Scenes - Scene Setting, Ecclesia

6 May 2013, Scenes - Scene Setting, Ecclesia

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A scene outline is a means of writing a novel where each scene follows the other with a scene input from the previous scene and a scene output that leads to the next scene. The scenes don't necessarily have to follow directly in time and place, however they generally follow the storyline of the protagonist.

A storyline outline is a means of writing a novel where the author develops a scene outline for more than one character and bases the plot on one or more of these storyline scenes. This allows the scenes to focus on more than the protagonist. This is a very difficult means of writing. There is a strong chance of confusing your readers.

Whether you write with a scene outline or a storyline outline, you must properly develop your scenes. All novels are developed from scenes and each scene has a design similar to a novel. Every successful novel has the following basic parts:

1. The beginning
2. The rising action
3. The Climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement

Every scene has these parts:

1. The setting (where, what, who, when, how)
2. The connection (input)
3. The tension development
4. The release
5. The output

There are many approaches to scene setting. That means there are about a million plus ways you can set a scene. The main point is you have to clearly get across the where, when, who, what, and how.

Here is another example of scene setting from the novel, Aksinya. I'm giving you examples from the book so you can see different ways of introducing and writing a scene. In each snippet, you get the scene setting, the tension and release, and the input and output. This isn't true of every example, but the pieces should be there, and I've been trying to identify for you when all the pieces aren't evident. You can use these ideas to guide your own writing. Make sure you set the scene properly, then make everything come to life through the narration and conversation.

Here is the scene setting and the input into the next scene.  We start with the basics of place--the church.  I don't use Ecclesia because I want the reader to focus on the fact it is a church.  The time is late--the lights are off except in the rectory.  This means it is night and past the time of the services for the evening.  Aksinya has already taken possession of Dobrushin.  Her actions are not meant to show any subservience, but rather her decision to possess him.

When they arrived at the church, the lights were off except in the rectory.  Father Dobrushin helped Aksinya down from the carriage and they walked together to the door.  Aksinya held onto his arm.  She kept very close to him.

At Father Dobrushin’s knock, Father Makar answered the door to the rectory.  It was the same door Aksinya had fallen before when she came there to confess and be absolved.  The moment he saw them, Father Makar pressed his lips together and tried to shut the door.  Father Dobrushin held it open with his hand, “Please Father Makar.  We need you to do something for us.”

“Dobrushin, I told you before, I don’t want to have anything to do with… her.”

“This last thing we need from you.  Only you can do it for us.”

“If it has to do with the imaginary demon, you are both insane.”

They heard the voice of Ekaterina from the kitchen, “Makaruska, let them in.  There is no reason our friends should stand out in the cold night.  We have tea and a warm kitchen.”

Father Makar snarled, but he stepped out of the door way, “You are welcome only because of her.”

What has Dobrushin not told Aksinya?  We shall discover.  Father Makar has become completely antagonistic to Aksinya and Dobrushin--only Ekaterina is the reason Aksinya and Dobrushin are allowed in.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: I am awaiting for you to write a detailed installment on identifying, and targeting your audience, or audiences...ie, multi-layered story, for various audiences...like CS Lewis did. JustTake care, and keep up the writing; I am enjoying it, and learning a lot.

For more information, you can visit my author sitewww.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

A New Novel, Part 306 Amen

6 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 306 Amen

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We come to the end of the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  The prayers continue...

Ekaterina, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar prayed, “God, our God, who were present in Cana of Galilee, and blessed the marriage there, bless these servants of yours also, who by your providence have been joined in the communion of marriage.  Bless their goings out and their comings in.  Fill their life with good things. Take up their crowns…” he took the crowns from their heads and placed them on the altar, “…in your Kingdom, unspotted and unblemished, and keep them without offence to the ages of ages.”

“Amen.”

Father Makar, “Peace to all.”

Ekaterina, “And to your spirit.”

Dobrushin, “Bow your heads to the Lord.”

Ekaterina, “To you, O Lord.”

Father Makar prayed, “May Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the all-holy, consubstantial Trinity, origin of life, the one Godhead and Kingship, bless you and grant you long life, fair offspring, progress in life and faith, and fill you with every good thing on earth, and count you worthy of the promised good things of the enjoyment of heaven, at the prayers of the Mother of God and of all the Saints.”

“Amen.”

Father Makar stated a loud voice, “Glory to you, Christ God, our hope, glory to you.  Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

“Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy Father, give the blessing.  May he who by his presence at Cana declared marriage honorable, Christ our true God, through the prayers of his all-pure Mother, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, of the holy Sovereigns crowned by God and Equals of the Apostles, Constantine and Helen, of the holy great Martyr Prokopios and all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.  Through the prayers of our holy fathers Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us.

“Amen.”

We have reached the end of the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  There is the final blessing and the final prayer.  Father Makar pronounces them married then the final Amen.

