This Christmas I want to talk about the concept of “Father.” I don’t know how to do that without getting intensely personal, so that’s what I’m about to do. Some people relate to the word Father with tender feelings of love and warmth. Others find the thought chilling. I hope these few words will have meaning to both groups. Continue reading
FATHER
Filed under Characters, Faith, Influence, Relationships
THE NEGATIVE CHARACTER
Drama encompasses human change. The main character is transformed. As a reader, I’d be disappointed if that change turned out for the worse. By definition, that means the main character must start out seriously flawed. Is this logical, so far? If so, then stay with me: Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Conflict, Relationships, Writing style
PRAISE
All of us are desperate to have someone believe that we are worthwhile. What if a man believes that kind words stifle improvement? What happens to his children when he hands out criticism, but never praise? He learned this mindset from his own father—will he pass it on to his son? Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Conflict, Influence, Relationships
BIBLE STYLE
A difficult challenge was raised by a reader to my previous article “Faith in Writing.” The opinion was voiced that there should be one definitive translation of the Bible—that it not be open to opinion. My response is too long for the comment section, so I’ll try to answer it here as best I can. Continue reading
Filed under Faith, Writing style
WHO READS?
I just completed a video interview with the 13-year-old daughter of a friend. She reads. She enjoys it. She knows what she likes. She knows why she likes it. This girl read my entire novel—a story intended for adults—and told me it was, “awesome.” Incidentally, she gave a terrific interview. Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Suspense, Writing style
WHO WANTS UNIQUE?
As authors, we are faced with the question: “Tell me what’s unique about your book.” It’s an important component of any fiction proposal. Editors, we are told, are looking for fresh new voices. Is it true? Continue reading
Filed under Writing style
MILTON FRIEDMAN IS DEAD
Speculation runs rampant on what Milton Friedman would do in today’s economy, particularly in regard to QE or “Quantitative Easing.” Opinions vary wildly. It’s news. I want to know, too. Keep in mind that Milton Friedman passed away in 2008. The man is dead.
You may think that Jonelis is out in left field. He’s not writing on bookish topics or issues of faith. Not so, as you will see. Continue reading
BLOG POSTINGS
It’s time I repeated my intentions regarding this site: I will raise an array of important life issues and ask your opinion. I will not talk about breakfast cereal. To stay grounded, I’ll draw comparissons to characters and situations from my upcoming novel, THE GAMEMAKER’S FATHER.
Filed under Welcome
LOST IN GAMES
Many kids today are lost in destructive video games. Their friends are avatars. They spend less time relating to others and develop fewer skills to do so. Many become isolated, especially from the family unit, and deftly block parents from their world. That isolation can lead to depression and destructive behavior. A father and mother are disarmed—unable to bond with their kids—helpless to guide them during those precious years. Continue reading
Filed under Conflict, Games, Influence, Relationships
CHALLENGE
Recently I went through a thought-provoking learning experience that’s kept me working till 3:00-4:00 a.m. for weeks since. The ACFW—the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Indianapolis. First, let me call it the best organized conference in my experience. Great workshops. All genres. Wonderful people. High profile speakers. Terrific food. You might say I enjoyed myself. Continue reading
Filed under Faith, Writing style
FAITH IN WRITING
Personal faith is a primal motivator in a person’s life and inseparable from who a writer is. A Christian is charged to share the Good News. If those beliefs don’t show up in a 90,000 word novel, then something important is missing. The author isn’t writing from the gut, not expressing his real self—in a sense, hiding from the reader. Continue reading
Filed under Faith, Writing style
TOM CLANCY REVISITED
I am continuing my slow read through the Clancy Series, in the chronology of Jack Ryan’s career. So far, this is a pure joy.
Just finished the “Cardinal of the Kremlin”. Even though “Red October” is my personal favorite, Continue reading
Filed under Suspense, Writing style
The Gamemaker's Father 