Thoughts on one of my books

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Monnkai

Senior Member
#1
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
113
#1
So Im writing a book called Hand of Fate and it takes place 300 years into the future where the world is run by people who've been turned into pagan gods and goddesses and it follows a boy named Johnathan who must take out the pagan gods to bring the True God back its very animeish with fight scenes and such and it has Greek and Norse Mythologies in it if you would like to read what I have so far let me know anyway I was going to ask a question and its that I was going to include Shintoism in it as a pagan mythos that people where turned into but I am aware unlike Greek and Norse Mythology that it is still being practiced (Mostly by Japanese) and in away I don't want people (Christians mostly) to think its cool and start worshiping the Shinto gods or whatever but of course I would make it clear (Im not to that point in the book yet) that it is indeed false but should I avoid it? I mean it would be great to reach out to the Japanese to tell them what they worship are not the true god but Im afraid to make Shintoism out to be even remotely appealing. Any thoughts?
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#2
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
#2
Monnkai said:
So Im writing a book called Hand of Fate and it takes place 300 years into the future where the world is run by people who've been turned into pagan gods and goddesses and it follows a boy named Johnathan who must take out the pagan gods to bring the True God back its very animeish with fight scenes and such and it has Greek and Norse Mythologies in it if you would like to read what I have so far let me know anyway I was going to ask a question and its that I was going to include Shintoism in it as a pagan mythos that people where turned into but I am aware unlike Greek and Norse Mythology that it is still being practiced (Mostly by Japanese) and in away I don't want people (Christians mostly) to think its cool and start worshiping the Shinto gods or whatever but of course I would make it clear (Im not to that point in the book yet) that it is indeed false but should I avoid it? I mean it would be great to reach out to the Japanese to tell them what they worship are not the true god but Im afraid to make Shintoism out to be even remotely appealing. Any thoughts?
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Well regarding the purpose of writing the book itself it is noble to try to teach others the gods they worship are wrong however the method I think is not correct. This appears more like a book that is to be enjoyed being read not so much a lesson teaching one. As for your concerns I think you should not worry so much Christians are constantly barraged by all sorts of paganism and worldly things everyday even in things like t.v. commercials if they were to read your book I highly doubt people would start worshiping foreign gods otherwise they clearly were not founded in Christ to begin with.

When you write a story while considering the reason for it and it's content is good it has to be done for enjoyment more than anything otherwise you block you writers flow. For instance I love horror movies I watch them all the time yet my passion for God and my love for him grows stronger everyday and people who meet me can see this fiery love in me just from talking with me. In fact you know the game world of warcraft? A friend once requested me to write a story based on that game the only reason I did was for fun not for money or anything I didn't finish it and it was pretty dark but the story itself amazed my friends and family. The only reason my story was good was because my heart was in it for the right reason and my writers flow wasn't blocked. in fact if you want I recommend you read it
 

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Monnkai

Senior Member
#3
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
113
#3
Blain said:
Well regarding the purpose of writing the book itself it is noble to try to teach others the gods they worship are wrong however the method I think is not correct. This appears more like a book that is to be enjoyed being read not so much a lesson teaching one. As for your concerns I think you should not worry so much Christians are constantly barraged by all sorts of paganism and worldly things everyday even in things like t.v. commercials if they were to read your book I highly doubt people would start worshiping foreign gods otherwise they clearly were not founded in Christ to begin with.

When you write a story while considering the reason for it and it's content is good it has to be done for enjoyment more than anything otherwise you block you writers flow. For instance I love horror movies I watch them all the time yet my passion for God and my love for him grows stronger everyday and people who meet me can see this fiery love in me just from talking with me. In fact you know the game world of warcraft? A friend once requested me to write a story based on that game the only reason I did was for fun not for money or anything I didn't finish it and it was pretty dark but the story itself amazed my friends and family. The only reason my story was good was because my heart was in it for the right reason and my writers flow wasn't blocked. in fact if you want I recommend you read it
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I did not describe the book the best lol Its not beat you over the head with a message like I describe it really I'm just giving the basic jist of it. I do have character development and such and in the beginning it's more about Johnathan dealing with the momentous task he has been giving and even coming to terms with taking a life as he sometimes has to. I also have his friends and family going through there own thing while he's on his journey. It's hard to explain but it's more than just a message I just oversimplified it.
 
