Book Jacket

 

rank 2095
word count 29867
date submitted 13.03.2010
date updated 23.03.2010
genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fictio...
classification: universal
incomplete

The Golden Thread

Catherine J. Craig

Characters-turned-storytellers tell gripping stories of Jesus Christ’s lineage spanning thirty+ generations of Old Testament History, unveiling God’s secrets and revealing mankind’s purpose.

 

Together, with those enshrined in the lineage of Jesus Christ, listed in the Book of Matthew, I wait. I am only one of many who believed in the Promises, and like golden links in a long chain, our lives are the fabric of history.

From our ranks have come women - who through faith - willed their dead back to life, men who lived to see fire fall from the sky to devour their adversaries, and others who beat back thousands with only a few good men. Slaves wrongfully dragged into dark prison cells emerged to become kings.

My name is Abram.

I lick dirt from my crusted lips and rest my forehead on the dry broken ground silently willing Jerar my archenemy to die. He represents everything - and anyone - who has toyed with the passion consuming my every waking moment since I can remember. Jerar presses his foot into my back as if to push me even deeper into the packed dirt, while he belittles the dead mother I can barely recall.

”Abram,” he taunts as the other boys surrounding us jeer…



 
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tags

abrahamic covenant, bible chronologies, bible stories, christmas story, jesus christ's birth, jesus' family, jewish, jewish history, joseph and mary, ...

on 12 watchlists

80 comments

 

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sumit.agarwal1107 wrote 252 days ago

added the book to watchlist as of now...

Freya Pickard wrote 429 days ago

This is really different and beautifully written. I've only been able to read up to ch 4 but I will come back I promise and finish the rest as and when I can. Backed and rated!

Kaimaparamban wrote 497 days ago

Evolutions started from a historical milestone to another one are depicted with a fictitious vision in this novel. Usual story telling is a direct conversation with reader, but we can see a difference from that. It is, characters are directly talking with reader’s mind. A new style of story telling and adoptions of characters are novelties of your novel.

Joy J. Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

SammySutton wrote 678 days ago

Catherine,

This is a miraculous piece of work. Incredible insight and dedication.
You have done an amazing job. Something must really have spoken to your soul.

Bravo!
Good Luck!
Sammy Sutton
King Solomon's '13'

Elizabeth Wolfe wrote 705 days ago

This is quite an interesting pitch. It draws the reader into the story very well. Great job! BACKED -Elizabeth Wolfe (Memories of Glory)

derwenna wrote 777 days ago

Hello Catherine, an interesting concept which in the wrong hands could fall to pieces, it seems, your hands are more than capable for the job. people can be sensitive to anything regarding jesus, but what i have had time to read is beautifully done. I enjoy your description of death - I am a grief counsellor so have a bit of an interest in how people describe death. - not morbid, honest!
On my shelf a while now and wish you joy.
Paula - Ruined Echoes - perhaps you might take a peek?

mskea wrote 780 days ago

Hi Catherine,
I looked at Glimmers of Faith - and as promised some feedback.
This is an enormous task you have set yourself - good for you.
The opening of this chapter is excellent - straight into action with the main character. However I'd suggest stopping the paragraph at 'River' - we don't need a step by step account - only the key details that matter to the story, others that don't affect it one way or another you can omit.
There were some phrases that stood out for me - eg - 'Tacked to the ground...' using the connotations of tacked to convey meaning is very effective - its always good to let the reader do some of the work.
My main suggestion though would be that the impact could be increased if you did some tightening up - removing some uneccessary words - particularly adverbs and linking words. I've looked specificaly at para 2 to illustrate what I mean. - suggsted cuts in brackets.
'(Unexpectedly) His foot caught (on something) and he fell, (headlong) clawing at the air,(while) scraping his knees and elbows (painfully) against loose rock. Someone planted a foot (firmly) in the middle of his back (just) as Abram landed (hard) full-length on the hard ground, (with) the air knocked from him,'
I hope you don't mind me doing this - I found it such a help when I first uploaded to have folk suggest how I could improve - 5 drafts later I think I'm getting there! - I cut 5,000 words in my last revision - mostly in ones and twos - words that didn't add anything to the story and didn't change anything by being cut, except to up the pace.
I think you have plenty of good stuff here and wish you luck with it,
All the best,
Margaret

lionel25 wrote 782 days ago

Catherine, your prologue is a smooth read. A good use of creative imagination. It's also obvious you have invested some research time into this.

Happy to back your work.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Jane Bain wrote 782 days ago

Powerful narrative themes hallowed by time presented from an original perspective.
Jane Bain ('Life Script')

Brittany Engstrand wrote 783 days ago

very interesting concept! You're a great storyteller and I can tell by reading that you have put in a lot of effort and research in to this project. Backed!

