Book Jacket

 

rank 310
word count 21106
date submitted 16.02.2009
date updated 19.06.2009
genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Thriller...
classification: moderate
incomplete

God's Checking Account

Matt Rogers

A desperate televangelist's search for the donor of a stolen check leads him through the darker corners of the human experience.

 

Superstar televangelist Jeremiah Jackson is emotionally and spiritually shredded, having spent the last decade walking the razor-wire tightrope separating the church's divine connection and it's practical need for money.

When he learns of a stolen check among the church donations, Jackson is convinced that finding and helping the donor is the key to his spiritual renewal. He enlists the aid of undercover narcotics officer Walter Sano, unaware that Sano's despondency may very well exceed his own.

Sano soon develops his own private reasons for finding the donor--reasons that conflict with Jackson's.

On a search spanning the backwoods of Mississippi, the grimy glamour of Los Angeles, and the 24-hour glow of "Sin City," the pair experience a series of increasingly dangerous situations, crossing the paths of bounty hunters, an ex-con journalist, a pentitent pornographer, a motorcycle gang, and Vegas-based mobsters.

"God's Checking Account" is complete at approximately 100,000 words.



 
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tags

adventure, bounty hunting, crime, dark humor, drugs, fiction, friendship, la, las vegas, methamphetamine, mississippi, motorcycle gangs, police, priso...

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372 comments

 

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Butaboo wrote 1109 days ago

Hi Matt,

I know this is a most cliched thing to say, but please note I haven't said it yet, this is by far the best book I have read on authonomy .The best climatic opening by a MILE, this is exactly the type of book that I would pick up in a shop, read the opening few paragraphs and be hooked. There are certainly some terrific writers on this site but none which grabbed me by that hook so early into the text. The sense of anticipation you build is truly remarkable, chapter three and five sent chills down my spine.

You write so fluidly, your descriptions are so effortless that as a reader I barely realised they were there yet they added so much to the story. That might sound odd, but I have come to realise here that when I comment on a description as being particularly good it is usually because it is so obviously contrived and constructed that it stands out from the text. This is not necessarily a good thing. An excellent writer will never shove his writing skills in the readers face; a good book should be defined by its ability to engage the reader and transport them to another world, without them realising the tools or techniques it took to get them there. I'm probably waffling here and making no sense, but the bottom line is this is brilliant. I am shelving you with pleasure.

All the best, Ceri (Fatty Buttons & Cinderella's Slipper)

Brandi G wrote 1119 days ago

This was so wonderful. The writing is beautiful and rich. And the prologue? How could you not be pulled in to that? I was immediately drawn into the story, both Jeremiah's and Walker's. Both men surprised me.
I admit that when I first glanced at this book, I did not think that it would have that great of an impression on me--a girl who would rather read about stuff that could never happen than about stuff that could. But this...it was just extraordinary. I was so touched by the struggles of the MC. I felt connected to him and his spiritual issues. I think anyone with any amount of faith could find some of the same emotions, doubts and hopes in Jeremiah that he or she often face.
And Walker! I had him pegged for a creepy guy who was about to murder/defile that poor woman. What he did do was totally unexpected. And honestly, it made me want to cry.
But, more than anything, it was your strong writing that pulled me in. How many times can I say "beautiful"?
Definitely on my shelf!
Thank you so much for the read!

~Brandi Guthrie~

StirlingEditor wrote 1166 days ago

Matt,
Beautifully done. Your gift--your extraordinary gift--is characterization. That word doesn't quite capture it, however. As I read about Jeremiah and Walter, I kept wanting to ask you, "Did you know these guys in real life? How do you know them so well?!" In unusual, specific, and vivid detail you piece together their characters with verisimilitude and authenticity. I'm hooked and I believe.

This copy is the cleanest on this site (that I've read thus far, I should clarify), but that is a huge battle in itself, because pub houses these days don't have time to do this for us anymore. It may be, too, that I was so caught up that I failed to notice anything. =)

This feels like a mainstream novel. Has anyone ever told you that before? Genre is hard to nail down sometimes, so I thought I'd mention it.

