New book based on Desire Of Ages

[Patrick Lawrence]

Hey all I am finally getting close to finishing the new book based on desire of ages. This is the one that covers from the garden to the cross and ressurection and is lavishly illustrated. Really it is almost graphic novel like in some ways.

Any way below you are the links to the sample pages as they stand at this moment. So please give me some feedback before we go to press

Separate image files for each page.... http://www.pwlawrence.com/temp_art/Jesus%20The%20Final%20Sacrifice%20Preview%2001/

All pages in one handy zip file..... http://www.pwlawrence.com/temp_art/Jesus...20Sacrifice.zip

[ClubV12]

I only read a few pages, it seems pretty accurate to detail, which is really important.

I recently finished reading the Desire of Ages, the original book in it's original text. I've also been comparing it to two other condensed versions. At first it was with some mixed emotions, I "think" I prefer the original version vs the condensed.

BUT, upon further reflection, these condensed, smaller, easier to read, quicker to read (Desire of Ages is a BIG read) are well suited. I've been finding that especially among the younger generations we need something "new" to capture and hold their attention. This new work with the nice illustations should help fit that parameter nicely! I'll have to pick up a copy and do an analysis on it compared to the original as well (whew, your keeping me busy). ANYTHING (that is accurate to detail) that will get people interested and reading any part of the "conflict of the ages series" is very welcome by me!!

If you read no other Ellen White books, PLEASE start reading the conflict of the ages series in ANY format you can get your hands on. I'm surprised at how many Adventists have not actually read these books for themselves. They are the crown jewel of her work and WILL bring you to the feet of Jesus.

I have become hooked on audio books for the last few months and am really enjoying listening to various editions (LOTS of EGW books are on audio) in my car CD player (mp3 format). I'm currently listening to a condensed version of Patriarchs and Prophets, "The Beginning of the End". That entire book fits on one CD. The original version took two CD's. It retains the flavor and more importantly the critical details of the story in an easy listening format.

I wish you God's speed in getting this book out as soon as possible. It will prove a great blessing to many. So,,, uh,,,, when you coming out with the audio version? :)

[Patrick Lawrence]

Thanks for the thoughtful feedback. And as you mentioned the idea for this is to get people interested with something easy to read and visualy striking. Then hopefully they will read the entire book and the rest of the series. That is one reason it has the free resources page where they can find those books and much more.

As for accuracy the onlything I did was edit down the words to flow better as a quick story. I tried to not to anything at all that would change the origial message or intent.

Oh and if all goes well we will be printing this soon. And probably in glossy magazine format so it is cheap enough to give away.

[ClubV12]

A glossy magazine type format??? Wow, what a great concept. I'll be watching for an update on this thread for how I can secure a copy. Or, send me an email when it is ready.

club427@msn.com

Ernie

[Patrick Lawrence]

Sure I will make sure to keep you and every one else updated. Hopefully we can get the price down to where it is really economical to give to people

[TWNolan]

is it me or did anyone else feel a little uneasy on some of the pictures for this revised book??

[aldona]

is it me or did anyone else feel a little uneasy on some of the pictures for this revised book??

I recognize many of them as derived from classical art works by various artists over the past few centuries.

Do they look too "Catholic"?

What about them makes you uneasy?

AJ

[Patrick Lawrence]

TWNolan you would need to be more exact on what images and why for the feedback to be of much help. But know I did take great care in choosing the images, making them and redoing them etc. Also think of this as a history of Christian art book because in many ways that is what it is also.

[ClubV12]

There is little doubt the book will meet with some controversy!!! The purists will point out the BEST way is the original book. I myself was in that camp not long ago, after reading the original. But then as I began to ask questions of others, their opinion, there take on the conflict of the ages series, I began to seen a need for condensations and short versions.

Pictures in particular are problematic, it is difficult to find really accurate to detail art work that is well done in an artistic manner. Take a picture, any picture, and I have little doubt I could pick it apart as to the details of the image. Never the less, the overall work looks good to me, I think it will serve a welcome addition in my "tool box" of reaching out to others.

I met a man the other day and spent some time talking to him. I was surprised at his very limited knowledge of the bible, even the simple stories we take for granted, he was ignorant of. A book such as this, with pictures and a condensed message would be perfect for such a man! And a blessing to those who already have substantial knowledge of the truth. Enough knowledge to look at a picture and think, "Well that isn't exactly right".

I also have folks in my neighborhood that can't read very well, or even at all! Pictures, even though not perfect, will be a tremendous help in reaching out to them.

