Paul’s first novel, Absolution, grew in large part out of his work as a psychologist with catholic priests over two decades. It portrays a man beset by powerful yearnings: to be faithful to the Church he loves and to give expression to his natural affections. It is a conflict common among those who serve the Church as ordained celibate clergy.

Despite the dramatic conflict in the book, this is not a diatribe against priestly celibacy. Rather, it is a tale of the kinds of personal conflicts many of us avoid or try to accommodate. It is a story of integrity lightly surrendered and of the gradual but damaging effects of our well-meaning efforts to balance simple but powerful urges. It is about life. But it is about life as it is lived by those who strive to serve the Church and to be true to themselves at the same time.

A second novel, Toxin, was published in the summer of 2009. This story is completely different in focus, tone, and style. It traces the conflicts of a well-meaning but fearfully trained man whose desire to do the right thing blurs the line between right and wrong itself.

A third work is in process. This book is about a man beset by wounds which may be too deep for him to manage. Look for this book in the months ahead.

In all his works, Paul strives to expand the horizon of his writing, to follow new paths rather than remain on safe but old ground. He invites you to join him.