I have shelved this without hesitation because it deserves to be published. You truly have a gift. I wish you success, and soon.
~Cheri

Kaychristina wrote 1165 days ago

Dear Matt, a literary thriller... and a voice I can hear in my head as smooth as chocolate, casting the inevitable movie of this in my head as I read...

I'm up to ch.8 (so far), and am hanging on every word. Terrific opening - Prologue; short and oh-so dynamic. I could picture Jeremiah at the venue with Sheila-in-red and sank along with him into the car... Loved the kiddie's medal, too - very touching. Now, we meet Walter in the park - at the moment I'm picturing Mickey Rourke... and the tension here is heart-stopping... THAT was one mighty surprise... back with Jeremiah at home... That relief tinged with uncertainty and, of course, foreshadowing, short-lived! What a family... but so real for many of us when even a hint of money blesses those that have earned it.

And you have a backstory woven in that really works, giving us Jeremiah's character along with his inner struggle, without missing a beat of the story, the plot if you like, and written so that we're on the inside...

The PILLS are both touching and funny all at once. As are the moments with and about his father. The scenes with the brothers and the wife VIVID, and the relative peace that follows shattered once again with the accountant - into light relief!

So we have the strings drawing ever tighter together. Don't you DARE cut one word of this. On my shelf, and I send you my very best wishes, from Kay x

CianaStone wrote 1154 days ago

Matt!!!

You're brilliant! A fantastic writer who napped me in the first paragraph and carried me for a fabulous ride with vivid imagery and characters who easily sprang to life in my mind.

How could I do anything but BACK THIS BOOK? It deserves praise, recognition and PUBLICATION!!

Bravo!!!!
Ci

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

Ch 13 Hopefully the author has finished the book and has only downloaded just the few chapters, becauses it's definitely worth reading the whole thing. The story is evolving around something so small its dwarfed by the events going on in the lives of the characters. The mark of a true writer is one who can write suspense and intrigue into every chapter and keep the reader motivated to keep on reading. This story has those components. Good job.

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

Ch 11 Sometimes bringing in too many players causes confusion. Let's hope we move along here at this juncture, as it's a bit hard keeping all the players in mind.

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

Ch 10 charming.....

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

Ch 9 Yep, here comes the tie-in. On target writing, top notch. Should hit the editors desk.

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

CH 8 All very smooth, but I wouldn't have put in the story about the scorpion and frog- or at least not all of it. Who hasn't heard that one before. At this stage the reader is now set to have all the threads start coming together. Let's see if that happens in the coming chapters.

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

CH 7 Things just seem to be getting worse and worse and that's that gift of a good writer; one that can increase the tension and suspense and keep the reader caught up in the story. The story-line remains strong, the characterization well-defined.

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

Ch 5 The 'black talk' is a little overdone, but probably accurate, just jarring on the social conscience. Still a well-written chapter.

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

Ch 4 (5) Geez, this chapter about gave me a heart attack! Well done.

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

Ch 3 (4) Once again we get the flavor of the relationships between the main character and others, that justifies his loss of faith and his depression. Masterfully done, without being overdone. No extrraneous descriptions to throw off the flow for the reader.

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

Ch 3 Chillingly good chapter.The writer has a gift for putting the reader 'in' the scene almost like scripting a movie.

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

Ch 1: The writer so clearly describes his main character it is as if the reader has crawled inside his skin and mind. The description so accurately describes a tired, lost individual. Excellent writing.

Natasha Vloyski wrote 137 days ago

Prologue:The very first line captures the imagination and the reader. Don't know about the phrase 'fright mask', better left to just bloody mask. However, the first chapter is smoothly written, and enigmatic.

Mark Kirkbride wrote 231 days ago

I've read the pitch and first chapter and am mightily impressed. Great title too. And first line. Loved the bit about a kiss blown by the Devil.

Will be back for more, and hope you get to check out The Devil's Fan Club.

Mark

Mark Kirkbride wrote 231 days ago

I've read the pitch and first chapter and am mightily impressed. Great title too. And first line. Loved the bit about a kiss blown by the Devil.

Will be back for more, and hope you get to check out The Devil's Fan Club.

