Hello, Weekend Writing Warriors. I hope you enjoyed last week’s snippet of my Dystopian Suspense novel The Five Barred Gate. This novel takes place in a world where it is illegal to be offensive. Federal laws exist that prohibit people from saying specific things, especially anything against those in authority. To violate these laws would bring legal consequences.
The Synopsis:
Have you ever wondered what would happen if the Non-Offensive Movement in the United States became federal law? What would happen to the freedoms guaranteed to us through the Constitution? This is the story of Jacob Andrews. He is faced with the decision to follow his heart and disregard what the law says about how he should live; even if it means his life.
Here is were we left things last week: Jacob finally meets Eric, the man he had only heard through a prison cell wall. Now we skip ahead a bit. Our two friends are now together in a coffee shop discussing what is going on in the country.
Here is this week’s snippet: (sorry, yes it is 10 sentences)
“…If we even say the word sinner, or even imply that a person might need to repent, and the wrong person got wind of it, we would be in a world of hurt.”
Eric lowered his voice. “You do realize by just having this conversation, we’re putting ourselves in danger.” Eric pointed at another table, “if that couple over there heard our conversation and took any offense whatsoever, they could report it, and we would be back in those prison cells. Or worse.”
“I read this morning that more than half of the churches in Atlanta and surrounding areas have already closed their doors, and more are closing every day,” Jacob said.
“It gets worse. State governments are recruiting their own Officials to help enforce the Anti-Dehumanization Act. In some states it goes beyond religion. It is now illegal to offend anyone about anything…”
Thank you for reading this week’s snippet. Stay tuned for more from The Five Barred Gate next week.
The Five Barred Gate is available for purchase on Amazon. The link is at the bottom of this text box.
You can also purchase direct from me by visiting the Home Page of this website. The ink to buy now is at the bottom of the screen. The benefit of buying direct is that you will receive a signed copy.
Below that link is my Children’s book series Elissa the Curious Snail. A series of books about an adorable snail that teaches children about prayer and believing in themselves. Series at 4 books. More to come for 2020.
You can also read about updates regarding my next novel due out in May of 2020, Little Reminders of Who I Am as well as my current Untitled work.
****I have also started a multi-contributor-journal that will document the events of Coronavirus2020. This is a message board forum. While I plan to input regular entries, I hope you will leave messages in the comment field at the bottom. I encourage you to share what you are going through where you are at, as we all have different points of view across the country, and possibly the world. Please take the time and visit the link, if not to read what others have written, to leave your own comment and share what’s going on with you regarding the Coronavirus2020 Pandemic.****
In His Exciting Service,
Jeff S. Bray
The Five Barred Gate is Available on Amazon
Elissa the Curious Snail Series
Check out other amazing established and emerging writers at Weekend Writing Warriors. Each week we post new snippets from either our published works or our works in progress for each other to comment on. Get an insight on how the mind of a writer works and the behind the scenes of works before they hit the book stands everywhere.
Moments for the Heart 
It’s a scary dilemma. There’s a lot to be said for the old sticks and stones adage. But at the same time, there is a point overstepping any sort of human decency in how we treat others. Our parents used to bridge the gap …in how we were raised. The golden rule. It’s nice to be important but important to be nice.
It’s sad that governments now feel they must legislate being nice, and hazard to define just exactly what ‘offense’ is. The lines are blurred, for sure. Who is at fault? Overzealous people demanding that the government step in? Hate groups–and just as bad–the people determining just which groups fit the criteria of being a hate group?(I’ve seen cases where I thought they got it wrong.) Fundamentalist religious organizations that are busy judging in the name of a God who tells them to “Judge not, lest ye be judged.”? Oy…what a mess.
Your story raises good questions, and in the best way, I hope…starts a much-needed conversation.
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And then there is, of course, those who take things beyond the extreme. And this story lends to that. I think the questions that really need to be asked is not so much as what, but as to when, and how far will it go.
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I read a survey recently that said people on the left feel just as sick of political correctness as people on the right. So who, exactly, is driving this movement?
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The book is neither right nor left-leaning. Meaning I do not say, “Those darn Democrats.” or “Those stinking Republicans.” It does mention political correctness and religious freedom and the dangers of losing them, but I do not point blame on any particular person or entity, just the governmental powers that be. At least that is what I remember.
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Good. I could see unscrupulous politicians using political correctness as a war cry.
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Interesting snippet. I wish you well, new friend. As for me, I’m an elder so my family keeps away from adorable me. Cats and one dog are my good friends now.
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Sorry to hear. Just remember it is for your safety and not because they do not want to see you, or do not love you. I just pray you have some form of Social Media to communicate with them. If not, learn. You can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks. 🙂
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I think I’d be one of the first to go in this society. We don’t appreciate our Freedom of Speech until it’s gone. Great premise, Jeff!!
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This is Jacob’s whole attitude. First to speak, then to think. It gets him in some hot water.
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I loved their conversation. Makes me wonder if there was a bit of foreshadowing and that couple will report them.
Keep smiling,
Yawatta
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Nancy’s comment on Freedom of Speech is right on target. Where do we draw the line between ugliness and freedom? Your story is probing a difficult situation.
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