Tag Archives: religion

Chapter 20 of Prophecies and Penalties

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Brian Bixby

For Emily Fisher, bumping into people has ceased to be a figure of speech. She’d tell you it’s not her fault; she’s not normally clumsy, but between being shot at and taking paths that defy geography, her life has become … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Prophecies and Penalties, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Chapter 13 of Prophecies and Penalties

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Brian Bixby

Emily Fisher may have a clue that points to Alex Bancroft, the Prophesied One, as the killer of High Councilor Stephen Nash. So she’s less that thrilled to run into Alex before she’s had a chance to investigate further. It turns … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Prophecies and Penalties, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fictional religious communities

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Brian Bixby

There have been a lot of fictional religious communities. The Children of the New Revelation in my running serial Prophecies and Penalties are hardly the first. So I thought I’d take a look at four examples, two from the 19th century, two … Continue reading →

Posted in Prophecies and Penalties, Reading fiction, Reviews, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Chapter Nine of Prophecies and Penalties

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Brian Bixby

Stephen Nash is dead, and the Prophesied One, Alex Bancroft, is the main suspect. How does one question a religious leader named in an age-old prophecy? Especially when he denies being the Prophesied One? Emily Fisher would like to know, … Continue reading →

Posted in Prophecies and Penalties, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Chapter 4 of Prophecies and Penalties, and charismatic Instruments

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Brian Bixby

Ethan Knowles may be married to Emily’s former babysitter, but he’s got a history, a history that makes Emily not sure she can trust him. Still, for the moment, he’s the best source she has for what’s going on with … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Prophecies and Penalties, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

An old birthday and a new story

Posted on February 14, 2014 by Brian Bixby

First, a new story kicks off today, Prophecies and Penalties. Meet data analyst Emily Fisher. She’s going home. Great? She doesn’t think so. She’s even less happy about the reason why. You can start with chapter one, “The Iron Lady.” And … Continue reading →

Posted in Prophecies and Penalties, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Chapter 14 of Martha’s Children, the ’45, and the new blog background

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Brian Bixby

In “If Fortune be a woman, she’s a good wench,” chapter 14 of Martha’s Children, we get to meet the woman Sherlock Kammen trusts the most. Yes, she’s dead. No, this is not just some cynical joke of Kammen’s. Ivy … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Martha's Children, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

The false prophet of Leyden, Massachusetts

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Brian Bixby

My recent post on cities reminded me of a curious story from the town of Leyden, Massachusetts. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (for that is the official name of this state, a peculiarity shared with Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky) is completely … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

The end of the Knights Templar, 1314

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Brian Bixby

Today marks the 699th anniversary of one of the major steps in the destruction of the Knights Templar: the burning of the last Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, as a relapsed heretic. It was one of the last acts in … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Inspiration and Transformation

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Brian Bixby

They tell you “write what you know.” But that’s not really what you have to do. What you know is only your start, your inspiration. You need to transform it into something that others will read, that will inspire and … Continue reading →

Posted in Dragon Lady, History, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments