Dahveed 6: Update 4.

November 26, 2015

Well, I'm done with the translation of the chapters in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles covered by Dahveed 6. While I was doing that, I found that sometimes the Hebrew grammar can put a different slant on the translation, so I dug out my reference books for grammar and checked all the references in them. Now that I've finished with that, I have to enter my notes into the computer so I can organize them, and then make the table of all the names and titles used in the stories. When David is called "David" and when he is called "the king" can also put a different slant on what is happening . . . After that, I will be ready to begin the final sort of all the note cards. So, progress may be slow, but it is happening!

I also want to take the opportunity to say thank you to all those who have encouraged me and are praying for me. May God abundantly bless this thanksgiving season for you all.

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Dahveed 6: Update 3

September 16, 2015

Progress on Dahveed 6 may be slow, but it is there!! I've completed the review, selection, and rough sort of the note cards for the book. Now, I am reading the story from 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles again in the Hebrew, looking for clues in the text for help in plotting the story. For instance, in 1 Chronicles 15:2 the word translated "chose" and describing the Levites is Bet Het Resh in the Hebrew. But in 1 Chronicles 16:41, the word used to describe the "chosen" Levites sent to Gibeon is Bet Resh Resh. The first means to carefully select the best. The second means to select through elimination. So, why are different words used to describe the Levites who were "chosen?" What are the implication of the two words? How are they used elsewhere in the story? What might the author of 1 Chronicles be hinting at when he chose two different words? More questions like the above can sometimes lead to interesting plot twists.

To answer a couple of questions in response to the previous post: My apologies, but I do not have a publication date yet for Dahveed 6. And the full title for the book is Dahveed 6: Yahweh's King.

Please continue to keep me in your prayers, that this book will be written when and how God wants it to be. God Bless.

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Dahveed 6: More News

June 12, 2015

Thanks so much to all of you who have kept me in your prayers. My dad's health has stabilized enough that I am back on a schedule where progress on Dahveed 6 is possible. I finished my review of all my note cards -- over 10,000 of them -- and am currently doing "catch-up" research. Next step, pulling the note cards I will use for Dahveed 6. Then I will begin to plot the book. But, one step at a time!!

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Dahveed 6

March 23, 2015

I had a little project that needed to be done before I began reviewing note cards for Dahveed 6. I needed to get all my note cards typed into the computer. I've worked on it sporadically for three or four years, but never really made it a priority. December, January, and February, I made it a priority. There are now over 10,000 note cards in various files on my computer where they are--finally!!--easily searchable! The cards are also tagged, so the current project is to review all the tags, subdivide and combine as necessary, and then pull out the ones for Dahveed 6. I found a lot of cards that applied to Dahveed 6 while I was typing them in . . . So progress toward the last book of the series is on-going.

However, my father's health is declining, and a good portion of my time is, at this point, taken up with helping him. Please pray that God's will and God's timing prevail for both my Dad and Dahveed 6.

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Book Signing Scheduled

November 24, 2014

For those of you in the area, the Christian Book Center in Berrien Springs, MI has scheduled a book signing for me on Sunday, Nov 30, 2014, from noon to 3 p.m. I'll be there to answer questions about my books as well as sign them.

From comments I've seen and heard, Dahveed 5 turned out to be a good book. Thanks so much for all your patience and encouragement as I wrote it!

I just thought of something. On more than one occasion, the CBC here in Berrien has held a book for me to sign before shipping it out. So Sunday, the 30th would be a good opportunity for having books for gifts to be signed. Just call 1-877-277-4800, tell them which book to set aside for me to sign, leave the name of the person who will receive the book--please spell the name for me!--and after I've signed it, they will ship it out. This might be helpful for those of you outside the southwest Michigan area.

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Dahveed 5 is now available!

October 26, 2014

Thank you all so much for your patience! Dahveed 5 is shipping, and can be ordered through your local ABC store. If the ABC near you closed, click on "Ordering Information" on the main menu and contact the Berrien Springs ABC. They will be happy to take your order. For those of you waiting for the e-book, it is still on track for a November 1 release. Spread the word. Word-of-mouth is the only marketing I have. God Bless.

