It was a joy to share the genesis and the "story behind the story" of The Omega Watchers with book guru, Peter Younghusband. Actually it was the first time I had pulled my various book concepts together and cohesively tied all the different personal influences that created my novel into one expose.
As I took the journey with him answering his questions, step by step, there was a flood of emotions, remembering the various life experiences that became interwoven into the story. My mother passed away of cancer when I was only 20 years old, but she remains the greatest spiritual influence in my life. I truly believe her love for the Word of God and Bible prophecy was divinely passed from her spirit into mine.
To read the interview go to:
http://christianfictionreviewguru.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/interview-with-jane-e-woodlee-hedrick_18.html
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Sunday, June 14, 2015
My First Professional Book Review
I want to thank Peter Younghusband from Australia for reading and reviewing my novel. I was both excited and deeply humbled as I read his review. It has encouraged me to continue my journey in writing. I have copied and pasted here for my blog followers:
The Guru's Review:
I cannot remember whether the author contacted me for a review or I contacted her stating I will be reviewing/interviewing her after I purchased this book. Either way, I am glad I found this book. The Nephilim mentioned in The Omega Watchers is a favourite topic of mine as well as eschatology. Some Christians would not know what the Nephilim are or may not have studied eschatology and therefore may not be aware of the connection between these two in relation to the verse in Matthew 24: 37,
However, I would not just leave it at that. Hedrick successfully entertains throughout even when delivering the vast amounts of information relating to the aforementioned topics. She has made it one engaging read and through this educates the reader in these issues and how the Gospel is embedded in this as well without it coming across as preachy or bible bashing Gabi and Caleb. It very much reminds me of how to witness to those who do not believe, be non judgmental, non condescending, not self righteous, but love them, accept them as they are and build a relationship so there is a neutral platform to share the Gospel.
It is from this perspective that I believe this novel could be instrumental in ministering to the unbeliever in Christ, by exposing false doctrine of various New Age theologies and practice such as astral travel, ascended masters, everyone possessing godhood and god like power of healing and peace. All the above are designed and constructed to deceive and encourage the human race to believe this lie while being bound by demonic strongholds. She successfully does this through the character of Gabi and her vulnerability from losing her mother when she was 5 years old and her father many years later.
I have always felt that when learning is made to be fun or enjoyable in a format that the student/learner is comfortable with, then the uptake and retaining of the learning is more successful and understanding is greater. I have had a better understanding of the topic outlined in this novel than if it had been in a non fiction account. Putting in a fictional setting like this novel, then I can fully grasp this better. I believe that Christian fiction should not just entertain and educate as is evidenced successfully in this novel, but it should edify the believer as well. It should encourage their walk with Christ and their relationship with Him as well. For me, Hedrick is successful here.
Another aspect where the above characteristics of what I expect from Christian fiction is the spiritual aspects of this novel. Some christian authors do not have the Christian's prayer stated in full as they feel it detracts from the action of the scene or plot and some readers don't like this either whether they are Christian or not. There may be some novels where it is appropriate to just state that there was prayer for peace, healing, salvation etc but in other novels, where it would be appropriate for full prayer inclusion and there is not, I feel this omission is a shame as this is real life for the Christian, and for the non believer who may be offended by this, well, this is the Christian's reality and I don't believe a novel based on Christian/biblical themes should be watered down to be politically correct. Thankfully, Hedrick has not succumbed to this practice. In this novel, it is very appropriate for prayer to be included in full. I found this refreshing as the instances where they were praying were in times of spiritual warfare concerning their research, the car accident involving the Professor and when Gabi was under the influence of the spirit guide/demon. Spiritual warfare is serious and affects every aspect of our lives, whether we know it or not, and to have prayer shown in its fullness adds a necessary aspect of reality to the plot and to portray what happens in real life.
It was also refreshing to have God very much a part of this novel and not just mentioned. I appreciated that the author included the presence of God in a tangible way when the Omega Team prayed for the aforementioned instances and the final conflict when this demon disguised as an angel of light was in the final stages of encouraging Gabi to cross to the demonic side. Again, this shows the supernatural side of reality and the warfare of the spiritual realm. It was great that the Spirit of God and the power of His might was shown as it is in defeating the demonic stronghold over Gabi and for her to see the spirit guide for the demon that he is and that the truth of the bible and what had been witnessed to her by the Omega Team members was true.
