Giveaway and Guest interview: Dr. Laurence B. Brown

Today I have Dr. Laurence B. Brown visiting The Life and Lies. Below is an interview conducted by The Gatekeeper's Post.

Your story is so well-crafted. Did you outline your book beforehand?

Ix-nay to the book outline-ay. I know this sounds odd, but I’ve written three novels now (two still unpublished – DID YOU HEAR THAT, SIMON & SCHUSTER???) and I haven’t made anything but the briefest of outlines for any of them. I start by drafting detailed character profiles but the most sketchy outline you’ve ever seen. Then I turn the characters lose and let the story evolve from their interaction. It sounds crazy, I know, but this is what works for me. The interplay of the characters often creates surprises even I don’t anticipate.

How many drafts did you write until you got to your last draft?

Taking into consideration the developmental and copy edits, let’s see, add the four, carry the one, subtract three to protect my ego and divide by six for the sake of bragging rights . . . I get one-half. Seriously, I think I wrote five drafts in total, but you have to remember this was my first novel. I completed my second novel in three drafts, and my third novel in two. A couple more books from now, and I might really be down to half drafts.

You paint the Vatican as evil. What is your belief about them?

I’d like to answer that question, but first, let me share what a Roman Catholic reviewer said about The Eighth Scroll:

"Dr. Brown has weaved a fabulous story. From the first page to the last you are drawn in. I truly enjoyed this book. One of the best explanations of the different religions of the world I have ever heard is in this book. The intrigue is nail biting. You hope Micheal wins but you just never know. As a Roman Catholic myself and someone who has read the Dead Sea Scrolls, including the gospel of James, I can understand the priest's dilemma. The gospel goes against everything we are taught. I think that Dr. Brown has not only represented that dilemma in a realistic and heartfelt way but has also represented the reasons the Gospel should be exposed. No matter what your beliefs are this book will entertain you and keep you on the edge of your seat." (ritasbookreviews)

Now, for my answer: The Vatican is one of the antagonists in the story, but there is a big difference between the Vatican and its followers. Most Catholics I know are kind, charitable people who recognize and worship God. I attended Catholic mass for two years while I was on my spiritual search. In the end, I moved on. Obviously, I don’t share their belief system, but then again, neither do the majority of Christians. To each be his or her own. There is no reason why we can’t all live together in the spirit of mutual good will, religious tolerance, peace and understanding. You asked, “What is my belief about them?” Well, who cares? My belief isn’t going to impact another person’s salvation. I touch on some key issues in The Eighth Scroll, and if people are interested to read more regarding my theological views, they can start with my book, MisGod’ed.

Where can we get a copy of your book?

You can find The Eighth Scroll for sale on Amazon by clicking HERE.

 

About The Eighth Scroll:

Stirring the flames of age-old controversies, The Eighth Scroll by Laurence B. Brown draws on the three Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to create an unbelievably dynamic and powerful story. Set in a world that teeters between orthodoxy and heresy, this thriller is packed with intrigue and adventure. When a Roman Catholic scholar involved in the Dead Sea Scrolls Project hides one of the scrolls because of the heretical message it contains, no one is the wiser until decades later, when a prominent archeologist discovers reference to the scroll in an archeological dig. This discovery spurs the world religions into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, in which all who seek the hidden scroll are mysteriously silenced, leaving the salvation of humankind to a father and son, who must either find the hidden scroll . . . or die trying.

 

Giveaway

Thanks Dr. Brown! Dr. Brown has offered to supply a giveaway signed copy of his book, The Eighth Scroll. To enter, leave your name and e-mail address in the comments before May 28th.