Just today I put the finishing touches on the first draft of my 5th novel. Of course “finishing” and “first draft” don’t really go together very well. They are opposites in every way, but even though the draft is far from finished, there is something to be celebrated about the completion of any novel. I remember in 2003 when I attempted my first and got 500 words in and completely bailed in utter failure. At that point I didn’t think I would ever attempt a novel again.

Now, fifteen years later, I completed my fifth in five years. That’s significant progress, and it didn’t come lightly.

So a celebration it is! #5 is finished! (There’s that word again.)

What can I say about the novel? I’m a little conflicted about it. It’s a story that’s been on my mind for the last few years. It’s a story clearly influenced by my twenty years living in Southeast Asia. It’s set in the fictitious island nation of Sulu in the Sulu Sea, between Borneo and the Philippines. The basic theme is can a fallen and broken man find his way back.

It’s about the Matthews, Tobin and Jane, a husband and wife who run a small mission in Sulu, helping the remote tribes with agriculture and improved living conditions. Tobin’s life and faith starts unraveling in front of him after a tragic confrontation with local authorities puts him on trial for his actions. His mission headquarters in the US sends a husband and wife team to Sulu to help the Matthews through their trials. But unbeknownst to the head of the organization, the woman being sent to help has past scars and secrets which will lead Tobin down a dark path of temptation.

The story itself is a real mix of adventure, inspiring moments, some courtroom drama, tense romantic entanglement, and even some unexpected humor.

I have no idea how it will be received, but I’m excited to work through it again and tighten everything together to see what I have.

Oh, the title: WHICH HALF DAVID

Release Date: 2016 (month TBD)

Book Cover: Working on it.

Now I’m excited to also start on novel #6. I have a very interesting idea which will stretch me beyond anything I’ve previously written. It will be different. I hope I can pull it off.

Here’s to creativity!