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Dahveed 5 is at the press!

October 13, 2014

The title says it all!

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Another update for Dahveed 5

September 26, 2014

The editor surprised me and completed his job much sooner than anticipated! The book should go to press the first part of October!! Thank You, Lord!

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Dahveed 2 again available as e-book!

September 15, 2014

As of tomorrow morning, Dahveed 2 should be up for sale as an e-book with both Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. This is the author's edition of the book. Corrections to the print copy have been made, and two chapters of deleted scenes added back in. I hope you all enjoy it!

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More on Dahveed 5

September 14, 2014

Dahveed 5 is over half edited. Hang in there everyone! It will get to press!

In the meantime, Dahveed 2 is also out as an e-book for Nook. I ran into a glitch for Kindle, and am working to get that taken care of.

Thanks for your continued prayers.

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Dahveed 1 back online as an e-book!

August 26, 2014

Just wanted to let everyone know that Dahveed 1 can again be purchased as an e-book! It is the author's corrected edition now available. Look for Dahveed 2 in the near future. The author's edition of that will be significantly different than the previous e-book put out by the publisher. A couple of significant errors will be corrected, and deleted scenes added back in!

For those of you who use the Book Nook, I'm working on it! Barnes and Noble changed their publishing platform, and I'm still working the formatting kinks out of the files. Watch my posts for updates.

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Check out the changes!

August 12, 2014

Now that I have Dahveed 5 out of my mind, I've had the chance to catch up on some things. Check out the changes to the Dahveed series page, Dahveed 3 page, and the new page on Dahveed 4. Editing of Dahveed 5 is proceeding, the front matter for the book is complete, and the cover is nearly done also. Now, I'm just waiting for comments and corrections! Keep me in your prayers. They help.

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It's done!

August 3, 2014

Dahveed 5 latest re-write is finished. Formatting for editing is complete, and the first installment has gone to the editor! I'm very happy with the way the story shaped itself. Definitely better. We'll see what the advance readers think, and go from there. Thanks for all the prayers. Please continue!

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Back on Track!

June 22, 2014

Well, I lost a week to the computer failure. I had planned for hard drive failure and program failure. What I hadn't expected was the operating system to fail!! But, all's well that ends well! I'm thankful I had a new system to transfer everything to! The delay, however, has lost me more than just time. It can take awhile to shift my brain from analytical mode---dealing with computers---back to creative mode---writing a story.

Then there is the demise of the Review and Herald Publishing Association. How that will affect the Dahveed series is yet to be seen. Please keep the entire situation in your prayers.

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Catastrophic computer failure!

June 17, 2014

Well, life is never dull! My computer failed nearly completely after a routine re-start. I have no idea what happened. The only thing I could get to work was the file system---Thank the Lord!! That meant I could pull off all my data files so nothing was lost. Also---thank the Lord---we had a new computer for other purposes in the house, and that is what I am using now. Until a new system is setup, work on Dahveed 5 is at a standstill. I am not certain what will happen or when. I was unable to access this website for three days due to changes in the computer . . . So, keep praying everyone! The book will get done.

I do want to say, however, that I am on the last lap for Dahveed 5. I am very happy with the way the story has come together, and as soon as I can, I'll begin the last push to get it done, and to the final editor!

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Good News!

April 14, 2014

Well, the solution to the other half of the problem just came to mind, so, I'm back to writing. I'll post when I'm done! Keep praying!

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Another Update on Dahveed 5

April 7, 2014

First of all, thanks so much to everyone who has posted and communicated to me their encouragement and prayers. They are greatly appreciated!

I believe half of the problem holding me back is taken care of. The answer to it slipped into my mind this morning, for which I thank the Lord! So, while I work that half solution into the story, I'll be waiting for the solution to the other half . . .

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Good news and Bad news

January 21, 2014

Well, the good news is, the story keeps getting better. The bad news is, what with the bug that came for Christmas and tearing the story line apart for the 4th time, I have no idea when Dahveed 5 will be ready for publication! All I can say is that I will get it out as soon as I can. Thanks so much for your patience, encouragement, and prayers.

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Dahveed 5 yet again!