Mark

Emma the Exterminator wrote 241 days ago

There are two books I have read in the time I have been on this site that I could, without a doubt, see being published.

This is one of them.

My question is, why are you not in the top 100 at least?

Harper Collins should be paying attention to this book. Query it, get it out there to agents and publishers rather than let it sit in this slush.

Ems.

S.Gerritsma wrote 287 days ago

cool story!

Lara wrote 468 days ago

It's a good premise and there's some lively writing here. I liked the scenes with the prostitute for instance. However, you need to rewrite your opening paras in my opinion. Your very first sentence start, s with a subordinate clause. why not show the explosion, the smoke and after-effects, and then the people dying, vomiting etc. Starred. Lara
GOOD FOR HIM

Cat091971 wrote 476 days ago

Very well written. You have a way of drawing the reader in. Backed and rated.

Cat
Twisted
Lies & Love

Linda Brendle wrote 492 days ago

Hi Matt,
Love the title, pitch, prologue, and the four chapters I've read so far. Very well done and deserving of being published. Best of luck.
Blessings,
Linda Brendle
A Long and Winding Road, RVing with Mom and Dad
Recovering codependent; nomadic, spur-of-the-moment husband; incontinent queen-mother with Alzheimer’s; couch potato dad with dementia; seven weeks in a 40-foot motorhome. Who's the crazy one?

EltopiaAuthor wrote 493 days ago

Keep it up, keep it up! Wow, I just read the intro. to this story (Chapter 1 that is). If the rest of the story continues with this kind of tension, it should be a best seller.

EltopiaAuthor wrote 493 days ago

Keep it up, keep it up! Wow, I just read the intro. to this story (Chapter 1 that is). If the rest of the story continues with this kind of tension, it should be a best seller.

billysunday wrote 498 days ago

Love your TV evangelist main character. Really good read. This deserves to be published.

billysunday wrote 499 days ago

Great cover and intro. I also like your title, very catchy. Backed and plan to read. If the time, please check out 33.

Orlando Furioso wrote 590 days ago

Ach, the notion of a superstar evangelist is horrible. The link between church and money grubbing is repulsive. At least to this heathen. Perhaps if it was a comedy lampooning the whole racket ...

Sandra Davidson wrote 618 days ago

Hi, I just finished reading the first 7 chapters with interest. You do a good job of hooking the reader and weaving a compelling story. Your characters are very authentic. You know how to tease the reader with hooks to keep them reading. Good job.
Sandra Davidson - COLD MOON RISING

Wilma1 wrote 636 days ago

Damn, damn, I don’t care what’s going on with Jerimiah, I’m hooked on Walter. I thought he had a syringe in his hands and was harming the twins. What on earth is going on here he’s giving her money. Now I’m going to have to read all that you have on Walter, I’m totally hooked.

A couple of clumsy sentences - No longer was he alone? – He was alone no longer – he wasn’t alone. The boy gone back to digging? The boy had gone back to digging.

Watch out for repetition, you used this same phrase in chapter 2 and 4…she returned an uneasy smile.
That’s all – Brilliant book a really gripping read you should be pleased with yourself.

Wilma1

Knowing Liam Riley – I hope you can spare a moment to take a look.

nsllee wrote 659 days ago

Hi Matt

This is real writing, extremely professional, unpretentious, but with ambitions to be more than just a thriller, it engages with issues that are relevant to everyone concerned with the state of the society we live in. Backed.

Nicole
Chosen

Andrew Burans wrote 667 days ago

I like your "Prologue." It is a great use of foreshadowing and the closing line, "All over a twenty-five dollar check" leaves the reader wanting to know exactly what is going on and what is the story all about. This is very well done. You develope the characters of Jeremiah and Sano extremely well and you have crafted a complex and intriguing storyline. All of this coupled with your descriptive writing makes your thriller a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

lynn clayton wrote 687 days ago

I've read only the prologue and first chapter, time pressing, but it's a professional book not only beautifully worded but giving us an in-depth picture of Jackson, his thoughts and sensations.
Little things, like the plastic medal a child has donated, move him and us. He looks at the spiritually contented like a starving man and we know how he feels.
There's not a word wasted or out of place. It's masterly.
It seems you haven't been around for a while. I hope that's because you're busy getting this published. Very best for it. Backed. lynn

Owen Quinn wrote 688 days ago

Fabtastic opening, I can only repeat what has been said before, this would make a great movie and I hope this smashes its way to the top.

