A reworking of Why I Wrote "Walkout"

Why did I write “Walkout”?

            A great deal of what I have shared in the book resulted from watching, listening to, and interacting with those in several Christian communities over the period of years since rededicating my life to the Lord in 1985. I have seen how things work and don’t work depending on their focus, and how people walkout of situations rather than helping to make things better.

            The motivation, in many cases, for writing a book is either for financial rewards or for ego satisfaction. However, my close associations with the Christian authors in our local writers guild have helped to give me an eternal focus instead of a worldly one. There are times when a person feels so strongly about a situation that he or she is compelled to bring the subject to the audience needing to read it.

            I wanted to make it obvious to those reading this book that there have been several religious leaders who have fallen from grace and how many of those in their congregations walked out on them, never to return. My intention for writing the story was not to dwell on the fall, but on the restoration process. I wanted to show how God used those who listened to His voice, especially after the fall, to tell the love story of grace, mercy, redeeming love and passion for His children. I wanted to show how God can work on hearts and minds to bring about change. I also believed it would help those who are struggling with becoming critical and keeping their focus on the cross.           

            I firmly believe that God’s kingdom does not consist of words, but of power. In order for His church, His people, to go forward with the gospel to the ends of the earth, we must have His power. If we want this power in our daily lives, then we must focus on the cross daily. God’s power in us will be great only if we embrace the cross of Jesus Christ. With my writing as a tool, I want to motivate born-again Christians to not move forward alone, but to join hearts together, as did the characters who walked out of the author’s story, and continue the journey God has planned and wants written.

I have written Walkout not as a template and format to follow, but more to present ideas and concepts to think about and hopefully to provide more hope to a hurting world.

            In writing the story, and making sure all fact had been turned into fiction, I began to realize that it was not my story, but the story of those whom it is based on, which for the most part is nonfiction. I wanted to write the truth, as I knew, or understood it, so the book is based on fact. However, the fiction characters retell the story of the nonfiction characters with elements of my creativity and imagination in order to make what I felt needed to be stronger points at times.

            One of the most important elements I wanted to cover in the story was to try and get readers, especially the younger generation, to understand what “religion” should be about—helping, serving, and getting out of one’s comfort zone.

            I also wanted my writing of the story to bring not only me joy, but joy to others by seeing how, in dealing with spiritual matters God’s way, things work out better. My wife and I have been shown that God reveals who He is by how He works things out. I wanted to share, through my writing, how He wants us to step out in faith so that we can see Him as a miracle-working God and not be surprised by anything He does.

            During the past twenty-five plus years, I have been aware of many who have lost trust and faith as a result of turmoil within the body of Christ and walked out. So a great part of my motivation for wanting to tell this story is to have an opportunity to encourage others to have their trust placed solidly in God, not man. I wanted to make it clear that you must also have a merciful and forgiving heart during the time of turmoil and testing, lest you become critical and fall in sin yourself. I wanted to remind us that God has shown us mercy, and mercy needs to triumph over a judgmental heart. I wanted to encourage us that, as the stars continue to fall, we need to remember to keep our focus on God. We need to let the love He has for us control our thoughts and actions.

            The bottom line as to why I wrote the story is the fact that love and forgiveness is our most important legacy. It’s not what you do, but how much love you put in to it that matters. I hope readers of Walkout will see God’s love through my efforts to convert fact to fiction as part of my love for writing.

Walkout…why a work of fiction?

I had the outline for this book written for a long time, but it just sat there. People who I told about the plot encouraged me to finish it. I am glad they did.

Having written it gave me the opportunity to say something about the faith struggles of someone struggling to keep their eyes on the cross and as they navigate their way through life in general, the spiritual world and more.

Writing in the genre of fiction also allowed me to weave in my long-term interest and research about some evangelicals' struggles with prejudices, along with a plot about the forces of good and evil which I believe will keep readers absorbed in the book from start to finish.

The cover design for my new book

This is the cover design for my new book, Walkout.

The book will be available for distribution within the next few weeks.

What is Walkout about?  

       Author Allen Stark has created a unique plot to show how God uses those who listen

to His voice to tell the love story of grace, mercy, redeeming love, and passion for His children. It shows how God works on hearts and minds to bring about change.

The reader learns about the author, Saul Keener, who has received the E-Book Publishing Association's Christian Writer of the Year award, but also shows his weak faith in God. He believes his creativity is his own doing. His theme is intended to show hypocrisy and bigotry within the church. But when Saul begins to shift from fiction to nonfiction, something unimaginable happens as he becomes one of the major characters in his own story.

Those who are being called to walk in clear, uncompromising discernment and have watched the stars of religion fall, struggling with becoming critical and keeping their focus on the cross will find Walkout thought-provoking.