M

Monnkai

Senior Member
#5
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
113
#5
Blain said:
Well regarding the purpose of writing the book itself it is noble to try to teach others the gods they worship are wrong however the method I think is not correct. This appears more like a book that is to be enjoyed being read not so much a lesson teaching one. As for your concerns I think you should not worry so much Christians are constantly barraged by all sorts of paganism and worldly things everyday even in things like t.v. commercials if they were to read your book I highly doubt people would start worshiping foreign gods otherwise they clearly were not founded in Christ to begin with.

When you write a story while considering the reason for it and it's content is good it has to be done for enjoyment more than anything otherwise you block you writers flow. For instance I love horror movies I watch them all the time yet my passion for God and my love for him grows stronger everyday and people who meet me can see this fiery love in me just from talking with me. In fact you know the game world of warcraft? A friend once requested me to write a story based on that game the only reason I did was for fun not for money or anything I didn't finish it and it was pretty dark but the story itself amazed my friends and family. The only reason my story was good was because my heart was in it for the right reason and my writers flow wasn't blocked. in fact if you want I recommend you read it
Click to expand...
I did not describe the book the best lol Its not beat you over the head with a message like I describe it really I'm just giving the basic jist of it. I do have character development and such and in the beginning it's more about Johnathan dealing with the momentous task he has been giving and even coming to terms with taking a life as he sometimes has to. I also have his friends and family going through there own thing while he's on his journey. It's hard to explain but it's more than just a message I just oversimplified it.
blue_ladybug said:
I get bad vibes from this just by reading your OP... :/
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How exactly?
 
blue_ladybug

blue_ladybug

Senior Member
#6
Feb 21, 2014
70,920
9,669
113
#6
Monnkai said:
I did not describe the book the best lol Its not beat you over the head with a message like I describe it really I'm just giving the basic jist of it. I do have character development and such and in the beginning it's more about Johnathan dealing with the momentous task he has been giving and even coming to terms with taking a life as he sometimes has to. I also have his friends and family going through there own thing while he's on his journey. It's hard to explain but it's more than just a message I just oversimplified it.

How exactly?
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Just from the very first sentence, where you say it happens centuries into the future, and that people have been "turned into pagan gods and goddesses." Then you have to "take out" (KILL) the pagan gods and goddesses, who were normal people once upon a time. :/

Then you add Shinto (whatever that is) into it along with Greek and Norse mythologies. Along with whatever mystic stuff the Japanese believe in.

You just play with some very dark stuff, Monnkai. That's all I'm saying. Not trying to give you a hard time. :)
 
M

Monnkai

Senior Member
#7
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
113
#7
blue_ladybug said:
Just from the very first sentence, where you say it happens centuries into the future, and that people have been "turned into pagan gods and goddesses." Then you have to "take out" (KILL) the pagan gods and goddesses, who were normal people once upon a time. :/

Then you add Shinto (whatever that is) into it along with Greek and Norse mythologies. Along with whatever mystic stuff the Japanese believe in.

You just play with some very dark stuff, Monnkai. That's all I'm saying. Not trying to give you a hard time. :)
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well it is a fantasy and I've had a few Christians read it and they thought it was quite good. But I do understand your concern although I highly doubt that you'd be interested in it I make quite clear that there is only one true God and it's kind the whole point of the novel actually.
 
M

Monnkai

Senior Member
#8
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
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#8
[perQUOTE="blue_ladybug, post: 3688230, member: 189538"]Just from the very first sentence, where you say it happens centuries into the future, and that people have been "turned into pagan gods and goddesses." Then you have to "take out" (KILL) the pagan gods and goddesses, who were normal people once upon a time. :/

Then you add Shinto (whatever that is) into it along with Greek and Norse mythologies. Along with whatever mystic stuff the Japanese believe in.

