Author Archives: nathanvanhoff

About nathanvanhoff

Writer, speaker, voice-over

Why the 90’s were Better (NOT a slideshow)

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LeVar Burton was traveling through space exploring new frontiers on Star Trek and teaching kids to explore new frontiers through a love of reading on Reading Rainbow. Really this article could end here.

 Also, do you think it’s a coincidence that the guy doing a show about reading wore space glasses in Star Trek? Hmmm…

The only time I ever enjoyed Romeo and Juliet was when a Jack Russell Terrier was teaching me about it on Wishbone. Not everyone likes history and classical literature, but who doesn’t like a small, hyper-intelligent dog saving the day and educating everyone at the same time?

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Kingdoms of Broken Stone: Boy of Dreams

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Boy of Dreams, the first book in the Kingdoms of Broken Stone series, is out now!

Purchase a paperback or Kindle version or see a preview from – Amazon

Kingdoms of Broken Stone: Boy of Dreams tells the story of an impatient wizard and her new apprentice that must keep their country from being torn apart while they search for the rightful heir to the throne.

The story is set primarily on the Isle of Esten. In terms of placement within the world, Esten is loosely based on the British Isles. However, its people groups, history, and interior geography are notably different. The greater world around it is influenced by common themes throughout fantasy stories, popular legends and myths, as well as non-fiction ancient and medieval history.

 

The major characters differ in age and racial backgrounds while their shared experience develops over the course of time. Though the conflict and enemies they face are the product of imagination, the emotions and decisions are ones that everyone wrestles with in various ways. Good and Evil are pitted against one another to form a classical foundation to a fresh story with new faces.

Those who enjoy The Adventures of Robin Hood, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Tales of King Arthur, and other like stories are sure to recognize similar themes while experiencing a new world through unique characters.

 

Novel: First Draft Complete

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I finished the first draft of my novel and have personally edited it once. I’m going through a second time and have a few others helping with the process. Meanwhile, I’ve begun querying agents to test the waters and gauge interest.

If you know of any literary agencies or publishing houses you think I should be aware of or reach out to, feel free to leave them in the comments.

I want to share the title and synopsis with you because I am excited about the story, but I know those things could change if it does eventually get picked up by someone, so I will refrain for now. I think it is safe to tell you that the world in which it is set has been influenced by Arthurian tales, the Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, Adventures of Robin Hood, as well as Ancient and Medieval non-fiction history. It does not draw anything directly from these, but there are similar elements.

That’s all for now!

What I’ve Been Up To

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I haven’t posted in awhile because most of my writing time has been occupied with working on a fantasy novel. The novel is not Christian, but it does have Biblical themes throughout and is influenced by my faith.

I’ll post updates in regards to the progress from time-to-time. At the moment the manuscript is at about 90,000 words and probably 3/4 complete.

Just wanted to let people know I haven’t quit writing, just been working on a longer project.

Discrimination in the Church

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As people we have many beautiful differences, some of which are race, role, and gender. These differences have been ordained by God for His glory and for our good. Together, they form a more complete and intricate reflection of God and are a witness of His love and beauty to the world. Though there are ways in which we are different, in the body of Christ we are one (1 Corinthians 12:27, Romans 12:5, Galatians 3:28). Our differences, no matter what they may be, do not change our value or importance to God and should not change our value or importance to each other or ourselves. It is because of the great value that God places on us that he intricately wove us together our in mother’s womb with those things that make us different from one another. It is his handiwork and creativity on display through us.

Sadly we have allowed the world, the enemy, and our sin to turn blessings from God into things that divide us or are used as a reason to mistreat one another. What should be a cause for celebration and a more full expression of worship to our God is hijacked for a host of reasons.

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