Brittany
My Last Notes

Shayne Parkinson wrote 783 days ago

This is a really good idea, and very well done. It's nice to read some the stories I grew up on, but with the characters sharing what their feelings might have been. You make them accessible without making them too modern, a balance that's not easy. Well done!

Shelved.

A.Robertson wrote 784 days ago

This is beautiful. I love the first few chapters and can't wait to finish. I really enjoy your dialogue and how you have handled the themes of death and religion. Great work!

Sandie Newman wrote 784 days ago

This is very well written, I love the opening, very nicely done and sensitively handling death, beautifully in fact. Then the pace changes and is very well done again. The writing is excellent with nice dialogue and flows very well. Excellent, backed.

Sandie
The Crown of Crysaldor

Natalie Jones wrote 785 days ago

Very nice. The best part, for me, is the crisp, straight forward way you tell a story. It was very easy to follow which made it quite enjoyable. I don't know how well religious books or books with religious themes do on this site, but I've read quite a few, like yours, that are well done and deserving of support.

Backed and good luck
Natalie

hot lips wrote 786 days ago

A lovely cover and introduction, I was particularly moved by the husband's note. I read chap 3, ie Part 1 chapter 1. This is beautifully written, and it does truely bring this bible story very much to life. But I think if it is meant for children the chapter length should be half or one third this by splitting. Backed with pleasure.
BADD

Jed Oliver wrote 786 days ago

Very well told! backed. best wishes, Jedward (Knut)

Famlavan wrote 787 days ago

The Golden thread

This has brought to life old thoughts and memories, this is very well done.
Such a strong Christian rewritten book.

johnjoch wrote 787 days ago

A christian book, well worth the read. This is a great story, well written. I am backing this and hope you might read my small book, Three Satyed Home. A WW2 adventure and love story, which I hope you enjoy. JohnJ

Fromante wrote 788 days ago

Being an agnostic, this book made interesting reading for me, however, it has not changed my mind in any way.
This is a very well thought out book and very well written, I applaud your expertise and story telling talent. I would like to now wish you the best of good luck with this book. Catherine. Backed.
Norman.

Kidd1 wrote 788 days ago

Well written. You've made the bible sing, anew. Backed.

trainspotter wrote 788 days ago

This is wonderful! What an inspired idea. You have a natural storytelling gift, I was drawn in straight away even though I know the stories. I don't know whether this has been done before or not, but even if it has, your version deserves to be published. Also, your husband's comments were lovely - he must be really proud of you. Congratulations on your labour of love.
Shalini x

Andrew Burans wrote 789 days ago

Dear Catharine,

I love your concept and your storytelling abilities. This was a brave undertaking and you handled it well. Backed with pleasure

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Archal wrote 789 days ago

Dear Catherine,

Thanks. I have put your work on my watchlist and will be reading it shortly.
Archal. Patriots Without Choice

John Wickey wrote 789 days ago

I want to commend this work. You have brought the stories of the old Testament to life with realistic portrayals of the people involved. These were real people in real situations, not just fairy-tales, and this retelling helps people to remember that. Well done!

John Wickey
Future's End

Lockjaw Lipssealed wrote 789 days ago

There are several things I like about this...the writing is solid and keeps you reading, the stories, even re-told, are engaging, but the packaging is wonderful. Putting these story groups together is a great idea.

Lockjaw

Paddy Tyrrell wrote 789 days ago

Although this would not be my normal read, I thought the way you brought these stories alive was beautiful. The dialogue is up-to-date for a modern reader but still within the context of its time, and the writing brings a freshness to the tales. So happy to back this. I can tell it's a labour of love. Paddy

plip wrote 789 days ago

Lots of research and care in the retelling of an old story.
phil 'eland Dances'

Matt Scott wrote 789 days ago

Bless you and this labor of love. I wish you nothing but the best and for complete success! Thank you also for your kind comments on my work.

Felicia wrote 789 days ago

Your pitch drew me in and the word from your husband, even further. I have never been one to really add depth to the characters, to really be able to think of them as real people, although, i have tried. You do it with such ease. Even though I know that the dialogue is fictional it truly brings life to the characters. They act and react just the way you would expect anyone in their position would. They are after all, real people.

Your writing adds a new dimension to the characters and the stories that in my opinion would draw readers to the 'Word' as easily as most are drawn to works of the secular world. Kudos. What a fabulous idea. I would definitely buy this and am going back for a further read.

Backed with much pleasure.

