Welcome to the Making of the Chronicles of the Thunderbird
Written by 2egdeswordProd
Posted on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 04:03 PM.
When I took a media class at Illinois State University the question was asked, does the media reflect society, or are we as a society influenced by the media so much that we become what we see? While that is a debate for another time the question does cause me to think from time to time. Personally, I pray that the situation is more complex than either sanario. But I do believe that if used properly media can be used to influence positive change.
My name is Philip Craig and I am the author/creator of The Chronicles of the Thunderbird series. As I type this the books is only days from bieng released. This is something I am really proud about because I have been getting in trouble for writing short stories and drawing comics in class since I was in the second grade. And the main characters of this book were actually a few of the creations I came up with in 4th grade.
Back then there was not as much to them as thier is now. They were just super powered heroes who could take out any opponent. But what do you expect from an eight year old? My friends and I enjoyed them, and as time went on they began to grow into something more. By the 6th grade I had created the first chapter book version of the book. I attended a summer camp at UIC and even some of the proffessors who wanted to see what I was spending so much time doing began to encourage me to keep writing. At that time the characters were more rounded, but in all honesty they had no purpose. They were powerful and they all had past histories, but at the end of the day the world was not a better place because they existed. And what was even funnier now was the fact that one of my best friends in grammar school who used to love to read my comics and stories begged to borrow the book to read it. But unfortunately he misplaced it.
I was very distrought over it at that time. Because in my eyes the story was ready for publishing. But I was wrong, God had more of a plan for the young Eagle and his friends. Since that time there have been various story lines and demensional jumps that these characters have lived through. They have been everything from being human like aliens from another planet to common thieves in a world ruled by an evil dictator. But in the end thier natural selves shined through, because afterall they were created to be eagles and frogs and other animals.
Skipping ahead to the present I am proud to say that the main character who is now coming up on 13 years will be introduced to the public. Not just as a light hearted, quick footed, power house of an eagle... But also as a Christian. Thats right! <br />rnI had a friend ask me something I had never thought of before. He said, "Philip, What if this book gets big and becomes a movie and millions of millions of people know everything that has to do with anything concerning these guys.... Wouldn't it be cool if they could in some way show people more about God?" And you know what he was right...
I did not realize it that day, but I did pray about it and I listened to God. And I wont explain it all in this blog but somehow The Chronicles of a Thunderbird has come to a place where the Christian principles of the Flying House can meet the addicting storyline and action of Dragon Ball Z... <br />rnIn the next few months I will tell you guys more and more about the characters and how they came about and even my expierences as the book (and prayerfully TV series in the near future) began to grow in popularity. So stay with me, check out the book and keep your eyes open for The Chronicles of Thunderbird in the Future...<br />rnGod Bless You and may you allow God to Keep You...
Philip Craig
PS. The Chronicles of the Thunderbird: Book 1: Faith hits stores next month!!!
