C.A. Hartway's Blog
July 7, 2016
The Magic Chest: Into Tu'roc
THE MAGIC CHEST STORY (YA Fantasy)
The Mackie family has lost their home to foreclosure, and just before Christmas. Now the family is uprooted and must go live with Grandmama in Maryland, where the rest of the extendend family have come to celebrate the holidays.
It is there a young girl and her twin brother discover a magical box within their deceased grandfather's old army chest. The box is an ancient relic that opens the gateway into another world... Tu'roc.
They find that Tu'roc is a wondrous place; one of beauty and intriguing creatures. But Tu'roc has become a very dangerous world, plagued by the evil toad queen, who seeks to conquer all of the lands.
When the toad queen learns that two humans have come into Tu'roc and wtih the power to open the gateway into the earthly realm, she sends out her toads to capture them.
With the help of an unlikely creature, the twins escape the toad queen and are taken to the gibbon village, where they are protected until they can return home. But getting home will not be easy, and every moment they remain in Tu'roc, they become more a part of it.
You can read more at: www.themagicchest.com
The Mackie family has lost their home to foreclosure, and just before Christmas. Now the family is uprooted and must go live with Grandmama in Maryland, where the rest of the extendend family have come to celebrate the holidays.
It is there a young girl and her twin brother discover a magical box within their deceased grandfather's old army chest. The box is an ancient relic that opens the gateway into another world... Tu'roc.
They find that Tu'roc is a wondrous place; one of beauty and intriguing creatures. But Tu'roc has become a very dangerous world, plagued by the evil toad queen, who seeks to conquer all of the lands.
When the toad queen learns that two humans have come into Tu'roc and wtih the power to open the gateway into the earthly realm, she sends out her toads to capture them.
With the help of an unlikely creature, the twins escape the toad queen and are taken to the gibbon village, where they are protected until they can return home. But getting home will not be easy, and every moment they remain in Tu'roc, they become more a part of it.
You can read more at: www.themagicchest.com
August 29, 2015
Timelessness and the Supernatural
As human beings, we are of the flesh, which has its boundaries. We understand the span of time and are limited within the context of the world in which we live.
We are not able to comprehend eternity; the idea that there is no beginning nor end of existence. How can that be? Everything must have a birth and death. But, in the spiritual realm, time is not relevant. There is no yesterday, today, or tomorrow; but instead existence.
GOD does exist within the bounds of time, or even space as we know it. And in our limited ability to ever understand how GOD "is," we often make the mistake of concluding that GOD does not exist; the ignorance of 'mortalness.'
Eternity can be a fearful concept, especially when nobody knows the answer. In the novel, Day of Rain, I made an effort to expound upon the complexity of omnipresence; being in all place at once. Quantum Physics only touches the surface of this question, but none-the-less, does help with some validation of how this can be.
We are not able to comprehend eternity; the idea that there is no beginning nor end of existence. How can that be? Everything must have a birth and death. But, in the spiritual realm, time is not relevant. There is no yesterday, today, or tomorrow; but instead existence.
GOD does exist within the bounds of time, or even space as we know it. And in our limited ability to ever understand how GOD "is," we often make the mistake of concluding that GOD does not exist; the ignorance of 'mortalness.'
Eternity can be a fearful concept, especially when nobody knows the answer. In the novel, Day of Rain, I made an effort to expound upon the complexity of omnipresence; being in all place at once. Quantum Physics only touches the surface of this question, but none-the-less, does help with some validation of how this can be.
More on D.O.R.
Day of Rain contains a great deal of religious undertones that add to the revelatory premise of the story.
Without an understanding of the nature of evil as it relates to religious belief, it may be difficult to understand.
The novel was meant for people to become active readers by Googling to learn more about the evil world that is about to erupt into a horrifying, supernatural war.
C.A.
Without an understanding of the nature of evil as it relates to religious belief, it may be difficult to understand.
The novel was meant for people to become active readers by Googling to learn more about the evil world that is about to erupt into a horrifying, supernatural war.
C.A.
August 9, 2014
ALTERED PREY - By Christopher Hartway
CHAPTER TWO
The World Summit On Disease Control - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
The chatter of many languages converged in the gathering of nations. All were concerned for the new epidemics that were emerging daily, as quickly as the prior threats were contained. Civilization was under constant attack by an allusive enemy and decisive action was needed.
