Chapter 2 - The Temple has been published. It's the first chapter of a new protagonist, Li, who is very much into meditation. I was also very much into meditation when I was studying esoteric religion. It was fun and gave me a peaceful attitude in life. Later, when I was very much into evangelical Christianity I went back to meditating on what I was reading. It helped.

Of course all of that was long ago, but the memories remain. So, I gave Li a little project. Later in the book, Li will have more adventures, some good, some bad.

I don't know why I go for the bad stuff all the time, but maybe it's because of all the mental trouble in my life. That's where the new book is going. In the first two chapters, the protagonist is thrown into an extreme mentally harrowing situation that has been very difficult to write. How does one describe a brutal rape of a child without making it sound erotic? How does one describe sexual abuse without being too graphic? Thankfully, I was able to give the protagonist an out that may not be what he wanted. It is a good thing that I do have that outline to go by, otherwise my thoughts might wander into areas that have no business in the story.

Not really looking forward to Xmas, though. It's not much of a day around here. Xmas was a big deal when I was younger because we would go over to my grandparents to be with my cousins. There are six of us, surprisingly all a year apart. I'm the youngest, born and raised in a city, basically a sissy, and, as it has turned out, crazy as hell, but didn't know it.

N_____ and I have yet to discuss what we'll be having for Xmas dinner. He'll probably want hickory smoked, grilled steaks. I've been thinking of bacon, fried eggs, and hash browns, just to be different. We've been eating burgers and steaks for the past month and a half, or so.

Anyway, hope everyone has a pleasant Friday and enjoys reading Chapter 2.