Children of the Fire

On one level, "Children of the Fire" addresses the horrendous impact of experiences of extreme violence upon the maturation of children. On another, it is the story of the hunt for the Georgetown Killer. On still another, it is a story of hope and love, both lost and found.

"Children of the Fire" is the story of seven emotionally scared young adults, all of whom suffer from childhood experiences of extreme violence, perpetrated by persons within the family. The novel takes us on their journey from childhood and adolescence into adulthood. From four different families and totally diverse backgrounds, they meet as students at Georgetown University. The sole factor common in the life of each, is the life altering violence each has experienced. Bonded in the kinship of their past, and despite their differences in economic status and ethnicity, they look to one another for understanding and strength, all except the killer among them. All struggle to bring closure to the past, find reason for hope, and discover the joys of love.

Richard W, Shelton, was born in Washington D.C., and resides in the greater Washington Metropolitan area. Degreed in Psychology, he has always had a strong interest in the affect of violence on the maturation and development of children. He is the father of two adult children,and the grandfather of three. His deceased daughter was the graphic artist who designed the cover of this novel.