Brazil tried to keep its own problems out of scrutiny's grasp. In a pact with the four neighboring countries that bordered Brazil's Amazon Jungle, every inch of the connecting land was shut off by barricades, heavily guarded by militia. Anything trying to get out or in, for that matter, would be killed without question.
In the jungle, the horrific wailing of the animals and the sickening stench that came from within made the armed guards nervous. Very nervous. It was suggested that nuking the entire jungle would be a possibility, however, it would be disastrous to the ecology of the entire planet.
Finally, the sound of a gavel echoed throughout the conference hall from the platform at the foremost part of the room, silencing the bickering. The director of the World Commission on Disease Control stood up from the table to help calm the hyped-up group in the midst of the gossip that had surfaced about what was happening in Brazil. He spoke to them in English being that it was the most universal language at the moment.
"Listen everyone. We have someone who can elaborate on the situation in the Amazon. Let us give him our undivided attention please." the Director demanded.
The translators repeated his words, but most already understood and they sat down to listen as another man rushed onto the platform. Rather than take a seat at the table, he walked to the edge of the platform where he could be more effective. the director calmly nodded at him with approval.
It was Dr. Marcos Cortes, a Brazilian animal pathologist; young and rugged, but darkly handsome. His sweat-blotted shirt clung to his chest as if he'd just ran a marathon -- he very well could have. It was his strong appearance that lulled everyone to quietly hear what he had to say.
He cleared his throat and bowed his head as if he was praying, or he could have simply been searching for the right way to break the news to the anxious crowd. His voice crackled with his first words.
"I know you have all come to show your solidarity for curing this disease ravaged world, but there is..." He stalled, his breath abated with the thought of rejection. "...there is a problem in the Amazon that will soon become a worldwide epidemic."
The room was so quiet that Dr. Cortes could here the stomach growl of someone at the back of the room. He had there attention, so he continued. "The animals have gotten worse... in fact, I believe most of the species besides the birds, had died." Before he could say another word, the first of the objections came, and steadily more until he was unable to continue.
Another gavel brought peace once again. And just then, another objection came, this time it was Dr. Ross, the well-known virologist from the United States. Dr. Cortes welcome it; she was much prettier than the others.
"I'm sure I do not stand alone in question as to what this has to do with the outbreaks spreading from China to Europe? We all love animals, but our first concern is the human population." she insisted.
"If we don't do something about the situation in the Amazon Jungle, there won't be a human problem... we'll be dead." he replied and left the stage, meeting with the revival of rejection from the multitude.
As Dr. Cortes made his way out of the conference hall, someone called out to him, "Wait." It was Dr. Michelle Ross.
"Listen, I don't know what you were trying to do in there, but coming here to talk about animals was not on the agenda." she huffed.
Dr. Cortes returned a thoughtful stare. "If you would join me for dinner, I can explain why it all matters." he said with a stern smirk.
"Dinner, huh?" she questioned, doubting his sincerity.
"Nothing more." he insisted.
The World Summit On Disease Control - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
The chatter of many languages converged in the gathering of nations. All were concerned for the new epidemics that were emerging daily, as quickly as the prior threats were contained. Civilization was under constant attack by an allusive enemy and decisive action was needed.
Brazil tried to keep its own problems out of scrutiny's grasp. In a pact with the four neighboring countries that bordered Brazil's Amazon Jungle, every inch of the connecting land was shut off by barricades, heavily guarded by militia. Anything trying to get out or in, for that matter, would be killed without question.
In the jungle, the horrific wailing of the animals and the sickening stench that came from within made the armed guards nervous. Very nervous. It was suggested that nuking the entire jungle would be a possibility, however, it would be disastrous to the ecology of the entire planet.
Finally, the sound of a gavel echoed throughout the conference hall from the platform at the foremost part of the room, silencing the bickering. The director of the World Commission on Disease Control stood up from the table to help calm the hyped-up group in the midst of the gossip that had surfaced about what was happening in Brazil. He spoke to them in English being that it was the most universal language at the moment.
"Listen everyone. We have someone who can elaborate on the situation in the Amazon. Let us give him our undivided attention please." the Director demanded.
The translators repeated his words, but most already understood and they sat down to listen as another man rushed onto the platform. Rather than take a seat at the table, he walked to the edge of the platform where he could be more effective. the director calmly nodded at him with approval.