My only criticism is that Gabi has been depicted as rather emotional and high demand and this becomes a bit annoying after a while, and the many scenes of astral travel could have been reduced as I feel that any reader would have understood what astral travel and what the deception of the spirit guide in fewer instances of this. However, just my subjectivity here.
I have read other end times novels and every author seems to have a different take on the bible verses that are relevant to the eschatology and their poetic license in translating this to the fictional setting. I liked what Hedrick has done in the novel. Her take is very concise and specific and adheres very well to the biblical record. The culmination of all the plot lines in this novel come together for one very memorable climax and leaves the reader on a cliff hanger. I only hope that the sequel is here sooner rather than later. I cannot wait to see what happens next and be further entertained, edified and educated in eschatology, spiritual warfare and demonology.
Putting all this together with relational characters and romance as a subplot, this is one very enjoyable read.
Highly Recommended.
http://christianfictionreviewguru.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/the-omega-watchers-by-jane-e-woodlee.html
I cannot remember whether the author contacted me for a review or I contacted her stating I will be reviewing/interviewing her after I purchased this book. Either way, I am glad I found this book. The Nephilim mentioned in The Omega Watchers is a favourite topic of mine as well as eschatology. Some Christians would not know what the Nephilim are or may not have studied eschatology and therefore may not be aware of the connection between these two in relation to the verse in Matthew 24: 37,
I have read quite a bit about both topics and this connection to Matthew 24:37. The growing number of bible researchers/scholars and even devout bible students who study eschatology seem to all agree on the major details relating to these topics. It is from this perspective that I was hoping Hedrick would have shown in The Omega Watchers. I am pleased to say that she has! She has done a great job of it too! There is always the risk that when a complex topic/s like these are converted to the fiction arena, that the plot gets bogged down in too much information, derails the plot, becomes detached from it and the characters and is counterproductive. Not so in Hedrick's well crafted novel. Both the plot and all the details relating to the Nephilim, Matt 24: 37 verse, alien visitation, end times deception/eschatology is carefully intertwined and forms a sold basis for this fast paced, suspenseful edgy, speculative based novel.“As it was in the day of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”
However, I would not just leave it at that. Hedrick successfully entertains throughout even when delivering the vast amounts of information relating to the aforementioned topics. She has made it one engaging read and through this educates the reader in these issues and how the Gospel is embedded in this as well without it coming across as preachy or bible bashing Gabi and Caleb. It very much reminds me of how to witness to those who do not believe, be non judgmental, non condescending, not self righteous, but love them, accept them as they are and build a relationship so there is a neutral platform to share the Gospel.
It is from this perspective that I believe this novel could be instrumental in ministering to the unbeliever in Christ, by exposing false doctrine of various New Age theologies and practice such as astral travel, ascended masters, everyone possessing godhood and god like power of healing and peace. All the above are designed and constructed to deceive and encourage the human race to believe this lie while being bound by demonic strongholds. She successfully does this through the character of Gabi and her vulnerability from losing her mother when she was 5 years old and her father many years later.
I have always felt that when learning is made to be fun or enjoyable in a format that the student/learner is comfortable with, then the uptake and retaining of the learning is more successful and understanding is greater. I have had a better understanding of the topic outlined in this novel than if it had been in a non fiction account. Putting in a fictional setting like this novel, then I can fully grasp this better. I believe that Christian fiction should not just entertain and educate as is evidenced successfully in this novel, but it should edify the believer as well. It should encourage their walk with Christ and their relationship with Him as well. For me, Hedrick is successful here.
Another aspect where the above characteristics of what I expect from Christian fiction is the spiritual aspects of this novel. Some christian authors do not have the Christian's prayer stated in full as they feel it detracts from the action of the scene or plot and some readers don't like this either whether they are Christian or not. There may be some novels where it is appropriate to just state that there was prayer for peace, healing, salvation etc but in other novels, where it would be appropriate for full prayer inclusion and there is not, I feel this omission is a shame as this is real life for the Christian, and for the non believer who may be offended by this, well, this is the Christian's reality and I don't believe a novel based on Christian/biblical themes should be watered down to be politically correct. Thankfully, Hedrick has not succumbed to this practice. In this novel, it is very appropriate for prayer to be included in full. I found this refreshing as the instances where they were praying were in times of spiritual warfare concerning their research, the car accident involving the Professor and when Gabi was under the influence of the spirit guide/demon. Spiritual warfare is serious and affects every aspect of our lives, whether we know it or not, and to have prayer shown in its fullness adds a necessary aspect of reality to the plot and to portray what happens in real life.