Felicia
The Blessings box

Anna Pescardot wrote 789 days ago

Very well-written with a great premise. I am more than happy to back this.

Best Wishes

Anna

Kop wrote 790 days ago

Thanks for kind comments on the The Lucky Bean Tree. I have been reading your retake on the Bible with interest, as has my husband, who is reading the original. He is definitely in favour of yours so backed with pleasure. Kop.

Vick wrote 790 days ago

I like this idea, it seemed original to me. Backed.
Vick
Endless

SusieGulick wrote 790 days ago

Dear Catherine, I love that you love Jesus & His Word. Your "table of contents" & "prologue" or impressive (maybe I need to add mine to my books). You grabbed my attention, of course, when you said the Bible is your source. :) I like that you have short paragraphs & lots of dialogue which makes me want to read more to find out what's going to happen next. I am happy to back your book. :) The gospel heard round the world. :)
Thanks for backing, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not." Could you take a moment to BACK my unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories" I appreciate your encouragement to me about Mama & her love being sqeezed into us kids. That's beautiful. Thanks you. :) Yes, her love overflowed. :) Thanks, Susie :)

Lynne wrote 790 days ago

I've enjoyed reading Rebecca's story. You tell it in a way everyone can follow and understand. Lots of luck. Backed with pleasure, Lynne, Brooklyn Bridge.

Gabriel Green wrote 791 days ago

Catherine, this is an amazing book. I can feel the perspiration of its birth but I am so glad you knuckled down and finished. It was worth it believe me.
You have a wonderfully tight style of writing that gives the work weight and yet does not condemn it to drowning. There is also a really skilful delicacy in the way you drop in the occasional modern day word or phrase that helps link the historical to the here and now without making it flippant or horrible "pop culture".
I have to confess I have tended towards the racier bits of Genesis in the past whilst my favourite remains the action packed second book of Samuel but reading you has shown me there are pearls in even the dullest looking shells. I may have to go back and read some more. Thank you. Gabriel
p.s. I really did not like the child sacrifice. That sort of thing always upsets me. And that from a writer of gruesome thrillers. Although my "In Sight of the Line" was a softy. Well done and very good luck.

marywood18 wrote 791 days ago

Very well done! You have taken, sometimes, hard to understand stories in the Old Testament and given them an everyday feel, which brings them alive. You have filled in the background detail, so to speak. If the Bible was written in this manner many more would find enjoyment and messages in it. I am sure this will be published one day. I admire the tenacity you have shown, this is truly a remarkable feat.

I feel terrible asking as I am not used to doing so, but I am languishing in the mid hundreds and cannot progress, so have to resort to begging. If you are of a mind to do so would you look at my book and consider giving me your backing? Thank you, Mary - An Unbreakable Bond.

Michael Croucher wrote 791 days ago

A fascinating read, and well written. Shelved.
Michael Croucher (Bravo's Veil)

Donna Stafford-Munro wrote 791 days ago

For Historical Literary Fiction with a biblical twist, the synopsis does hook the reader in. Plenty of writers try this genre and fail. It will be interesting to read further to find out if you deliver. I like the fact that it's an old idea but an original storyline. Watching - and will read soon! Thanks for your comments on 'Finding Tarzan' and good luck.

Donna
'Finding Tarzan'

Thetinman wrote 791 days ago

As an ardent student of the bible (the whole bible, not just part of it) I was worried about reading this, figuring it might be a fanciful, glamorized account of biblical stories, or worse, accounts based on current fashions. Wow was I wrong. Loved everything I read so far, and plan to come back once editing pressures are relieved on my end.
Backed
Paul
We've Seen the Enemy

TheLoriC wrote 792 days ago

Loved the pitch and book cover. History like this is fascinating, and I consider myself lucky to come across such a gem of a book, with great style and excellent story subject. Backed.

L. Anne Carrington, "The Cruiserweight"

StrangeLove wrote 792 days ago

Hi!! Really liked your pitch and I am a huge fan of history, We have a lot in common... thank you for backing The Sorceress and the Guardian, backed The Golden Thread..for its style and original approach.
Take care

Ana

Joss64 wrote 792 days ago

Backed with pleasure! Jocelyn E. Morris (A Bore No More)

Sheila Belshaw wrote 792 days ago

THE GOLDEN THREAD:

Catherine,

This is indeed a work of love, and your passion for your subject shines through in every line. It is a wonderful idea, and you have succeeded admirably in bringing these stories to life in a way that makes them very accessible to a large audience. I congratulate you on the authenticity not only of the stories but of the period and the characters, and for me the dialogue is just right.