Here is the secret in this.  They are not really married in terms of either the church, the ancient world, the Jews, or almost any other religious agency or group.  Marriage is only official at consummation.  This is one of the points of the Book of Tobit and in the ancient world.  The ceremony of the sacrament is a pleasant and important step, but until they become "one flesh," they are not married.  Tomorrow, an important conversation.

A New Novel, Part 303 You Declared Marriage Honorable

3 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 303 You Declared Marriage Honorable

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We are continuing with the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  The prayers continue...

Ekaterina, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar, “Lord almighty, the God of our fathers, we pray you, hear and have mercy.”

Ekaterina, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar, “Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.”

Ekaterina, “Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar, “Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and forgiveness of sins for the servants of God, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin and Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, and for the people here present, who await your great and rich mercy.”

Ekaterina, “Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar prayed, “For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.”

“Amen.”

Dobrushin, “Let us pray to the Lord.”

Ekaterina, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar prayed again, “Lord, our God, who in your saving dispensation were pleased in Cana of Galilee to declare marriage honorable by your presence, now too preserve in peace and concord your servants, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin and Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, whom you have been well-pleased to be joined to each another. Declare their marriage honorable; keep their marriage bed undefiled; be well pleased for their life together to be without spot; and grant that they may reach a ripe old age, carrying out your commandments with a pure heart.  For you are our God, a God who has and who saves, and to you we give glory, together with your Father who has no beginning, and your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.” 

“Amen.”

Father Makar prayed, “Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by your grace.”

Ekaterina, “Lord, have mercy.”

Ekaterina replied after each petition, “Grant this, O Lord.”

There isn't much to be said about today's portion.  This is the continuing of the prayers in the Orthodox wedding service.  These remind us that in the Orthodox view, Christ Himself ordained marriage to be undefiled and pure by His presence at the wedding at Cana.  These prayers are for the purity of the marriage.  Tomorrow, the Lord's Prayer.

A New Novel, Part 300 The Crowning

31 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 300 The Crowning

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We are continuing with the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  Father Makar continues with the marriage prayers...

Dobrushin called, “Let us pray to the Lord.”

Ekaterina replied, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar prayed again, “Holy God, who fashioned man from dust, and from his rib built up a woman and yoked her to him as a helper like himself, for it was not pleasing to your greatness for man to be alone on earth, do you, Master, now send forth your hand from your holy dwelling, and link…”  He put Dobrushin’s right hand in Aksinya’s.  She held it tightly while Father Makar continued to pray, “…your servant Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin and your servant Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, because it is by you that a wife is linked to her husband. Yoke them together in likeness of mind. Crown them into one flesh. Grant them fruit of the womb, enjoyment of fair offspring. For yours is the might, and yours the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.”

“Amen.”

Father Makar took the two crowns from the altar.  He lifted the silver one over Dobrushin’s head, “The servant of God, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin, takes as his crown the servant of God, Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”  He lowered the crown on Dobrushin’s head while stating this three times.  Then he made the sign of the cross three times on each of them.

Father Makar took the gold crown and held it over Aksinya’s head, “The servant of God, Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, takes as her crown the servant of God, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”  He said this three times as he slowly lowered the crown to her head.  He made the sign of the cross three times on each of them again.

He chanted three times, “Lord our God, crown them with honor and glory.”

Now we get to the crowning.  The crowning is the high point in an Orthodox wedding.  The significance of the crowns is they represent the marriage of Christ with the church.  The woman represents the church, her crown is silver, and the man represents Christ, his crown is gold.  The man's crown is placed on the woman and the woman's crown on the man.  The rings of betrothal then during their lives represent the crowns.

The point in this scene and in this novel is that marriage represents an important element in Christian thought.  Aksinya was crowned before this through her reliance (you could say faith) in Christ.  Do you remember whom she told the demon now owns her soul.  The marriage directly represents this point of salvation.  Further, now the crown of Christ is a crown that represents Dobrushin.  The image isn't that Dobrushin is Christ or that Aksinya is the church, but rather that Christian faith and the imagery of the novel is being played out in this ceremony.  That is the point.  It will have more meaning in the context of what happens in the next chapter.  Tomorrow, prayers following the crowning.

A New Novel, Part 296 The Betrothal is Complete

27 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 296 The Betrothal is Complete

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We are continuing with the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  The betrothal is first...

Dobrushin announced, “Let us pray to the Lord.”