It was Dr. Marcos Cortes, a Brazilian animal pathologist; young and rugged, but darkly handsome. His sweat-blotted shirt clung to his chest as if he'd just ran a marathon -- he very well could have. It was his strong appearance that lulled everyone to quietly hear what he had to say.
He cleared his throat and bowed his head as if he was praying, or he could have simply been searching for the right way to break the news to the anxious crowd. His voice crackled with his first words.
"I know you have all come to show your solidarity for curing this disease ravaged world, but there is..." He stalled, his breath abated with the thought of rejection. "...there is a problem in the Amazon that will soon become a worldwide epidemic."
The room was so quiet that Dr. Cortes could here the stomach growl of someone at the back of the room. He had there attention, so he continued. "The animals have gotten worse... in fact, I believe most of the species besides the birds, had died." Before he could say another word, the first of the objections came, and steadily more until he was unable to continue.
Another gavel brought peace once again. And just then, another objection came, this time it was Dr. Ross, the well-known virologist from the United States. Dr. Cortes welcome it; she was much prettier than the others.
"I'm sure I do not stand alone in question as to what this has to do with the outbreaks spreading from China to Europe? We all love animals, but our first concern is the human population." she insisted.
"If we don't do something about the situation in the Amazon Jungle, there won't be a human problem... we'll be dead." he replied and left the stage, meeting with the revival of rejection from the multitude.
As Dr. Cortes made his way out of the conference hall, someone called out to him, "Wait." It was Dr. Michelle Ross.
"Listen, I don't know what you were trying to do in there, but coming here to talk about animals was not on the agenda." she huffed.
Dr. Cortes returned a thoughtful stare. "If you would join me for dinner, I can explain why it all matters." he said with a stern smirk.
"Dinner, huh?" she questioned, doubting his sincerity.
"Nothing more." he insisted.
August 7, 2014
ALTERED PREY - By Christopher Hartway
CHAPTER ONE
International Food and Drug Research Facility - Manaus, Brazil:
The laboratory lights surged from the sudden storm that passed through. Normally, the generators protected the facility from the fluctuations, however, the main unit had somehow been compromised. It was suspected that the locals were involved, despising the facility for invading their jungle, but the unnoticed frayed wires revealed the real reason for the surges.
The tables of the lab were lined with trays of dead specimens, small animals that had contracted lepto, prepared to be dissected and examined. Close by, there were test tube racks that held viles containing hybrid worms to be used in the so-called "cure." The worms writhed in the yellow liquid, tasting the odor of the dead -- craving flesh.
The other animals, those that were alive in their cages, watched with apprehension as the worms squirmed out of their viles toward the dead hosts in the trays. They saw it when the dead animals twitched and stumbled to their feet. They tensed helplessly as their own cages were gnawed open and as their lives were claimed.
When the lab technicians returned from their morning meeting, they found empty, overturned cages and scattered shards of glass from broken viles. The windows had been shattered as well. Most of the animals had escaped -- all, that is, except for a mother opossum and her nursing joeys.
Months later - Columbus, Ohio:
Michelle Ross rushed to get to the pet store before it closed. It was her daughter Lee's birthday, and she'd been begging her for the lop-eared rabbit she'd seen in the pet area of the hospital. Normally, Michelle would not have agreed, but it was all about making memories now -- Lee was dying from an aggressive form of Leukemia.
She'd barely gotten the cage through the door before Lee called out to her from the other room where her bed was.
"Mom, is that you? Did you get it?" she rambled happily.
"Get what, baby?" Michelle asked.
"Mom!" Leah hollered impatiently.
"Okay, okay. Yes, and he's very anxious to meet you." Michelle answered, being drowned out by the squeal of Lee's excitement before she could finish the last word.
The little girl sat up as fast as she could, cringing against the pain. Her lips quivered into a smile when her mother emerged with the bow-wrapped cage.
"Oh..." Lee wheezed. "He's beautiful. I'll name him Peter." she said with a very decisive nod.
"Peter's a great name." Michelle replied, and sat the cage on the bed for Lee.
For the moment, she watched the silent exchange between her daughter and the rabbit. And, with a reluctant smile, she sat down next to Lee and rubbed her back to relieve the soreness from lying down most of the day.
Ms. Nora, the nurse who'd been looking after Lee returned from the kitchen with a glass of water as sat it down on the table next to the bed.
"Well Dr. Ross, if you won't be needing me for anything further, I'll call it a day and be back bright and early tomorrow morning." the nurse announced.
