The Gate: A novel about salvation

(don't forget to check the updates tab)

'The Gate' Teaser:
A man dies and finds himself in a long line before the Pearly Gates. He is nervous, but confident, as his time to speak with Peter draws near - since he has dedicated his life to Christ and has given a considerable amount of his time to the Church.

But... he has miscalculated...

Summary
Welcome to the fundraising page for the Christian fiction spiritual, 'The Gate' - a mind bending journey that is as thought provoking as it is entertaining.

Why was the man excluded?

Are his objections legitimate?

Can he be 'saved'?

These and much more are explored throughout The Gate's pages as the man copes with being 'rejected' by heaven and is given the chance to 'do it right' (even though he thought he was doing it 'right' all along).

To put it plainly, the path is not easy...

But, this book is not meant to merely explore these concepts 'academically'. It is an introduction to a new way of living. A way that makes holiness an everyday concern and not something one merely does when at church.

Love it, or hate it, it will certainly challenge your concept of heaven and what it means to be holy.

(If you would like a copy of the first three chapters, let me know using the email icon by my name above and I will be happy to send it.)

Who will benefit…

This book is for those who have a deep longing to develop their understanding of what it means to be Holy - and to live it.

Do I understand what it means to Love God?

To Love my neighbor?

Do I understand what it means to be loved by Him - in the fullest, liberating sense?

And, what must change in us for love to become effortless and authentic?

In short, what must happen for 'the gate' to be opened.

Some Reaction to 'The Gate' So Far

'Fascinating'
'Thought provoking'
'Unexpected'
'A roller coaster'

And...

'Problematic'
'Misguided'
'Dangerous'

Background
I have a degree in philosophy (cum Laude), but have been 'thinking' my entire life. I have been writing for more than thirty years and have benefitted tremendously from the exercise - but only personally...

But... I never seriously contemplated publishing any of my work.

And... that remained true even eight months ago, when I lost my job and judiciously sought another one in the same field (which is not writing). 

Until... at the six month milestone of continued unemployment,  God and I had a serious 'chat', and I reluctantly decided to share some of what I have written with a very small number of friends.

I was truly blown away by their response (very blown away) and with their encouragement and input have finished 'The Gate' (95%).

How You Can Help
As you can imagine, prolonged unemployment has had a negative impact on our financial situation and it will not be possible for me to take this to production without outside assistance.

First:
  Pray for me! I still need a job and am actively searching.

Second:
  Share this page... Share this page... Share this page!!!!

Third:
  Contribute what you can.  I truly appreciate the support.

Fourth:
  Be a critic (see the 'Critic' giving level below).

Regarding contributions: I have setup several funding options to make giving as 'interesting' as possible.

Reader - $25 receive a softcover copy when published (signed if you like)
Collector - $50 - receive a hardcover copy (signed if you like)
Critic - $100 - receive a beta copy of the book now (printed, folded and stapled by me) and share with me your thoughts. This could be the last chance you have to prevent me from making a huge and colossal mistake!
+ a hardcover copy (signed if you like)
Promotor - $300 - 25 softcover copies to give to your friends
+ a beta copy (if you would like).
+ a hardcover copy (signed if you like)
Benefactor - $1200 - personally delivered hardcover copy (within the contiguous united states). 
+ a beta copy (if you would like).
Mentor - $3000+ - Each of the above and my eternal gratitude. (Note: Once my goal has been reached, $3000 will be enough to print nearly 1000 additional softcover copies!)

Time Line
kickoff - Sep 18th
wk 0 - wk 6: fundraising (this page)!!!!!!!
wk 2 - wk 6: beta/final feedback period
wk 7 - wk 16: production/design setup
wk 16 - wk 21: production complete
first copies - January 9th

Breakdown of Expenses
Publishing a book requires a lot more expertise than simply 'authoring' the thing, and that expertise is not (typically) free. That plus production expenses are beyond our family's means, and so this campaign is to help defray the expenses for that expertise and production.

(Note: any funds in excess of the $6,244 goal will go directly to marketing and production of additional copies.)

Here is the breakdown of expenses (estimates):

~ $2,744
PRINT-ON-DEMAND & EBOOK PLAN
(Mill City Press)
Includes:
- Custom Cover Design w/ Consultation
- Custom Interior Layout
- Custom Ebook Creation
- Back Cover Copy
- Direct-to-Reader Sales Page
- Print-on-Demand Distribution: Amazon, BN, and more
- Ebook Distribution: Amazon, BN, and more
~ $1,800
Production  and delivery of 250 soft cover and 50 hard cover copies
~ $750
misc (shipping rewards, guerilla marketing activity, etc...) and unexpected expenses
~ $500/yr
A half decent website for book promotion and direct sales.
~ $450
GoFundMe fees (give or take) - if I reach my goal...
TOTAL (to break even): $6,244

What Else
Besides the obvious monetary benefits, I will also use the insight and feed back from the contributing community to improve the work (during the beta period) and to better understand how best to promote it.

Gratitude
It is with great pleasure (and nervousness) that I embark on this journey and I am sincerely grateful for your prayers and support.

Thank You : -)