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March 2007 Newsletter
Subject of the Month
JERRY SIMMONS, FORMER EXECUTIVE WITH WARNER COMMUNICATIONS, ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM FOR INDEPENDENT AUTHORS
Read these articles and sign up up now for this new and exciting program that offers to connect independent authors with readers. Beta testing of parts of this program are starting NOW. Best of all, it is FREE!
THE NEW COMMUNITY
Independent Writers and Authors, this is for you! Read all about it in this
Phil and Brian are in on the ground floor of this effort as are many other independent and small publisher authors. All of our books, now and later, will be in this program. The great part is that even if your are just in the middle of your first novel, you can participate.
Waking God on Location
The Pharaoh Akhenaton appears in WAKING GOD. He is actually an enigma to most with some calling him weak and ineffectual. It is said that he introduced the idea of monotheism in the worship of the Sun or the Aten. Please look at the final paragraph at the end of this article from Wikipedia, for it is closer to the truth (i.e., he did not actually worship the physical Sun, but rather it was a symbol of the underlying concept of a Universal energy in which we all have our existence). Akhenaton is also attributed as the first Grand Master of what became known as the Order of the Rose Cross. This secret society is also a featured organization in WAKING GOD, one few dare to write about!
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A political and religious revolutionary, Amenhotep IV introduced Atenism in the fourth year of his reign, raising the previously obscure god Aten (sometimes spelled Aton) to the position of supreme deity. The early stage of Atenism appears to be a kind of henotheism familiar in Egyptian religion, but the later form suggests a proto-monotheism. Aten was the name for the sun-disk itself ; hence the fact that it is often referred to in English in the impersonal form "the Aten". The Aten was by this point in Egyptian history considered to be an aspect of the composite deity Ra-Amun-Horus. These previously separate deities had been merged with each other. Amun was identified with Ra, who was also identified with Horus. Akhenaten simplified this syncretism by proclaiming the visible sun itself to be the sole deity, thus introducing a type of monotheism. Some commentators interpret this as a proto-scientific naturalism, based on the observation that the sun's energy is the ultimate source of all life. Others consider it to be a way of cutting through the previously ritualistic emphasis of Egyptian religion to allow for a new "personal relationship" with god; this interpretation is hampered by the fact that only the Royal family was able to interact with and perform rituals pertaining to the Aten. Others interpret it as a pragmatic political move designed to further centralise power by crushing the independent authority of the traditional Amun priesthood who controlled Egypt's wealth and produce. However, Akhenaten did not formally break with the Amun priests and still used his old Amun inspired royal name--Amenhotep IV--until Fourth Year when the latter defied his authority, according to the text on one of his Amarna border stela.
This religious reformation appears to have begun with his decision to celebrate a Sed festival in his third regnal year — a highly unusual step, since a Sed-festival, a sort of royal jubilee intended to reinforce the Pharaoh's divine powers of kingship, was traditionally held in the thirtieth year of a Pharaoh's reign.
His Year 5 marked the beginning of his construction of a new capital, Akhetaten ('Horizon of Aten'), at the site known today as Amarna. In the same year, Amenhotep IV officially changed his name to Akhenaten ('Effective Spirit of Aten') as evidence of his new worship. Very soon afterward he centralized Egyptian religious practices in Akhetaten, though construction of the city seems to have continued for several more years. In honor of Aten, Akhenaten also oversaw the construction of some of the most massive temple complexes in ancient Egypt, including one at Karnak, close to the old temple of Amun. In these new temples, Aten was worshipped in the open sunlight, rather than in dark temple enclosures, as had been the previous custom. Akhenaten is also believed to have composed the Great Hymn to the Aten.
Akhenaten, Nefertiti and their children
Initially, Akhenaten presented Aten as a variant of the familiar supreme deity Amun-Ra (itself the result of an earlier rise to prominence of the cult of Amun, resulting in Amun becoming merged with the sun god Ra), in an attempt to put his ideas in a familiar Egyptian religious context. However, by Year 9 of his reign Akhenaten declared that Aten was not merely the supreme god, but the only god, and that he, Akhenaten, was the only intermediary between Aten and his people. He ordered the defacing of Amun's temples throughout Egypt, and in a number of instances inscriptions of the plural 'gods' were also removed.
Aten's name is also written differently after Year 9, to emphasise the radicalism of the new regime, which included a ban on idols, with the exception of a rayed solar disc, in which the rays (commonly depicted ending in hands) appear to represent the unseen spirit of Aten, who by then was evidently considered not merely a sun god, but rather a universal deity.
It is important to note, however, that representations of the Aten were always accompanied with a sort of "hieroglyphic footnote," stating that the representation of the sun as All-encompassing Creator was to be taken as just that: A representation of something that, by its very nature as something transcending creation, cannot be fully or adequately represented by any one part of that creation.
