No, I’m not referring to the holidays, although I am
celebrating those as I’m sure everyone is.
I finished my manuscript this holiday week as Thanksgiving
approaches. What a ride it has been. This particular book was inspired by my
wife and son. My wife’s favorite author is Stephen King (go figure). She loves
his books so much I make sure to buy them for her whenever they come out. You
could say it’s been easy deciding what to get her for her birthday, even.
My son read the first manuscript of this story, set in 1953 Tanganyika , Africa ,
during the golden age of African Safari.
The plot: A white hunter known as Big Jim faces off with a
mystical creature summoned by a witch doctor, called a Jabilo, who seeks revenge against those doubting his black magic.
This Jabilo is angered over his
village turning to professional white hunters for help against troublesome
elephant, hyena, lion, and other animals that destroy their crops and kill
women and children. In the past the villagers believed the Jabilo could drive away the animals with his magic, but with
limited success. When the white hunters came this changed everything for the Jabilo. Their guns vs. his spells were
no match, and soon the villagers turned to Big Jim for everything. In desperate
attempt to regain confidence and prestige, the Jabilo has summoned the Mnyama,
or beast, to destroy the white hunters. Thus begins the most dangerous hunting
safari for Big Jim. It is one where must defeat the beast, or die in the
African bush.
I shelved this manuscript in 2004, and now that my two
books, The Sandman and Who’s Minding the Store have been
released, went to work on this in October of 2012. I’ve read several books on
the subject of professional hunting and how this way of life has practically
disappeared today. It has been an exciting experience for me. The research
never felt like work, instead a load of fun selecting books and learning the
history of how Africa drew attention of people
all over the world.
Now comes the editing stage. But first, I’m going to let my
son read this rough draft version for his insight. Although family, I know he
will give me important feedback so when the final version is ready for print,
readers will have the best version possible.
Keep on reading!
David