It was also refreshing to have God very much a part of this novel and not just mentioned. I appreciated that the author included the presence of God in a tangible way when the Omega Team prayed for the aforementioned instances and the final conflict when this demon disguised as an angel of light was in the final stages of encouraging Gabi to cross to the demonic side. Again, this shows the supernatural side of reality and the warfare of the spiritual realm. It was great that the Spirit of God and the power of His might was shown as it is in defeating the demonic stronghold over Gabi and for her to see the spirit guide for the demon that he is and that the truth of the bible and what had been witnessed to her by the Omega Team members was true.
My only criticism is that Gabi has been depicted as rather emotional and high demand and this becomes a bit annoying after a while, and the many scenes of astral travel could have been reduced as I feel that any reader would have understood what astral travel and what the deception of the spirit guide in fewer instances of this. However, just my subjectivity here.
I have read other end times novels and every author seems to have a different take on the bible verses that are relevant to the eschatology and their poetic license in translating this to the fictional setting. I liked what Hedrick has done in the novel. Her take is very concise and specific and adheres very well to the biblical record. The culmination of all the plot lines in this novel come together for one very memorable climax and leaves the reader on a cliff hanger. I only hope that the sequel is here sooner rather than later. I cannot wait to see what happens next and be further entertained, edified and educated in eschatology, spiritual warfare and demonology.
Putting all this together with relational characters and romance as a subplot, this is one very enjoyable read.
Highly Recommended.
http://christianfictionreviewguru.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/the-omega-watchers-by-jane-e-woodlee.html
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
The Journey Continues
I realized this morning as I was communicating with some of my new friends around the world, that have contacted me after reading The Omega Watchers, the blessings of being an author have many levels.
My prayer for those who read my novel is spiritual eyes will be opened to the paranormal deceptions of the end of days; and readers would have a desire to dig out deeper truths for themselves spurred by the biblically based events that take place in the plot. Numerous readers have confirmed the story has taken them to a deeper study of Genesis 6 and the connections to the paranormal world, realizing the impact it has in the day in which we live...especially as we approach the end of days.
What I did not realize is how my novel would connect me with Christians (and some non-believers) around the world. We are sharing the events in our own nations and how they are all rapidly fulfilling bible prophecy. The world seems so much smaller when cyberspace allows you to connect immediately with people literally anywhere on the planet in real time.
I am so blessed to have new friends in many states around America, plus international countries of Australia, Ireland, Philippines, Denmark, South Africa, Great Britain, and Saudi Arabia (where The Omega Watchers story actually begins).
My journey as a published author has just begun and I am so excited to see where it will lead. May Yahweh always get the Glory in all things.
My prayer for those who read my novel is spiritual eyes will be opened to the paranormal deceptions of the end of days; and readers would have a desire to dig out deeper truths for themselves spurred by the biblically based events that take place in the plot. Numerous readers have confirmed the story has taken them to a deeper study of Genesis 6 and the connections to the paranormal world, realizing the impact it has in the day in which we live...especially as we approach the end of days.
What I did not realize is how my novel would connect me with Christians (and some non-believers) around the world. We are sharing the events in our own nations and how they are all rapidly fulfilling bible prophecy. The world seems so much smaller when cyberspace allows you to connect immediately with people literally anywhere on the planet in real time.
I am so blessed to have new friends in many states around America, plus international countries of Australia, Ireland, Philippines, Denmark, South Africa, Great Britain, and Saudi Arabia (where The Omega Watchers story actually begins).
My journey as a published author has just begun and I am so excited to see where it will lead. May Yahweh always get the Glory in all things.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Interludes
It has been almost two months since my last post and since I have been able to concentrate on my sequel. Of course, life happens and takes our thoughts and attentions to different situations. As much as I would love to spend most of my time in writing, researching and studying - it just isn't possible. Family comes first. This week I have found a measure of time to continue.
