Showing posts with label Jejune. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jejune. Show all posts

Friday, July 16, 2021

He changes times and seasons

 

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning (Daniel 2:21).

The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad


Back in 2011 when my book, The Inheritance, was accepted for publication, I was thrilled. It is a fantasy, but not your typical fantasy. It’s written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, and offers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. I think of it as a entertaining story that's thought provoking. A discussion starter I wrote to be used as a tool to open doors to the message God provides in his Word about how to get to heaven. I didn’t know if it would find a home.

Not only was it picked up for publication, it was nominated for an Epic e-book award back then and placed in the top three in the spiritual category. Things were encouraging for sure. And then just like that, the owner of the publishing company passed away unexpectedly. The company closed their doors. The Inheritance was homeless. If I’m honest, it was a bit discouraging, but then I reminded myself that God has a plan. I had no idea what is was, but I trusted him.

In the meantime, I had some hard copies and would give them out. A neighbor of mine read it, and it opened the door for us to talk about spiritual things from God's Word. She came to knowledge of the truth and became a believer. Two years later she went to heaven. I figured if she was the only one to be influenced by the story, I was fine with that. But I hoped the book might be published again. 

The Inheritance 

His word says that "He changes times and seasons….” After all this time, I’m happy to announce that a new season has arrived, and The Inheritance has been picked up by Next Chapter Publishing. If you haven’t read it, I hope you’ll pick up a copy and leave a review. It helps to get the book noticed.

It's the story of Jejune (his name means incomplete). He begins to question how conflicting theories can all be true and the ruling Illuminati brand him a troublemaker. Miserable and longing for something more from life, he leaves his home in Lofty Thought, seeking out Wisdom. Things get complicated when he meets Worldly Wisdom and her sister, Heavenly. In the Valley of Shadow, dangers and temptations await. Ethereal shadows hurl fiery darts that send an injured Jejune off course, but danger isn’t always so obvious.

To make matters worse, Jejune learns that he has the Condition; no one with it can be granted citizenship to the Eternal City. His friends Understanding, Prudence and Humility help him see there's only one answer. But can he follow the Narrow Way and find Truth?

This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions.

Times and seasons change as long as we walk this earth. Make the most of every opportunity (Eph. 5:16).

 

When you've read your copy, be sure to leave a review. It helps others find the book. Be blessed!


 











Monday, November 28, 2011

What Is an Allegory?

When I tell people The Inheritance is an allegory, many don't have a clue what that means. The definition found at Dictionary.com is, "a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another."

The Inhertiance


In The Inheritance, names of characters and places all add a secondary level of meaning to the story. People can read and enjoy the book as a fantasy, without considering a deeper meaning, but readers have told me they enjoy the thought-provoking allegorical element.





When choosing the names in the book, I tried to find words that sounded more like a name. For instance, my main character Jejune, originally started out with the name "Bother" because he is bothered by an inner emptiness that leaves him restless and looking for something more. This nagging feeling bothers him. For me, the word "bother" just didn't work. After researching the possibilities, he became Jejune--lacking experience or knowledge. It was a perfect match!

 When you read The Inheritance, please do me a favor and leave a review. Just a sentence or two can work. I appreciate it.