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Tod has been writing since he was in college, where he studied engineering at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. As one who loves 'the Sea and its Lore', it was not surprising that his stories about the sea turned into his first few books.
Influenced by various authors ranging from George MacDonald and the Inklings (Tolkien, Lewis, Williams) to the great Russian novelists and even modern agrarians like Wendell Berry, he enjoys communicating powerful ideas through story and allegory.
In 2021 the muse struck and Tod became extremely interested in the tragic historical figure named Gehazi who was the manservant for one of the greatest Old Testament prophets. Trying to imagine the life and humanity of this character -- as well as what lessons his existence could teach to a modern world -- led to the book "The Eyes of Gehazi", which was published in late 2022.
In 2025 Tod completed his latest labor of love, a re-imagining of the struggle between the Prophet Jeremiah and the "Queen of Heaven" in the land of Egypt.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Prophet and the Queen by W. Tod Newman follows the final days of the prophet Jeremiah as recorded by his scribe Baruch, set during the Babylonian siege of ancient Egypt. Jeremiah, aged and unstable, is taken to Egypt by his followers despite divine prohibition. In exile, Judean refugees attempt to maintain their identity while Egypt faces an impending invasion. Jeremiah encounters two supernatural figures: a comforting Voice and the Queen of Heaven, who offers unsettling visions. The novel presents Jeremiah’s declining mental state alongside his reflections on divine purpose and the fate of his people. Baruch documents the prophet’s declarations, moments of confusion, and the political events that influence the future of the region. This fictionalized account testifies to faith, leadership, and political uncertainty during a critical period.
W. Tod Newman’s The Prophet and the Queen offers a superbly textured first-person perspective through Jeremiah, granting direct access to his thoughts and experiences as a prophet facing exile and political upheaval. The writing skillfully unfolds the story with carefully crafted dialogue that reflects the period’s speech patterns, cementing its authenticity. Newman’s interpretation of biblical events, particularly the enactments between Jeremiah’s loyalty to God and the allure of the Queen of Heaven, brings fresh life to episodes often left vague or disputed. The portrayal of Jeremiah’s stress and pressures, from prophetic isolation to interactions with major influential leaders, is well grounded to the point of feeling credible—a testament to his skill as a writer. The story stands out as one of the best reimaginings I've recently read, providing a distinctive voice that deepens our understanding of a pivotal historical and spiritual moment.