After finishing drafts on 19 chapters of the sequel, I am now going back and reviewing, editing and rewriting some parts. It was the same way with the first book so I expected this would happen again. Since I am never sure what direction the story will take when I am writing, I am often surprised myself as to what happens. Then it becomes necessary to rewrite some previous chapters to line up with where the story is going.
I have spent more time studying and researching for this book, than I have actually writing. I do not want this novel to become a matter of eschatology debate on what, when and how events of the biblical Book of Revelation will actually play out (since there are varying beliefs), but more an understanding of events that will happen at some point during the final seven years of time as we know it. One thing we know from the prophecies in the Book of Daniel 12:1 - "... a time of trouble will come like there has never been since nations began until that time."
There is an urgency in my spirit as I pray for guidance in writing. I wonder if there will be time to even complete and publish the second book of the trilogy. We are already seeing the events unfolding that were foretold by the ancient prophets that will happen just before great tribulation.
I am closely watching events in the world as they play out exactly as the Bible said they would. The nations are aligning according to the end times Psalms 83 War (where my first novel ended) and the Ezekiel 38 War, which will follow in the sequel.
Revelation 19:10 tells us the Spirit of Prophecy is Jesus! It is all about Him!
After finishing drafts on 19 chapters of the sequel, I am now going back and reviewing, editing and rewriting some parts. It was the same way with the first book so I expected this would happen again. Since I am never sure what direction the story will take when I am writing, I am often surprised myself as to what happens. Then it becomes necessary to rewrite some previous chapters to line up with where the story is going.
I have spent more time studying and researching for this book, than I have actually writing. I do not want this novel to become a matter of eschatology debate on what, when and how events of the biblical Book of Revelation will actually play out (since there are varying beliefs), but more an understanding of events that will happen at some point during the final seven years of time as we know it. One thing we know from the prophecies in the Book of Daniel 12:1 - "... a time of trouble will come like there has never been since nations began until that time."
There is an urgency in my spirit as I pray for guidance in writing. I wonder if there will be time to even complete and publish the second book of the trilogy. We are already seeing the events unfolding that were foretold by the ancient prophets that will happen just before great tribulation.
I am closely watching events in the world as they play out exactly as the Bible said they would. The nations are aligning according to the end times Psalms 83 War (where my first novel ended) and the Ezekiel 38 War, which will follow in the sequel.
Revelation 19:10 tells us the Spirit of Prophecy is Jesus! It is all about Him!
Monday, February 16, 2015
Reflections
It is a snowy day in SE Kentucky. The weather forecast is for a possible historic snowfall for this area, just as writing my first novel was a historic event for my life. I love the peaceful tranquility of snow. It lays a blanket of silence across the countryside and opens the heart to reflections.
Writing has truly been a journey in my life and not an event. When I began writing two years ago, I had no idea what to expect. I would many times stop in the midst of a chapter and ask my self, "Will anyone actually read this?" I didn't know what steps to take if and when the book was actually finished. I had music that had been copyrighted and published, but I had never published a book. I was not even sure how to begin. I often wondered if it was a huge waste of time as I spent hundreds of hours researching, writing, editing, and re-writing. However, something in me kept pushing me forward in the midst of all of my uncertainties.
I have been asked numerous times if I experienced 'writer's block'. I can honestly say I never did. Many times I would have no idea what direction the story would take until I actually began writing a new chapter. And there were several times I would have to go back to earlier chapters and make changes to line them with what would unfold in the plot later; but I never reached a place that I didn't know where to go from that point. I know there was a 'Presence' leading me.
My biggest struggle was weighing between two opinions of ending my novel. Those of you that have read it will well understand why. I wanted truth of what will someday be, to impact the reader and remain in their heart as a signpost of being diligent to share the salvation message while we still labor in the harvest. Time is short and night will soon come.
I prayed for guidance and felt the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout the processes of writing, editing, and publishing. I am now in the arena of marketing. Even though that was my career for 35 years, it is very different when you are marketing a product someone else has created. Marketing your own 'baby' is an entirely different emotion. The publisher tells me, as a new author, I must use all potential avenues of promotion keeping it before the public's eyes. To be honest, I sometimes feel it balances on the edge of vanity, and that is the last message I want to send with a Christian novel.
It has been amazing to watch social media share my book to all continents. I have been humbled by contacts from those seeing the shares on FB and purchasing it through various book websites. The responses have been touching and lives have been ministered to by various spiritual elements of the content. When I hear the words 'I couldn't put it down', it is like music to an author's ears.