Backed, with admiration, and best wishes for the successful publication of this special book.

Sheila (Pinpoint)

Sharatola wrote 792 days ago

I enjoyed this, I enjoyed the romantic and human element. You brought the past alive. If I could venture my Ideas I think that increasing the atmosphere would be the icing on the cake. The homeland in this story is rugged powerful colorful, dusty, wild and distinctive. perhaps if you threw a few lines here and there--you have the action such as Rebecca drawing water, was the water clear ?murky? Was the earth sandy or clay loam were the mountains red or blue. I only put forward this idea as it is what enriches a story for me and yours is a gem I just want more of that place and those people.I would like to eat with them and watch their sunsets

hkraak wrote 792 days ago

THE GOLDEN THREAD: I too often imagine what the great people of the Bible did in their day to day lives (one of my favorite thoughts is if Jesus played hide and seek with His brothers as a kid would it be fair for Him to be "it"? :)). You have brought another great story to life with Abram with excellent imagination, prose and dialogue. I'm looking forward to reading more.

HJ
Pearl Edda

DDickson wrote 793 days ago

Hello – I like to comment as if I was reading your book in a shop or library, just making notes as I go along. I hope this is Ok for you, it works for me and it is fun

The Golden Thread

The short pitch is review and so I can’t say anything about that – the long pitch was interesting and hooked me in.

The cover reminds me of Sunday School books from my childhood and so I have to say looks a little old fashioned (sign of my age but there we are)

I have read the forward and I must admit that at this point in time I am not sure what to expect from this read.

Well, I assume that what you are doing here is to make the bible stories more accessible and believable (maybe) forgive me if I have reached the wrong conclusion. Anyway, I think that you have done an excellent job. This reads like a modern novel even though the setting, dialogue and indeed the stories themselves are ancient. I congratulate you on your efforts and will back this and wish you the very best of luck with it – and when I began to read, with some reluctance I have to admit, I did not think that I would be doing that so there you are I think that must be an indication of the great job that you have done. Diane

sjbal wrote 793 days ago

Hi Catherine,
A very well writtena dn executed peice of work. You have brought the stories up to date so skilfully without detracting from them in any way. More than happy to place on my shelf.
Good luck,
James (The Lycetta Legacy).

DWL wrote 793 days ago

These are stories I know well (I have worked in the religious media for years) but you bring a new freshness and readability to them. Your dialogue, descriptions and overall style made these very enjoyable, and I can see them appealing to the masses. Your amount of research is impressive, too. Very good.

Dana L.
The Book of Lucas

lookinup wrote 793 days ago

Catherine,

This is the first time I had seen a forward by a spouse… I love that idea. Our spouses largely go unnoticed in this process and I know my husband has heard enough about the book … that there is probably an inward groan whenever I say, “Guess what, honey?” Mine, too, sat dormant on the computer for long stretches (not the husband, the book). Perhaps that was a blessing as life prepared both of us for the next chapter.

I’m reading the exchange between Lichel and Rebecca and “The Red Tent” comes instantly to mind. You are making the characters of the Bible – that much acclaimed “allegory”… truer to life. I started thinking about whether I have read the Bible cover to cover and the answer would be no – because I find it difficult to read. Something tells me you are taking on quite a task in bringing the stories back to the observance of a cynical and uninformed audience. I applaud you for it. Your writing is fluid and your descriptions are visually stimulating -- those two things, for me, make a book I want to read.

Backed with pleasure and I’m going to WL the book so that I can read more.
SueAnn Jackson Land
The Truth About Whales



Our partners are very important, as they have to endure (groan) the inevitable long hours of writing and often serve as casual editors before we actually hire one. I saw one other book in which the author acknowledged her husband, and was glad for it. I think God often gets a bum wrap and doesn't get credit, but does get blamed unfairly and is misunderstood. If you read Psalm Chapter 78, you'll see most of His interactions with the people of Israel, how they treated Him, and how He reacted in a nutshell. It appears that in a way, the Jewish Nation was a kind of "Control Group" to prove the hypothesis in a long-term experiment before the world, to show what God is like - I think. That's the cruxt of my book's message. Thanks for your input - it was encouraging.

Catherine (The Golden Thread)

soutexmex wrote 793 days ago

Another Christian novel. Seems quite a few on this site. Full disclosure: I am a Jew but I won't let that color my perception here. My niggles have to do not with the writing or story. Rather, it has to do with those pitches. You have show us what this book is about to the casual reader. Capturing their attention is exceedingly necessary to succeed. Think if you rework this you can grab more readers. SHELVED for the good writing.

I can use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key
Authonomy's #1 rated commentator

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