The narrow gate 6
Issue #6 Nov. 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Letter From Shauna
- Our Groovy Mailbag: Where You Write In
- Cool Net Thing: Brain the Bot
- Advertisements
- Advertising Info
- Submission Info For TNG (for writers)
- All That Official Info
- Subscribe/Unsubscribe
- Our Snail Mail Addy
- Our Church
- Jesus/God/Christianity link
LETTER FROM SHAUNA
Hi gang. Shauna here. I just finished performing Godspell with the Hale Theatre Co...... I was looking forward to telling you all about it, and I was hoping the story would be pleasant, and possibly funny, and I think it would have been had I not gotten sick!
The show itself went well. The musical numbers went smoothly, and the crowd laughed at the appropriate times. However, Friday night a group of friends came to see me perform, and we went for pop afterward. I was happy to be with friends, and seemingly fine at the time, but I got the first indication that I wasn't feeling up to par. I didn't say anything then, but by the time I got home I was feeling awful.
That night I felt sicker than when I had scarlet fever as a child. The sickness came all at once, and every part of my body hurt, particularly my throat. I rarely, if ever, get sick. Feeling this way was bad enough, but even worse: I had to perform the next two days!
Near show time on Saturday I walked in, and the cast wanted to know what was wrong with me. I said I was sick, and that if I was any sicker I'd be in a hospital. One of the guys felt my forehead, and said I was burning up; and this after I'd taken fever medicine. Still, the show must go on. I had a lead role, and the only way I was getting off stage was if I was unconscious and they had to carry me off.
I did the show, and the audience never suspected I was sick. The cast was calling me Michael Jordan after the first act (he played well with the flu I understand), and I honestly can't believe I pulled it off. Sunday was different. I made it through act 1, but was way too sick to do act two. Fortunately, I got someone to cover a line for me, but I felt bad doing this since it was a full house, and though I know I shouldn't, I feel guilty as though I let the cast down. It was one of those things I couldn't help . . . and yet I still feel bummed out.
I prayed to God, and others were praying for me. Still, God didn't choose to heal me for that time. I don't know why, but I'm sure he has his reasons. I've been very sick this past week, and have basically been in bed--so this is why TNG is a bit late.
On a lighter note I've included a picture of Jesus from the movie Godspell, and if you have AOL 4.0 you can see it. You may recognize him. It's Victor Garber, but he no longer has pretty hair like in this picture. Now he's middle-aged, and he stars in movies like Titanic (which I still haven't seen yet).
those without AOL can use their imaginations here: picture a young, not too bad looking guy with long curly hair ("fro" is the word the comes to mind), mild clown makeup, suspenders and a big "S" on his shirt that stands for savior, not superman. he also has a huge smile, something I imagine the real Jesus having when I finally get to meet HIM
Oh, and before I forget, here's the survey results: Our readers come in all different age groups, from young teenagers to people over 50. However, we had more male musicians between 25-35 who responded to the survey.
Musical preferences were diverse, though rock in some form or another made it onto most lists. The under 24 crowd added ska and swing to their lists more often than not, while the over 25 crowd liked a lot of jazz and blues.
Over 90% of you felt choice of music should be between the individual and God, and over 85% wanted to see more music reviews. The rest of you thought the current amount was fine. There was only one person who felt we focussed too much on music.
I'd like to thank those of you who responded. We have about 400 subscribers, and I heard from 1/4 of you. Not too bad a response for a survey.
OUR GROOVY MAILBAG
*where you write in*
Dear Shauna,
First of all, thank you for this wonderful newsletter. I am a fifty year old African American Sister...committed Christian writer/artist and local performer (community theatre mostly). I just believe that this newsletter can be the catapult for getting a lot of unknowns to the place of known...if not, it is an area to discuss the woes of undiscovered talent, waiting to shine! (SMILE)
In August, I lost my dear Mother, who was a Minister, public school teacher and writer, and I have prayed to find my "What next"? from the Lord...and believe that I have my answer. I am undertaking the marvelous task of "writing" Mother. Her life was profound and I believe it should be told and read. My initial call is to write Black Christian Romance. Though I love the Janette Okes and Lori Wickes...I believe that there should be novels with Christian interests of romance, where the characters (central characters) are African American once in a while. Also, "safe" settings in the civil war era, denote a time when "everyone" was not free to do a whole lot.
