Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Edge of Oblivion A Forgotten Past. A Terminal Future. Earth has emerged from a cataclysmic dark age with little knowledge of its past. Aided by the discovery of advanced alien technology, humanity ventures into the stars, joining other sentient races in a sprawling, prosperous interstellar Confederacy. That peace is soon shattered. Without warning, the Confederacy comes under attack by an unstoppable alien force from the unknown regions. With hopes for civilization's survival dwindling, Commander Jared Carter is sent to pursue an unlikely lead: a collection of ancient alien religious fragments which may - or may not - hold the key to their salvation ... Brock: What was your inspiration for writing The Chronicles of Sarco? Joshua: I grew up with a real affinity for science fiction, both on television and in the written form, but I also realized that relatively little of what I watched and read dealt with faith in any substantive way. Isaac Asimov, who was not particularly religious, nevertheless lamented about the dearth of science fiction that explored the relationship between God and extraterrestrial life. Part of the reason is that so many science fiction authors were and are humanists, so their worlds marginalize religion as being anti-intellectual or just ignore the subject entirely. At some point I figured, why not try my hand at it myself? Why not see if I could craft a story that incorporated both faith and aliens? That’s where Edge of Oblivion came from. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? Joshua: The primary cast of Edge of Oblivion serves together in a sort of interspecies Navy. Their ship is a small interceptor called the Retaelus, and it specializes in rooting out the pirates that plague the trade lanes between planets. The captain and communications officer are both humans; the weapons officer, sciences officer, and engineer are all non-humans, extraterrestrials from other worlds. Part of the fun of the story is finding out both about the officers themselves and the alien races they come from. On one level, you learn about their cultures and distinct racial traits, but you also learn about the individuals – their pasts and hopes, their accomplishments and failures … and some of their secrets. Brock: Give us one fact about the main character that no one else knows. Joshua: The commander of the Retaelus, Jared Carter, is the epitome of the middle-of-the-pack leader. His career is a succession of respectable but forgettable posts. When it comes to really important assignments, he’s rarely anyone’s first choice, which gnaws on him at times, especially given that his father is a successful Earth politician. But he also is reluctant to engage in the sort of grandstanding and politicking that other officers do to climb the Navy ladder. So it creates a bit of a dilemma for him, and one that he struggles to resolve in his own mind. Brock: In three words, what is Edge of Oblivion about? Joshua: Epic. Space. Adventure. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Joshua: I outline the entire book before starting, but I’m not automatically rigid about it. There are times I will work out a chapter and then, as the book flows, decide that I’d like to take things in a little different direction. I do like to keep a clear end in mind, though; I almost always know where I want to end up. Sometimes, though, the road to get there may fluctuate a bit. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Joshua: Science fiction, I think, is appealing because it takes readers out of their own lives and into someplace different and fantastic. That said, the everyman nature of the crew – and the real problems that they deal with – are elements I think will resonate with readers. Yes, the crew has courage, and yes, they sometimes do courageous things, but they don’t do them because they have some crazy abilities. They do it for the same reasons we sometimes have to rise up in our own lives – because necessity demands it. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Joshua: Definitely the one this falls in, science fiction. I love the idea of being able to create worlds outside of our own and explore them. Exploration is one of the underlying themes of this trilogy, and I hope readers are as excited to visit these new worlds as I was in writing them. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Joshua: It’s a planned trilogy, which I’m also supplementing that with some prequel and interquel short stories that are and will be available through my author website. Some of the wheels in my head have already started turning with respect to going beyond that, but right now my primary focus is on the chronology of the three books. Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book between plotlines and character development? Joshua: This is, I think, where beta readers and editors have been invaluable for me. In the plot and character spectrum, I lean more plot, but along the way I’ve had various people say, “Tell me more about this guy” or “Flesh her character out more.” That has been good for me. I mean, I did a lot of prewriting on my characters, but those suggestions really forced me to think more deeply about what makes my characters tick. I hope the end result is a book with good characters and a well-paced plot. Brock: How does it feel to have your work published? Joshua: Absolutely surreal. It’s been a succession of surreal moments. Getting the first request for a full manuscript, the phone call offering me a contract, signing the contract, seeing a book cover with my name on it, seeing an Amazon book listing … every step is something new in my life experience. And as hard as it’s been, it’s also been a real blast, to immerse myself in the way writing and publishing work, and to see how I can succeed there. Brock: Are you working on the next book in The Chronicles of Sarco? Joshua: And then some. Book 2 is in the hands of the publisher and I’m currently hard at work on Book 3. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Joshua: Part-time. My day job is teaching high school history and government. There is a part of me that wouldn’t mind being able to write full-time, but I also think my day job is good for me; it gets me on my feet, away from my computer, and into life experiences that for me, personally, have been good for my creative process. Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing? Joshua: Lots of names come to mind. Edgar Rice Burroughs did some amazing world building with the John Carter novels. Isaac Asimov’s books were grand and epic, and Robert Heinlein’s books were just really solid adventures, especially his earlier works. And as much as I talked earlier about science fiction being a humanist domain, Orson Scott Card and Frank Herbert have done some interesting things in exploring how faith fits in with science fiction. Brock: What’s your view on e-books and the new publishing revolution? Joshua: The history guy in me knows that every advancement comes with tradeoff. On one hand, I hear stories from established traditional authors about how things like book tours and publisher marketing campaigns are not what they used to be. Yet I’ve also read stories about how eBooks and the Internet have really democratized the process and allowed for more authors to carve out a space. I would like to believe that interest in books has grown, not shrunk, with the advent of eBooks, and in a world where so many things compete for our time and attention, that’s cool. Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? Joshua: Really hard choice, so I’m going to cheat and name four … well, one series and one book, anyway. The series is Asimov’s Foundation books, which are both profoundly deep and broad, grappling with all kinds of issues across this astonishing timeline. The book is Robert Heinlein’s Tunnel in the Sky, which chronicles a young man stranded on an alien world with a group of other students. It’s a great survival-against-all-odds tale. Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author? Joshua: You know, I’m not sure. I know I enjoy writing and I’m thrilled that I have the opportunity to showcase that work through a publisher, but I’m also trying to live in the moment and just enjoy the journey as it comes. My wife and I have talked some about where I would like to go with writing down the road, but at this point I’m simply taking things one day at a time. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Joshua: Give me a Coca-Cola Classic and I’m in heaven. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Joshua: My wife and I have a large 18x10 foot tent that we put to use each summer at various state parks in our region. I love pitching a tent on a warm (but not hot) summer day, cooking burgers over an open flame and hiking across quiet trails with my wife and daughters. Those memories are priceless. Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? Joshua: I love epic ambient orchestral soundtrack music. Give me an Audiomachine marathon and I’m pretty much set. Brock: Have you done any other writing besides fiction? Joshua: Over the years I’ve done a fair bit of writing on other subjects. I’m a former senior editor and now contributor to Nintendojo, a fansite devoted to games for Nintendo consoles and handhelds. I once even got invited to demo Guitar Hero out in California, but I painfully had to turn it down because of the demands of my day job. I also chip in with some articles on parenting for a website called Mumbling Mommy, which my wife works for as an editor. Brock: What are your favorite nonfiction titles? Joshua: My degree is in history, so I’ve read a fair bit on that subject over the years. I enjoy reading up on American presidents, especially as historians re-evaluate their presidencies over time. I also love a good nonfiction adventure tale: one of my favorites is Alfred Lansing’s Endurance, an incredible and very true story of Ernest Shackleton, who led a crew though a series of harrowing ordeals in the Antarctic during the 1910s. Author Website: JoshuaAJohnston.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/joshuaajohnston Author Twitter: @jallenjohnston Author Goodreads: goodreads.com/joshuaajohnston
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Interview by Ashley Eastman Featuring Beautiful Star of Bethlehem When Memories Are Lost, Only Love Remains How did Arlene Santana—happy wife, successful business owner, young grandmother—get here, a rehabilitation center surrounded by old people? Her new friends make her laugh, and the days speed by, marked by holidays on which her two sons and their wives come to visit her. But when will her husband, whose love she feels every moment of every day, come to see her? Then one Christmas the confusing pieces of Arlene’s life start to click into place, but will she and her sons like the reality they face? Readers will treasure this poignant novella from bestselling author Lori Copeland. “Lori Copeland’s Beautiful Star of Bethlehem is a Christmas book I will never forget. From the stunning—and surprising—opening to the lovely and perfect ending, I fell into the tale and didn’t want to leave the friends I made there.” -Kathleen Y'Barbo, bestselling author of Firefly Summer and The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series Lori’s light as a powerful story continues in this latest novel; Beautiful Star of Bethlehem. A story that will grip each reader and make us more appreciative of the holidays and the moments with our family that surrounds. Ashley: What inspired you to write Beautiful Star of Bethlehem? Lori: The older I get the more time I spend visiting the elderly in nursing or assisted living facilities. The seed for this story sprouted many years ago and grew until I knew this was a story I needed to share. One of sadness, but encouragement, one of loss but having known a true, solid love of family and children but most of all, a story about how life can change swiftly at any age. Beautiful Star of Bethlehem is poignant, thoughtful—even humorous at times but isn’t all of life that way? Most of the book is a reminder that when something precious is taken another gift is given. Ashley: Who are Arlene and Jack Santana? Lori: Arlene Santana is a vibrant, loving mother-- and now first-time grandmother. She has a solid marriage, co-owns half of Santana Toys with the love of her life, her husband, Jack Santana. The late fiftyish couple has reached the pinnacle—the point in their life they can set back, enjoy the fruits of their labor and still be healthy, happy and alive. Ashley: What is unique about them? Lori: The unique angle is their world will end in less than two hours. Ashley: What is one fact about Jack and Arlene no one else knows? Lori: Jack loves chunky monkey ice cream. Chocolate gives Arlene hives. Ashley: In three sentences what is Beautiful Star of Bethlehem about? Lori: This book is about hope. This book is about survival. This story could happen to anyone. Ashley: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Lori: I can’t think of many readers who have not lived or cannot relate to this story. The book is poignant, honest, will make many flinch when they see themselves in this story, but the reader will come away with renewed faith and a sense of “doing better” toward the ones who sit in God’s Waiting Room. Ashley: How do you strike the right balance of themes in your book? Lori: I wanted to hit the balance of humor and humanness in Beautiful Star of Bethlehem. Only the reader will be able to tell me if I achieved my goal. Ashley: Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series? Lori: Well, I haven’t sold the book yet, but I would like for the title to be “God’s Waiting Room.” The story that I have in mind has nothing to do with living—or assisted living; rather the day we will all sit in God’s Waiting Room and listen to the conversations taking place around us. The incredulous and sometimes sound reasons the new arrivals feel they’ve made it thus far. Author Website: LoriCopeland.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Lori-Copeland/49638671412 GoodReads: goodreads.com/author/show/39205.Lori_Copeland?from_search=true&search_version=service Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Joline’s Redemption Joline has fallen as far as any woman can. Jo’s lofty dreams of love and luxury evaporated when her ne’er-do-well husband left her pregnant and alone. After a series of increasingly bad decisions, Jo finds herself at a crossroads: swallow her pride and seek refuge at her sister’s home or risk losing her infant son. She chooses the first option, even though she knows the man she’s running from will come after her, and she needs to move farther away. To earn money for the journey, she goes to work for her estranged husband’s brother, Baron. But Jo has a long list of secrets she’s keeping from Baron—namely her son, Jamie. Jo intrigues Baron, and he finds himself falling in love with her. But when he discovers she’s his brother’s castoff, he closes his heart. Baron has been cleaning up his younger brother’s messes most of his life, and Jo is one mess he refuses to tackle. All too soon, Jo’s past catches up with her, and she realizes the disaster she’s made of her life. Is it possible that God can redeem a woman who has fallen as far as she has and give her hope and peace for a happy future? A historical romance that beckons to modern day issues. Vickie McDonough Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this book? or What was your inspiration for writing this book? Vickie: I was born and raised in Oklahoma and have long been fascinated with my state’s unique history. The part of Oklahoma that l live in was once the Creek Indian Nation. When the Indian lands in Oklahoma were opened for settlement by non-Indians, the government chose a series land runs as the means for deciding who got a homestead or town lot. The first person to the land won it. My series title is Land Rush Dreams, and it features the 1889 and 1893 land runs and the 1901 land lottery. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? Vickie: In book one of my series, Gabriel’s Atonement, the heroine has a rebellious, bratty younger sister name Joline aka Jo. Their parents died in a fire when the girls were young, and it really affected Jo. I knew the second book would feature her, and with all the bad choices she made, her life was bound to be difficult. She’s stubborn and tenacious, which is how she survives all dreadful things that come her way. The hero is Baron Hillborne. He’s the oldest son of a wealthy businessman who owns a chain of mercantiles. He has often been tasked with cleaning up the messes his younger brother, Mark, has made. When he comes to Guthrie to reopen the store that Mark started and then abandoned, he sees it as just another mess to clean up. Baron is the good son, patient and dependable, respectful, honest, and trustworthy. He’s the kind of man Jo thinks would never be attracted to her, especially when he learns that she’s just another one of Mark’s mistakes. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Vickie: Okay. Um…let’s see. The last thing Jo would ever do is return to her sister’s home, but for the sake of her son—did you know she had one?