This Month’s Review
The following review is from the blog spot, Life Technology News.
Waking God
New novel by Maine writer creates a theory for everything but could ignite a religious backlash that would make 'The Da Vinci Code' look like a church hymn. Philip Harris is the former assistant director of the Maine State Planning Office and now works in special education in Somerville. Brian Doe teaches English in New York.
Together they have written a novel - part science fiction, part theological study, part thriller - that explores a universal theory of man's existence in the shadow and mind of God. "Waking God," the first of a planned trilogy, reorganizes the conventional wisdom established by the world's major religions and tries, often at a too-quick pace, to neatly connect thousands of years of history, culture and mythology into a seamless, connected theory of everything.
The authors breezily transition between conspiracy theories, religious slander and Bond-esque world travel, intrigue and violence. They dabble in quantum physics and genetic coding. And, in the end, try to tie it all together. In fewer than 300 pages, the book converts an evangelical, Southern preacher into a papal assassin, turns the notion of good and evil on its head, lays the Holocaust at the feet of the Archangel Michael and tosses in the "The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion" for good measure.
The authors even explain vampires and werewolves, crop circles and UFO sightings, all within the context of a grand adventure with the future of humanity hanging in the balance and the world boiling in chaos. And Tarot cards hold the key to it all. It would be easy to categorize the story as a full-throated assault on the fundamentals of organized religion and the Catholic church particularly. For the stir Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" caused in some religious circles, it doesn't hold a canonical candle to the blasphemy of "Waking God."
Absolutely, it smacks organized religion, Doe said during a telephone interview during a recent visit to Maine. "It's pro-humanity, pro-spirituality and pro-God," Doe said. "It's the institution of religion itself that has been dubious in its affairs."
Harris takes it further. Organized religions, he said, "have outgrown themselves. Through the centuries it has become the institutions themselves that are important, not the message of Jesus or Mohammed or whoever. It's time for a reformation in the structure of religions, and it's time for people to go back to the roots of spirituality."
Doe grew up in New York a conservative Catholic, who for a time considered the seminary. Harris was raised in Massachusetts and describes himself as a Northern Baptist, not to be confused with its more famous cousin, the Southern Baptist.
"The book itself was the biggest journey, trying to wrap my mind around good and evil," Doe said, "and realizing its all arbitrary."
For Harris, it was an encounter that's retold in the book through the eyes of the main character that began his separation from organized religion.
As a young boy, Harris befriended another boy, who was Catholic. Because the two were of different faiths, they couldn't attend a crafts class at the same church, just because, Harris said, "a few words in the Lord's Prayer were different." "That really started me on my journey that led me to doubt these institutions," Harris said.
The Story
Pulling liberally from the Bible, the premise of the book begins in Genesis with the creation, but quickly diverges.
In Genesis 2:21, God causes Adam to fall into a deep sleep. Instead of creating Eve from his rib, God never awakens Adam. All existence is created in Adam's dreams.
The battle between the forces of light and dark are between those who want Adam to awake and achieve the potential bestowed in him by God and those who prefer to maintain the status quo of the dreamed reality.
The two main characters of the book are Andrew, a Boston theological scholar who dreams, literally, of a unifying theory of religion, and Mara, a mysterious beauty who has lived seven different lives as she has grown to the age of 21.
The two are genetically and spiritually tied, and the book follows them on their journey toward one another and the truth.
There's also the Archangel Michael, who led the army of God against the rebellious Lucifer and who according to the Book of Daniel will stand to face him again at the End Times and protect the souls of the faithful.
"Waking God" draws heavily from the Bible and other religious works. Throughout the story there are subtle - and not-so-subtle - clues and subtexts, allusions to other works and the starting point for more research for those so inclined.
From talking with the authors, it's clear that details are chosen for a reason.
Take Andrew, the hero. In the Bible, Andrew was the first and last of the disciples. He was there, on the Mount of Olives with Peter, James and John when Jesus described his return and warned of false prophets who would try to deceive humanity. (Mark 13:1-36).
"Take heed lest any may deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many ... For nation shall rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers (sic) places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."
References drip from between the lines of the book, offering a piece of information, clues to the book's outcome or an interesting sidebar worthy of further exploration. There's no annotation and that's the way the authors wanted it.
Short and intense, the book reads like it was written to be in pictures.
In reality, it was written to be accessible.
"We're trying to get across an idea and a story that would have more mass appeal," Harris said. "It was frustrating and required a careful balance to try to present enough information to wet the whistle but not bore people to death."
That balancing act is why the authors decided to break the story into three parts.
"I think we managed to introduce ideas but also keep the story moving fast enough," Harris said.
