Kenton Recorder Article - July 24, 2009
by Regan Coomer
Fourteen-year-old Nathan Petrie's book of short stories, "Whispers Out
of the Darkness," begins with two boys entering a dark, sinister forest.
"So of course, like any boy would, I suggested that we go inside and
explore. 'Sure,' Ross agreed, and that was how it all began," Petrie said
in the title short story.
The Independence resident was recently
published by a small Christian publishing company in Arkansas.
"Whispers Out of the
Darkness" features 14 short stories about deliverance in the physical,
emotional and spiritual sense.
Petrie, who will attend Dixie
Heights High
School in the fall, is excited about his
accomplishment, but acknowledges he has higher goals in mind.
"To me, it's just a stepping stone for the novel," he said.
Petrie was posting his writings on facebook.com when he caught the eye of
the publishing house, whose ministry is to find and foster Christian authors.
Deliverance plays a big part in his short stories due to his Christianity,
Petrie said.
"Obviously with my faith deliverance plays a big part in that," he
said. "It's also just a cool thing to read too."
Petrie has been writing since the age of four and working on a Christian-fantasy
novel set in a J. R. R. Tolkien-like setting, called "The Sword of
Fire," since the fourth grade. Petrie also writes poetry and hopes to
publish a book of his poetry one day.
Christian fantasy appeals to the student because he appreciates when there
is a "deeper meaning to the story."
"I like to find hidden meanings in things. Fantasy is very fun too
because you're free to do what you want with it," he said.
Petrie's mother Julia wasn't quite as surprised when her son was published
as most mothers would be.
"I knew he would eventually be published, but I never dreamt it would
be this soon," she said. "It was just very surreal, like a glimpse
into his future."
Continuing to be a professional author is Petrie's goal for his life and
talents.
"I've wanted to do this since the fourth grade," he said.
"I've got plenty of ideas and I'll probably get more as I get older."
Check nathanpetrie.com for information about book signings. Petrie's book
can be purchased at bn.com and amazon.com.