—she’ll do even that. Baron is partially colorblind, which can be challenging since he runs a store. Brock: In three sentences, what is this book about? Vickie: Joline has fallen as far as any woman can. She once had lofty dreams of love and luxury, but she made a series of dreadful decisions, leaving her bereft of all hope. Jo has a long list of secrets to keep and always has to look over her shoulder, as the man she’s running from may show up anywhere, anytime. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Vickie: People often feel that God can’t love them because of the things they’ve done. I hope to show them that isn’t true. God loves you no matter what you’ve done—no matter what bad choices you’ve made. Brock: Any certain research required for the book? Vickie: Yes, I had to research the Cherokee Strip land run. I knew quite a bit about the land runs, but when you write a book, there are many little details you need to know to make the book historically accurate and interesting. Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? Vickie: Yes, I’m close to finishing Sarah’s Surrender. Readers first meet Sarah in Joline’s Redemption, when the half Cherokee/half Irish girl runs away with Jo from the place they are staying. Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned? Vickie: I did a lot of research, trying to find just the right Cherokee Indian name for Sarah. I settled on Chiyah, which means “in the shadows.” It was the perfect name for the quiet, little girl that Jo helps. During the editing process, my editor challenged me on whether the name was actually Cherokee. I looked it up again and was surprised to discover that the name is Cherokee after all, but a name from India. Somehow I missed that fact when researching. In the end, I deleted all references of Chiyah and settled on giving her a regular name. The Cherokees were part of the Five Civilized Tribes, and many had had English names for generations, so it wasn’t unbelievable for my character. I hated giving up the name that fit so well, but I had to be accurate. And besides, in Joline’s Redemption, Chiyah actually changed her name to Sarah when she became a Christian, so I just changed it sooner. Brock: Baron is an odd name for a hero. How did you come to choose it? Vickie: I’m kind of picky about my hero and heroine names. It has to be something I like and also one that was historically accurate. Baron is probably pushing the limits for that, but it seemed to fit my hero. How did I think of it? I had a friendly man come to my house to install a gas fireplace, and that was his name. I liked it and thought it would fit the hero in Joline’s Redemption. I even set up the story to show that Baron’s mother was fascinated with English aristocracy. Mark, Baron’s brother, was named Marquis, but he hated it and never used it. Brock: Can you tell us about the land lottery that is featured in Sarah’s Surrender? Vickie: After the craziness of the land runs where many people were injured and the many lawsuits concerning who owned certain homesteads, the government felt they needed a more organized and fairer way of deciding who won a homestead. They held a massive lottery in which tens of thousands of people signed up. Then there was a drawing for the homesteads. The officials numbered the envelopes as they were drawn, and on a later date, the winners, starting with the first name drawn, got to choose which section of land he/she wanted. It was much less hectic than the land runs and fairer for all who entered. Author Website: VickieMcdonough.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/VickieMcDonough?fref=ts Author Twitter: twitter.com/vickiemcdonough Author Pinterest: pinterest.com/VickieMcDonough/ Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring An Uncertain Choice Brock: What was your inspiration for writing An Uncertain Choice? Jody: I have three daughters. My two oldest daughters (twins) are in high school. They're starting to notice boys. And boys are starting to notice them. Okay, who am I kidding? My teen daughters have been paying attention to boys for quite a few years. Yes, they're human. But of course, up until now they've been a tad young to enter the world of dating. My husband would prefer that we have a family rule, "No dating until at least the age of 22." And he'll likely greet any boy that comes calling for them with a baseball bat in hand (wink!). But because we know that we can't beat away the boys forever, we wanted to have a tool that we could use for our daughters to help prepare them for dating. Let's face it, the dating world has become rather big and scary to many young people. And rightly so. Our modern culture, particularly social media, has changed the nature of dating. Cell phones, texting, Facebook, online dating services, etc. have all impacted the how's, why's, what's, and when's of dating. When I began to think about what kinds of dating experiences I wanted my daughters to have, I decided to write a book that models the purity, nobility, and courtly love that existed in the days of old, during the times of knights and their ladies, a time in history when chivalry was at its height. Thus, An Uncertain Choice was birthed. (Plus I'm a sap for a good medieval fairy tale!) Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? Jody: The heroine is a beautiful and wealthy young woman named Lady Rosemarie. She's on the cusp of her eighteenth birthday and knows her destiny is to fulfill a vow made by her parents. In light of their infertility, her parents had promised to give their firstborn back to God for a life of service and celibacy when she turned eighteen. Now with only one month before her birthday, Lady Rosemarie receives the news that there is an exception to the Ancient Vow–if she finds true love and is married by her birthday, then she is exempt from having to become a nun. Faced with a growing loneliness and the possibility of losing control over the people she rules with compassion, Lady Rosemarie questions whether life in a cloister is really the best choice for her life. She agrees to allow the three handsomest and noblest knights in the land the chance to win her heart in one month. Enter on stage, the three heart throbs! Sir Collin, Sir Bennet, and Sir Derrick. Each one is completely honorable and noble in his own way. Lady Rosemarie will have a tough choice ahead of her. Now you'll have to read the book to find out who she chooses and why! Brock: In three sentences what is An Uncertain Choice about? Jody: One beautiful maiden. One month to decide her fate. The choice? Fall in love or become a nun. The prospects? The three of the handsomest and noble knights in all the land. As an unseen enemy threatens the competition, Lady Rosemarie's choices may be slimmer than she realizes. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Jody: I start out with a brainstormed list of plot ideas. I do my best to think of as many twists and turns as I can before I start writing the first draft. And I usually have a pretty good idea of how I want the plot to wrap up. But inevitably the story develops even more as I get into the meat of writing. I think that’s what makes writing so fun and what gives me such a rush—to see what new aspects unfold and where the story actually leads as I get to know my characters more intimately. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Jody: Young people today really enjoy reality TV shows, especially ones that involve contests. My teens love watching Survivor, The Amazing Race, and even American Idol. There's just something about real competition that attracts us. An Uncertain Choice is a little bit like reality TV, especially a show like Bachlorette (although a much sweeter and cleaner version!) where a young woman is presented with three really fantastic men. In some ways, she can't go wrong if she chooses any of the men. But readers get to join the adventure as she must narrow down her choices even as the clock ticks away to the day of her eighteenth birthday. Aside from the many issues related to dating and marriage, the book also tackles issues like chafing under too much supervision, learning to become a strong leader, and how to display courage in different ways. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Jody: I'm currently writing in three similar but distinct genres: Historical Romance, Young Adult Medieval Romance, and then Historicals that are based on the lives of real people. I actually love writing in all three of the genres and am thrilled that I have three books releasing this year (one in each of the genres). In addition to An Uncertain Choice my YA medieval tale, readers can also look forward to a second historical romance in a lighthouse series that recently launched. And then in the fall I'm releasing a book called Luther & Katharina with Random House (Waterbrook) in October. It's a book based one of the greatest untold love stories: the courtship and marriage of the great reformer, Martin Luther to a runaway nun Katharina von Bora. He's a heretic wanted dead or alive, and she's a noblewoman without a family or home. Amidst the dangers of pope, princes, and revolting peasants, the two must wage war to find a love of their own. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Jody: There are three total books planned in this series. As I mentioned, Lady Rosemarie, the heroine, is presented with three really fantastic men to choose to marry. In some ways, she can't go wrong with any of the men since they're all noble and swoon-worthy! But readers get to join the adventure as she must narrow down her choices even as the clock ticks away to the day of her eighteenth birthday when she must either marry or enter the convent and become a nun. Luckily If Rosemarie doesn't choose YOUR personal favorite knight, don't despair! The other two knights will get books of their own. And you'll be able to take a journey with them as they begin their own quests to find their places in the world, overcome shortcomings, and along the way find the woman that God has planned for them. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Jody: Research is an integral part of my writing process. I usually spend approximately 4 weeks on initial research, reading biographies, getting a feel for the time period, and digging into the meat that will comprise the plot of my book. Once I start writing the first draft, I have to stop from time to time to do a little more research, particularly if I switch settings within the story. But usually, if I don’t know something, I’ll highlight it and then do more research during my editing phase. Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? Jody: Yes! I'm already excited about the second book in the series. It's already written and I'm in the process of getting ready to turn it in to my editor in order to get her expertise feedback. As I mentioned it will involve another one of the three knights. But of course, I won't give away which of the knights until closer to the release of the book! (How's that for a tease!) Brock: How do you hope parents will use An Uncertain Choice with their kids? Jody: While the book is an exciting and entertaining story that young women will enjoy reading, it's also a book that I hope facilitates discussion about dating, love, and marriage. I've developed a downloadable discussion guide to correspond with the book chapter by chapter that will be available on my website. It's my desire that mothers (or grandmothers) will read the book as a disciplining tool with their daughters and then use the story and study guide as a way to talk about relationship issues that often get overlooked. An Uncertain Choice would also be perfect for mentors, small groups, youth groups, or Bible studies, where girls to come together to read and discuss the book as a way to spur thoughts about God's plans for dating. Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book? Jody: It's my prayer that through An Uncertain Choice and its discussion guide readers will examine dating and be better prepared for the challenges that accompany it. Whether young women are brand new at dating or have been dating for a while, it's never too late to evaluate God's design and to set into place a solid foundation for relationships, particularly in preparing for marriage. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Jody: My writing pace varies from project to project. On average, however, I would say that a book takes me about 4-5 months including the research, first draft, and then self-editing. Obviously, once I'm done and turn it into my publisher, there's still a lot more work that goes into getting the book ready for publication. But my first draft process usually encompasses about five months. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Jody: Like many writers, I’ve been writing since my childhood days. I always loved telling stories. When I was in junior high, I entered my first writing contest for a Biblical fiction story. And when I won, I realized God had indeed gifted me. I think that was when I became more serious about wanting to be a writer when I grew up. The passion followed me into adulthood. And after many twists and turns along the path, I’ve finally been able to channel that passion into a full time writing career. Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing? Jody: My mom was the most influential person in my writing career. When I was young, she helped facilitate my love of writing by reading aloud to me, giving me good books to read, and providing the kind of environment that fostered my creativity (in fact we didn’t have a TV for a number of years). She always believed in me, encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and rode alongside me cheering me on. Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? Jody: Anne of Green Gables was one of my favorites as a child because it played a role in developing my creativity as a writer. Followed closely by A Little Princess and Little Women because they also featured strong, creative girls. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Jody: Diet Pepsi Brock: Soft shell or hard shell tacos? Jody: Soft shell loaded with all the toppings Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Jody: Dream vacation: castles throughout Europe Brock: Favorite season? Jody: All of them in their own time Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like coco, raspberry tea, animal crackers? Jody: Coffee. Coffee. And more coffee. :-) Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Jody: One of the many verses I treasure is "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength." Phil. 4:13 That verse has held me in good stead through many trials. Brock: Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life? Jody: Since I'm in the midst of raising a busy family of five children, I want to enjoy my family and raise my children to glorify God. That's a HUGE task right now and takes up most of my time and energy when I'm not writing. Someday I hope to be able to take naps again. But until then, I dream about the day! Brock: What hobbies do you like to do in your spare time? Jody: Spare time? What's that? *Grin* No, seriously. When I have a minute or two to myself, I love to read! I've taken to using audio books as a way to squeeze in more reading, especially as I'm doing house chores or exercising. Also, over the past couple of years I've taken up running. I've enjoyed getting in shape (even though it's been slightly painful for me!) Author website: JodyHedlund.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund Author Twitter: twitter.com/JodyHedlund Author Pinterest: pinterest.com/jodyhedlund/ Author Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/3358829.Jody_Hedlund Interview by Ashley Eastman Featuring Pursued Praise for the Nikki Boyd Files “Christy Award–winning and bestselling author Lisa Harris puts readers right into the action in this fast-paced thriller that will have them turning pages long into the night.” —Fresh Fiction on Missing “Lisa Harris has quickly become one of my favorite romantic suspense writers, and she has penned another winner in Missing.” —Radiant Lit on Missing “With this explosive first book in the Nikki Boyd Files, Lisa Harris takes readers on a fast-paced pursuit of justice that will have them holding their breath until the heart-stopping finish.” —Christian Retailing on Vendetta “A thrill ride from start to finish, the first book in Harris’s Nikki Boyd Files series is filled with twists and surprises. This is exactly the kind of suspense novel that readers are looking for—one to keep them involved and intrigued throughout.” —RT Book Reviews, Top Pick on Vendetta “The story is fueled with misleading dangers, and the character is so fascinating that fans will be waiting impatiently to see what adventure Nikki Boyd will have next.” —Suspense Magazine on Vendetta “Readers will try to figure out who’s behind the crimes as they get to know Nikki and root for her to heal from her painful past and open herself to love.” —Booklist on Vendetta Nikki Boyd's flight into Nashville was routine--up until the crash landing at the airport. When the dust settles, Nikki discovers that the woman who had been seated next to her on the plane is missing--and no one will admit