About
My Father's Business
Writing is a challenging career. It must somehow fit in
between housework and running errands. It must not take time away from marriage
and family. I have to exercise and take care of my friends, too. Why in the
world does an author bother?
I'm a firm believer that God gave us talents to build up
our self-esteem and to enjoy. On the other hand, I feel like they come with
responsibility. Is there anything more wonderful than seeing others use their
gifts to make the world a better place? That is my ultimate goal when I write a
story. Yes, there are challenges to overcome and feelings to work out, but a
happy ending is a necessity, because I want my readers to put down my books
with smiles on their faces.
In my Christian-themed young adult paranormal, Death
Cheater, Athena Gray must accept that she has a divine gift to see
through to the other side. She must find courage to face an evil that comes
into her life, even as she struggles to overcome her anxiety and fragile
self-esteem. Athena has the love of a strong Christian best friend to help her
stand up for what's right, and her loving family is right behind her on both
sides of the veil between Heaven and Earth.
Making the world a better place isn't always fun or easy,
but a good book, whether you're reading it or writing it, is a way to celebrate
what we believe in and put our time and talents to good use. I've learned on my
life journey, that I don't need to stress on worldly troubles as I go about my
Father's business, fulfilling my church callings, raising my children,
improving myself or using my talents for righteousness. A dirty floor is better
than a broken promise.
~Danielle Thorne
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More about Death
Cheater
Athena Gray lives vicariously through her sister because
people in general avoid her. Whether it's strange things like dead butterflies
fluttering to life, or the time she saved her dying grandpapa just by willing
him to live, Athena knows that she is different. The only person who doesn't
seem to think so is Dan, the most popular boy on Omega High School's baseball
team. But even Dan can't understand the reason she acts haunted, until a spirit
roaming the local historic burial mounds takes an interest in people Athena
cares about.
Enjoy an excerpt:
A low rumble echoed around me, and the tall, dark trees went still. Not even a leaf stirred. My heart hummed, and a tingle of apprehension made my palms damp. A snarl came from the shadow of a tangled thorn bush, and soft, padding footsteps shuffled in the late afternoon gloom. My breathing went ragged with fear. Maybe it was a raccoon or an angry squirrel.
Athena.
Whipping around, I stared hard into the murk. A voice. It sounded gentle, but at the same time it sent chills down my arms. I glanced up through the hooded canopy of tree branches and tried to see heaven.
God?
There was a growl, and the terror I'd been holding at bay zipped up my spine into my skull. I was sure my long hair stood on end, like when kids touched the electrostatic generator at the science museum.
Something was coming for me, and it wasn't something from the woods. It'd been following me all day. Maybe even my entire life.
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More about Danielle Thorne
Danielle Thorne writes from south of Atlanta, Georgia. She
is the author of sweet romantic adventure books, both historical and
contemporary. Danielle has published poetry and short fiction as well as
novels. She is a freelance copywriter and former editor.
Other work has appeared with Espresso Fiction, Every Day
Fiction, Arts and Prose Magazine, Mississippi Crow, The Nantahala Review,
StorySouth, Bookideas, The Mid-West Review and more. She was the 2009-2010
Co-Chair for the New Voices Competition for young writers, is active with
online author groups such as Classic Romance Revival and moderates for The
Sweetest Romance Authors at the Coffee Time Romance boards. Her popular blog,
The Balanced Writer, focuses on life and the pursuit of peace and happiness.
Ms. Thorne has four sons with her husband, Rob. Together
they enjoy travel and the outdoors.
Please Visit Danielle at The Balanced Writer http://www.thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com
or
or see her Amazon Author Page:
2 comments:
Hi Danielle:
I find the “Death Cheater” to be fascinating. I have the butterfly in the picture. After twenty years its wings are still an iridescent blue. (The guide in Peru said it was really a moth.)
I noticed the story is in first person. The heroine is named Athena – a Greek Goddess of war and wisdom. She was born from the forehead of Zeus and remained a virgin all her life. She loved to help heroes achieve their goals. As the Goddess of Philosophy she is my favorite. I just wonder why her name is used for the heroine in a Christian novel. I think the Greek connection is intentional as the high school is named Omega – the end of the line. Of course, when the author is also a poet, much more is possible. I’m just going to have to read this book.
Vince
Hi Vince,
Yes, this book has some just-for-fun Greek references, but at the heart of it are Christian beliefs and philosophies. It is a paranormal, but it doesn't follow any cookie-cutter genre tricks. I based the spiritual references on my faith and beliefs.
Thanks for your comments!
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