I’m a devout
Catholic. If you’ve read SAND, you know that I use a lot of
Catholic symbolism. I never try to be preachy because I write stories about
sinners. I try to examine their motivations. I don’t write about what they
should do, but rather
what they would
-most likely- do. My characters all struggle, not
only physically and emotionally, but they also struggle spiritually.
SAND excerpt He stared at his wife’s beautiful round
breasts. He was feeling guilty for doing so while inside the church, but he had
so much guilt over everything else, that he repeatedly said the words, have
mercy on me in his mind. He continued to stare at his wife, longing for her
to ease his anxiety. If he could only hear her tell him once more, as long
as we’re together.
SAND excerpt He stammered. “I’m so messed up right now.” He brought her hand to his face as
it turned bright red, and he couldn’t hold his tears back any longer.
SAND excerpt “I never wanted to know. I’m afraid that if I knew, I would not have agreed. I
decided to put this matter under the mantle of Our Lady.” – The Monsignor
SAND excerpt Abby held his hand, “I forgive you dad. I want you to get strong again. What
happened to your faith in Our Lady?”
Here are some excerpts from SAND describing a Cathedral and Monastery. A
Monastery is a place where monks live. There are some Monasteries, no longer
occupied by monks, used for weddings and special events.
SAND excerpt Cupping her hand forming
a sun visor, Abby gazed up at the bell tower then studied the architecture of
the ancient Cathedral. Its Victorian Gothic style was in direct contrast with
the surrounding buildings.
SAND excerpt The old Spanish Monastery gleamed in the midday sun.
There are still many good Roman Catholic Priests. They
are my friends and I mention them in SAND.
SAND excerpt They followed the small steps of the elderly priest through the long corridor
and into a room called the Sacristy. He unlocked the doors. Hanging in the armoire were albs, chasubles,
and stoles. He placed his trembling hands between the priestly vestments and
pushed them aside.
SAND excerpt Father Charles was six foot three and wore a Franciscan habit, which consisted
of a long brown robe and a brown hood that hung behind his head and a knotted
rope around the waist.
Here’s an excerpt where Father Charles hears a
confession:
SAND excerpt They stopped in front on a cypress wood crucifix, which hung from the
balustrade of a
narrow staircase.
SAND excerpt Father Charles stroked his bearded chin. “My child, no sin is greater than the
mercy of God.”
I pray the rosary. My devotion to the Virgin Mary
is a part of who I am and therefore a part of my writing. Here are some
excerpts where I mention Our Lady.
SAND excerpt “I heard my father say many times that the beautiful lady saved his life.”
SAND excerpt “Who’s the lady?” He rested his right arm along the top of the seat while
steering with his left hand.
SAND excerpt “It’s an image of the Virgin Mary called Our Lady of Guadalupe. It hung on the
concrete wall of the cottage where the villagers took him in. They lay him on a
cot for a month while he recuperated and his cot faced the large framed
picture.”
SAND excerpt “I know who she is. She’s from Mexico.”
SAND excerpt “Yeah,” she smiled, “I went to Mexico with my father to visit the Basilica of
Guadalupe. It was an emotional trip for us after having him back home safe.
Thank you so much for supporting SAND!