Ekaterina, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar prayed, “Lord our God, you journeyed with the servant of the Patriarch Abraham in Mesopotamia when he was sent to obtain a wife for his lord Isaac, and by means of drawing water you revealed that he should betroth Rebecca. Bless the betrothal of your servants Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin and Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna and make firm the word that they have spoken. Confirm them with the holy unity that comes from you. For it was you who in the beginning created male and female, and it is by you that woman is linked to man as a helper and for the continuation of the human race. Therefore, Lord our God, who sent truth out to your inheritance and your promise to your servants, our fathers, your elect in every generation, look on your servant Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin and your servant Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, and make firm their betrothal in faith and concord and truth and love. For it is you, Lord, who declared that times a pledge is to be given and made firm in everything. By a ring authority was given to Joseph in Egypt. By a ring Daniel was glorified in the country of Babylon. By a ring the truth of Thamar was revealed. By a ring our heavenly Father showed compassion to the prodigal son. For he said, ‘Put a ring on his hand and bring out and slay the fatted calf, and let us eat and be joyful’. It was your right hand, Lord, that armed Moses at the Red Sea, for through your true word the heavens were made firm and the earth set on its foundations. And the right hand of your servants will be blessed by your mighty word and by your upraised arm. Therefore, Master, with your heavenly blessing now bless also this putting-on of rings. And may an Angel of the Lord go before them all the days of their lives. For you are the One who blesses and sanctifies all things, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

They said, “Amen.”

Father Makar announced, “The betrothal is complete.  Now we can begin the crowning and marriage.”  He continued, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.  Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.  It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.  Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!  He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.  Blessed are those who fear the Lord.”

The entire betrothal and marriage is a metaphor for this entire novel.  Do not forget that Aksinya and the demon are contracted.  Aksinya has declared her new allegiance, but she is still bound to the demon.  A marriage is a contract, a covenant.  Aksinya and Dobrushin are making a contract and the rings are their surety.  The rings represent themselves.  They are betrothed.

This is a metaphor through the entire novel, that is, marriage is the picture of Aksinya's relationship with the demon, with Dobrushin, with Christ, and with God.  The imagery of Rebbecca and Issac continues.

The imagery of the rings is brought out in the prayer.  Then the betrothal is complete and the marriage begins.  This begins with the preface prayer.  Tomorrow, the marriage continues.

A New Novel, Part 295 Peace to All

26 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 295 Peace to All

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We are continuing with the Orthodox marriage ceremony...

Father Makar, “For to you belong all glory, honor and worship, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.”

Ekaterina, Dobrushin, and Aksinya answered, “Amen.”

Dobrushin bowed his head, “Let us pray to the Lord.”

Ekaterina replied, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar prayed, “Eternal God, who brought into unity what had been separated and establish an unbreakable bond of agreement; who blessed Isaac and Rebecca, and declared them to be the heirs of your promise; bless these servants of yours also, guiding them in every good work.  Because you, O God, are merciful and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.”

The others answered, “Amen.”

Father Makar, “Peace to all.”

Matushka Ekaterina, “And to your spirit.”

Dobrushin stated, “Bow your heads to the Lord.”

Matushka Ekaterina answered, “To you, O Lord.”

Father Makar prayed, “Lord, our God, who once betrothed yourself to the Church from the nations as a pure virgin, bless this betrothal, and unite and preserve these servants of yours in peace and concord.  For to you belong all glory, honor and worship, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.”

They all replied, “Amen.”

Father Makar approached the altar.  The rings sat beside a golden dish near the center of the Holy Table.  The gold ring was on the left and the silver ring on the right.  They touched one another.  Also on the table were two crowns, one golden and one silver and a golden cup.  Father Makar placed the rings on the dish and turned first to Dobrushin.  He took the gold ring and with it made the sign of the cross three times on Dobrushin’s forehead, “The servant of God Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin betroths himself to the servant of God Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”  Father Makar took the silver ring and with it made the sign of the cross three times on Aksinya’s forehead, “The servant of God Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna betroths herself to the servant of God Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”  He then placed the rings on their right fingers.

With a smile, Matushka Ekaterina exchanged the rings between Aksinya and Dobrushin.

Father Makar completes the prayers.  If you look carefully at them, they provide themselves a metaphor to everything that has been happening in the novel.  First Rebecka and Issac then God to the church.  These precede the betrothal through the giving of the rings. 

The rings are symbols of perfection and eternity.  They are gold and silver.  The woman wears the golden ring representing the husband's dedication, and the man wears the silver ring that represents the wife's dedication.  The rings are placed on the right and opposite person's fingers.  They are then exchanged to the proper person's right hand ring fingers.  The wedding band on the left hand is an American trait and not a European or orthodox tradition.

A New Novel, Part 294 Do You Wish to Marry this Man?

25 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 294 Do You Wish to Marry this Man?

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We are continuing with the Orthodox marriage ceremony...

Father Makar turned and censed the sanctuary in the sign of the cross.  He stepped through the doors and continued to cense in the shape of a cross at each step.  Dobrushin stepped behind Father Makar and Aksinya still on his arm came with him.  Behind them followed Ekaterina.

Father Makar continued onto the platform and to the altar.  Dobrushin stopped just before the platform.  After Father Makar censed the altar, he put the censer in its stand and returned to them.  He turned to Aksinya, “Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, do you wish to marry this man, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin?”

“I do wish to marry him.”

“Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin, do you wish to marry this woman, Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna?”

“I do.  Master, give the blessing.”