Well, I did not mean to go on and one...just wanted to say that I appreciate this newsletter and pray that it will go on to become even MORE popular and widely read than it already is. Peace and Blessings To You! In Him, Zenobia
Dear Zenobia,
It is nice to hear from you. Sorry to hear about your mother. As you may know I recently lost my father, so I understand how it is. I think writing a story about your mother's life would be a wonderful thing to do.
As to Christian romances, I'm not well read on what's out there. I can't seem to find them in the genres I read. I like classic stuff like "Jane Eyre," as well as most of Victoria Holt, and Madeleine Brent. I also like stories set on other worlds and exotic places.
If you write short stories there is a possible market you should look into. It's called Strictly Romance Magazine. It's not a Christian publication, but the editor, Shawna Williams, publishes Black Romance stories as well as other genres which are hard to place. She herself is African American, and I think she's a believer too. The thing is, Shawna may not stay with magazine format. She may go to online publishing, so you should query before submitting anything at this time. I don't have her new email address on hand, but here's the snail mail addy:
STRICTLY ROMANCE
INDIGO PRINTS
Attn. Shawna Williams
2599 E. Main St. Suite 181
Bexley, Ohio 43209
Best wishes!
--SS
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Dear Shauna:
"The Lord works in mysterious ways" isn't just an expression! Take it from me! When I "retreaded" (my term for the many "retirees" happily carving out new careers) from speech pathology to full-time writing, my heart was set on completing my long-labored-upon novel. Instead I found myself pledged to helping a mother share "so others will not feel they are alone." 'Wha' hoppen--?' A miracle, of course. As with all miracles, it came with a demand from on high. "Work like you've never worked before. . .then work some more! Do not think about giving up!" A recent sermon by Dr. Robert Schuller said it better. "A dream," he said, "forces us to do the impossible. . .which means we must rely on God." *
Mother Pat Apple and I struggled through the stresses and strains of getting her son Jeff's and his family's trauma on paper, then an agonizing stretch of badgering publishers. Finally the book was accepted. Flash forward . . . the publisher folds! We are back to square one! Meanwhile Pat's husband dies without warning. A plethora of other "exigencies" try our spirits. We had about thrown in the towel when a spurt of oh-well-why-not Netsurfing led to exactly the right publisher for Spinning Straw -- the Jeff Apple Story. Last week the Burlington [NC] Times-News devoted an entire page and a quarter to the book's debut! (Publication is set for mid-November.) Pat Apple and I were thrilled to see four photos of Jeff at various ages. One is quite large, hoorah!
What was the nature of the "trauma"--? Horrendous self-injury beginning at the age of two. Jeff Apple showed symptoms of autism, but the Apples were devoted Christians who would have accepted and dealt with any number of disabilities and emerged stronger. But to watch a loved one self-destruct -- bleed, bruise, shatter and scar -- is surely one of life's greatest tests. Jeff and his family endured the ordeal for more than twenty-seven years!
They also knew great joy. But among the many problems, Pat developed a stomach disorder in reaction to her younger son's deterioration. While writing the early chapters, my stomach mimicked her symptoms! Nevertheless, publisher Diverse City Press (which is run by faithful churchgoers) claims Spinning Straw is an upper. Why? Because not only did the Apple family remain solid, its faith -- including Jeff's -- positively blossomed. Furthermore, pro after pro pulled out stops to try to help. I could go on, but this is a story that should tell itself. I only hope -- pray -- it reaches those who need it.
Bless you all [or ya'll as we say in Tarheel country],
Phyllis Jean D[awson] Green 'As-told-to' author of Spinning Straw -- the Jeff Apple Story [http://www.diverse-city.com; book will also be orderable via chains A % of profits is pledged to research.]