she was ever there. Erika Hamilton had been flying to Nashville with an air marshal as a key witness in an upcoming grand jury trial. When she flees from the crash, is she running from trouble or straight into it? Before Nikki can even see her family, she and her team are pulled into a missing persons case where the motives are as unclear as the suspects. Bestselling and award-winning author Lisa Harris has planted danger around every turn in this can't-put-it-down thrill ride that will leave readers stunned. Ashley: What was your inspiration for writing the Nikki Boyd Files? Lisa: Like with most of my stories, it began with a character that gripped my interest and whose story begged to be told. Nikki Boyd was one of those characters that I couldn’t stop thinking about. I always want to inspire with characters that are flawed and vulnerable and yet also show how God can use them. Giving Nikki her own series gave me the perfect combination. Ashley: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? Lisa: Nikki’s personal reasons for working on a Missing Person Task force intrigued me the most. She not only cared about the victims and their families, but she was the sister of a victim. This makes her not only good at her job, but her motivation keeps her intent on finding those she’s searching for. Tyler is the love interest in this series. To me he’s perfect for Nikki, though they don’t discover this right away. He’s been wounded—both physically in the military, and emotionally with the loss of his wife, and yet even as he struggles to get back on his feet, he becomes a source of strength for Nikki. Ashley: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Lisa: To be honest, I don’t interview my characters upfront like some authors do. I discover their likes, dislikes and quirks as I write. So all the facts I know about them I’ve already weaved into the series. Ashley: In three sentences words, what is this book about? Lisa: Pursued is a race against time to find a woman who disappears after a plane crash. When Nikki Boyd learns that Erika Hamilton is a key witness in a grand jury trial, she’s determined to do everything she can to ensure the woman is found. But someone will do anything to make sure she doesn’t testify. Ashley: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Lisa: I always start with a basic outline, then build on that as I write. With the twists and turns of romantic suspense, having a structure in place is extremely helpful for me as I write. Ashley: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Lisa: I believe that Nikki is a heroine we can all relate to. She’s vulnerable yet strong, and knows what it is to have to deal with a horrible loss. Ashley: What is your favorite genre to write for? Lisa: Definitely romantic suspense! Ashley: How many books are planned for this series? Lisa: Pursued is the third and last book in the Nikki Boyd Files, but I’m finishing up a book that is a tie-in to the series. Vanishing Point is the story of Sarah Boyd, Nikki’s sister who disappeared over a decade ago, and the Angel Abductor who readers will know about from the series. Ashley: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Lisa: I always do a lot of research on a wide variety of subjects. I’ll research things like setting to add to the flavor of the book, police procedure, specific crimes that the case is dealing with, and much more. Ashley: Why did you choose to focus on a male and female protagonist? Lisa: Originally, I had planned for this series to highlight a different protagonist in each book. It was my publisher’s suggestion to make this Nikki’s series which I have ended up loving. The whole series takes place over a few short months, which allowed me to have a larger romance arc between Nikki and Tyler over the three books, as well as a second larger arc on Nikki’s search for her missing sister. For me it allowed me to bring a deeper depth to the series and make it very personal. Ashley: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Lisa: I’m a full-time author working part-time hours. Or at least that’s what it feels like sometimes. I have discovered that in reality, the workload never ends, and like most people, I have many other responsibilities. So I’m constantly re-evaluating my schedule and time as I balance life in general. Ashley: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Lisa: I’m comfortable with about six months, but I always end up with less time than that. Ashley: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Lisa: I always wanted to write, though I didn’t get serious about actually sitting down and finishing a book until I was in my late twenties. Ashley: Coke or Pepsi? Lisa: Neither Ashley: Soft shell or hard shell tacos? Lisa: Both Ashley: Favorite place to vacation? Lisa: Right now, I’d be happy to go anywhere on vacation!! Ashley: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Lisa: It’s been a difficult year personally for our family, so I love holding onto this verse. “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 Ashley: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Lisa: One of my favorite things to do is head to a nearby game park and drive through the bush looking for animals. There’s something peaceful about no cell phone or computers and all I can see is God’s incredible creation. It’s the one place I’ve found I can really get away from it all and take a deep breath! Ashley: Any hobbies? Lisa: I love photography, especially people and animals. We’ve finally put up some of our favorite animal photos—lion, leopard, rhino and more—in our house which has been fun. Author Website: LisaHarriswrites.com Author Facebook: @AuthorLisaHarris Author Twitter: @HeartofAfrica Author Pinterest: lharriswrites Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Justice Delayed It's been eighteen years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister's sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn't actually do it, Detective Will Kincade of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, this case is personal: the person who confessed to the crime is Will's cousin. They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in that week--including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love. “Patricia Bradley has everything you’re looking for in inspirational romantic suspense—the perfect blend of mystery and romance. Her characters leap off the page and will stay with you long after you finish the book. Justice Delayed is one book I couldn’t put down until the very last page.” --Mary Ellis, bestselling author, Midnight on the Mississippi and the Secrets of the South series Brock: What was your inspiration for writing Justice Delayed? Patricia: I’ve wanted to write a book about cold cases for a long time, and since I grew up in Memphis, it was the perfect location, especially since I have an advisor who is part of the cold case team there. As for this particular story, when I wake up every morning, I spend a few minutes letting thoughts run through my mind. If I were writing, it would be called free writing, so I guess it’s free thinking. One morning I wondered what if someone on death row received a letter stating he had not committed the murder he was convicted of? And what if the letter writer had proof. But then the letter is stolen and the writer is murdered. And Justice Delayed went from there. Brock: Tell us about the main characters? Who are they, what makes them unique. Patricia: Will Kincade wanted to be a policeman since he was a kid along with his best friend, Brad Hollister. Andi Hollister is a TV reporter who drives her family and friends crazy with the risks she takes to get a story. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Patricia: Will is ashamed that he and Brad locked Andi in the shed when she was 10 and they were 12 so she couldn’t tag along with them. Especially since she’s now terrified of being in enclosed places. Andi is driven to prove herself, but no one knows how afraid she is when she interviews a dangerous person like the gang member. Brock: In three sentences words, what is this book about? Patricia: Diamonds. Deception. Justice Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Patricia: I discover who my characters are, and then I usually plot out the end of Act 1 where something happens where the protagonist(s) is thrown into solving the crime, then in the middle of Act 2, my protagonist(s)learn something that changes everything. I also know what the black moment is and usually how the story ends. Of course, my characters may have other ideas about all this, and then I go with them. J I don’t always know who did it. I was writing this story one day and a character admitted to the murder. And I thought, so you’re the one who did it. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Patricia: My heroine deals with trust issues and my hero deals with unforgiveness. My hope is that readers will identify with how they resolve these issues. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Patricia: I love to write Romantic Suspense. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Patricia: Four initially, but it is set up to continue indefinitely. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Patricia: I have the Memphis Cold Division on speed dial, and my detective there has been wonderful to answer questions. I also had to research maximum-security prisons in Tennessee. And how to cause a tie-rod to come loose. On that last note—I was in Gateway at 7 am one Saturday waiting for the mechanic to arrive so he could explain how to do that. I only wished I’d had a camera when I asked him. Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book? Patricia: I lay down the suspense line first, along with a little of the romance and faith lines, then I go back and fill in those last two until I have the right balance. Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? Patricia: I am working on the second book, Justice Buried. It’s a story set at the Pink Palace Museum, a famous landmark in Memphis. I was privileged to tour the Palace from the attic to the basement, and there are a lot of places to hide bodies there! I’m thinking about the third book that is about an Elvis impersonator killed fifteen years ago. Brock: Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series? Patricia: Justice Buried is set at the Pink Palace in Memphis and is about a security specialist who is accused of murder. She has to clear her name or her career is over, but her investigation draws her into the path of a killer, and she finds herself fighting for her life. Brock: Do you plot or outline the entire series before you begin writing, or do your books take on lives of their own? Or is there a combination? Patricia: I usually plot out the series, but then each book takes a life of its own and doesn’t even remotely resemble the outline and sometimes even has new protagonists. Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned? Patricia: Wait a minute and let me get up off the floor. J Something important always changes about my books. In Justice Delayed, I thought Andi was a newspaper reporter, but once I started writing, she let me know she was a TV reporter, and the murderer changed twice. Brock: Were any scenes or characters cut from the book? Can you give an example? Patricia: I am a very lean writer and scenes are rarely cut. If anything, I add scenes. Brock: Where do you like to write? Patricia: I love to write on my screened-in deck where I can listen to the birds sing. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Patricia: I’m blessed to be a full-time author. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Patricia: I like to have at least five months, but I have written one in four. Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the series? Patricia: I want them to take away hope. Brock: Expound on the spiritual themes in the Justice Delayed. Patricia: My books deal with problems Christians have in their lives—forgiveness, distance from God, guilt, trust issues, lack of faith—they’re all there. I hope the way my characters work out their problems will give hope to my readers. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Patricia: When I was 35 and these people came to live in my head. They wouldn’t go away until I wrote their stories. Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing? Patricia: God first—sometimes I have to depend on Him for the next sentence, and He has been faithful to give it to me. Also, teaching I received from Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck—they have shared their knowledge and encouragement to so many, and I was blessed to be one of them. I learned how to craft a story from them. Brock: What’s your view on e-books and the new publishing revolution? Patricia: I like e-books and believe they will encourage reading. As for Indie publishing, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, it’s easier to get your book out there, but so many Indie authors don’t hire a good editor for their stories and a lot of badly written books end up getting published. But cream always rises to the top. I prefer to be traditionally published. Revell, a division of Baker Books, is the absolute best! They really invest in their authors, marketing their books and offering so much encouragement. Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? Patricia: I read Exodus by Leon Uris when I was in the 10th grade and even now, that book impacts me. Brock: Describe your feelings when you opened the box and saw the first published copies of your very first book. Patricia: Actually, my editor sent my first book to me, making sure I received it on Christmas Eve. It was heart stopping when I tore open the envelope and realized it was Shadows of the Past. And I cried when I held it in my hands. Nothing will ever top that, but I was excited when the box of books arrived later. Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author? Patricia: I have so many ideas for books in my head, and I hope I have a chance to write every one of them. Brock: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing? Patricia: I could not write a book without knowing God was there, giving me the gift of telling a story. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Patricia: I rarely drink carbonated drinks, but usually buy Coke if I do. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Patricia: I love to cruise the Caribbean and will take my third cruise in March. Brock: Favorite season? Patricia: I love the leaves and crispness in the air in the Fall. Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like coco, raspberry tea, animal crackers? Patricia: When I’m writing, I consume hazel nut coffee by the gallon Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Patricia: I have 2 and I note them on each book I sign—Psalm 37:4, 7: 4:“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” 7: “Wait patiently for the Lord to act…” Brock: Favorite pasta dish? Patricia: Anything Alfredo. Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? Patricia: I listen to the light Classical Music channel except when I’m writing suspense, and then I listen to Batman Returns and The Phantom of the Opera. Brock: What is one thing most people don’t know about you? Patricia: I’ve been bucked off a horse two times, and one of those times, the saddle came with me. Brock: What was your day job before you quit to write full-time? Patricia: I taught abstinence and how to have healthy relationships to junior and senior high school students. It was quite an experience. Maybe I should have put that in the one thing most people don’t know about me. Patricia Bradley is the author of Shadows of the Past, A Promise to Protect, Gone without a Trace, and Silence in the Dark. Bradley received the 2016 Inspirational Readers Choice Award for the third Logan Point book, Gone without a Trace, and has been a finalist for the Genesis Award, a winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award, and winner of a Touched by Love Award. Bradley is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at ptbradley.com. Author Facebook: facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor Author Twitter: @ptbradley1 Author Pinterest: pinterest.com/ptbradley Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Murder Is No Accident Young Maggie Greene may be trespassing in the old, empty Victorian mansion on a quiet street in Hidden Springs, but all she wants is some private time in the magnificent tower room to write her stories. Certain she’ll be in trouble if caught, she hides when a realtor shows up. But someone else is in the house too, someone even more worried about getting caught. When Maggie finds the realtor’s body at the bottom of a flight of stairs and the other person gone, Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is called in. He assumes the realtor’s death is a tragic accident–until a second person is found dead in the house. When Maggie is threatened, Michael must catch the murderer before anyone else dies. Cozy mystery fans will love this third installment in The Hidden Springs Mysteries series from an author who knows how to make small-town America sweet, sentimental–and a little sinister. “The plot will keep readers anxious for another story set in Hidden Springs.” – RT Book Reviews about Murder Comes by Mail Brock: What was your inspiration for writing this book or series? Ann: Since I’ve always enjoyed reading mysteries, I decided to try writing a mystery story. But I also like setting my stories in small towns. That’s what I know since I grew up on a farm near a small town. So mystery combined with a small town and a few eccentric characters and a cat or two turned that first Hidden Springs story into a cozy mystery. For this book, my third Hidden Springs mystery, Murder Is No Accident, I decided to let the mystery take place in an old Victorian style house much like one I’ve always admired on my hometown’s Main Street. Then I introduced a new character, a young girl who dreams of being a writer. Hmm, something like me when I was fifteen. When she sneaks into the house to hide out and write in the tower room, she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time. And so the mystery begins. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? Ann: Michael Keane is the deputy sheriff of Hidden Springs. He loves his small town and has roots all the way to China. He tried working as a policeman in a big city, but hated it. He came back to Hidden Springs where he feels as though he actually has a chance to keep the peace. The problem is that he’s in love with a big city girl and while she loves him in return, they can’t quite figure out how to work out their different lifestyles. Alexandria Sheridan is an attorney in Washington D.C. She loves Hidden Springs, but only as a place to visit. She can’t imagine actually living in such a small town. She’s used to being on the fast track to success but she's also sure Michael could never be happy living in a big city. That makes a dilemma for her since she wants what's best for Michael. Fifteen-year-old Maggie Greene wants to be a writer. Her family has never had a lot of money, but after Maggie’s father gets laid off from his factory job, they struggle to pay their bills. Maggie doesn’t worry about not having the fancy clothes, cell phone, etc. that other girls her age have. She doesn’t mind helping her mother clean houses and taking care of her little brother while her mother is at work, but she does dreams of going to college. She’s afraid if she’s caught trespassing in the big house her mother sometimes cleans that will put a black mark on her record and keep her from getting the scholarships she needs to go on to school. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Ann: Michael Keane collects Civil War weapons and history books. He would like to have time to visit the historic battlefields and be more involved in Civil War re-enactments. Alexandria Sheridan wanted to be a Jeopardy contestant when she was in college, but she never sent in the application. She worried she'd freeze up, but now she's sorry she didn't give it a try. Maggie Greene dreams of someday going to England and touring a castle. Brock: In three sentences words, what is this book about? Ann: Murder. Secrets. Love. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Ann: I don’t outline my stories. I come up with a what if question or two, write a few pages about my characters to get to know them better and then type “Chapter 1” and begin. I like it when the characters keep the story going, but sometimes I think writing the book would surely be way easier if I did have that detailed outline. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Ann: My characters are regular folks just like my readers. While the characters in my stories may be challenged with more dramatic happenings then most people might face, we do all have good and bad times in life. Sometimes it helps to lay aside your own troubles to escape into a story for a while. I hope readers will cheer for my characters and hope for their safety and eventual happiness. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Ann: I’ve enjoyed writing these cozy mysteries, but I also enjoy writing the family stories and the historical stories I’ve written. One thing that does seem to tie most of my stories together is the small town Kentucky settings. So maybe I can start a new genre. A small town genre. You think the readers would go for that? Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Ann: Murder Is No Accident is the third Hidden Springs mystery following up Murder at the Courthouse and Murder Comes by Mail. At this time, I don’t have plans to visit Hidden Springs again, but who knows? Maybe someday mysterious happenings might again show up on the Main Street of Hidden Springs. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Ann: No special research was required for this story. I used an old house here in my town as inspiration for the setting, but the events of the story are all from my imagination. Brock: What do your readers think about your latest series? Ann: When my first Hidden Springs mystery, Murder at the Courthouse, was published I worried that my readers would be upset by my change in genre. The publishers worried about this too and that’s why they suggested I use a different form of my name, A. H. Gabhart instead of Ann H. Gabhart, as author of these cozy mysteries. I have been very pleasantly surprised that the majority of my readers, who had read my Shaker novels and my family series, gave my mysteries a try without hesitation. Even better, they all seemed to like the stories. I was especially on pins and needles with Murder Comes by Mail, because it is a more suspenseful story than most cozy mysteries. But again, I have the best readers in the world. They like my characters and my small town of Hidden Springs. Brock: Why did you choose to focus on a male protagonist? Ann: With my main character a deputy sheriff, I decided a man might be the more believable character in a town the size of my fictional Hidden Springs. Besides, I enjoy writing from the male point of view. That sometimes gives me a fresh perspective on a story idea. Brock: Where do you like to write? Ann: I prefer working in my office with windows all around, but I wrote my first novel many years ago at a desk in my kitchen while my youngest son watched Captain Kangaroo. To prove how long ago that was, my son now has four children, two of them teenagers! I wrote a number of books at that kitchen desk, but then when my father died, I received a small inheritance we used to build an addition onto our house that included an office for me. It's great having my own office with those windows I love. I can look outside at the trees and birds when I'm not looking inward at whatever is happening in my story. Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the series? Ann: I want my readers to be glad they took some time out of their busy lives to come visit Hidden Springs. I want them to come to think of my characters as family. I would like for them to realize good people, those willing to go the extra mile for their fellow citizens, abound in our world. That’s the kind of deputy sheriff Michael is in Hidden Springs. Last, but not least, I want them to be entertained by the story. Brock: What is your "how I got published" story? Ann: We have to go way back in time for that story. My first book, a historical romance, was published in the general market in 1978. Lots of ups and downs since then on my publishing road, but Murder Is No Accident is my thirty-first published book. When I wrote that first book back in the 1970’s, many things were different about how you went about submitting your work to publishers. I had to type all my manuscripts on a typewriter, prior to word processors, and mail those manuscripts to my agent who then sent them out to potential publishers, one at a time. If a rejection resulted, then the story was sent to another publisher. One thing was similar in that it was very helpful to have an agent. I searched through writing magazines for how to get an agent and then once I decided who to approach, I wrote a query letter telling about my story. Now we would call that a proposal and do most of the approaching agents or publishers via internet or at writers’ conferences. I do vividly remember reading that letter from my agent that told me my novel had been accepted for publication by Warner Books. One of those never to be forgotten moments. Fast forward a few decades and I wrote a story about a preacher and his family that brought me into the Christian fiction world. I love it here. When I noticed mysteries were becoming more popular among Christian fiction readers, I started letting murder happen in my little town of Hidden Springs. I was pleased when my editor and publishers decided readers might enjoy my cozy mysteries. