The Shack is a fictional novel written by Wm. Paul Young.  I couldn't put it it down.
The main character's (Mackenzie Allen Phillips) life, after the tragic loss of his young daughter, is falling apart.  He receives a mysterious invitation to spend some time at a secluded cabin.  He is not sure who the invitation is from, but eventually gives in to the curiosity.  When he arrives at his destination he is more than surprised to meet God.  I was more than surprised to read Young's description of God.  I don't think anyone anywhere has portrayed Him this way before and initially I was disturbed by it. (I think some christians have and will be offended by the portrayal.  I also think some non-christians may find the portrayal humorous) God explains His appearance to Mack and finding the explanation acceptable I was able to get over it.  After accepting it I actually enjoyed the portrayal and so I don't wish to reveal it here and spoil it for you.
During his time with God Mack also meets, in turn, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Jesus is a rugged carpenter who spends much of his time working on a wooden box in his shop.  He also enjoys laying on the dock in the night staring at stars. 
In time Mack discovers the three are there to help him overcome the loss of his child.  

The book is very moving.  As I said at the start, I couldn't put it down.  I actually cried in some parts as Mack relived the tragedy his family endured.
It is a sad, but well written, enlightening and triumphant story.
I highly recommend it.
D.E.

I've made changes to my website.  I've added an Opinion page.  Please take the time to visit and fill out the form on the Opinion Page.  You can give your opinion of the site and or "The Quest for the Black Dragon".  Thanks  D.E.

I just wanted to put it out there that I am considering a price increase for "The Quest for the Black Dragon" at the end of the month.  The current price is only $2.99.

It's amazing where research will take you.  I've been working on, "The Legend of Kozlov" (As I've mentioned before) and thought I should have a look at the area the character comes from.  Before long I've got a King collecting subjects, Lords offering allegiances even though their own "kingdoms" are larger and coats of arms for the Lords subservient to King Christian.  One of the Lord's already has it out for our hero and may be his undoing.  This, Lord Welland, brings wealthy and fertile lands as well as a fortune teller who he thinks is his niece.
I've also collected a list of towns and geological formations as well as reasons for Christian to take over the towns or for their leaders to offer their loyalties.

At this point much of this is probably going to be back story or prologue, but it feels like I'm discovering something new.  Almost like the story already exists and is being revealed to me slowly. (If that doesn't sound crazy I don't know what does)


 

I've just published my website with a new domain!!
www.dedunlop.com
Read the first chapter of, "The Quest for the Black Dragon"
Follow development of the sequel, "The Legend of Kozlov".

I've just posted the working synopsis of the sequel to "The Quest for the Black Dragon".
In the legend of Kozlov my plan is to go with a classic hero.  He's an honourable man with strong convictions.  He serves his King diligently with out question.  He is very strategically minded and gifted as a soldier.  He moves up through the ranks very quickly and gains favour with his King.
His grandfather bequeaths a sword to him that has it's own history.  He becomes known by the sword and is soon the hero of the kingdom.  
The locals all tell very exaggerated tales of his feats and adventures.

We learn from the point of view of his love interest he is not the wonderful hero he thinks he is.  He is distraught when she rejects him.  He is desperate to prove himself to her, but she is disgusted by his past.  She sends him on an impossible quest.  His love for her is what drives him in his task.

The first book will deal with the man, Kozlov.  The next in this series will deal with the sword, Kozlov.