Threats of book burnings, antisemitism, and homophobia O My—THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders revisited #LGBT #amreading #hate

To honor my commitment to posting somewhat frequently about my novel THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders (Adelaide Books), I decided to post a reading from me on YouTube below (and below that is that is the text of the opening paragraphs). I've been harassed quite frequently about this novel and have been told I'm going to hell. My response is to return to the novel (I've had three published since) and give it another read. I've been thoroughly enjoying it and hope you enjoy it too!

Chapter One

"Whoever heard of a divine conception?"

Tamar rolled her eyes. She looked skeptically at her twin.

Tabitha wrinkled her brow and looked thoughtful.

Outside, the wind blew. The black goat skin walls shook. In the middle of the tent, the pole

quivered. Stacked in a pile, the clay pots rattled. One of the Patriarchs might have said that the gust of wind was a sign from God. But Tamar knew better. It was spring. The winds were on them.

Anyone who even thought of venturing forth knew that sandstorms would drive needles into their eyes. She didn't fear God, but she did fear the wrath of the villagers. All the signs were there. No bleeding for almost three months. Sickness in the mornings and afternoons. Tabitha had been asking for fresh springs of dill sprinkled on her terracotta bowl of pomegranate seeds.

Tamar told herself she should have known.

Tabitha stared into the bowl of water that she cupped in her hands. She turned the bowl counter-clockwise once, twice, a third time. She stared longer, deeper. It looked like she was staring at her reflection. But Tamar could tell that she was staring past it. God knows I have seen her stare at her reflection often enough, thought Tamar.

"I am going to give birth to twins. I will be the mother of nations. From my line, a messiah will be born," proclaimed Tabitha.

There was a snort from the other side of the tent.

Tabitha looked over to the shadows. Aziz sat on his haunches. The outline of his shaggy fur led up to his hump. He shook his head and snorted. He pulled his thick dromedary lips back into a smile. He looked over at Tamar as if to read her mind. Messiah indeed, thought Tamar.

Was her sister nuts?

To learn more about my novel THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders, click on the following links:

Religion? — How being raised secular enabled me to write THEY and thoughts on spiritual vs. religion — #FaithfullyLGBTQ #amreading | Janet Mason, author

Traveling through time with THEY—#IheartSapphFiction #LGBTQ #amreading | Janet Mason, author

CINNAMON, my most recent novel, is available  on amazon.com: Cinnamon: A dairy cow’s (and her farmer’s) path to freedom: Mason, Janet: 9781958419786: Amazon.com: Books

CINNAMON is also available through your local bookstore and library

(just ask them to order it if they don’t have it).

My novel THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders (Adelaide Books; 2018) is available through bookstores and online where books are sold.  It’s also available through your local library.  If the library doesn’t already have it, just ask your librarian to order it.

For more information on THEY, click here.