You just play with some very dark stuff, Monnkai. That's all I'm saying. Not trying to give you a hard time. :)[/QUOTE]perhaps taken out isn't best term since that is not his goal it only happens in either self defense or when an innocent person is in danger. He does end up converting many of them but not so much in the beginning of the book I'm only about 150 Some pages in but I've been on and off it since 2014
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#9
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
#9
I may not have explained myself the best either. I didn't mean to make sound like you were making a beat over the head book I was only saying there are two kinds of books that a lot of writers make one is the creative story which you have made and the other is one to teach and to guide. I actually have not read your book yet so as far as clarit goes on this obviously I am lacking but from what I read about your description it sounds more like one for fantasy enjoyment not so much one to teach others about the pagan gods they worship. If however you are able to make and maybe even no have made it to where it's both one of fantasy enjoyment and teaching then you are truly skilled as a writer and I encourage you to continue trying out your creative pen as you grow as a writer
 
Deade

Deade

Called of God
#10
Dec 17, 2017
16,724
10,531
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78
Vinita, Oklahoma, USA
yeshuaofisrael.org
#10
Monnkai said:
So Im writing a book called Hand of Fate and it takes place 300 years into the future where the world is run by people who've been turned into pagan gods and goddesses and it follows a boy named Johnathan who must take out the pagan gods to bring the True God back its very animeish with fight scenes and such and it has Greek and Norse Mythologies in it if you would like to read what I have so far let me know anyway I was going to ask a question and its that I was going to include Shintoism in it as a pagan mythos that people where turned into but I am aware unlike Greek and Norse Mythology that it is still being practiced (Mostly by Japanese) and in away I don't want people (Christians mostly) to think its cool and start worshiping the Shinto gods or whatever but of course I would make it clear (Im not to that point in the book yet) that it is indeed false but should I avoid it? I mean it would be great to reach out to the Japanese to tell them what they worship are not the true god but Im afraid to make Shintoism out to be even remotely appealing. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
You do realize that Shinto is mostly ancestor worship. Most of their gods are their ancestors, it may take some study so you do not offend. Or, just leave it out altogether. :cool:
 
M

Monnkai

Senior Member
#11
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
113
#11
Blain said:
I may not have explained myself the best either. I didn't mean to make sound like you were making a beat over the head book I was only saying there are two kinds of books that a lot of writers make one is the creative story which you have made and the other is one to teach and to guide. I actually have not read your book yet so as far as clarit goes on this obviously I am lacking but from what I read about your description it sounds more like one for fantasy enjoyment not so much one to teach others about the pagan gods they worship. If however you are able to make and maybe even no have made it to where it's both one of fantasy enjoyment and teaching then you are truly skilled as a writer and I encourage you to continue trying out your creative pen as you grow as a writer
Click to expand...
No you explained yourself just fine I just misread what you said the first time lol
 
M

Monnkai

Senior Member
#12
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
113
#12
Deade said:
You do realize that Shinto is mostly ancestor worship. Most of their gods are their ancestors, it may take some study so you do not offend. Or, just leave it out altogether. :cool:
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I have been actually :) Im not to the point yet in the book quite far from it actually so I will do more research as the time arises
 
G

Greeneyedwriter

Guest
#13
#13
Monnkai said:
So Im writing a book called Hand of Fate and it takes place 300 years into the future where the world is run by people who've been turned into pagan gods and goddesses and it follows a boy named Johnathan who must take out the pagan gods to bring the True God back its very animeish with fight scenes and such and it has Greek and Norse Mythologies in it if you would like to read what I have so far let me know anyway I was going to ask a question and its that I was going to include Shintoism in it as a pagan mythos that people where turned into but I am aware unlike Greek and Norse Mythology that it is still being practiced (Mostly by Japanese) and in away I don't want people (Christians mostly) to think its cool and start worshiping the Shinto gods or whatever but of course I would make it clear (Im not to that point in the book yet) that it is indeed false but should I avoid it? I mean it would be great to reach out to the Japanese to tell them what they worship are not the true god but Im afraid to make Shintoism out to be even remotely appealing. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
It seems to me like you're trying to cram too many themes into one narrative. Greek and Norse mythologies seem to be major cultural undercurrents in the west, and admittedly I don't know very much about Shinto beliefs. Either way, with numerous deities from different cultures - especially someone like ours - you're very likely going to ask for trouble.
If I were you, I'd leave out any mythos you have not researched very thoroughly, and I would veer well away from notions of "bringing God back". God just doesn't go missing (being omnipresent and all), but it is certainly unfashionable and/or illegal in places to be a Christian.
 