December 30, 2013

Well, the last half of the book is fine. But the first half still isn't! So, I've more work to do. Over 141,000 words have been cut so far, and the story is MUCH better. I think once I get this last story line fixed, Dahveed 5 will be ready for final editing and publication! Thanks for your patience and prayers. They matter.

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More News on Dahveed 5

November 5, 2013

My apologies to everyone, but Dahveed 5 will not be out for Christmas. I still have two more story lines to re-edit, and then the ms must go to advance readers and final editor.

The process has taken much longer than I anticipated, but I do feel the book will be much better because of it. I will get the book out in e-format and print as soon as I possibly can. I'm hoping the holidays won't interfere too much . . .

Thank you all for your patience and continued prayers.

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More News on Dahveed 5

September 6, 2013

The plot has been streamlined, and, taking my cue from one advance reader to "simplify, simplify, simplify," I have done my best to make the story much more straightforward. I believe the result is a much better book. After I get the editing done, we'll have to see what the advance readers think now.

As always, your prayers are appreciated!

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Here's what happened when God showed up in MN!

July 24, 2013

As you can tell from my previous post, I gave a book talk in Excelsior, MN. I had no idea what God was going to turn it into! The story as far as I know it, is below. I'm sure there's more.

The Excelsior Mosaic.

This is a story about how God works with and through people. It culminated on July 20, 2013, at Westview Church in Excelsior, Minnesota. But it began back in January, 2013. I suspect I only know a part of the picture, but what I do see I want to share. If I'm a little vague about names and details, please bear with me, since I want to protect as far as possible the privacy of those who shared with me. And, if anyone who reads this sees something that should be added or corrected, do let me know!

In January of 2013, A.P. experienced the "last-straw" life crisis which began to unravel her life. She turned to God, but weeks and months went by with no apparent answer. God was not idle, however. He was already busy arranging schedules and events among four different families.

In May, Judy traveled to Michigan to visit her older sister, and while there, she approached me about the possibility of going to her church and giving a presentation about my series of Biblical novels. I was willing, and Judy said she would see what could be arranged. E-mails flew back and forth during the month of June. The only date which fit into both Judy's schedule and mine was July 20th. Announcements were sent out, and a write-up appeared on the church's website.

For A.P., however, things had not gone so smoothly. Instead, they had steadily worsened until she had to give up her home and move to Minnesota to be nearby family. Her faith was still hanging on in spite of the changes, and she was glad to learn that there was a church she could attend just minutes from her new home.

Down in Missouri, a young man named Connor and his family, who had enjoyed my books, were planning a trip, which included a visit to relatives who lived in Minnesota.

On July 13, A.P. attended the Westview church, and in the bulletin was an announcement about the presentation next week. The announcement stated that after the afternoon meeting, there would be a question and answer session. This caused Judy some consternation, because nothing had been said about a Q & A session. Pastor Bowers knew nothing about it either. Judy hastily e-mailed me to let me know I should prepare for questions.

With that accomplished, God put one more piece into place. N.M., a woman who lived in the area and who corresponded with a man in prison, received a letter asking some questions she wasn't certain how to answer. The background of the mosaic was done, and God turned to the events which would directly answer more than one person's prayers.

I had asked God to direct me as I prepared for the weekend, but hadn't yet decided what I would speak about. Several ideas had crossed my mind, but I couldn't settle on any one thing. On Tuesday, the 16th, I prayed again and sat down to prepare for the Sabbath morning service.

On Friday morning, as I was packing for the trip, the idea of posting on my web-site where I would be speaking kept popping up in my mind. This was unusual, for as a matter of course, I never do this. But the idea persisted, and at last I decided I would post an update on the progress of Dahveed 5, the book I am currently working on. Once that was done, the urge to post where I would be surfaced again. At last, I decided to add a line simply stating that I was giving a book talk in Excelsior, MN.

While I was on my way to Minnesota, Connor, already in Minnesota, saw my post. He quickly realized that Excelsior was less than an hour away, and promptly set about finding out exactly where I would be and changing the family's plans for the next day.