Father Makar’s brow rose in surprise that Dobrushin spoke the deacon’s part but he continued, “Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.”

Ekaterina pronounced, “Amen.”

Father Makar stated, “In peace, let us pray to the Lord.”

Ekaterina replied, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar prayed, and after each petition, Ekaterina replied “Lord, have mercy.”  He started, “For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.  For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.  For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.  For Tikhon of Moscow 11th Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, for the honored order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.  For the servant of God Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin and the servant of God Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, who are now being betrothed to one another, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.  That they may be granted children for the continuation of the race and all their requests that are for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.  That there may sent down to them perfect and peaceful love and help, let us pray to the Lord.  That they may be kept in concord and sure faith, let us pray to the Lord.  That they may be blessed with concord and sure faith, let us pray to the Lord.  That they may be preserved with a blameless manner and way of life, let us pray to the Lord.  That the Lord, our God, may grant them honorable marriage and a bed without defilement, let us pray to the Lord.  For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, let us pray to the Lord.  Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.  Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.”

Matushka Ekaterina replied, “To you, O Lord.”

Okay, here with go with the whole 9 yards.  I did cut the prayers a little, as you will see, but in general, I give you it all.  Now, an Orthodox marriage is like this.  First there is a betrothal.  The betrothal can go for a year or a minute before the actual marriage.  You must have the betrothal.  Then there is the marriage itself.  The couple is not married at the end of the betrothal--they are at the end of the marriage.

After cleansing (censing) the altar, the first step is the declaration.  This is the question of intent for the marriage (betrothal).  The bride then the groom is asked.  Dobrushin recites the deacon's part and surprises Father Makar.  Ekaterina should not technically do the deacon's part, so Dobrushin is taking a burden from Makar and from Ekaterina.  Then the prayers begin.  Okay the prayers are long--that's why I condensed them a little.  Tomorrow, more prayers. 

A New Novel, Part 293 Do You Have the Rings?

24 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 293 Do You Have the Rings?

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  This is the beginning of the Orthodox marriage ceremony...

Properly accoutered for his role to administer a sacrament, he lit the incense and prepared the altar.  All the while, Aksinya and Dobrushin waited in the Narthex.

The scent of the incense came first to Aksinya.  She breathed it in.  Her heart was full.  She felt nothing but joy.  Perhaps it was impossible for her to feel apprehension anymore.  Still, the crucifix between her breasts did not burn, and she felt no pain in her body.  She was excited and filled with desire, but that didn’t seem to bother her at all.

Finally, Matushka Ekaterina entered the narthex.  She placed Aksinya on the left and Dobrushin on the right.  Then she asked, “Dobrushin, do you have the rings?”

Dobrushin searched in the pockets of his vest and brought out a box.  He placed this in Ekaterina’s outstretched hands.  Aksinya watched wide-eyed.  Ekaterina noticed.  She opened the box for her, and Aksinya saw two simple bands, one silver and one gold.  Aksinya sighed, she clasped more tightly to Dobrushin’s arm.  Ekaterina took the box with the rings into the sanctuary and stepped to the altar, the Holy Table.  Through the Holy Doors of the sanctuary, Aksinya saw Father Makar take the rings from the box and place them on the altar.  He picked up the censer.  From the Christ candle, Ekaterina lit two small candles then she led Father Makar back to the Holy Doors where Aksinya and Dobrushin waited.

Father Makar entered the narthex and came first to Dobrushin.  He made the sign of the cross once on Dobrushin’s forehead, then on Aksinya’s forehead.  He repeated the sign a second and then a third time on their foreheads.  Ekaterina handed the lighted candles to Father Makar and he gave one to Dobrushin and one to Aksinya.

Father Makar turned and censed the sanctuary in the sign of the cross.  He stepped through the doors and continued to cense in the shape of a cross at each step.  Dobrushin stepped behind Father Makar and Aksinya still on his arm came with him.  Behind them followed Ekaterina.

I debated whether to give you the whole of the chapter and the whole of the marriage ceremony.  I decided that the imagery was too important to leave out.  This is a piece of history that may never be found in this kind of source again.  I do this in many of my novels.  I will admit that I did condense the Orthodox Mass in Hestia, but that was at the advice of one of my prepub readers.  I like to include the entirety of documents and historical information.  That is part of my style and part of the way I ensure historical accuracy.

Father Makar is ready to begin the ceremony.  He prepares the altar.  Then I give you Aksinya's impression of the scene.  This is an important part of the scene setting for the marriage.  Through Aksinya, I show you many important points.  First, the smells of the place.  Second, her joy.  Third, her lack of pain (her reconciliation with God).  Fourth, her excitement and desire.  It is a proper desire now--she feels no guilt.