Through the Goodreads.com website, a book critic from Australia marked my book to be read and reviewed. I have since been in communication with him and I am both excited and a little nervous to hear his professional opinion. He has a few books already lined up before mine, but I will keep you posted on the outcome.
On this beautiful snowy day I will be continuing the journey of the second book in this trilogy that will take the reader into the seven years of tribulation. I see the current events in the world lining up even as I write. I wonder, will there be time to finish?
Maranatha, my friends.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
A Blessed Day
Yesterday, February 9th, was a blessed day! My blog crossed the threshold of over 1000 views, I found it is on 'goodreads.com' and it was added to a Pinterest site called "Books Worth Reading". I am still learning how all of this works, and was not aware of all of the places books could be shared and reviewed.
On top of yesterday's good news, my novel is now selling internationally. I have been contacted by readers in Great Britain, Australia, Germany, and Denmark. And the book has been shared on Facebook to literally every continent (even Muslim nations).
My greatest desire is to know lives have been affected and a new awareness of the spiritual deceptions of the end of days is being born into the minds and hearts of the readers. "As it was in the days of Noah" is an analogy that will soon be a reality.
Maranatha!
On top of yesterday's good news, my novel is now selling internationally. I have been contacted by readers in Great Britain, Australia, Germany, and Denmark. And the book has been shared on Facebook to literally every continent (even Muslim nations).
My greatest desire is to know lives have been affected and a new awareness of the spiritual deceptions of the end of days is being born into the minds and hearts of the readers. "As it was in the days of Noah" is an analogy that will soon be a reality.
Maranatha!
Monday, February 9, 2015
Soli Deo gloria - To God be the Glory
I thank each of my readers for the positive reviews of my novel on both Facebook and websites where they have purchased (Amazon, Amazon UK, BookNook, I-Apple). These reviews are extremely valuable in helping to interest other possible readers of end time novels.
The written reviews have been very positive; and additionally, different readers have contacted me personally and shared which parts of the book either ministered to them or opened their eyes to the paranormal deceptions and events of the end of days. I love these personal contacts! It makes me feel connected to my readers.
I wanted to share a review given by Billie Goldsberry on 'The Omega Watchers' FB page, which truly caught the essence of my intentions for the book as a whole:
"What an education I have received concerning the world view of New Agers! I must admit that I was entirely mesmerized and horrified to feel the tug and pull in the spiritual realm that the characters were experiencing. If a grounded, mature Christian can experience this from reading a book, what hope do others have that are without Christ?! I more fully appreciate the effect our prayers have on the behalf of those who cannot defend themselves against the wiles of the enemy.... This is real, people! I hope this book reaches the masses and becomes a best seller among those who can most identify with the characters!"
(To join us on Facebook click the link to the lower right of this post.)
After hundreds and hundreds of hours researching, writing and editing, it means more than words can say to know that lives are being touched and The Omega Watchers is a tool of ministry in educating Christians to the satanic deceptions that are luring our society and setting the stage for the Anti-Messiah.
The written reviews have been very positive; and additionally, different readers have contacted me personally and shared which parts of the book either ministered to them or opened their eyes to the paranormal deceptions and events of the end of days. I love these personal contacts! It makes me feel connected to my readers.
I wanted to share a review given by Billie Goldsberry on 'The Omega Watchers' FB page, which truly caught the essence of my intentions for the book as a whole:
"What an education I have received concerning the world view of New Agers! I must admit that I was entirely mesmerized and horrified to feel the tug and pull in the spiritual realm that the characters were experiencing. If a grounded, mature Christian can experience this from reading a book, what hope do others have that are without Christ?! I more fully appreciate the effect our prayers have on the behalf of those who cannot defend themselves against the wiles of the enemy.... This is real, people! I hope this book reaches the masses and becomes a best seller among those who can most identify with the characters!"
(To join us on Facebook click the link to the lower right of this post.)
After hundreds and hundreds of hours researching, writing and editing, it means more than words can say to know that lives are being touched and The Omega Watchers is a tool of ministry in educating Christians to the satanic deceptions that are luring our society and setting the stage for the Anti-Messiah.
Soli Deo gloria - To God be the Glory!
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