The location I was speaking at did not come to him easily, for Connor posted a query late that night on my web-site, asking where I would be. But God is very resourceful, and somehow directed him to the Westview church. Connor and his family arrive there in time for the 11 a.m. service.

My presentation that service was about making the Bible stories into templates that show how God works with people in various situations. This is useful when you run up against similar situations in your own life, because God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34) and will respond to you the same way he responded to the Bible character.

Judy's sister noticed N.M. sitting beside her, scribbling notes as fast as she could while I talked. N.M. had not visited at Westview for some time, and Judy's mother had encouraged her to come for this service. When church was over, N.M. told me that she corresponded with a man in prison, and that what I presented gave her a way to answer his questions! She was very excited that God had given her just what she needed!

A.P., who had returned to Westview for the second time, stayed for the potluck and the afternoon meeting. After my presentation, I opened the floor for questions. Several were asked, and once the flow seemed to have stopped, I asked if there were any more. I was just opening my mouth to end the session, when Connor's uncle raised his hand and said, "You've written a book called 'Your Spiritual Toolbox' and I was wondering if you would tell us how you happened to write that book."

I was floored! I have made it a strict rule that when I give talks about my Biblical narratives, I do not mention the Toolbox book. And when I give seminars on the spiritual tools, I do not mentioned my Biblical novels. "God, what do I do now?" I thought.

But I had promised at the beginning of the session that I would answer any question, so I started in. But instead of confining my answer to a brief description of my battle with fear and the help I found, I heard myself moving on to how our brain works, and how both God and Satan use the way we are made to influence us and speak to us . . . I silently questioned God more than once as I spoke, but somehow I just kept talking.

What I didn't know was that I had mentioned something which tied in with the health issues A.P. was struggling with, and she realized that this information was the beginning of the answer to her desperate prayers! I had no idea what was going on in her mind, but God did! And He arranged things to bring people from four separate states to the Westview church in Excelsior so He could answer the prayers of at least two of His children!

"Father, thank you so much for letting us help in Your work! It's so much FUN!"

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Update on Dahveed 5

July, 2013

Well, the advance readers all said the same thing. It's too long and too confusing! So, Dahveed 5 is going back to the drawing board. I know there's a story in there somewhere; I wrote it! Now I just have to excavate to find it.

And in other news, I'm off for the weekend to Minnesota to give a book talk at a church in Excelsior!

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Advance Readers

June 9, 2013

I've had several people ask me what it takes to become an advance reader, so I thought I would post what I look for. I have two kinds of advance readers, the ones who read the books for plot, and the ones who read the books to correct mechanical errors such as spelling, punctuation, word usage, etc. The latter sort are what is usually thought of as editors. Editing for mechanics takes a great deal of concentration, and a good knowledge of the rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. They also have to be able to spot "wrong words" which have proliferated in print now that people depend more on Spell Check than their own eyes. "In" instead of "on," "not" instead of "now," "island" instead of "is a land," ad infinitum. They need to find misplaced modifiers, run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and at the same time be able to see when that sentence fragment serves a purpose and is not a mistake. They also have to be able to see that I have written the same idea into the same sentence at least twice, to say nothing of repeating it another time in the paragraph! ("Terri-- how many times can you tell me this in six lines??")

Advance readers who read for plot are even harder to find. I need people who will give me a true critique of the story as a story. They must be able to tell me what they like about the storyline, and why. They must also be willing to tell me the opposite. ("Terri, this is impossible! It would never happen. It's too melodramatic/outlandish! Tone it down, or better yet, just delete it!") They have to know the characters, and keep in mind how the characters have developed across the entire series. ("Mom, you can't do that! Abner would never give up that easily. He's acting out of character. You have to keep him the man we love to hate!") They have to understand the motivations for characters, and judge whether the motivation given for an action is adequate. ("Oh come on, Fivash! People don't really do this just because of that. Why does this character have to do this anyway? It doesn't seem to be connected to the storyline.") They also need to realize that they are confused about characters or plot lines, and then be able to trace that confusion back six chapters to where it started, point that out to me, and tell me to fix it. It takes a lot of time, and can be very difficult, since a good advance reader must actually divorce themselves from the story in order to really critique the "story!" If they get caught up in the book as a regular reader, they have just ceased to be of help to me, other than to point out where the story got so good, they got lost in it.

