I'm working full steam ahead on the second novel in The Raised series. There are plenty of adventures that remain for the Morrelini family and all those they have affected. There are also many questions that remain to be answered and I look forward to telling you more of their story. This leads to another issue I want to talk about.
Often these days I am asked the question, "why do you hate religion?" I don't hesitate to answer. I hate that religion instills fear to control people, is used to manipulate and victimize women and is exploited to justify every form of bigotry one could name. But instead of merely condemning the exploitation of religion I've decided to reveal my own thoughts and opinions regarding religion through the fiction I write. My characters have never seen eye to eye on the subject of God and faith and that's the way I like it. My characters themselves challenge me to think deeper on the subject of faith and beliefs in God or a higher power. In The Raised one of my favorite scenes is the scene in which Sarah and Tomias become acquainted and they discuss their beliefs or lack thereof in God as they walk through the town of Kensington. It's a discussion that can be overlooked for it's subtle references but it is indeed one of my favorites as it leads to a unique bond between the two characters rather than driving them apart.
In Snap you can say the opposite. The repercussions of religion are a direct effect on the Killer Ghost and why the character lashes out the way he does. Not only does he blame the people who condemn him, he blames the religion they use to justify their condemnation.
Writing is a learning experience for me and as I continue to write and grow, I hope to learn more about myself and more about you.