Walkout offers not only literary entertainment but encouragement to its readers as well.

            "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known; along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn their darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them" (Isaiah 42:16-17).

Walkout is a story of how God uses those who listen to His voice to tell the love story of grace, mercy, redeeming love, and passion for His children.

Those who are being called to walk in clear, uncompromising discernment and have watched the stars of religion fall, struggling with becoming critical and keeping their focus on the cross will find the story thought-provoking.

Walkout contains an original plot, offering not only literary entertainment but encouragement to its readers as well. It offers some interesting views of how God relates to His people. It will not only encourage those who already know Him, but also engage those who have not yet recognized His work in their lives.

I believe that what I have shared in the story has the power to convict, draw tears and create hope for a brighter future within the Church. Using a plot woven with characters to whom anyone can relate, I have created a book that will not only entertain you but truly makes you stop and think about your own heart and motives.

It's in the works

My publisher, Tate Publishing, is in the process of designing a book cover for my novel, "Walkout." Hopefully it will be ready for release before Christmas. I'll keep you posted.

Be Patient with your Publisher...I know, I know

"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed." Habakkuk 2: 3

Perseverance & Waiting for Direction

"If you are too lazy to plow, don't expect a harvest." Proverbs 20: 4

"All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:2-3

Something Went Wrong

A few years ago I had an opportunity to visit an old run-down, forgotten farm. People had wondered why it had remained empty for so long without a buyer. The place had some good features and even a few old antiques, which had been left behind. So my brother and I, having nothing better to do one day, decided to go and take a look at it. The following poem says best what we discovered as we visited the old place.
Something went wrong
says the empty farm house
in the weed-choked yard,
at the end of the narrow
rutted road.

Something went wrong
says the worn boots
sitting beside the empty corn bin
in the leaky old barn.

Something went wrong
says the rags
forced into cracks of windows
and places plaster had been.

Something went wrong
says the abandoned sand box
made from a John Deere tire,
where lies a half-buried rubber toy cow.

Something went wrong
says the Bible,
in the unopened box,
lying on the dusty floor.

We don't always have an answer for everything, but sometimes what isn't said speaks louder than what people may be saying or conjecturing. The old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” proved itself to be true, as my brother and I stood and surveyed the scene before us.

From the Dirt, He Created

He drew some cold water from the well,
pumping it into his tin cup.
He walked up the hill to where he was
to create from the earth.
He dug into the red dirt of the Kansas earth
and brought forth a clump
for his creations.
He poured on some water
to smooth and shape.
He labored until he saw that it was good,
then sat back and admired his handiwork.

God, and a small Kansas farm boy
have a few things in common.

A Stark Story (a work in progress)

I have returned from a two week mission/vacation to California. Living with my wife and I, until we find them a house to rent, is my daughter, Regina, and my 3 grandchildren, Alex (age 17), Evelyn (age 9) and Natalie (age 7). Keep us in your prayers.

New Blog:

His ride was late.
The smog was especially heavy, and the wind had picked up, causing the young actor’s eyes to tear as he stood on the street corner awaiting his ride. Passers-by thought he was crying and possibly mentally disturbed, and steered clear of him. He didn’t really care, as he checked the time, that people were purposely avoiding him. He was only concerned that his ride hadn’t arrived. “I can’t be late,” he thought. “The nation is waiting for my debut as an actor.”
But here he was, standing on a Los Angeles street corner, holding the box that contained the costume for his date with destiny. He turned, facing into the wind as he searched the traffic for his ride that would whisk him from the reality of his everyday world, into the fantasy world of his dreams.
He pulled his baseball cap down over his tearing eyes, hiding them from the looks of the passers-by. As he continued to wait, he asked himself, “Why me? There were other actors Mr. Boone could have chosen from The Actors Workshop. Why me?”
He was a decent student, one of the top writers and actors in his graduating class. He was also one of the top fund-raisers in the school’s fund-raising drives. He never caused trouble at school and was liked by the teaching staff and his classmates.
His stuttering problem was finally overcome with the help of his music and drama teachers. He finally began attracting the girls in his junior year and had to work especially hard to keep up with his studies.
He liked Elvis, but who didn’t? He and Ricky Nelson became friends when he met Ricky walking his dog by his aunt’s house in Hollywood Hills. The relationship resulted in Allen becoming an extra on the Ozzie and Harriet Show.
He loved to sing, too. He often imagined himself in a recording studio cutting a number one song for the Hit Parade. After getting an opportunity to join the Youth for Christ Choral and sing on KTTV, Channel 5, he thought his career in music was a sure thing. However, it wasn’t until he attempted to do solo parts that he realized he was more of a choir singer than a soloist.
He did a double take when his ride pulled up to the curb. He scrambled into the seat and the car sped away. By the time the car pulled into the studio and drove him to the building where the show was being filmed, he was in nervous anticipation. He glanced at the large building with the lettering, “Studio B” on it. He allowed himself a smile. He was almost there.
He hurried from the car, walking beside his new friend who had been an extra on the show for a couple of years. It was then he heard someone call out his name.
“Hey, Allen!”
His joy was evident as he turned and saw Mr. Boone approaching in a studio golf cart.
“How’s it going, Allen? Oh, and thanks for picking up Allen, Tony.”
Allen was beaming as he reached out his hand to shake hands with Mr. Boone.
Mr. Boone pushed open the big green door to the studio and escorted Allen and Tony to the set.
“Nice to see you, Allen. Welcome to the show,” said the director.
Allen caught his breath and stepped onto the set where some of the actors had already gathered, including Christy Boone, Mr. Boone’s niece and Allen’s high school classmate.
“I thought you’d never make it,” Christy remarked as she walked toward Allen and gave him a welcome hug. “I’m so glad Uncle Richard asked you to be part of the show. Here’s your copy of the script.”
As Allen and Christy followed Mr. Boone to the dressing and make-up rooms, he squeezed Christy’s hand, and smiling said, “I feel like I’m almost home.”
However, after two years in Hollywood, Allen realized this was not his home and that he was just passing through.

