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“God’s Songs” is a series of short stories using Rock and Roll’s Hall of Fame, Bob Seger song lyrics as a backdrop. When I first started writing the stories, they were strictly Seger songs. I published thirteen of the fifteen as short stories on TNBW. They came complete with song lyrics and using many of the exact words in the dialogue. If I wanted to consider publishing them in a compilation, two things needed to occur. First, without permission the lyrics needed to disappear. Second, the dialogue using the same words needed to change. This story as a novel accomplishes both. The last problem I encountered, several of the stories exceeded 5,000 words. Curse Sol’s name, but I understand limits, I just think there for other people. I’d never abuse the word limit, maybe once, twice or three times if it was necessary. Okay, I concede the need for word limits, but I don’t like the rule. With that said, several of the stories will run two chapters. When I finished “Even Now” the thirteenth one, God jumped into the story. I didn’t ask him to interrupt, plus at the time, I wasn’t sure I wanted him to disrupt my tribute to Bob Seger. Then, an old friend from high school contacted me. I haven’t talked to her in 36 years. The conversation was amazing as we shared views about God. My next story was “Roll Me Away” and I placed her as the main character, loosely following her life as she related it to me. She read it, loved the story, cried, contacted me, we talked some more, and I realized how deeply I cared for her in high school. On the level, a happily married man can, I still care for her. She inspired me and encouraged me to rewrite the stories. Only this time I wanted to place God in the main character’s life. She became my muse and was completely unaware this had happened. Then she contacted me again and asked me to change her name in the story. Her marriage isn’t as strong as my relationship with my wife, and she feared there would be a problem if her husband discovered whom the story was about. I’ll continue the ruse of using her fictitious name when I say it again, Ashley, I love you. Now, I feel better and no harm done. My wife knows what I mean with those words. With God in the stories, they went from decent to captivating. I can’t clarify why, other than to bestow credit to Him. Read the stories, you can start with any chapter. The name of the chapter tells you the song used to construct the plot. My goal is to present the compilation to a publishing house that specializes in inspirational stories. Ultimately, the plan is 45 songs in three volumes with God front and center. Constructive criticism of all types is welcome and appreciated.

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From the infantile existence of our vast universe unto the dawning of the next day, we have experienced the ability of God to take care of us. With the dawning of each day, His mercy is undoubtedly revealed. He constructed this vast biosphere just to house us, planted a lush and nourishing garden to provide for us, and even suspended, way before any of us were thought of, the sun and moon in the sky. Today, God continues to inspire us to reach for higher heights if we just take time to stop and listen to his voice.

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Paranormal short story with hints of romance and tragedy.

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Hank is a Gulf war vet, secretive, withdrawn and worse since he came back. He's married to Sheila, a kindergarten teacher who loves him, but is frustrated by her lack of understanding. The story is told and the truth of what happened in Iraq is amazing and unexpected.

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Sally Gregory tells her life story. How she had to stay strong as a rock, battling the hustlers and schemers in life. A terrible first marriage to a man 30 years her senior ends in divorce. Then she finds a young man from her past. God awakens inside her and she marries Allan Downes. There wonderful marriage, her sickness and then his death. But, don't weep for them, they have faith in God.

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This is about a lonely girl who sees a ray of hope...all reviews welcome

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This suicide poem of a Samurai is an attempt to underscore the cultural differences between western culture and eastern culture. The west is largely Christian. In Japan Christians amount to less than 3%. The culture is largely agnostic--Buddhism and Shintoism are the primary 'religions' although they are more philosophies than religions.//Imagine not believing in a supreme being and contemplating the end of your life as an absolute ending, by your own hand?//This poem is the creation of the author's imagination and is not at all authentic. I'm not Japanese but I've lived in Japan for nineteen years over a thirty five year period from the mid fifties to the late eighties. I graduated from a Japanese grade school in 1964.//The Japanese have a deep sense of honor. They are particularly sensitive to anything that reflects negatively on themselves, their family or their company. Most suicides in Japan are over issues of honor.//Personally, I'll never forget receiving a hand delivered wedding invitation on Monday, only to have it have it retrieved the following Monday, because the father of the bride opposed the marriage, and executed his wife, son and daughter with a Samurai sword, and then took his own life. The groom was the President of a large Japanese distribution company.//This poem, and many other cultural differences and nuances, are what inspired me to write the novel Executive Samurai.

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This is a nice way, I thought to remember why we celebrate Easter. It brings us back to the Cross.

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First attempt at publishing a book of any kind.I know I'll need a lot of help so i am askingthis from my greatest help and best friend, my Lord . Also appreciate any and all help from you all. All reviews are welcomed.Not so sure whether this one was that bad or just missed thought would try once more as it seems poems at times fly by without being noticed

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Just something a thought up real quick

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The Cloud hovers 6,000 feet in the center of Las Vegas. Lightning rumbles through the darkened cloud as The Watcher reacts to what he sees going on in Vegas. He calls for its destruction like he had in Egypt, Sodom and Gomorrah. But to do so the archangel Michael will have to allow it.

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Just some thoughts

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Rev 21:8

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Presently going through some health problems and seeking answers to the unknown answers, all reviews are welcomed.

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This is just to provoke thought.

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Foiled again! Why does God keep on testing me, doesn't he know my track record already.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR YOU ALL!!! May all those words make sense...

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I'd like to know if you feel it is for a particular age group? Do you think a spiritual meaning is coming through to you? I'm open to any feedback you want to give to me.

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It's a little after the fact, but I have been down for a while. Thought this might be a nice piece between holidays. It's an older piece, but still fairly decent. Enjoy!!!!

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Any comments suggestions always welcome

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This poem is included in my novel FullBlown Addictions. I think it fits the plot, especially now that the ending has been tied in, finally. Any last thoughts before this book goes to print will be helpful. Thanks.Zack

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A companion piece for Full Blown Addictions. Last thtoughts before going to print would be appreciated. Cheers. Thanks. Z-rock

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Thinking about adding some poems to FBA that fit the criteria. This is probably one of them What do you think?

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Any feedback is welcomed. This is about keeping the spark inside going - sometimes Spirit needs to come along and give you a little boost.

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well this is proably written supid, but this is aletter i wrote when depressed to my friend clara..who sadly is no longer with us on earth. she will always be with me, though. rest in peace, clara.

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This one is for all of you guys and girls who have had such a positive effect on not only my writing life but my personal also as I feel I am a better writer and person because of the care and help expressed and given on this site .QAll reviews are welcomed but not asked for as this is for you al Thanks so so much Ray

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