And on top of all that, they have to be able to devote hours of time to intense concentration on my time-table! And they really do have to be able to tell me when something just plain stinks. Which is what happened with Book 4, and I had to overhaul the entire first half of the book.

I sometimes hesitate to ask people to become a critical reader for me, because I know that once this type of thinking has ingrained itself into someone's mind, it won't go away. They may, therefore, find themselves thinking exactly the same way about anything else they read, and that can substantially reduce their pleasure in reading for pleasure . . . Sigh.

I hope this answers most of the questions people have sent to me! And to those of you who are my advance readers . . . Thank you so much!!

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Dahveed 5: Progress

May 5, 2013

Well, the biggest part of the editing for Dahveed 5 is finished, and the manuscript is heading out to advance readers. Still on track for a late fall/Christmas release! I'm also doing final research for Dahveed 6, the final book of the series, and plan to write that this summer. We'll see how it goes!

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Dahveed 5 is written!

January, 2013

Well, I just finished the story. 339,300 words. 547 pages. 11 pt font. But, the story is out of my head! Now, I just have a huge editing job ahead of me!!

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Gone for the summer!

May 23, 2012

Just wanted to post that I've begun writing Dahveed 5, and I will only be posting rarely during the summer, if at all. Hope you all enjoy Dahveed 4!

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Dahveed 4 out in Print!

May 13, 2012

Just wanted to get the word out that Dahveed 4 is now available in print. Contact your local Adventist Book Center, or go to the "Ordering Information" page for a toll free number. I'm already half buried in Dahveed 5, so don't expect much activity on this site until fall!

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Dahveed 4 is out as e-book!!

March 2012

Well, it didn't happen on the day I was expecting, since I had formatting troubles, but---Dahveed 4 has been uploaded as an e-book, and should be on sale tomorrow from Amazon.com, and maybe tomorrow for Barnes & Noble Nook. I hope you all enjoy it! Spread the news!

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Breaking News - Toll Free number to Order Dahveed 3

February 3, 2012

Just posted a toll-free number for ordering Dahveed 3. Check it out on the "Ordering Information" page!

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New Book Reviews page

January 29, 2012

I was recently introduced to Goodreads.com, and as a result, I have a profile there and I have created a page which has book reviews from readers. Note the addition to the uppermost menu on the right. Visit the page and tell me what you think!

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January News

January 29, 2012

I found an artist for the cover of Dahveed 4! Dahveed 4 is out for final editing, and sales of Dahveed 3 are proceeding apace. Thank you so much to all those who have spread the word about Dahveed 3 being available in print. As of now, Dahveed 4 should be ready for release as an e-book in March. Those of you wishing to have it hard copy should look for a May release date. We are trying to see if we can offer a discount on the price for those who order before we print, but we haven't got everything worked out on that yet. Check this web-site or my blog for further information as this develops. Happy New Year!

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Want Current information?

November 20, 2011

Since Word Press doesn't have a convenient way to "follow" this web-site, if you'd like to be notified of updates, please click here. Sign up to follow my blog. I'll post on it when there's more news of my books. (Click on the title of this page to get to a page where the link will work.)

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Dahveed 3 Available in Print!!

November 9, 2011

This is the big news, especially for those of you who have waited so patiently for so long. Contact your local ABC to order. (Click here to find the store nearest you. Or send an e-mail to michiganabc@yahoo.com You can also call 269-471-7331.)

I see the link above will not work on this summary page. My apologies. Here's the site: http://www.adventistbookcenter.com/ABC_Locator.tpl if you don't want to click on the title of this post to get to the actual page!

Getting Dahveed 3 ready for press was the main reason Dahveed 4 is delayed. Enjoy the print copy of book 3 while you wait!

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News of Dahveed 4

November 6, 2011

Dahveed 4 got put on the back burner to simmer some more. All my advanced readers said the same thing. The first part of the book needs a lot of work. So, back to the drawing board. My apologies to all of you. I'll be working on it as quickly as I can.

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