An Analogy for Those Who Write

Working Your Garden

You have been given the ground, seed, and tools with which to grow a garden. Take pride in your garden. Allow the garden to develop within you good feelings for all things alive and growing.
Don’t complain if the soil at times becomes dry or your rows appear a bit uneven. Some of the best gardens have been put together from uneven and irregular parts, whatever was available at the time. Work with the differences you sense in your garden taking pleasure in the sun or dark soil.
If while tilling you find hidden rocks, gently remove them and allow the water to flow into the gaps to reshape and smooth over.
When you find your garden is doing well, you may even wish to add a few varieties of colorful flowers at its edges and a bench where others may sit and enjoy your garden close up.
If an unexpected seed should fall into your garden, don’t pluck it out. Be grateful and allow it to grow. Celebrate the new addition to your garden as you witness the branches grow, expand, bear blossoms and finally fruit.
Share the fruit of your labor with all who would happen by or have need of it.

Tall Prairie Grass and Cardboard Boxes

Kids of ages five to ten
like to play at fantasy
now and again.
Cardboard boxes become planes and ships,
and by the medium of cardboard
we took trips.
By the magic of cardboard rugs
we flew over mountains and dove to the depths
in cardboard subs.
And when we just wanted to play around,
the neighborhood became our own
any-kind-of-town.
Through the tall prairie grass we blazed
trails to the West,
and on our journeys were amazed
to see some of the characters
we read about in books.
There were dreamers and mariners
that took us away in their ships.
There were grenadiers and pirates
with swords on their hips.
We made tunnels which went down
to the center of the earth.
And most likely that's where
my fiction was given birth.

The Way of the Blossoms

The Way of the Blossoms

I made my hiding place
a large cardboard box
at the back of the garage.

There I lived my secret life.
Days were longer then,
so were the years that I dreamed
of being a thousand different places,
other than Wichita.

It rained,
hailed, and
snowed
year after year.

And all too often my creative thoughts,
dreams and imagination
followed the way of the blossoms
in the bedroom window box.

Discovering Our Gifts

"God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. " Romans 12: 4-6  

I Look Forward to Change

I have encountered people at different times and places that seem to be threatened even by considering the thought of change. Does anyone really like change? I actually do. I look forward to change. Whether it’s welcoming a new season, especially after a long cold winter, or settling into a new house. We’ve just recently purchased my wife’s parent’s house after her Dad passed away last year and Mom moved to a retirement village in Omaha. I enjoy the excitement that newness brings, even though you may have to play the waiting game for awhile.

Like nearly every author, I have spent years practicing the gift I believe God has given me. I have hoped and prayed for opportunities to share this gift with others. He has made a way, first by allowing me to become an English teacher. Then after retirement allowing me to write feature stories and articles for a newspaper, have a syndicated column called “Echoes,” and facilitate the Southwest Iowa Writers Guild and publish our column known as “The Write Stuff.”

For the longest time I could only imagine having a book published. My first journey into the publishing world was through self-publishing. About two years ago I published a story about those who have dealt with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, such as my wife who was diagnosed with the disease at age sixteen. The book, entitled, “Balloons for Breakfast,” was well received by friends, family and some doctors who treat the disease. However, I never felt I had the necessary platform with which to launch the book to a greater audience.

I am now learning how and working on a platform from which to launch my book, “Walkout,” a religious novel, currently undergoing “conceptual editing” and cover design by Tate Publishing.