"Thank you Ms. Nora. That'll be fine." Michelle said, refusing to look away from Lee, treasuring every moment.
When the door shut, she turned slightly to acknowledge it, but continued to watch her little girl's smile. The rabbit's bulging maroon eyes seemed to twinkle with Lee's as they stared at each other. It brought tears to Michelle that the pet would more than likely, outlive Leah.
The excitement soon wore off when the pain returned. At least the rabbit would offer some comfort until... Michelle didn't want to think through the rest of it, but soon she would have no choice. Death was not delaying.
A week later, Michelle buried her 12 year old daughter, Leah Renee Ross, in a grave she shared with her father, Captain William "Will" Ross, United States Marine. He was killed during his service in Afghanistan two years ago. He was only 37.
International Food and Drug Research Facility - Manaus, Brazil:
The laboratory lights surged from the sudden storm that passed through. Normally, the generators protected the facility from the fluctuations, however, the main unit had somehow been compromised. It was suspected that the locals were involved, despising the facility for invading their jungle, but the unnoticed frayed wires revealed the real reason for the surges.
The tables of the lab were lined with trays of dead specimens, small animals that had contracted lepto, prepared to be dissected and examined. Close by, there were test tube racks that held viles containing hybrid worms to be used in the so-called "cure." The worms writhed in the yellow liquid, tasting the odor of the dead -- craving flesh.
The other animals, those that were alive in their cages, watched with apprehension as the worms squirmed out of their viles toward the dead hosts in the trays. They saw it when the dead animals twitched and stumbled to their feet. They tensed helplessly as their own cages were gnawed open and as their lives were claimed.
When the lab technicians returned from their morning meeting, they found empty, overturned cages and scattered shards of glass from broken viles. The windows had been shattered as well. Most of the animals had escaped -- all, that is, except for a mother opossum and her nursing joeys.
Months later - Columbus, Ohio:
Michelle Ross rushed to get to the pet store before it closed. It was her daughter Lee's birthday, and she'd been begging her for the lop-eared rabbit she'd seen in the pet area of the hospital. Normally, Michelle would not have agreed, but it was all about making memories now -- Lee was dying from an aggressive form of Leukemia.
She'd barely gotten the cage through the door before Lee called out to her from the other room where her bed was.
"Mom, is that you? Did you get it?" she rambled happily.
"Get what, baby?" Michelle asked.
"Mom!" Leah hollered impatiently.
"Okay, okay. Yes, and he's very anxious to meet you." Michelle answered, being drowned out by the squeal of Lee's excitement before she could finish the last word.
The little girl sat up as fast as she could, cringing against the pain. Her lips quivered into a smile when her mother emerged with the bow-wrapped cage.
"Oh..." Lee wheezed. "He's beautiful. I'll name him Peter." she said with a very decisive nod.
"Peter's a great name." Michelle replied, and sat the cage on the bed for Lee.
For the moment, she watched the silent exchange between her daughter and the rabbit. And, with a reluctant smile, she sat down next to Lee and rubbed her back to relieve the soreness from lying down most of the day.
Ms. Nora, the nurse who'd been looking after Lee returned from the kitchen with a glass of water as sat it down on the table next to the bed.
"Well Dr. Ross, if you won't be needing me for anything further, I'll call it a day and be back bright and early tomorrow morning." the nurse announced.
"Thank you Ms. Nora. That'll be fine." Michelle said, refusing to look away from Lee, treasuring every moment.
When the door shut, she turned slightly to acknowledge it, but continued to watch her little girl's smile. The rabbit's bulging maroon eyes seemed to twinkle with Lee's as they stared at each other. It brought tears to Michelle that the pet would more than likely, outlive Leah.
The excitement soon wore off when the pain returned. At least the rabbit would offer some comfort until... Michelle didn't want to think through the rest of it, but soon she would have no choice. Death was not delaying.
A week later, Michelle buried her 12 year old daughter, Leah Renee Ross, in a grave she shared with her father, Captain William "Will" Ross, United States Marine. He was killed during his service in Afghanistan two years ago. He was only 37.
August 5, 2014
ALTERED PREY - By Christopher Hartway
PREFACE
First it was Ebola that ravaged the world. It spread swiftly through every nation. They said not to panic, but that was before the disease mutated and became harder to cure, taking the lives of more than 15% of the entire human race before it was contained. And then came Lepto.