[Patrick Lawrence]

Yes I agree if possible it is best for people to read the full version. But the hope is this version will be easy and pretty enough to get them interested. Then they will go back and read the full book.

Oh also we are planning on a spanish version. And maybe one with more modern english. But personaly I like how Ellen Whites words sound.

[ClubV12]

I am impressed with her flow of words, in many cases, the cadence and structure have an almost poetic impact. Much like the King James version of the bible, rich in it's textual delivery.

But newer versions of the bible have a been a great help in understanding it's meanings. Making it more plain to the masses. There is a place for both.

I have to admit, EGW gets a litte "wordy" at times, even to the point of repeating herself, but it's still a great read in the original text. If you can stay awake long enough to finish it.... :)

[Patrick Lawrence]

That related to what I did with this. Since the main thing was to make it work as an easy to read story I just edited down the wordyness. And also the repeated bits and where she goes off on a tangent to more fully illustrate something etc. And I tried to also keep the more poetic sounding parts.

[Dottie]

ClubV12 - -

You are the first person that I can recall who noted the Mrs. White's works, especially the Conflict Series, had the sense of being poetic. I have always thought so, but people would look at me as if they had no idea what I meant. Now I realize I'm not completely crazy.

Dottie

[Patrick Lawrence]

Nope you are not crazy at all Dottie

[Patrick Lawrence]

Thought I would post some pictures here also as I get chance.

[ClubV12]

Dottie, I know what you mean. I have found only one or two that know what "we" are talking about here. The biggest issue seems to be the very low number of SDA's who have actually READ the conflict series. ANY of the conflict series. We (SDA's) are inundated with quotes and references and such almost constantly, a GOOD thing. But, not quite the same thing, as actually reading the book(s) for yourself.

Above all else they have been the #1 blessing for me that has brought the most understanding and has clarified the beauty of Gods love. Those books are to the bible like butter is to bread. One compliments the other! Sometimes I feel the need to pray before reading one of the conflict series, that God will help me understand the little nuances that are so easy to overlook. The infered meaning or insight you get from some passage that just opens your mind and causes you to praise God. Wonderfull!

The most important thing though is to get the book(s) out there in whatever format it takes so more people can get the message!

[Gail]

Just read the Conflict set, all 5. Loved it!

[Patrick Lawrence]

They are really good Gail.

[Patrick Lawrence]

Oh by the way we are thinking about having an audio version of this book to go along with the printed version.

[Patrick Lawrence]

I have a question for any one that is interested. How much would you pay for a book like this? It will be nice glossy quality like an art book. And there will be tiered pricing depending on how many some one orders.

[ClubV12]

Hmmmm, thats a tough one without seeing the end product! I set aside a certain amount each month for my personal evangelistic monies, and having great respect for this particular work (Desire of Ages), I might be willing to pay more than the average person. Depending on how I see it fitting into the "need" in my community, not just for the church, but for my larger community.

I could see myself buying multiple copies, again, depending on the finished product and price. Tough call Patrick!

[Patrick Lawrence]

Ya I know it is tough without seeing it. But the reason I ask is this. We have the option of making it a cheaper price but also cheaper looking. Or having it cost a little more but be a higher quality product that people like tend to keep more when you share it with them. Always tough to find the right balance I think.

[Patrick Lawrence]

OK thanks to the feedback here and other places I am working on changing some of the main "Catholic" images. Here is the new page 5. http://www.pwlawrence.com/temp_art/Jesus%20The%20Final%20Sacrifice%20Preview%2001/TDA_Page_05.jpg

[Patrick Lawrence]

Just updated page 3 with another less catholic image. http://www.pwlawrence.com/temp_art/Jesus%20The%20Final%20Sacrifice%20Preview%2001/TDA_Page_03.jpg

[ClubV12]

Patrick, I don't know what, if any, picture you are using for the temptation in the wilderness chapter. When reading that I was very impressed that the evil doer first approached Jesus as a good angel, an angel of light. Jesus was not sure if it was in fact a good or bad angel at first, until he spoke the words, "IF thou be...". By his words, he identified himself, not by his appearance. Thus, it became clear who Jesus was dealing with.

So, I searched for pictures depicting this scene, a very nice and proper angel approaching Jesus. I came up empty! The only pictures I found depicted an evil angel approaching Jesus, appearance alone would have revealed his identity, which is inaccurate to an important detail of the story. We can't trust appearance!!!

The problem is, how do you do such a picture without giving the false impression that it WAS a good angel tempting Jesus, if you only had the picture to go on?

No easy solution here, I'm not making a specific recommendation, just throwing it out for consideration.