"Amber Grey-the lost city" Author Tour

http://www.lagrandeobserver.com/News/Local-News/Fiction-author-coaxes-LHS-students-to-embrace-art-of-writing

The 2011/2012, Amber Grey-calm before the storm, book tour was all about teaching high school and junior high school students the importance of the written word. It was designed to reach youth throughout the country and motivate them to reach for higher ground, both in their educational and personal life scenarios. The basic theme was, "You Have the Power to Create a Positive Change".

I feel so blessed by the successes and friendships received during those months, that I've decided to tour again with book 2 of the trilogy, Amber Grey-the lost city. 

Along with personal empowerment, my goal is to inspire our nation's young people to see beyond their personal wants, and reach out to others to create positive relationships.

If you're aware of a high school or junior high school that would be in particular need of a visit, please leave us a message at jlcoalwell@gmail.com

All We Can Do

There is much unrest in many parts of the world, incredible sorrow and devastation. I see men hurting their brothers, sisters betraying those for whom they claim to care, sons and daughters standing in hateful rebellion and dishonor. I see children crying in  the night with no hands to soothe their wounded souls, and the powerful of this world crushing the simple man's hope into painful despair. I see much of this done in the name of order--those who force their brothers and sisters to bend to their will, who claim their opinion of law as supreme.

There are times when I feel so helpless, so distant from many who suffer under evil and tyrannical hands, and, so, I comfort myself with, do what you can do, and that's all you can do…but DO ALL YOU CAN DO. That was, in fact, my late father's life motto, and I take it quite seriously.

As societal groups, we really can differ from each other in our opinions and beliefs, but we all have much more in common than many realize: we love, we pray, we rescue, we cherish, we lift another's burden, we teach, we learn…yes, it all comes back to love. Wherever we live, to whatever religion, nationality, or culture we belong, our fundamental values are the same.

I see a parallel in the controversies between nations, religions, and cultures, and the manner in which we treat each other daily. Do you?

She spoke gently, realizing that their bond mustn’t be broken, that their division would be their demise, both literally and emotionally. The unification of their people had been so carefully organized, and to break apart at this crucial moment represented something much more sinister than she cared to ponder. The ties that linked Protectors everywhere was their ultimate desire for freedom and justice, and their love for their fellow beings no matter nationality or ability. But weakness and pride could rip them apart, digging a pit with inconsequential attitudes or opinions. Her grandfather had pressed beyond these blinding limitations, and opened the eyes of many along his way. He was gone, but his precepts had to live on. His, her people must be one in purpose, or none would stand a chance. They must set aside their preconceptions and cultural differences in order to succeed.

“We’re here to fight the enemy, not each other,” she reminded them quietly. “I can’t do this alone—none of us can…"
~ Amber Grey-the lost city

The Essence of Amber Grey: Finding Joy

Using emotion and desire, she can summon lightning, command the winds, the waters move on her whim, but Amber finds little satisfaction in these compared to the Light. The more Amber learns to focus on love, the greater her light grows, and it has an odd effect; those who find themselves enveloped in her glow become part of it. They aren't physically changed, but any darkness they bear is smothered, snuffed out; evil people are virtually paralyzed.

Although Amber is faced with numerous challenges, she learns mankind's most valuable lesson: there is a gift that we can all draw on while we walk this earth--it's called joy. And Amber learns how to find it--she learns to experience true love.

"The message is simply a plea for you to increase your light. When all is complete on this earth, the light we bear is truly all that matters. Most humans are blind to it, for we all bear such, in different degrees, but from you it bares itself to the world, revealing plainly love, peace, and goodness. It is a witness to all that such glory exists."

~Jules Marnet, Amber Grey-the lost city