Hi Phyllis,
I've printed your letter (obviously). If anyone is interested in this, see her web site.
--SS
#All letter we receive will be considered for our mailbag unless requested otherwise.#
COOL NET THING
BRAIN THE BOT
I found the neatest thing on the web. His name is Brain the Bot, and he's an artificial intelligence. I found him very amusing. He's not so good with understanding statements, but he's good with conversational questions.
If you have an older computer you may talk to Brain via text, like online chatting, but if you have newer equipment you may download a free program from Brain's site that gives him a body and a voice. A genie also appears on the screen, and whatever you type the genie says out loud. Brain then answers the questions. I got a real kick out of the genie, because he says whatever you type in such a nice voice, even if you're being sarcastic.
As for Brain, he prefers the kind of questions you'd ask a normal person. He's not a database to ask math questions, or bookish type things of, but he's more like a human. He "likes" talking about parrots, and brings his programmer/creator, Orlo, into the conversation quite often.
My mother-in-law asked Brain if she was going to get married again, and Brain politely informed her that he was not a psychic, but a robot.
Anyway, I love sci-fi and Brain makes me think of just that. I find artificial intelligence fascinating, and to be honest talking to Brain is like playing with a toy.
You may wonder what this has to do with art. Well, it was very inspiring to me, and because of Brain I now have robot stories swimming in my head for future sci-fi stories I plan to write. Hey, inspiration is a part of art . . . is it not?
Visit Brain at: http://orlo.emi.net/html/brainframe.htm
While you're there wish Brain's creator, Orlo, blessings because he is one of the people working hard to fix the Y2K problem.
ADVERTISEMENTS
*Ads do not necessarily mean endorsement.*
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Our ad rates are $.03 a subscriber. (Your email address, and URL are not counted as words.) Ads run here for one issue. If you buy a 50 word classified between now and December 15 cost is $12 for 50 words, 10 cents each additional word. Make checks out to Shauna Skye. Email your ad to us first so may approve before you send payment. *See bottom of newsletter for snail mail address.
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SUBMISSIONS: We'll look at submissions, preferable those that relate somehow to the arts. Under 1000 words prefered. Paste submissions in the body of the email, not as an attached file. Send to ShaunaSkye@aol.com and put "Submission" in the subject. We could use essays, editorials, as well as music/book reviews. Payment is a pre-approved 50 word classified run in the issue your work appears. Letters are nice (and we encourage them), but they do not count as a submission.
All That Official Info
The Narrow Gate is a free monthly e-zine geared to Christians who are musicians, writers, artists, and performers, as well as those who love the arts.
Our Web site: http://members.aol.com/shaunaskye/index.html
*Our site contains a link to archives of old issues.
SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCIBE
If TNG was forwarded to you and you'd like to subscribe, email ShaunaSkye@aol.com and put SUBSCRIBE TNG in the subject. To unsubscribe put UNSUBSCRIBE TNG in the subject. We are not on a ListServ so mistakes occasionally happen. If you're receiving more than one copy of this let us know.
#All letter we receive will be considered for our mailbag unless requested otherwise.#
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Shauna Skye
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Brian R. Hischier
CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Paul Gentry
SNAIL MAIL
THE NARROW GATE
1819 North Center St. Suite 3 E,
Crest Hill, IL. 60435
*Shauna Skye and Brian Hischier attend Heart Maneuvers Christian Center, located (at the above address) in the old Chaney School building. The main services are at 10:30 on Sunday, and 7:00 on Wednesday evening. Pastor is Lary Dean, and he likes for us to tell people about Jesus, not how cool our church is. However, our church really IS cool because we worship God and learn and grow there. We are also "musician/artist friendly" so if you're looking for a rocking worship service this is the place.
JESUS/GOD/CHRISTIANITY???
If you want to know more about God/Jesus/Christianity, or have questions on how to be saved, the musicians for Christ have a good link that explains basic things at: http://musicians4christ.com/Jesus.html
