Chapter Twelve: Introduction
Jesus has been thinking ever more seriously about joining the Essenes. He is realizing that now is the time to solidify those plans. This chapter could have been a boring one, but there is a surprising twist to it. I can't say much about it without giving it away. One of the straightforward aspects of the chapter is the realization for Jesus that he will need some company. In my writing, first I had Jesus walking to Qumran to find the Essenes by himself, when I realized that was unrealistic. The roads to the area of the Essenes would have been dangerous with many places for bandits to hide and overtake a lone traveler. That chapter was rewritten and in this chapter I have him invite two young, strong, healthy cousins to go with him. They are good friends with each other and enjoy getting to hang out without having to actually work. The walk to Qumran won't be easy though, since the days get quite hot.
Looking ahead, in Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen, while Jesus starts his journey, I digress from Jesus to catch the reader up with John. He reconnects with his father, Zechariah and tells him everything that has happened since they last saw each other. which had been quite a few years ago. These chapters are important to set up a little later the calling of John to preach and baptize in the Jordan River.
Chapter Fifteen will resume with Jesus and his cousins starting and completing their journey, while Jesus tries to prepare for the next stage in his life, as well as process the latest development!
I am pleased to report that my novel is moving forward! The editors have done their initial editing and I have done my part of finalizing or rejecting their suggestions, which is a tedious piecemeal affair and I also did a little rewriting here and there. Now, the editors are finalizing their accepted corrections and my added changes to get the novel ready for printing. It's my first novel attempt and I'm excited!
Congratulations Marjorie!!