Strangely enough, I have a number of the plot things you suggested in my book already! I ordered my first Stephen Lawhead books just two days ago. (The library doesn't have them.) The Robe is one of the best books. It made me understand what it really meant to live for Christ. I dearly love that melon part as well.

Thanks for the great ideas! It's neat to see the ties to great authors. It makes me feel that I can't be writing all that wretchedly as others used the same ideas.