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Thanks for everyone who supported Saint Peter Killed God - it is now available as an e-book. Go to Slushpilereader.com to find out more.

Here's HC review of SPKG:
SAINT PETER KILLED GOD is a unique take on the story of Father Peter, who finds himself in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt. The concept is highly original and explores a subject that readers might be familiar with but have never thought of in this particular way. If a bit controversial, it also has the potential to inspire much discussion on the topics of history and religion.

Father Peter is a compelling figure, and the setting of the psychiatric ward, with its quirky inmates, has great potential. In a way, as Father Peter rediscovers himself and his beliefs through his journal entries, so does the reader learn about his personality and motivations. The writing flows smoothly, and there is sustained tension in the mystery of finding out what Father Peter is doing in the ward. At the same time, he is a sympathetic character—the reader is easily able to feel for him, especially during his moments of bewilderment and despair.

For me, the beginning of the novel could be improved. Starting with Father Peter in his traditional habitat makes sense, but I think that for a reader expecting a naturalistic opening, it’s somewhat confusing. I think you would be better off starting with Chapter Two, with the events of Chapter One related in flashback. Also, I would be careful in spots of sounding too didactic; for example, in the opening of the section titled Second Sermon from St. Peter’s Journal. Even though it is supposed to be a “sermon,” you still want to make it sound like a story and not give your reader any excuse to stray.

I think that the most crucial issue with this manuscript is that it does not seem like it is intended for a commercial audience, partly because of the religious underpinnings. Of course, since this religious element is essential to the novel’s meaning, it’s difficult to get around. It’s possible that you could tone it down and turn the story into a parable much like THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN by Mitch Albom.

This novel would probably need to be more mainstream to be considered by a large publishing house. That said, you obviously have a very unique and strong idea of what you want the novel to be, and I would not recommend compromising your vision. There are many small presses out there that specialize in religious and literary fiction, and one of them might just be the right one for you.

favourite books

The Cellist of Sarajevo, Post Office, Indiana, Second Coming, Jude the Obscure, Ishmael, The Posionwood Bible, Black Robe, and many more.

my websites

http://www.stpeterkilledgod.blogspot.com/     http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-Peter-Killed-G