Christian literature often walks a fine line, steering clear of certain themes deemed incompatible with our principles. I vividly recall stumbling upon an article outlining “ten forbidden elements in Christian books,” while doing the final edits of the 2016 edition of ‘Trunk of Scrolls.’ I realized I had strayed into forbidden territory, for in my story’s world, some of these forbidden elements were integral aspects of daily life.
𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙎𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙚 𝟣: 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙑𝙞𝙣𝙚
One such forbidden aspect is the inclusion of alcohol.
In Antioch, as was also common in biblical times and the rest of the ancient world, ALCOHOL was as much a part of life as water. When we take communion week by week and month by month, we declare the Lord’s death with the fruit of the vine. “He lifted the cup.” And in the cup was wine.
In Trunk of Scrolls, during banquets and on mundane occasions, the characters do drink. The “article” also said, that if you have alcohol it has to only be the bad guys using it, and it cannot be abused. In my own story, alcohol is used (and occasionally abused) by the main characters—and it’s not shunned, but presented with empathy.
Wine in the Byzantine times adds depth and authenticity to the story’s context.
On the flip side, the Byzantines did not imbibe in the amazing warmth of tea or coffee on cold winter nights. These beverages had not yet graced the western realms. The Byzantine people, living so distant from the Far East, remained unaware of the aromatic wonders brewing in distant lands. The Silk Road may have facilitated spice exchanges, but tea remained an undiscovered treasure, and coffee was still a thing of the distant future.
𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙎𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙚 𝟤: 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘆
In the new scenes of ‘Trunk of Scrolls: Paths of Faith and Fire’ (2024 edition), the mystical tendrils of sorcery weave a forbidden tale. In the Byzantine world, sorcery was typically shunned, condemned by the masses as an aberration. However, our protagonists defy the norms, daring to embrace the enigmatic practices of a sorcerer.
As the Byzantines recoil in fear and superstition, the main characters venture into uncharted territory, navigating a world where sorcery’s strange ways become an integral part of their quest. All the while, I keep the story FIRMLY GROUNDED in historical faith and truth. (Wait!! How can she do that??)
Discover a narrative that challenges perceptions and explores the blurred boundaries between light and shadow. To become part of this transformative odyssey, read on.
The Kickstarter preorders, starting on January 9, offer an exclusive gateway to limited-number rewards. Join us on the brink of the unknown, where the forbidden becomes an invitation to unravel the extraordinary.
The countdown has begun—six days until the secrets unfurl. Don’t miss the chance to embrace the allure of the forbidden, and the lessons of Truth inherent within, in ‘Trunk of Scrolls.’
Trunk of Scrolls Kickstarter: Begins Jan 9, 2024
This is the second of five articles featuring the “forbidden” elements of Trunk of Scrolls: Paths of Faith and Fire: FORBIDDEN ELEMENTS SERIES