And for readers who want more information, Doe said, the Web site - www.wakinggod.com - serves a compendium to the book, providing background information on the historical people and places referenced.
About the Authors
Harris and Doe met in New York while teaching at the same school. The seed of "Waking God" was planted one morning before the homeroom bell could ring.
"Waking God" was released June 22 and is published by Star Publish. From the time of the first early morning conversation, it took about a year and a half to complete the book, Harris said.
The pair hope to have a draft of the second installment by the first of next year, he said.
Doe was born in Ogdensburg, N.Y. He received a bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University and a master's degree in secondary education from the State University of New York at Potsdam College. He is the author of "Barley and Gold," which was published in 2001.
Harris earned a bachelor's degree in political science from The American University in Washington, D.C., and was the assistant director of the State Planning Office during the Brennan administration. He is a member of several secret organizations, including the Rose Cross, or Rosicrucian Order. What that means, Harris won't say. That's why it's called a secret organization, he said.
From www.sunjournal.com
News
As we mentioned in the Subject of the Month, Jerry Simmons, former executive of Warner Communications, has begun a monumental undertaking to unite and promote independent authors. Below is an announcement recently released from Jerry that is intended to be an invitation to any and all independent authors interested in the program.
Dear Independent Writers and Authors,
As announced last week, our test begins Monday April 2nd. If you know of any Independent Writers or Authors that wish to participate in the test, tell them they are welcome to join the community.
-- If you live outside the United States and would like information on Independent Writers and Authors in your own country please email me.
-- If you know of a writing group anywhere in the world that would be interested in learning more about our community please email me.
The following links will explain what the community is all about, please feel free to pass along to friends and colleagues.
Bringing voices never heard and stories never told to readers around the world.
BE SURE TO TUNE IN TO PHIL'S WEEKLY BROADCAST ON WWW.INTERNETVOICESRADIO.COM EVERY MONDAY NIGHT, 7:30 PM, EST. THE TITLE OF HIS SHOW IS "ALL THINGS THAT MATTER." WHILE NOT FOR AUTHORS ONLY, THE SHOW WILL INCLUDE AUTHOR INTERVIEWS REGARDING BOOK CONTENT IF IT FITS THE SHOWS THEME.
Resources for Writers
In the pursuit of establishing ourselves as authors, we have done a tremendous amount of research and have come upon many invaluable resources. It is our intention to pass these resources onto you so that you won't have to do quite as much work as Brian has in preparing this newsletter and trying to balance Phil's indolence at the same time. We hope you find what follows useful. Each month, we will add to the list.
INDEPENDENT AUTHORS SUPPORT/INITIATIVES
Jerry Simmons and WritersReaders.com
Sign up now!
RADIO STATIONS
www.internetvoicesradio.com
www.writersfm.com
www.contacttalkradio.com
www.achieveradio.com
NEWSLETTERS & BLOGS
There are many newsletters and blogs that are good for writers. They have treated us nicely in the past. The following is just the beginning of the list with more to come! Check them out.
http://community.livejournal.com/roseshadows/1070.html
http://starpublishnews.tripod.com/
HoJoNews@aol.com
http://tri-studio.com/ezine.html
http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com/
http://community.livejournal.com/roseshadow/1008.html
www.oncewritten.com
www.writerscafe.org/
www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com
nate@redenginepress.com
http://nadinelamanbooks.com/pdf/brag3.pdf or http://nadinelamanbooks.com/news.html
http://community.livejournal.com/roseshadows/1070.html
http://hometown.aol.com/lbmwriter/romance/newsletter.html
NEWSLETTER@KOMPES.COM
EDITOR@ABSOLUTEWRITE.COM
http://www.karenmagill.com/
http://www.katherinewarwick.com/kw/
JERRY@WRITERREADERS.COM
FREE PRESS RELEASE SITES
The following is a list of press release sites that we have used to announce events regarding Waking God. These sites are easy to use and they do not send you much, if any, follow-up ads about their services. For most, you must do a simple registry and for a few you can just issue the release. Many offer more advanced coverage for a small fee, but so far we have found that our releases have made it to Google without paying any money. Authors should avail themselves of these free sites. If readers come across others, please share and we will post them in the newsletter.
GENERAL RESOURCES
GROUPS
WWW.ALTERNATIVE-READ.COM
WWW.PUBLISHINGANDPROMOTING.COM
WWW.INTERNETAUTHORS.COM
WWW.POST-A-PAGE.COM
WWW.GATHER.COM
WWW.YACK.COM
In Conclusion...
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. Each month we set aside a special segment of time to organize our information so that we might bring it to you, our readers, personally. Please do us the favor of passing the newsletter along, as well as telling everyone about our thought-provoking book, WAKING GOD. Without you, we'd never have an audience!
Thank You!
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