Natalie Jones wrote 731 days ago

This is very well written. Your descriptions are absolutely wonderful, especially the church scenes. The prologue really drew me in and I read the first four chapters. A pastor who has lost his connection to the Creator and haven't prayed, yet winging it. Good stuff.

Backed
Natalie

SusieGulick wrote 731 days ago

Dear Matt, I love that you are exposing what has happened so many times & gets brushed under the carpet or is exposed, time is done, then everything's okay again. :) Good job. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your recap/pitch,which was very well done. :) Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book: When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved...authonomy. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
p.s. Remember: Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs. :)

Lockjaw Lipssealed wrote 753 days ago

I thought I had commented on this, but either way, here I go again. This is a really good read. The writing is solid, the characters are real, but it's the story that really steal the show here. I DO read this genre and this is as good as any I read.

Lockjaw

A Knight wrote 755 days ago

A strong opening is key to a good book, and you have that in spades. You almost slam the reader into the action, and we're left with so many questions that we are helpless but to continue.

Backed with pleasure.
Abi xxx

Kidd1 wrote 771 days ago

You created such a great hook in the opening that it drew me into the following chapters, and would ultimately have me buying it. Excellent writing in a great voice. Chilling and suspenseful. I hope you move into the Eds desk soon, as you will certainly publish this with or without HC. Backed.

Famlavan wrote 777 days ago

God’s Checking Account

What an absolutely fantastic opening, great hook very well written!
I like how you have structured this, its pace and the great character build at the beginning. This is a very clever book, well balanced and captivating from the start. – Good luck

Teric Darken wrote 787 days ago

Greetings, Matt!

A round of applause is in order for God's Checking Account! Your novel is a readily accessible read, professionally formatted, and chock-full of vivid imagery and wonderfully fleshed out characters!

Your introductory sentence in the prologue: "...Pastor Jeremiah Jackson watched clouds of smoke rise toward him like a kiss blown by the Devil." Nice imagery, as afformentioned! That "kiss blown by the Devil" is what hooked me and told me this was going to be a quality read!

"...He felt time tightening its grip more and more each day, squeezing the life from him." Rings true! That's the ticket, isn't it! We're all headed for that pine box on this soil! Good line, Matt.

There is just an underlying touch of dark humor to the script, and also a twinge of sadness, as many out there in "real time" are deceived by the wolves in sheep's clothing. "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" -Matthew 7:16

Incidentally, I purchased "The Face of Southern Neo-Televangelism" world tour t-shirt at the Pastor Jeremiah Jackson & Company concert this past fall! It came with a free "blessed" handkerchief, but I wear it as a "do-rag!"

Kudos and backed, Matt!

Teric Darken

(K - I - L - L FM 100: "Music to Die For!")

Burgio wrote 790 days ago

This is a good story. I thought the check was going to be much bigger than twenty five dollars to cause this much trouble. Makes your prologue all the more interesting. A story with lots of action and good characters. A good read. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

lizjrnm wrote 804 days ago

Absolutely love the title and the pitch drew me right in so I stayed up a little too late reading this to coherently comment - anyway - riveting and so well written I wish I had done this! You have a gift for dialogue and such a wonderful imagination! BACKED

Liz
The Cheech Room

CarolinaAl wrote 812 days ago

The second paragraph of your prologue hooked me. Jeremiah and Walter are sympathetic characters. Your descriptive skill is stunning. I can smell, hear, feel and, occassionally, taste your settings. Your atmospheric narrative adds dimension and considerable depth to settings and characters alike without distracting from your story. You enrich your narrative with splendid similies like 'smoke rise toward him like a kiss blown by the Devil' and 'beams jutted like compound fractures.' Your dialogue evokes the south, and you give each main character a distinct voice. Your pacing suits my tastes. This is an intriguing, complex thriller. Backed.