Lepto (short for Leptospirosis) was the new threat. In its robust form, it affected cattle and other livestock used in the production of meat - our food. Fearing another disaster, scientists worked to develop preventative measures, and in their desperation, they discovered alternatives that required some tampering with God's efforts. The end result was a less appetizing solution - bacteria eating worms that would be injected into all livestock.
Of course, this so-called "cure" would need to be harvested - a hybrid of various parasitic worms with specialized adaptations and talents. The derivative, as they called it, would be a worm that would exhibit a certain portion of its progenitors. Instinct would handle the rest; at least that was the plan.
First it was Ebola that ravaged the world. It spread swiftly through every nation. They said not to panic, but that was before the disease mutated and became harder to cure, taking the lives of more than 15% of the entire human race before it was contained. And then came Lepto.
Lepto (short for Leptospirosis) was the new threat. In its robust form, it affected cattle and other livestock used in the production of meat - our food. Fearing another disaster, scientists worked to develop preventative measures, and in their desperation, they discovered alternatives that required some tampering with God's efforts. The end result was a less appetizing solution - bacteria eating worms that would be injected into all livestock.
Of course, this so-called "cure" would need to be harvested - a hybrid of various parasitic worms with specialized adaptations and talents. The derivative, as they called it, would be a worm that would exhibit a certain portion of its progenitors. Instinct would handle the rest; at least that was the plan.
REAL TIME NOVEL WRITING
I've decided to begin writing my next novel here on my blog.
I'll be posting at least 4 chapters each week and you will be able to read along as I update the blog with more.
I hope you enjoy.
I'll start off by giving you the title.
ALTERED PREY
BY Christopher Hartway
More to follow.
I'll be posting at least 4 chapters each week and you will be able to read along as I update the blog with more.
I hope you enjoy.
I'll start off by giving you the title.
ALTERED PREY
BY Christopher Hartway
More to follow.
July 22, 2014
A LITTLE ABOUT THE STORY
Being the author, I, of course rate this as a 5-star. The book covers a lot of ground within 353 - 425 pages (depending on what format you read), and is loaded with twists and turns, and provocative subject matter that makes you say, "what if..."
In the Forewarning (which is my version of a Prologue), the journey begins with the "watcher" peering down onto the world in a glimpse (outside the spectrum of time). He sees what was, what is, and what shall be. An in his 'seeing' he is intrigued by the sequence of events that will have a deleterious effect on the fate of mankind. He awakens from his dream as a mortal, trying to make sense of these visions -- but he is much aware of his purpose.
This book wastes no time getting into the action and intrigue that will ultimately lead up to the conflict. However, there are no spoilers; the journey through this book is unpredictable for the most part. Each of the characters has a story to tell (in another book or books...hint), although this story details the main characters, Chris and his father Malecki.
DAY OF RAIN - Rise Of The False Prophet, in it's essence, it about purpose... ultimate, intended purpose, and the struggle to be who we were meant to be. If you can get past the somewhat horrific substance in the earlier chapters, you'll find the novel balances itself out (more like a roller coaster ride that gives you a short reprieve before the next plunge).
In all, the book (in my opinion) is a fun read, although it is not intended for the fearful, or people under 17 years old.
Enjoy.
C.A.
In the Forewarning (which is my version of a Prologue), the journey begins with the "watcher" peering down onto the world in a glimpse (outside the spectrum of time). He sees what was, what is, and what shall be. An in his 'seeing' he is intrigued by the sequence of events that will have a deleterious effect on the fate of mankind. He awakens from his dream as a mortal, trying to make sense of these visions -- but he is much aware of his purpose.
This book wastes no time getting into the action and intrigue that will ultimately lead up to the conflict. However, there are no spoilers; the journey through this book is unpredictable for the most part. Each of the characters has a story to tell (in another book or books...hint), although this story details the main characters, Chris and his father Malecki.
DAY OF RAIN - Rise Of The False Prophet, in it's essence, it about purpose... ultimate, intended purpose, and the struggle to be who we were meant to be. If you can get past the somewhat horrific substance in the earlier chapters, you'll find the novel balances itself out (more like a roller coaster ride that gives you a short reprieve before the next plunge).
In all, the book (in my opinion) is a fun read, although it is not intended for the fearful, or people under 17 years old.
Enjoy.
C.A.