Ekaterina places Aksinya and Dobrushin then asks for the rings.  Do you notice, Aksinya didn't expect for there to be rings.  She likely knew there should be rings, but Dobrushin has prepared.  He has a ring for her and a ring for him.  Ekaterina shows the rings to Aksinya.  Aksinya's response is to cling more tightly to Dobrushin--this has become a metaphor for her love and acceptance of him. 

The next step is the blessing of the rings.  Ekaterina gets the candles, and she and Father Makar come to the Narthex.  We see the events in the marriage ceremony.  We begin outside the Nave with the blessing of the bride and groom.  Then they are given candles to enter.  They enter the nave with the censer blessing each step.  Aksinya still clings to Dobrushin.  Tomorrow, at the altar.

A New Novel, Part 291 I Will Not Untie Your Crowns Either

22 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 291 I Will Not Untie Your Crowns Either

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  Aksinya asks Father Makar to marry them.  Ekaterina encourages her husband...

Ekaterina put her hand on Father Makar’s, “Makaruska, do you really wish them to be wed anywhere but here?  They intend to do this.  You know Dobrushin’s purpose.  Grant them this small gift.  I shall witness and you shall witness.  Anything else would be wrong.  You know that.”

Father Makar sighed, “I do understand.  I just do not want to encourage this foolishness.”

Ekaterina stared at him, “This is not a sin.  There is nothing wrong with marriage or marrying them.  She is a Princess.  He is the son of a Count.  Their ranks are unmatched but acceptable.  They would not come here together like this if they did not both agree.  Do this for them and that will be the end of it all.”

“The end of it all?” asked Aksinya around Dobrushin.

“The end of these matters that have plagued Father Makar since you came to the Ecclesia last year.”

Aksinya turned them a curious look.

Dobrushin quickly continued, “Please, Father Makar, marry us and that will be the last favor I ask of you.  We will go, and you will likely not see us again.”

“I will marry you, but you will not stay under this roof any more.  I told you that when you left before.  That means I will not untie your crowns either.”

“I understand.  That was the agreement we made.”

“Come then.  Quickly.”

They stood.  Dobrushin helped Aksinya take off her new coat.  Ekaterina kissed Aksinya’s cheeks.  She brushed Aksinya’s lengthening hair.  Then they entered the Ecclesia together

We have seen a lot that be knew about Father Makar, but we also discovered much that we didn't.  Much of this has been implied but not shown directly.  In this conversation, we learn about reasons and times and estrangement.

Ekaterina wants Father Makar to marry them--she doesn't see any harm in it.  She may or may not know what Dobrushin and Aksinya plan.  We get some indications that both Father Makar and Ekaterina know.  I don't give you this insight.  Ekaterina strongly gives the impression that they know.  She says:  "You know Dobrushin’s purpose.  Grant them this small gift."

The completion of this idea is then:  “I do understand.  I just do not want to encourage this foolishness.”  Ekaterina makes the argument for Aksinya and Dobrushin.  Then we get a repeat of information you might have wondered about.  Ekaterina says it clearly here.  To the church and to these people, the noble ranks are still important.

Watch Aksinya's response.  She is not cowering behind Dobrushin, but he is her cover and her protection.  She has to speak around him to get to Makar and Ekaterina.  Then Ekaterina tells them all that Makar has had a problem with all this since Aksinya showed up at their door.  It was the door Dobrushin opened for Aksinya.

Father Makar relents with Dobrushin's request--he begs, but Father Makar makes clear, he doesn't want Dobrushin and Aksinya to remain in the rectory.  He knows what is going on and will not give them the protection of the Ecclesia against the demon.  The demon, in Makar's mind is imaginary after all.  Ekaterina isn't sure what to believe.  She fights for the marriage, but not for the right to stay.  This is unsaid and not that important to the plot, but it is the unspoken undercurrent here.

The reference to untying the crowns refers to the crowns that are placed on the heads of a couple when they are married.  In the past, they wore these crowns for a week and at a ceremony in the church, their crowns were untied.  This was likely due to the fact that the crowns were commonly owned by the church and loaned for the wedding. Today, most just buy their own crowns.  The ceremony of untying the crowns is still done in many Orthodox churches.  There is an important metaphor here.  Though Aksinya and Dobrushin will be married, their crowns will not be untied.  They will be united in this permanently.  This was intentional.  Father Makar means that he will not lend the crowns to them for the week--we see in it, that their crowns will be permanent.  This is a subtheme in the book--that of marriage and everything around it.

There is more to this than anyone is speaking.  Listen to Dobrushin:  “I understand.  That was the agreement we made.”  Makar and Dobrushin already worked this out.  Father Makar needed convincing again.  Perhaps he thought Aksinya would be convicted by the courts and Dobrushin would not have any chance of marrying her.  Again, there is much that was not said here.

