TRR photo by Chris Conroy Author and TRR staff writer Tom Kane reads to gathered supporters from his soon-to-be-published novel, “The Mark of Gnosis.” (Click for larger image)

The mark of Kane

By MARY GREENE

CALLICOON — Twenty-five friends and supporters of author Tom Kane gathered at the home of Carol and Nico Castel in the Beechwoods on Saturday, April 21 to help launch and celebrate “The Mark of Gnosis,” a murder mystery that is going to be published online by XLibris.

“There’s a revolution going on in publishing,” said Kane, referring to the recent insurgence of the online market into the publishing world. “Authors who want their books published now have another avenue to try. This revolution has come about because it’s become nearly impossible to get a book published through traditional means.”

Kane first learned about the Internet publishing houses through several magazine articles, in particular a Time Magazine piece that talked about how widespread Internet publishing has become. “The regular [English language] publishing houses are owned by only conglomerates, and are running a little scared,” said Kane.

Kane then researched companies on the Net, and found four or five that seemed viable. He decided on XLibris.

XLibris publishes on demand, which means it will publish books as they are ordered, rather than publishing a set number that then must be sold. Books can either be downloaded off the Net for a fee, or ordered in paperback form for $16.

“The Mark of Gnosis,” set in a Trappist Abbey in the plains of Wyoming, tells the story of two monks who were murdered three years apart from each other. The investigating detective is an Irish ex-priest named Maguire, and “the story works on two levels,” said Kane. “The text of the story deals with solving the mystery, and the sub-text tells of Maguire’s spiritual journey back to faith. The book contains a possessed monk, a rite of exorcism and a secret kabalah among the monks.”

Kane is employed as a staff writer with The River Reporter. To contribute to the Angel Fund (assisting with publishing costs) or to order the book, call Kane at 845/252-6571. XLibris can be found on line at www.xlibris.com.