WORDSLINGER'S NOTE: Many of you know I'm trying to get my first novel published. Due to copyright issues, I've been hesitant to discuss the details here, but ... screw it. There's no such thing as bad publicity, unless you're Mel Gibson.
[7/16/09 WORDSLINGER'S UPDATE]
Brooding received its first online (not to mention glowing) review today by Michelle Kerns at Examiner.com. Check it out. I'm seeking representation for this novel. If you're an agent or publisher (or know someone who is) and your curiosity has been piqued, please contact me.
Brooding Synopsis
Summoned from abroad, the high-ranking, aristocratic demon is ordered to attend a small funeral in Kansas City. Upon arrival, Nick is insulted when he sees his new mission: a fair-haired, five-year-old orphan named Tyler Davis. However, when spying the lad's protector, Nick understands why his services are required.
His old friend and ancient nemesis, Valiant -- an angel as powerful as he is handsome -- has been charged with watching over the boy. Why a warrior of Valiant's experience is guarding a seemingly inconsequential child is a mystery Nick is determined to solve.
Nick soon sees that Tyler -- whose mother is dead and whose father is unknown -- is being raised by his grandmother, Grace Davis. She is a bitter and legalistic woman whose hobbies include the restoration of her Victorian home, the tending of her cats, the overuse of psychotropic drugs, the misuse of the Bible and the tormenting of her grandson.
After years of physical and emotional abuse, Tyler runs away at sixteen and is adopted by The Brood. A benevolent gang of Colorado bikers, they bring him home to their mountain commune, where he quickly becomes the group mascot.
In a tale spanning thirty years, angelic Valiant and demonic Goodfellow observe and influence Tyler and The Brood, eventually becoming embroiled in an adventure that will severely test their warrior skills.
From this earthly plane to Heartland -- a dreamy and deadly landscape of the heart where the battle for human souls is fought -- Val and Nick soon realize there is infinitely more at stake than an orphaned boy adopted by bikers.
Filled with action, drama and romance, BROODING - The Heartland Chronicles Book One, is a novel of redemption, forgiveness and the epic spiritual battle which drives us all.
Brooding: The Heartland Chronicles - Book One
by Andy Williamson
PROLOGUE: VALIANT & GOODFELLOW
Nicholas Goodfellow is not the Devil -- but he knows him.
Standing in the cemetery on New Year's Eve, snowflakes swirling lazily around him, he hides at a distance in the trees, a shadow among shadows, studying the funeral party. Bedecked in black suede boots, faded blue jeans, white linen blouse and a black velvet jacket (Modern Victorian Casual), he runs lithe fingers through long and lush blond hair, cocks an aesthetic eyebrow and sighs disappointedly. Summoned from abroad by his superior, Nicholas had been told his new assignment was of the most urgent nature. He'd imagined all manner of things on his brief flight here to Kansas City (everything from escalating racial tensions to terrorist factions to assassin grooming), but he is more than a little insulted when finally espying his quarry.
The funeral party numbers two (not counting the minister), a rail-thin woman in her mid-sixties and a little boy -- little being the operative word, the lad can't be over five-years-old and is so fair of countenance, Nicholas has to look twice to make sure the tyke isn't actually a little girl. Donned in coat and cap, the boy stares with traumatized eyes at the beautiful coffin now suspended over the open grave. As the minister reads from the Bible, Nick takes note of the name on the temporary grave marker: Susan Davis. This is surely the right place, but why in Hell would the services of such an accomplished demon be required at such an inconsequential funeral? Seeing movement above and behind the little boy, Nick looks up and gets his answer.
The man standing protectively over the lad is seven-feet tall, adorned in a brightly-colored tunic that does little to conceal his massive shoulders and barrel chest (not to mention the ample wings now pleated neatly upon his back). With anvil jaw, kind blue eyes and hair as long and blond as Nicholas' own (when the demon chooses to appear in such a guise), the angel cocks his head at Goodfellow, grins knowingly and says, "Hello, Nick. I've been expecting you."
Nicholas nods and chuckles. "Valiant, my old friend," he replies with a wry British lilt. "I should have known. I was a mite disappointed when I saw my mission was such a wee pretty one. I may not know what's in store for such a mere broth of a lad, but surely your presence announces very special plans." Stepping nigh to the boy, Nick leans down and inspects him more closely. (Valiant's hand starts toward his sword.) "Look at those eyelashes," Nick speaks. "Kind of a girlie boy. Reminds me of a shepherd boy we fought over so long ago. I've learned not to underestimate as such. Worlds can be turned upon such a puny axis."
Valiant squats down and places one massive hand upon the boy's shoulder, ministering what comfort he can on such a horrible day. Gazing up at the now handsomely visaged demon, he asks, "What would you like to know?"
Chuckling again, Nick scoffs, "What are you saying, Val? You're going to offer up such background information freely?"
"Why not? Who's to say such knowledge wouldn't hinder your efforts more than help."
"Touché." Gesturing at the grave, Nick speaks, "His mother?"
Valiant nods.
Walking past the old woman: "His grandmother?"
Valiant nods again.
"And his father?"
Standing up, Valiant replies, "To understand this boy, you do indeed need to know the story of his parents. But perhaps it would be easier to show you than tell you."
"And just how do you intend to do that?"
Valiant proffers his hand.
Nicholas just stares at it. "You must take me for a fool."
Offering it more fervently, Valiant says, "We were once closer than brothers, you and I. Just because you left when your master chose to lead his rebellion against our Lord, doesn't mean I've lost all affection for you. I've been instructed to tell you all you need to know about this boy -- and further -- the ability to step back through time and show you what happened. We need to go back about fifteen years or so. It is a story of murder and mayhem, sex and sin, drugs and demons, legalism and hypocrisy ... you know, all your favorite things. The fighting will come soon enough -- believe me, I'm looking forward to it as much as you -- but this is only the beginning. Take my hand."
Nicholas Goodfellow hesitates for a moment, but finally reaches out and grasps the hand of his angelic old friend.
As galvanic brilliance flashes around them, jerking them backward through a scintillating tunnel, they end up in another part of town, floating over what looks like an old movie theater. Sinking down through the roof (as lofty and intricately designed as a cathedral), they spy a man and boy seated next to one another, eating popcorn and watching a black-and-white film.
The man looks like a hippie or a biker and the little boy ...
The little boy is ...