Now, look at the preparation: Dobrushin helped Aksinya take off her new coat.  Ekaterina kissed Aksinya’s cheeks.  She brushed Aksinya’s lengthening hair.  Then they entered the Ecclesia together.  This is all a metaphor in these simple statements.  Aksinya had not taken off her coat.  He takes it off her.  This is the simple welcoming to the Ecclesia.  It also is significant that he bought it for her, and that he took it off her.  Do you remember her dress?  It is white wool--a dress suitable for a virgin bride.  Then Ekaterina kisses Aksinya.  Aksinya was welcomed before, but this is official.  It is the welcome of one bride to another.  Ekaterina brushes Aksinya's hair.  You know the hair image.  Aksinya's contract was with the demon--now Aksinya will enter into a contract with Dobrushin.  There is great power in this.  Note, the hair is lengthening.  Tomorrow, the marriage begins.

A New Novel, Part 288 You Are Welcome Only Because of Her

19 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 288 You Are Welcome Only Because of Her

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can get rid of the demon.  They believe they know how to end this problem.  They need to be married by contract in the church.  That is the first step.  They go to the Ecclesia for this reason...

When they arrived at the church, the lights were off except in the rectory.  Father Dobrushin helped Aksinya down from the carriage and they walked together to the door.  Aksinya held onto his arm.  She kept very close to him.

At Father Dobrushin’s knock, Father Makar answered the door to the rectory.  It was the same door Aksinya had fallen before when she came there to confess and be absolved.  The moment he saw them, Father Makar pressed his lips together and tried to shut the door.  Father Dobrushin held it open with his hand, “Please Father Makar.  We need you to do something for us.”

“Dobrushin, I told you before, I don’t want to have anything to do with… her.”

“This last thing we need from you.  Only you can do it for us.”

“If it has to do with the imaginary demon, you are both insane.”

They heard the voice of Ekaterina from the kitchen, “Makaruska, let them in.  There is no reason our friends should stand out in the cold night.  We have tea and a warm kitchen.”

Father Makar snarled, but he stepped out of the door way, “You are welcome only because of her.”

Aksinya and Father Dobrushin followed Father Makar into the kitchen.  Ekaterina was standing.  She embraced Aksinya and kissed her cheeks, “We heard you had been freed, and it was all because of Dobrushin.”

“Yes,” Aksinya still held to Father Dobrushin with one hand.  She put her other arm around Ekaterina, “Father Dobrushin defended me.  I am not going to prison.”

Scene setting is necessary here.  You know the Ecclesia and the rectory.  I remind you this is a church.  The description I give you shows the attention of Father Dobrushin and Aksinya.  She has totally decided to put her trust in her bridegroom (there is that metaphor again).

We see the estrangement between Father Makar and Father Dobrushin.  This is sad because they were great friends.  I remind you of the circumstances that brought Aksinya here in the first place.  This is important and you realize this, but I wanted the picture to be in your mind.  Do you remember Father Dobrushin carrying Aksinya into the rectory? 

Father Makar rejects them.  They are like Aksinya before seeking sucress and help.  Father Makar does not want to help them.  Father Dobrushin is not above begging for this help--just as Aksinya begged before this same door.  They knocked...do you see the metaphor in this?

Father Makar rejects Aksinya and all she represents.  He thinks she is insane and his friend is insane to believe her.  Ekaterina speaks for them both.  She welcomes them--remember who was the strength in the Ecclesia.  They are only welcome because of Ekaterina.

I want to remind you of Aksinya's savior in the trial.  This is a metaphor too.  Ekaterina shows you this through her words and actions.  She welcomes Aksinya completely.  Aksinya demonstrates this too--she will not let go of Dobrushin.  Tomorrow, the question and some revelations.

A New Novel, Part 252 Everything was the Demon's Doing

13 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 252 Everything was the Demon's Doing 

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya has faced the Ecclesiastical trial.  She and many of her friends were found guilty.  The last we heard, we realized she was going to a secular trail...

Aksinya woke in the dreary cell they had assigned her under the Rathaus at Wien.  She was alone.  Frau Becker had allowed her to take the blankets marked with the bloody crosses at each corner.  She still wore the dress Ekaterina had given her.  Sloppy crosses in her blood still marked it also.  Aksinya felt somewhat safe.  She recited her rosary.  That was her true comfort.

She heard steps outside her cell and rose from her knees to sit on the hard cot she had here.  There was a knock on the door to warn her and the guard called out, “Fraulein, prepare yourself and stand away from the door.”

Aksinya knew the drill by now, “I’m ready.”

The small hatch at eye level in the door opened.  The matron glanced inside.  Aksinya showed her hands, and a heavy key clanked in the lock.  The door opened.  The matron nodded to her.  A male guard stood behind her.  The matron motioned, “Your priest and a Frau are here to visit you.  I will remain with you, if you wish.”

Aksinya shook her head.

Father Dobrushin and Mataruska Ekaterina entered the cell.

Aksinya smiled then that turned down a little, “Where is Father Makar?”

Ekaterina and Father Dobrushin glanced at one another.  Ekaterina shifted her mouth, “He would not come.”

