CAROL CAUSEY

Into the depths of your imagination...

 

    What would you do as a hard-core criminal if you found out for certain--beyond a shadow of a doubt--that whatever you did to harm humans or animals would be done to you when you die and enter Hell? Who but the criminally insane would seriously not consider altering their behavior before it's too late?

 

    So I decided to consider the possibility, and it wasn't a pretty picture. The tale took on a life of its own, and as I wrote The Devil's Handbasket, sometimes I would say, "Wow -- I didn't see that coming!"

 

    Here's the beginning of a novel that will frighten, surprise, and even give you hope and comfort:

 

    It's lonely at the top, and being Satan doesn't make it any easier. He desperately wants an heir to take over his kingdom. Entering a club in the San Francisco Castro District on Halloween, disguised as himself, he impregnates a lovely little "witch."

    The King of All Evil wants his child to assume the mantle when he's eighteen, but Devlin is gay, kind and compassionate. He doesn't want anything to do with either his father or his legacy. During his training, Devlin even tries to hand out baskets filled with lotions, water and lip balms. This infuriates Satan. When he sets a basket on fire, Devlin reasons, "But, Dad, it's so hot and dry down here and hydration is key.

    It seems the Devil will have one hell of a time turning his son around to his way of thinking.