Runaway Readers at Record High!

It has really been amazing to see the number of people going to the first seven chapters of my new novel, The Runaway Pastor. There were four days this past week, when the number equaled any thirty days previous. In other words, the word is spreading about the book.

It is interesting and exciting to me that now, several cities in Europe, Asia, Central America, Australia and Africa are showing up on my analytic visitors page. I want to thank you for being so intentional about spreading the word! Your excitement is catching--literally around the world.

As the publication date nears, I want you to know that I appreciate any and every link you add to your blogs, and any mention you give The Runaway Pastor on your facebook page or emails. The word about the novel spreads in amazing ways when you begin doing this. If you copy and paste this URL- http://www.runawaypastor.com -to a facebook, myspace, or twitter entry, then people see the link and often show up and begin reading. Make sure and let them know that for now, anyway, visitors can read the first seven chapters for free.

I will let you know when I have a firm date for publication. I continue to anticipate it being sometime within the next few weeks.

Grace and peace to you.
David

The Runaway Pastor: How will it resolve?

In The Runaway Pastor, Pastor Trent runs from two promises. First, he runs from his marriage, and then from the church he pastored.

I have a question for those of you who have read the first seven chapters of The Runaway Pastor. Do you think Trent will return to one, both or neither of his promises? What do you want him to do? Be specific about your hopes.

I am sure about some things that will happen in this book or the sequel, but some things are still hanging. Let me know what you think...

I'll look forward to your feedback.

The Runaway Pastor: The Final Chapter

Today and tomorrow, if I get time, I plan to put the finishing touches on the last chapter of Runaway. I'm only a few minutes away. This is an exciting time. I like the ending that has developed. Although I wrote an ending more than a year ago, this one is more true to the manuscript and direction of the book.

Thanks to all who asked for chapters 8-the end! Hopefully the wait won't be much longer. Just about every day now, one or two people give me feedback on the first seven chapters, and you are very encouraging. Just FYI, those who helped me with the entire manuscript have reported fast-paced reading, and some stayed up through much of the night to finish the book. And the edited ending is much better.

Well, I plan to go home for a while today and watch this historic inauguration. Should be something to see. I'm still remembering last winter's Iowa Caucuses. On that night it seemed our new president claimed the heart of much of America. All of us, no matter political leanings, are on the verge of a new day with new reasons to pray for our president and all governmental leadership.

I pray for grace and peace and wisdom from the Mighty One for you, my president, Barack Obama.

Runaway Pastor: Newest version of Chapters 1-7

Here is the latest edition of the first seven chapters of The Runaway Pastor.

It has been a fun journey to date. Thanks for all of the nice things you are saying. I still welcome comments. I'm doing quite a bit of shifting around with the Parable of the Gym. You may not see much more of that until publication.

Of course, no new Runaway publication would be complete without a reminder that I am sitting in my cabin with my wife of 29 years, and completely happy in my marriage. And, I love the people of the church I pastor. I am not Trent Atkins, he is fiction. But, he is indeed representative of so many people, not pastors alone, who struggle with the current business model adopted by so much of Christendom in the west.

Grace and peace to you.

Runaway Pastor: Just for fun--Who is reading?

Just for fun! In the spirit of the NFL Play-Offs and the BCS bowl games, I thought it might be fun, (or at least interesting) to post the current standings on various states visiting this website over the past month. (OK, this is goofy!)

Most visitors are reading the front page, and then chapters 1-7 and The Parable of the Gym entries.

First, for the national standings:
1st place: The United States of America
2nd place: Ukraine
3rd place: Israel

Next, for the state standings:
1st: Indiana
2nd: California
3rd: New York
4th: Michigan
5th: Tennessee
6th: Texas
7th: Utah
8th: Arkansas
9th: Kansas
10th: Georgia

So in the spirit of competition, let's talk it up, and I'll keep you posting on how your state is doing. (There are ten other states close to making the top ten.)

And, since Ukraine is doing such a stellar job (with Zena our most courageous and prolific commentator) and the Eastern Christmas is upon us, С РОЖДЕСТВОМ!!

The Runaway Pastor--An Intro

Following is a brief introduction to The Runaway Pastor, a new novel I'm seeking to publish.

The first seven chapters are available by clicking the hot button at the top right hand side of this page. I need feedback, so let me know what you think. And if you look in here now and then, why not add yourself as a follower. I'm gathering a list of those interested in the book.

Pastor Trent is The Runaway Pastor from the beginning. His job is hollow and empty—a CEO nightmare. He and his wife Natalie play the role of the perfect couple, yet their long drift away from friendship and intimacy leave them cold toward one another. So he plots his escape, and disappears. His plan is so thorough, neither his congregation at Baylor’s Bend, nor his wife has any idea where he has gone.

In his new life, various circumstances provide opportunities for Trent to emerge as a peacemaker, and a man of mercy and grace. Living life outside of “the ministry,” Trent finds the exercise of his ministry gifts to be exhilarating and natural. But trouble waits.

Trent’s betrayal drives Natalie to hire an investigator, and makes her vulnerable to the advances of a church staff member. Kim, a beautiful and single friend of Trent’s new boss, is a spiritual seeker. She and Trent spend long evenings on the beach wondering about the sacred, sharing their tragic stories, and soon they fall for one another.

Jump into the pain behind one pastor who took "career success" a bit too seriously. Is there any hope?


Remember! This story is NOT autobiographical. It is, however the fruit of many conversations with other pastors, and a three year period of burnout I experienced. For any old friends out there, Natalie is not my wife. My wife and I are very happy 29 years and 2 months into our marriage.

Read on!