Cool. Swag. The “it” factor. Whatever you want to call it, the poet John Milton’s got it. His classic work, Paradise Lost, simply rocks. As a big-time history geek, I’ve always viewed history through the lens of storytelling. And Paradise Lost is an amazing story about the little-known history of fallen angels.
Milton’s story has it all – revenge, deception, redemption, and grace. Not only is it a story about the fall – and ultimately the redemption – of man, but it’s also a story about a ruptured family: the family of angels.
I’ve always wondered how the angels who remained loyal to God felt about their kin who rebelled. They obviously had thoughts and feelings, otherwise there never would’ve been a rebellion in the first place. So, did they feel hurt, sad, or angry? Conversely, did the fallen angels ever feel remorse and wish they could go back? Did they ever feel that what they lost was worth it? And, what if the war hasn’t really ended, but simply moved from the heavens down to Earth? Angels battling the fallen over the souls of men…
That’s what inspired me to come up with Sunrise. Guardian angels battling their fallen brethren for the souls of their human charges… all because of the coolness of John Milton.
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Scott J. Abel works in state government and is the author of several short stories and the young adult paranormal romance novel, Sunrise. Scott is also a public speaker. He often speaks to organizations, non-profits, and churches on leadership, communication, teamwork, and motivational messages. He lives in the suburbs of Austin with his wife and two precocious daughters – who enthusiastically assist him in his search for the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter. You can find him at his blog and on Facebook.
About Sunrise:
After a tragic shooting shatters Parker’s world, the darkness comes for him. His guardian angel, Marie, fights to save his soul, but will her love be enough to save him?