Aksinya glanced down.  When she looked up again, the cell door was shut and the two stood alone with her.  Aksinya tried to smile again.  She opened her hands, “It isn’t much more than I had at the Ecclesia…”

Ekaterina sat beside Aksinya and put her arms around her.

Aksinya sniffled, “Aren’t you afraid you will be tainted by me.  Everyone else who has befriended me has been ruined.”

Ekaterina held her closer and clucked, “Don’t be foolish.  We know all about you.  We won’t abandon you.”

“You should.”

Father Dobrushin stuck his hands behind his back, “We will not.”  He waited a moment then asked, “Why did you leave the Ecclesia?  I told you not to go.”

“I had to find Natalya.  I had to know if she was alive.  I love her.  I didn’t realize…”

“You didn’t realize…”

“All of that was the demon’s doing.  He visited me while I was in the Cardinal’s house.  He told me he had planned everything.”  Tears choked Aksinya’s words, “He told me he allowed my family to be killed.”

Ekaterina pulled Aksinya’s head against her and stroked her hair.

Here is the author's free transition.  We ended the last chapter with the judgement of the ecclesiastical trial.  The assumption is that Aksinya will face a secular trial.  The details of the time spent between the ecclesiastical trial and the secular trial are important, but there is no reason to move at a slow pace through them.  Within a novel, the author can more time at a pace reasonable to the action.  The action will be slow.  The point is to only write exciting and important scenes (they all should be both important and exciting).  So, instead of showing all the dreary details most of which you can guess, we move directly to the next important scene.

We start with scene setting.  The who, when, where, what, etc.  Immediately you can guess it is the morning, Aksinya wakes.  She is in a cell under the Rathaus.  She is alone.  She has her blankets and the single dress she has been wearing, unwashed, for days and perhaps weeks.  She recites the rosary.  There isn't much more I need to tell the reader.  You can build the scene from the information provided.  Whatever your idea of a dreary cell is sufficient and all that the writer should inject.  If the cell is different in any way, for example, a flower sat in a bucket in the corner.  That is a reason to describe more for you.  If there are cracks in the cell, then I don't need to tell you that unless the cracks have a metaphorical meaning or the cracks will come into play later in the work.  Remember, nothing extraneous should be included in the writing.  Everything must have a purpose.

The action begins with Aksinya, but moves very quickly to the special action.  The guards come to the door, and you get more details of the process of security before allowing visitors.  I also give you the impression of time and repetition by calling attention to the "drill."

We see the first visit by Father Dobrushin and Mataruska Ekaterina to Aksinya.  You know why this is important and this visit allows me to tell you much about Aksinya's confinement and the secular trial that is about to occur.

The theme for this scene and section is the destruction of Aksinya's friends.  The kickoff for this theme is Father Makar.  Perhaps he was not really Aksinya's friend, but because he fears for his place in the community and the Orthodox Church, he will not visit her.  You know he was trying to protect and yet keep everyone away from Aksinya.  Aksinya makes the correct observation: "Everyone else who has befriended me has been ruined.”  Father Dobrushin reassures Aksinya that they won't abandon her.  The words of Father Dobrushin are very important.

Aksinya makes another observation that is important: “All of that was the demon’s doing."  From the moment Aksinya called the demon, everything that has happened has been the results of the demon's actions.  We will discover much more about the results of the demon's actions and the ecclesiastical trial tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 251 You are Meaningless Now

12 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 251 You are Meaningless Now

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

During the ecclesiastical trial, once the Archinquisitor succeeds in determining there is a witness to Aksinya's sorcery and after Natalya, Ernst, and Sister Margarethe acknowledge Aksinya's sorcery, the Archinquisitor is ready to pronounce judgement...

The Archinquisitor smiled, “I think the guilt of all these individuals can be attributed to the Princess Aksinya.  Therefore, I am ready to pronounce my verdict on all of them.  This verdict shall stand unless revoked by Rome.”  He paused for a moment then continued, “If I had the authority, I would ask that you,” he pointed at Aksinya, “be burned at the stake.  I don’t have that power, therefore, I pronounce the Princess Aksinya guilty of necromancy and sorcery.  She is not Catholic and therefore cannot be excommunicated.  She shall be denied communion and succor from the Holy Catholic Church all her life long.  She is a notorious sinner who has brought many to ruin.  She will not be allowed in any building or property owned by this Church.  She shall not be acknowledged by any leader of the Holy Catholic Church as nobility nor aristocracy.  She is to be shunned by commoner and noble alike until her life ends.  This edict with a similar recommendation shall be sent to the Orthodox Church and to all other official Christian bodies.  They shall judge her themselves.”

Aksinya smiled and nodded.

“As to these others.”

Aksinya growled, “I accept your punishment.  It is just.  Do not judge these others.  I renounce any association with them.”