I am hopeful that the book will be seen as inspirational and encouraging. It took a major dose of holy discontent with the way I saw things going in some churches before I had the courage to sit down and share my thoughts on paper.

Like I said previously, I generally like change, but not all change is easy. I was raised in a Christian home, but it eventually became apparent that there was more talk than action. As Debbie King, a supporter of the Mission Catalyst program told me, “The cruise ship is comfortable, but the Yamaha Wave Runner is more in line with God’s calling on my life.” What she is referring to is how I also perceive God’s call on my life. A cruise ship is unable to make course changes as quick as a wave runner, which maneuvers quickly and easily. Attempting to connect with people in the real world requires taking risks at times, sacrifice, tough skin and making course corrections. Some quickly. But it’s exactly where God has called me to be.

I love riding the waves with the Holy Spirit’s leading and partnering with God to see lives change. That is why I have accepted the challenge of writing my novel “Walkout” which will be released within the next few months. It is a story of how God uses those who listen to His voice to tell the love story of grace, mercy, redeeming love, and passion for His children. The story was written for those who have watched the stars of the religious world fall and who need to be reminded to keep their eyes focused on the cross.

God has a plan for those of us who write

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD.  Jeremiah 29: 11-14

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1: 5

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

"Watch and be utterly amazed.  For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."  Habakkuk 1: 5

I've been watching and hoping, and now I AM utterly amazed that God is allowing my writing to possibly get off of the back burner and out of my backyard.

Writers of Living Letters

One of my desires, based on what I believe is a gift God has given me, has always been to have a writing ministry and business. II Corinthians 3:2-3 tells us that we are to be, "a letter of Christ." In other words, each of our lives should be able to be read like a letter that says we are Christians who manifest the Gospel truths through our words and deeds. If the Gospel has transformed your life, what greater testimonial can you have than speaking for and serving the Lord? God wants to make each of us a "writer of living letters."

A good part of my inspiration for writing and living

Sierra at 14 with Esther dog

Sierra doing what she loves

Melissa

Sierra is now 19 and has just completed her first year of college. The following picture is pretty much what we all look like now.

2010 prom picture

Reading and Writing

If you are taking the time to read this, I’d like to talk to you for a moment about something I know a lot about—reading and writing.

I began reading about four and writing (at least my grandmother said it was writing) about seven. As I near seven decades of life, I realize that a large amount of my enjoyable reading was done between the ages of four and fourteen. During those ten years I read for the sake of enjoyment. I didn’t read for the purpose of learning, although I found in years to come I had learned a lot. I didn’t read to prepare myself for a career, although I found that the ability to read helped me make a better living. And I didn’t read because someone told me to. I read for the same reason people like to open presents. Each new book was like a package stuffed full of things I had never experienced before.

            Those who love to read are the ones who understand the basic difference between reading and watching most of what is on TV. Reading makes the mind and imagination do some interesting work or play, while most TV simply doesn’t. The secret to the enjoyment can be found in a statement made by Harriet in Louise Fitzhugh’s “Harriet the Spy.” As Harriet sits down to read she says, “How I love to read. The whole world gets bigger…”

          As I continue to share my thoughts with those who have chosen to read my blogs, my world seems to grow even bigger, or perhaps the world is now smaller than I realized. Thanks for caring enough to be part of my world.

My First Blog

Why are my knees knocking and my stomach doing flip flops?
Okay, so my author friend said, "Blogging is a low risk, low cost way to build your audience while you are developing your work, and then promote your finished book to that same audience."
Alright. I'll give it a try. Here goes.

As I begin this new adventure in cyberspace, something tells me a writer should never be anxious for the reader to care about his work. He should just do his best and place the result out there. However, in some instances a writer will feel that he has been given the inspiration to pen what he has and has shared it via the Spirit's leading. I have written a religious novel, Walkout, and I believe it is that kind of writing. The idea for the novel laid on the back burner of my heart for several years before I felt the Holy Spirit turn up the flame.

The manuscript is currently going through editing phases at Tate Publishing. When the book is released, I want the message in Walkout to pull at your heart strings so powerfully that mediocre Christian discipleship will never again be an acceptable way of life.

Let me set the stage for what you will read by saying that the story is dedicated to all of those who feel they are being called to walk in clear, uncompromising discernment; and to those who have watched the stars of the religious world fall and struggled with becoming critical--keep your focus on the cross!

Walkout takes Christian writer, Saul Keener, who has received the E-Book Publishing Association's Christian Writer of the Year Award, and makes him a major character in his own story. The story draws the reader in as it deals with religious hypocrisy and bigotry, and then shows how God works on hearts and minds to bring about change.

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known; along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn their darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." (Isaiah 42:16-17)

Please visit my new web site: http://www.allenstark.com/ . I would like to hear from you.