Each book is almost as if it were scripted for a movie. Each book is made for visual representation.
Though many comments from readers of the In Jesus’ Name Series include words like, “anointed,” “inspirational,” “motivating,” “wrenching,” “moving,” and “so much action and twists and turns,” there is one comment, that is unanimous. “It’s like watching a movie. I can see everything as it’s happening. It’s so visual.”
That’s because every book is conversation and action driven. Below is a random scene chosen from DND#1: A Healing - In Jesus’ Name.
Scene: [Grandmaster Eric Kino and his student, Shelley Adams, have fallen in love. She is a victim of rape and a few years later, a severe assault. The person who assaulted her has been sending people to torment her. Eric, Shelley and their entourage have arrived in New Orleans for an important tournament in which Shelley will be participating.]
They arrived during Mardi Gras. Shelley’s excitement was short-lived however when, over dinner, Eric put a damper on her plans.
“What do you mean we can’t go out for a while? It’s Mardi Gras. You know, Mardi Gras? I’ve been dying to actually see and be a part of a real live Mardi Gras.” Shelley could scarcely believe her ears.
Eric shook his head. “I hadn’t realized you thought you were gonna attend the festivities. I’m sorry, but no way. Not only is it based in paganism originally, but there are all kinds of people acting foolish and therefore it is not the best activity to indulge in. We have one day to prepare for the tournament and you, my love, are gonna be in bed by nine.”
“No, I’m not,” Shelley replied rebelliously. “I’m going out. I want to see the parades and hear the music and collect some beads. Shout all you want but I’m going out.”
Eric calmly placed his fork down beside his plate, but his cool facade didn’t fool the others at the table. Ricky and the Lee brothers steadied for the blast.
“You’re here as my student and only because you’re my student and you’ll do as I say. I swear, sometimes I am truly amazed at the lack of respect you display.” Her lips pursed. He softened. “Shelley, why do you have to be difficult?”
“Difficult?” she cried. “You don’t know what difficult is, you’re so use to everyone jumping whenever you snap your fingers.”
The others at the table exchanged glances as Eric’s face darkened.
“You’re the one who’s so used to getting your way. I’ve spoiled you to the point that you don’t know what to do when someone finally tells you ‘no’.”
His words rang true. True enough for Shelley to calm down a bit. “Eric, please, just for a little while. Wasn’t it you who said a tree must learn to bend?” she pleaded.
“Not this time. Not when you’re about to fight in your most important tournament this year. We have a precise plan to follow so that you’ll be at your optimum. Sorry. The reason we’re here is to fight in a tournament. Keep your priorities straight. Eight hours of sleep, not one second less. There’s a reason for self-discipline.”
Shelley rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe this.” She sat back during the rest of the meal, arms folded on her chest.
“You need to eat,” Jason coaxed.
“I’m not hungry.”
Ricky put his hand on her shoulder. “C’mon Shelley, don’t be upset. I hate it when you’re upset. You know Dad only has your best interest in mind.”
She conceded that. “I know, but he’s just so stubborn. What could a couple of hours hurt?” she said more to Eric than to Ricky.
“It’s a matter of self-discipline,” Justin answered the question.
“And a couple of hours could make all the difference in the world if you get involved in a long battle,” Jason added.
Shelley looked from face to face. “You men are all alike,” she said bitterly. “What is it? Some sort of brotherhood?”
Eric only shook his head.
They left the restaurant and headed back to the hotel, an old, white, two story building with an outer walkway running along both levels. They were on the upper level opening the doors to their rooms when a very southern voice called to them.
“Eric, Shelley! Hey, it’s me, Angel!”
They peered over the balcony to see the beautiful blonde standing in the parking lot looking up at them.
“Hi, Angel,” Ricky called.
“Hey Ricky! Are y’all here for the tournament? Of course you are. What a dumb question. Me too! But I’m goin’ partyin’ tonight first. ” Angel ran up the stairs before she continued. "Shelley, why don’t you come along. You and Eric both.”
Shelley’s eyes pleaded with Eric who stood stoically.
“I wish I could, but Eric won’t let me go out. He says I have to be in bed by nine.”
Angel gasped. “Oh, you poor thing. Goodness, I’m so glad my instructor isn’t here telling me what to do. I’d go crazy. Oh, Eric, no offense honey. I’m just glad you’re my friend and not my teacher.”
He remained silent. He was just realizing he’d never seen her with her teacher and he wondered who he was.
“So Shelley, what belt are you now?” Angel asked.
“Red,” Shelley answered shortly, still pouting over her curfew.
“My Goodness, you’re moving right along! You finally made it to my rank. We just might end up competing with each other.” She winked at Shelley. “Don’t worry honey, I’ll go easy on you.”
Out of curiosity, all four men turned to see the look on Shelley’s face. They had to keep from laughing.
“Don’t look so sour honey. I was just teasing ya’.”
Shelley smiled stiffly.
Angel looked at her watch. “Well, I’ve got to go and it’s almost Shelley’s bedtime so– bye y’all. I’ll see you at the fights.” She scurried off.
Silently, Eric turned, let Shelley in her room and handed her the key. “Jason and Justin are on one side and Ricky and I on the other side if you need anything. Now go inside, stretch, pray, meditate and go to bed.”
He put his finger under her chin to raise her mouth to kiss, but she pulled away and slammed the door in his face. Madly, she threw off her clothes. She’d washed her hands and face, brushed her teeth and begun to stretch when she thought she heard someone knock on her door.
She peeked out the curtain. It was Angel. However, she wasn’t knocking on Shelley’s door. She was knocking on Eric’s. Shelley watched a moment. She couldn’t hear what they were saying but after a few moments Angel went inside his room.
Shelley turned from the window and threw herself down on the bed. Don’t be jealous, she told herself. It’s probably nothing. It’s probably very innocent. Besides, Ricky’s there too.
Still though, there was pain in her heart that she had to go to bed like a little girl and Angel was in there with Eric. She heard the door close. “Good, she’s leaving,” Shelley thought.
She peeked out her curtain again and her mouth fell open. Angel and Eric were walking arm in arm down the stairs. Shelley stood on her tiptoes. She could barely see over the balcony to Eric’s rental car. He was opening the door for her. Shelley turned around in a rage, too mad to cry. Surely, he doesn’t think that he’s going out to party with Angel while she’s stuck in her room. Immediately she went to her suitcases and pulled out the red dress and shoes she’d brought thinking she would get to attend the festivities.
Moments later, she modeled in front of the mirror. “Not bad,”she murmured. She brushed her hair back, letting it fall loosely over one shoulder, grabbed the key, stuffed it in her purse, turned off the lights and slowly opened the door. In her stockinged feet she tiptoed past Jason and Justin’s room to the stairs.
Once she was down the stairs she stepped back into her shoes and was out into the streets in a flash. Ten minutes later she slipped into the crowd and happily wandered down Bourbon Street. They’ll never even know I’m gone. They won’t want to wake me, she thought with a smile.