordpress.com/2009/07/25/talking-virtual-book-tours-with-prophetic-fiction-author-jimmy-root-jr/
Aug. 6 – First Chapters (book spotlight) http://firstchapters.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/distant-thunder-by-jimmy-root-jr/
Aug. 7 – Broowaha (interview) http://www.broowaha.com/article.php?id=5032
See you in Cyberspace.
Jimmy Root Jr
Distant Thunder, Book One of the Lightning Chronicles....A Prophetic Fiction Thriller
The story is fiction....the prophecies are TRUE!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Finding Time...Oh the Frustration!
If you are like me, and your life seems to thrive going from one urgent matter to another, time is a precious commodity. I confess I have not gotten a handle on this particular issue when it comes to writing. In most areas I am a disciplined person. I have to be. On the other hand, life as a pastor sometimes means I must drop what I am doing (maybe something I've disciplined myself to do) and handle the urgent. It's not like the guy heading for the emergency room can stop and wait for me to finish what I am doing. Let's not even talk about the pace that calls come into my office.
You might be one who is blessed with large blocks of time during the day for accomplishing your goals as a writer. I say, more power to you. If you are favored in that way, you need to make your gratitude evident by being disciplined with your gift.
However, if you are like me, you will need to use every free moment that comes along. That means making up for the spontaneity by being disciplined in other areas. For one, make sure you keep organized notes of your research. This is a must for the urgency driven writer. You must be able to get on track and do it quickly. To accomplish this I carry a small, pocket-sized notebook with plenty of pages. Ideally, a journal of that size works the best. I chronicle my research. I write down stray ideas that might come while I'm sitting in the hospital waiting room. I can assure you this little tip can save you a mountain of frustration when you are finally able to sit down at the computer and get back to writing.
Second, when you do find that little bit of time to work on your manuscript, I say let it fly. Don't worry about perfect grammar and spelling. Let the creative juices weave their way to the keyboard. You can edit and re-work your manuscript later, maybe in one of those larger blocks of time. This is how I accomplished the writing of Distant Thunder. You can do it too.
These two little tips for the writer who is unable to block out long segments of time to write are invaluable. Work at it. See what happens. Go with the flow.
Jimmy Root Jr
Distant Thunder, Book One of the Lightning Chronicles A Prophetic Fiction Thriller
Virtual Book Tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotions begins on August 3rd. Follow along on Titter and Facebook. http://twitter.com/jimmyrootjr/ http://facebook.com/jimmyrootjr/
Link to: http://virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/2009/07/distant-thunder-virtual-book-tour-09.html
Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,
Publishing,
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