Salude El Dia wrote 818 days ago

There it is again: That ineffable quality, most elusive; a certain rhythm and lilt to the words - almost like a song. Although it should be present on every single book here on Authonomy, it is not. But, when encountered, the sound of it is unmistakable, in essence it says "I am writer, and a true master of my craft." I felt it as soon as I started reading. Story is suitable intriguing and complex, the prose has a flawless ease of execution that makes reading an effortless pleasure. Shelved!

Annockonda wrote 819 days ago

Hi,
I am on a vigorous hunt for support. I need backings and comments…it’s that simple. That is why I am contacting you. Here is the deal though. If you back me I will back you within a 12 hour span. Plus…my book is not that bad. It will make an interested read…Guaranteed.

Nick Poole2 wrote 829 days ago

I've read this before, haven't I?

Jeremiah is spiritually starving. Sheila...flight or fight. Joy to the world.

Walter Sano. He doesn't mean the blonde any good, does he?

Jeremiah's appointment with the accountant. Never good news are they, them bean counters?

I find I have absolute faith in the author to pull all these elements together in a satisfying way. This is lovingly put together and I may well have backed it before. What the hell. we'll give it another go.

Nick
"Mirror In The Sky"

Estelene wrote 830 days ago

I found this an engaging and suspenseful read. You also had some interesting and unique turns of phrase: "Pharmacology hadn't advanced to the point of medicating the soul."

The only suggestion I would make is to take a look at the consistency of the dialogue. I've lived in a world similar to the one you present, and some of the dialect didn't ring completely true for me.

But I enjoyed reading this, and I'm happy to back it.

gillyflower wrote 831 days ago

This is an interesting pitch, which drew me in, and your plot moves quickly into excitement. The Prologue, with Jeremiah crawling to pick up the pistol, and unable at first to remember what's been happening, is gripping, and the last line, 'And all over a twenty-five dollar check,' is great. Jeremiah is a very real character. You introduce us to him at a time when, 'His steadfast, direct line to the Lord was down,' and this has considerable impact, as has your later remark, 'He was spiritually starving.' This is excellent, straight-to-the-point writing, which immediately brings the man to life. The next chapter, with the stranger in the park watching the young blonde mother, is very chilling and you keep us hanging on to know the outcome. You build up the relationship between Jeremiah and his wife, Rydisha, his elderly father, and his son, with just the necessary subtle touches of detail, and we find that through this, we understand more and more about Jeremiah, it is so skillfully done. Backed.
Gerry McCullough,
Belfast Girls.

Suzannah Burke wrote 839 days ago

Hi, I am here to read and offer a comment on your work as promised to all authors that have backed Mirror In The Sky by Nick Poole in February.

Remind me to thank Nick please. I would have missed this piece of art, had I not made that promise.

The superlatives have all been used. This is superb. You are a readers delight...page turning and wonderful work.

Come on you lot out there...There is no way in hell that this should have a red arrow.

I back this without hesitation and am including it in my list of must reads on my profile page.

Suzannah Burke

Bob Steele wrote 840 days ago

The pitch for God's Checking Account grabbed me - I thought this sounded fresh, distinctive and with plenty o scope for drama. The prologue wound me up even more, and I enjoyed meeting some vivid characters from Sheila's Carolina accent in C1 to the lightheadedness of JJ in C3. What's with the red arrow here? We thriller writers need to stick together - but that's not why I'll back this book; I'll back it because it's good, and I've got nothing to teach you!

thymeoperator wrote 878 days ago

completely believable, everything just jumps right to life, and such a great opener as well. backed.

Vrinda - 'The Ladder'

KevRogers wrote 886 days ago

Saw this on the front page of the site so thought I'd give it a go - and I'm glad I did - you write so well and biuld up a great story - this deserves to keep going up the charts

backed

kev

Nick Poole2 wrote 886 days ago

You know I saw and read this opening ages ago and was labouring under the impression that it was already at the Ed'd desk. Now I find it here slipping down.

Far too good for that. I'll see if a shelf helps.