The inspiring title words were written by British author, Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839. Nine years earlier, he opened a novel with these overblown words often heard in Snoopy cartoons, “It was a dark and stormy night…”
Here’s the full passage: “It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents — except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness.”
If I sent those words to my agent or publisher, I wouldn’t hear back.
During this tumultuous time, both statements may be true. The pen is still mightier than the sword and in many ways, it is a dark and gloomy night—but dawn always follows.
Tomorrow is our 46th presidential inauguration. Typically, each brings some degree of change.
Usually, studying history helps us trace patterns of past events to reasonably chart future directions. I didn’t enjoy history until I had outstanding university teachers. They made me a history buff who loves to study the past to try to predict the future. Hindsight is easy. Projecting what’s next is harder.
It’s a poor time for authors to launch books. People are understandably focused on other things, but my first novel, Books Afloat, is available on Amazon in print and on Kindle. It’s based on true events in WWII that motivated our society to pull together to defeat common enemies. It was easy then to identify the bad guys and pull together. My publisher, Scrivenings Press, likes my story and characters enough to ask me to write two sequels. I’ve started so am immersing myself much of WWII history. I pray our nations never suffer anything like that again.
In 1956, our US Congress changed our 1776 USmotto in the Great Seal of the United States from E plurius unum, “out of many, one,” to, “In God we trust.” Thanks to the US Congress for making that change.
We need national unity more than ever. Many best become one by trusting God.
As I write more books with fun characters, I hope to guide even fiction readers to unifying principles.
What about you? What are your most encouraging thoughts for the days ahead? Join me in praying we have a unifying and peaceful transition.
Hi Delores, As soon as I saw your book on Kindle I bought it. My favorite pastime is reading history novels particularly the 1800’s and the Civil War. Nothing stirs me more than the Gettysburg Address. My response is that The Lord raises up leaders and puts them down; it is of the Lord’s doing.
Thank you, I appreciate. I’ll be interested in you emailing me your feedback once you finish reading Books Afloat.
Wise words, Delores.
I think both the pen and the sword can be powerful and fleeting, but one allows for reflection, and the other one brings immediate horror (or relief).
Well put. Thanks for posting.