I have been a bit overwhelmed with life this summer. I hope that things are settling down as our monsoon rains are putting a damper on activities.

The Healing Hut

Below is a link to my latest episode of The Healing Hut. In this episode I finally get on the grid. I was humbled that the local newspapers, including the Skagit Valley Herald, The Bellingham Herald, and our own Anacortes American covering a story about this journey. I’ve yet seen a copy, but I hope to go into town today and buy a copy.

On Writing

I am now on chapter twenty-two of a new novel, Ashes 2 Ashes. I’ve decided to write on the most controversial topic I could think of. It is a story about an archeologist-paperologist, Dr. Caren Rose, who finds an ancient Herculaneum scroll about abortion, that sets the world on fire.

I chose such a topic not because I like conflict, although I do like asking hard questions, but because writing agents all want cutting edge, controversial material, especially if it deals with women’s issues. Apparently, when you are a writing nobody as myself, this type of book still can grab buyer’s and hopefully an agent’s attention. We will see.

I will pursue a major publisher with this book, via an agent. My first book was accepted by a major publisher in 2016, but I–maybe foolishly–did not come to terms with them. They wanted to put in their academic portfolio, where I was afraid it would go to die.

I did not approach a major publisher for my Stones of Yemen, because I knew my chances as a 65 year-old nobody author were less than a snowball’s chances in Hades. But my small publisher, Mount Erie Press, cannot afford hiring good editors anymore (10K for a typical book) as the royalties’ are in the small 100s. So, the only way Ashes 2 Ashes will see the light of day, is if it is picked up by a publishing house with their own internal editors.

I may ask for beta readers here when I am finished, for those interested. Maybe, if my beta readers are better editors than me and if I can’t grab the attention of an agent, I will publish the book via Mount Erie Press.

My 95 Thesis

My local church, graciously and with great courage, asked a small group of people to give their personal opinions on 1) the future of the church, 2) how we arrived at our opinions, and 3) what we would like to say to the (universal) church. I was honestly surprised that I was invited as I tend to be in the weeds of modern Christian culture. But I did it. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done because I wanted to be honest, I had far too much material (inside my head) to present in 45 minutes, and I am often approached by religious people who want a piece of me (verbally attacking me). But, for the sake of so many people who are on the same page as me, who are leaving Christianity, I did it. I recorded the talk while I was camping in Iceland three weeks ago. I will put the link below if you are interested. So far, it seems my church has graciously received this talk, while I assume that none of them would fully agree with me . . . and that’s okay.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DkF9moqjvFz8w6MJJ2-r1yu9W-loo4Pv/view?usp=drive_link

The Absurdity of Atheism

About six months ago I started a series looking at the absurdities of each of the major views on the big questions of life, such as why do we exist, do we have meaning, and what about ethics. I wanted to be honest as I started with my own, Christian view. I was almost finished talking about atheism’s absurdities when I fell of the wagon (not drinking but being overwhelmed with my illness and activities). I will get back to that soon, I hope.

My Health

Thanks for asking. My cancer is still in good remission. I’m dong quite well, especially when compared to some friends of mine who are dealing with cancer right now. My only problem is fatigue and infections from a badly battered immune system.

As always, thanks for your interest in my journey.

Mike

(written but not proofed)