The Archinquisitor chuckled, “They must answer for their own sins.  It is not up to you to judge, little girl.  Herr von Taaffe, you are allowed communion after proper repentance and penance to be determined by the Cardinal of Wien.  You are accused and guilty of seduction and acquaintance with sorcery.  Repent of this, and you shall be freely given the succor of your Holy Church.  Equally, you, Sister Margarethe, are guilty of acquaintance with sorcery.  You shall not be allowed to teach for the rest of your life.  After proper repentance and penance, you shall be allowed to continue as a novice of your community until such time as your Reverend Mother and Abbot shall accept you into the Holy Orders again.”  He took a deep breath, “You, Lady Natalya are a victim of this woman.  Upon repentance and penance and if you are confirmed within our community, I allow you to join with our Holy Catholic Church.”

Aksinya’s lips turned slightly up.  That quickly became a frown.

The Archinquisitor continued, “Reverend Mother Kluge, you allowed this sorceress to enter Sacré Coeur and bewitch your sisters and your students.  You shall be reduced to a sister of your order and not hold the position of Reverend Mother again.  The Abbot, Father Abend, is equally guilty of this sin and shall also be reduced to a priest without authority until properly elevated.  I pronounce the school, Sacré Coeur, to be closed until a full accounting of the evil that was committed within it is determined and purged.  It shall open again only under these conditions are met.”

The Reverend Mother gave a cry.  The sisters around her held to her.

“The convent shall be under a full review and shall accept penance until the time the Cardinal of Wien shall lift that penance.  No new novices shall be accepted nor sisters elevated until that time.”

Aksinya panted, “You already had planned all this before you heard anything, didn’t you?”

“You, little girl have nothing to say to me.  You are meaningless now.  You will soon face your accusers in another court, a court of secular law, and you should pray they are as lenient as I.”    

Aksinya stood, “I accept the just punishment for my sins.  I admit to them and confess them all to you.”  She dropped to her knees, “I beg your pardon for any and all suffering I have caused.  I have no excuse for my actions.  I only wish I could take your suffering on myself.  Forgive all these.  Please, in the name of God, forgive them and only punish me.”

The Archinquisitor made a dismissive motion with his hand and signaled for the guards, “Your penance and pleas come much too late, little girl.”

So, now we realize the reason for the trial and for the Archinquisitor's actions.  His purpose was not to simply try Aksinya, but rather to determine the quilt of as many other people whose lives Aksinya touched.  You can see this was the demon's purpose as well.  Asmodeus told Aksinya that he would destroy as many of her friends as possible.  The Archinquisitor is simply doing the job of the demon.  He is very effective at it.

The Archinquisitor starts: “I think the guilt of all these individuals can be attributed to the Princess Aksinya.  Therefore, I am ready to pronounce my verdict on all of them."  This is the authority of the Archinquisitor.  He pronounces his judgement.  Notice how detailed his punishment is.  You might think he practiced it--for effect.

Aksinya accepts the punishment--to her this is just.  She wanted to be punished and although she imagines this punishment won't affect her much (it will in the future), she accepts it.  But then the Archinquisitor moves on to "the others."

The Archinquisitor calls Aksinya, "little girl," again.  Remember, this is the exact term the demon used.  The Archinquisitor moves on to Ernst.  Ernst seduced Natalya and acknowledge he had a part in sorcery.  We might imagine these punishments as small and unimportant--the result will be devastating.  The idea at this time in the world for a person to be condemned by the Church has social and cultural repercussions.  The simple point that Ernst was found guilty of seduction will destroy his reputation.  His penance, required by the Church, will destroy his position in the community.
The Archinquisitor doesn't stop with Ernst, the Sister Margarethe falls under his judgement.  Remember that the sister loved to teach.  Her whole life was teaching--that is until she met Aksinya.  Her whole life was the Church and her order.  Everything important in the life of Sister Margarethe has been wiped out in a second.

Natalya gets off easy.  She already confessed to seduction, sexual relations with Ernst, and being an apprentice to a sorceress.  Her life in Wien is ruined.  The reason Aksinya's lips turned up is because she imagines that Natalya will never wish to be a member of the Catholic Church.  On the other hand, there are many reasons Natalya might wish to become a member of the Catholic Church.

The Archinquisitor moves on to the Reverend Mother and the Abbot.  He wipes out their loves and their lives.  He closes Sacré Coeur.  So the Reverend Mother loses both her position and the school she loves.  The same for the Abbot.

The convent doesn't escape the Archinquisitor.

Aksinya tries to stop the Archinquisitor.  She should know be now that she can't stop the evil of the demon.  That evil is expressed at this point by the Archinquisitor.  He reminds her that she will soon face another court.  He is gloating--just as the demon likes to gloat.  Aksinya pushes her last defense: "Forgive all these.  Please, in the name of God, forgive them and only punish me.”  Unfortunately, Aksinya's penance comes too late for the Archinquisitor.  It always is too late.  This is the end of chapter 18.  Tomorrow, we begin chapter 19 with scene and chapter setting.