M

Monnkai

Senior Member
#14
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
113
#14
Greeneyedwriter said:
It seems to me like you're trying to cram too many themes into one narrative. Greek and Norse mythologies seem to be major cultural undercurrents in the west, and admittedly I don't know very much about Shinto beliefs. Either way, with numerous deities from different cultures - especially someone like ours - you're very likely going to ask for trouble.
If I were you, I'd leave out any mythos you have not researched very thoroughly, and I would veer well away from notions of "bringing God back". God just doesn't go missing (being omnipresent and all), but it is certainly unfashionable and/or illegal in places to be a Christian.
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Well I've done tons of research on Norse and Greek I have plenty of stuff on my comp but yeah I understand but the idea that these books will even be published is kinda up in the air mostly because there a tad extreme for most Christian publishers as for a secular publisher its also a problem because its Christian obviously either way its going to be a tough sell. As for now I just share it with friends and such and that suits me fine for now :)
 
M

Monnkai

Senior Member
#15
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
113
#15
Greeneyedwriter said:
It seems to me like you're trying to cram too many themes into one narrative. Greek and Norse mythologies seem to be major cultural undercurrents in the west, and admittedly I don't know very much about Shinto beliefs. Either way, with numerous deities from different cultures - especially someone like ours - you're very likely going to ask for trouble.
If I were you, I'd leave out any mythos you have not researched very thoroughly, and I would veer well away from notions of "bringing God back". God just doesn't go missing (being omnipresent and all), but it is certainly unfashionable and/or illegal in places to be a Christian.
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Well once again I'll kick myself for not being to decriptive in the OP Gods obviously been there the whole time what I mean is God being brought back to the cultures through out the story its revealed other people have tried to bring bibles and such back but where heavily prosecuted. So pretty much mimics any dictatorship devoid of God so God of course never went missing but like in many cultures people have tried to write him outta history.
 
G

Greeneyedwriter

Guest
#16
#16
Monnkai said:
Well I've done tons of research on Norse and Greek I have plenty of stuff on my comp but yeah I understand but the idea that these books will even be published is kinda up in the air mostly because there a tad extreme for most Christian publishers as for a secular publisher its also a problem because its Christian obviously either way its going to be a tough sell. As for now I just share it with friends and such and that suits me fine for now :)
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Incidentally, I have been working on-and-off on my own story for more than 10 years, and shared it with friends (much like you). Some days I wonder whether I'll ever finish it.
 
M

Monnkai

Senior Member
#17
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
113
#17
Greeneyedwriter said:
Incidentally, I have been working on-and-off on my own story for more than 10 years, and shared it with friends (much like you). Some days I wonder whether I'll ever finish it.
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Yeah in all honestly my card games coming along a lot better than the books I got a facebook page for it even.
 
M

Monnkai

Senior Member
#18
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
113
#18
Greeneyedwriter said:
Incidentally, I have been working on-and-off on my own story for more than 10 years, and shared it with friends (much like you). Some days I wonder whether I'll ever finish it.
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Whats your book about if I may ask?
 
G

Greeneyedwriter

Guest
#19
#19
Monnkai said:
Whats your book about if I may ask?
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It follows an avian character as he travels the realm of Triskaidia on different assignments. However, matters become complicated when he discovers a breeding program orchestrated by one of his overseers. There is also a plague that reanimates his kind as undead demons. Will he be able to confront the demons, keep his job, protect those dear to him AND find a mate?
 
M

Monnkai

Senior Member
#20
Mar 18, 2014
2,740
690
113
#20
Greeneyedwriter said:
It follows an avian character as he travels the realm of Triskaidia on different assignments. However, matters become complicated when he discovers a breeding program orchestrated by one of his overseers. There is also a plague that reanimates his kind as undead demons. Will he be able to confront the demons, keep his job, protect those dear to him AND find a mate?
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Oooh! Sounds like something I'd read :) Do you have an email address? I'd like to read it if you'd let me
 
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