Tag Archives: reviews

the latest review

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Available through Ibis Books and at Amazo

Here’s the latest review at Amazon: A Train Called Forgiveness

A writer’s fundamental task is to draw the reader into a new perspective…to help the reader understand and experience things they have never, personally, experienced.

But what if that world is so bizarre and so far removed from most readers’ experience that they will be unlikely to relate to the story?

In “A Train Called Forgiveness” Dan Erickson artfully leads the reader into the world of an abusive cult, then through the beginning of the process of being freed from the grip of fear and bitterness resulting from deep psychological scars.

How can a “typical” reader relate to such a story? How can we feel the pain, trauma, fear and helplessness of a child raised in such an environment?

Somehow, through a combination of novel, prose, and poetry, Erickson enables us to do exactly that…to experience just a little of the brutality of his own life story.

And through that experience, he leaves us with a little bit different view of humanity, of life, of God, of purpose…and of hope!

A compelling story, masterfully communicated!

Joseph Pote,
Author of “So You are a Believer Who has been through Divorce: A Myth-Busting Biblical Perspective on Divorce”

the many shades of writing

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Writing is not a one-size-fits-all craft.  There are many different shades of writing.  A few days ago I wrote a piece about journaling.  I know many people who have tried to keep a journal and decided that it wasn’t for them.  If you’re one of those who doesn’t find reward in keeping a journal, don’t let it keep you from writing.  Here are some other forms of writing you could do:

Non-fiction: If you love history, politics, religion, or one of hundreds of activities such as: art, athletics, cooking, crafts, music, philosophy, photography, psychology, sociology, and more, you could write articles or even a book about your specialty.  Keep in mind, this kind of writing requires more research than creative writing as you’ll be claiming yourself as an expert.  But if you have a passion for a topic, the research is part of the pleasure of the process.

Self-help: This category is similar, and still non-fiction in general.  Many bloggers write articles that include advice and tips for improving ourselves.  Some topics include: arts and crafts, Christianity, family matters, leadership, marketing, relationships, and writing.  These writers often use a lot of their own experiences and stories to help explain helpful concepts for real living.

Essay, commentary, and review: I know what you’re thinking.  Who in their right mind would want to write an essay?  Essays can actually be fun to write.  An essay is a short piece of writing that looks at a particular topic in depth.  I enjoy writing the occasional commentary piece, which is similar to an essay, but usually points out problems with a specific issue or event.  Reviews are also fun.  I used to write music reviews for a college newspaper.  I got to listen to music and write about it.  How fun is that?

Journalism: Writing news stories, either hard or soft, can be challenging and fun.  As a communication instructor, I’ve done my share of reading, writing, and teaching journalistic concepts.  One advantage to learning journalistic writing is that it teaches us to be clear and concise.

Professional/Technical: If you work in a specific career that requires writing, chances are you’re practicing professional/technical writing or styles of writing for specific trades: business, medical, legal, etc.  Writing business plans and advertising campaigns and copy is another area I’ve studied and taught.  Although it’s not for everybody, professional writing can be fun.

Script or screenplay: If you’re more creative you might enjoy writing for the theater or film.  There are books that can help you learn the ins and outs of screenwriting.  During college, I had an interest in screenwriting and read several books about the process.  A friend and I met occasionally to work on a screenplay, but we often wound up going to the movies instead.  Research?

Poetry and prose: This is my favorite category.  Poetry and prose provide creative outlets for your thoughts and feelings.  You can choose how deep you want to delve into a subject.  Some fictional writers still do loads of research, whereas others base their stories off life experiences.  Either way it’s a fun and rewarding writing style.

There are many different shades of writing.  I didn’t even cover: letters, speechwriting, songwriting, blogging and more.  If you’ve ever had the slightest ambition to write, I encourage you to learn about different types of writing, choose the one that best suits you, and get started.

Question: What’s your favorite type of writing and why?  Please post your comments below:

the reviews are starting to come in

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I released the book A Train Called Forgiveness about a month ago.  Sales have been picking up and the reviews are starting to come in.

Here’s what people are saying:

“From the moment you begin reading, until the moment you finish, Dan Erickson draws you into the mindset of the cult member.  His unique perspective brings an insight that the reader wouldn’t ordinarily have.  Dan was there.  Dan saw the inhumanity and raged against the injustice long before his adulthood.  This is a powerful, moving and heavy story based on real events.  Only another cult member would normally be able to understand this story, but Dan has found a way to make it come alive and believable.  There is hope and triumph as Dan explains how he learns to forgive.”

- Robert Boyer author of Gilman’s Parallel.

 

“From the start, I was drawn into Dan Erickson’s book.  It’s written in a simplistic, non-cluttered way that doesn’t draw away from the importance of the story.  Dan is telling.  His book gives insight to how powerful this cult was and how hard it was/is to break away from its leader Peter Smith and his power and influence.”

- Nita

This is a unique story, told from a child’s point of view about living in a religious cult.  The book was originally written online and is broken up into short chapters and sub-chapters.  It’s written in an interesting combination of prose and poetry and borders on the dramatic form.  It moves quickly and keeps the reader captivated.

Please buy your copy of A Train Called Forgiveness today at Amazon Books and post a review.  Every review helps.  With your help, A Train Called Forgiveness is bound to be a cult classic.