I wanted to write an epic tale of life and death; a classic struggle between good and evil, a historical documentary that renews interest in an age of mystery and intrigue; to show a visually stunning image of harsh reality, full of back-stabbing characters, bribery, broken trust, culture clashes, fresh chances, and men and women who overcome overwhelming odds.
I sought to tell a suspenseful story of bravery, valor, destruction, and lust. I hoped to give an opulent look at the rich and famous, including their misgivings, greed, power-plays, and secret lives of infidelity, lies, and corporate corruption.
I welcomed the thought of sharing a heart-felt, feel-good, tear-jerker with all of the love, sorrow, joy, pain and passion you could ever hope for. A creative celebration of poetry and music. A sweeping journey through time and space, full of lush landscapes and distant galaxies. A voyage through past, present, and future.
To relay a compelling courtroom drama, with all the trappings of murder, investigation, deceit, false accusations, thievery, law and order, justice and vindication. To unleash unfathomable cruelty, suffering and torture, anger and hurt. A frightening voyeur into the criminal mind.
I anticipated the adventures of a ship-wrecked voyage, snakes and lions, brutes and beasts, sorcerers and witches, warriors and knights, sword-fights and military strategy, massive armies and ingenious inventions. A fascinating look at cities under siege, the fight for survival, muscle and blood, danger, captivity, redemption, and freedom.
I longed to convey sarcasm and truth, humor and hatred, cowardice and courage, endurance and integrity, elation and salvation. To disclose an original idea of soul and spirit, providence and free-will.
To reveal a saga that eclipses intellect and piety; an artistic view of addiction and failure, grief and poverty, catastrophe and depression.
I wanted to unearth a gripping family legend; an account of strength and wisdom, of mistakes and forgiveness, revelation and prophecy, practical lessons of right and wrong, and generations of artisan craftsmanship.
To bring dreams and visions to light. To escape into a land of supernatural power, angels and demons, heaven and hell. A place of royalty and splendor, fortresses and palaces, friendship and trust, loyalty and honor, sacrifice and mercy.
I realized that the ultimate narrative would also have layered meaning, multiple implications in an on-going allegorical depth. It would require betrayal and wrath, faith and obedience, wandering travelers, the common-man-turned-hero scenario, violent storms, debate, miracles, explosions and fire, twins, fugitives, plagues, inmates, giants, dwarves, and lost treasure.
Then I realized that the Bible has every one of those traits… we already have the perfect book – thanks to God, the Author of all life.
by Royce Waxenfelter
5/19/04
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