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Ann: I sometimes wonder if I wasn’t wired to be a writer when I was born. Okay, maybe not quite that soon, but I did start writing my first book when I was ten. At the time, I was reading a lot of Hardy Boy mysteries and I decided to write my own mystery starring a smarter, cuter and far less shy me. I’ve been writing ever since. I love putting words together and telling stories. Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author? Ann: I hope to write a few more books that will have readers telling me they couldn’t put my book down until they finished the story. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Ann: Neither. I love my tea, hot or iced. Unsweetened, but I do mix lemonade with my iced tea when I go to one of those fast food restaurants. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Ann: I love to walk on the beach at sunrise and let the waves lap up toward my feet. I like hearing the shore birds and seeing the little crabs dig down in the sand. But I also like being in the mountains or on a lake. So perhaps my favorite place to vacation is anywhere I can get out in the natural world the good Lord made so beautiful. Brock: Favorite way to exercise? Ann: Walking on my farm with my dog, Oscar. Brock: Favorite season? Ann: Spring in the spring and fall in the fall. That was cheating picking two, wasn’t it? Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Ann: So many favorite verses. I’ll decide one is a favorite and then I’ll see another I want to let settle down in my heart. I put a Scripture reference when I autograph any of my books. I’ve tried to come up with verses that match the story the way I did with Lamentations 3:22-23 for Murder at the Courthouse since that is a verse one of the characters considered during the story. In my recent Shaker book, The Innocent, I had a continual faith thread where my character, Carlyn, would remember how her mother was always saying “Pray anyway” no matter the circumstances. So I put 1 Thessalonians 5:17 when I sign that book. If I can’t come up with anything that matches the title or the theme of the book, I use 3 John 2 because that seems like a blessing I can pray for each and every reader. Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? Ann: No, never. I like quiet. Brock: Why do you like to set your stories in small towns like Hidden Springs? Ann: I’m a country girl who knows very little about big cities, so it just seems right that I keep my stories in familiar territory. Also, small towns have a certain charm while opening up the potential of introducing some interesting minor characters to add color to a story. We had a few of those kinds of characters in my own hometown. While I have never actually used any of the people in my hometown in my stories, many of my hometown readers think I have. They are always trying to figure out who this or that character “really” is. Sometimes what they come up with surprises me or it’s someone I didn’t even know well enough to write into my story. I do admit that, at times, I have been inspired to come up with this or that character by people I have known. Even then, my fictional people are a mishmash of characteristics from many people I’ve met through the years. Brock: Why did you name your fictional town Hidden Springs? Ann: I like to name my towns something that sounds great. I have my Hollyhill stories and then there’s my little community of Rosey Corner where my Merritt family live. I named my fictional Shaker village, Harmony Hill. You think I might like town names that start with h? But Hidden Springs seemed like the perfect name when I was writing the first of my Hidden Springs mysteries, Murder at the Courthouse, because the mystery involved truths about long hidden events in the town that spring to the surface. Thank you so much for letting me come visit. I enjoy talking about my books and writing and love talking to my reading friends. Author Website: AnnHGabhart.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/anngabhart Author Twitter: @AnnHGabhart Author Pinterest: AnnHGabhart Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Recruits It’s a world they’ve seen only in their dreams—until now. Twins Sean and Dillon Kirrel have dreamed about a world beyond their own since they were children, but it has always been a fantasy. Not long before their eighteenth birthday, however, the arrival of a mysterious new neighbor and the revelations he shares bring that far-off world within reach. When Sean and Dillon learn they share a unique gift—the ability to transfer instantly between worlds—they are offered an opportunity to prove themselves as recruits to the planetary Assembly. But unlocking their abilities awakens an enemy beyond anything they ever imagined, thrusting them into an interplanetary conflict that could consume the entire human race. “A truly awesome work. . . . Enormously engaging and thought provoking. The concept itself is remarkable, and the writing is absolutely beautiful.” --Kim Neimi, former executive vice president, NBC Universal “Recruits is mind-bending storytelling, part The Matrix and part I Am Number Four. . . . An adventurer’s feast of the most addictive sort.” --Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling coauthor of Forbidden “Wow! Recruits is a remarkable feat, combining adroit storytelling with a delicious mixture of the now and the fantastic. The story brings to mind the poignant beauty of Arthur C. Clarke’s best novels, as well as such modern works as Avatar." --Phyllis Tickle, former senior editor, Publishers Weekly Brock: How did you come up with the idea for Recruits? Thomas: For the past several years I have grown increasingly concerned over the all-pervading darkness that nowadays forms the core of both character development and story within the fantasy and science fiction genres. Three years ago, Publishers Weekly held a global forum on where science fiction and fantasy were headed. A panel that included some of the largest New York publishers and editors in these fields brought several key elements to light. Here are the four points I found of crucial importance. First, in the six months leading up to that forum, not one book was released by any New York publisher in either fantasy or science fiction that hearkens back to the classical heroic structure of by-gone days. Second, both of these genres have become redefined by the electronic game industry, which is soon expected to top Hollywood films in terms of both profit and revenue. Third, the key impact of e-games on both character and story theme was described as “grey-scaling.” This means there is no longer room for either heroes or villains. This is important in e-games because the player is offered the chance to take on every role. None are deemed wrong, or bad. All are equally valid. Fourth, the classical story structure has been deemed passé. This structure formed the basis for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and for C.S. Lewis and the Narnia series, and has its roots in the ancient Greek heroic structure, many of which were told as fantasies. Do all readers want dark, hopeless stories? Long before this conference confirmed my growing suspicions, I felt the question these NY publishers overlooked was, “What has happened to the readers of classical fantasy and science fiction? Are readers satisfied with the direction that these publishers have chosen to take?” I do not disagree with the new direction as a concept. But I fundamentally dispute this mind-set of exclusively focusing on the new, the dark, and the hopeless. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Thomas: It really depends upon the story. With Recruits, for example, the characters basically told me the story and I hung on for the ride. This past week I completed work on the sequel, Renegades (Revell winter 2017). For this story, I outlined heavily. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Thomas: All of the Thomas Locke projects hold to the original Greek structure of inherent value, what Hollywood refers to as ‘leave-behind.” In Recruits, the principal characters rise from nothing to forge an alliance that has profound and far-reaching impact, simply by accepting the challenge of their own self-worth. With Recruits, I returned to the stories that framed so much of my own early reading. The characters are beset by impossible circumstances, and yet arrive at a point where they can not just survive, but achieve greatness. Brock: What is the biblical background or basis for the series? Thomas: When you pick up a Thomas Locke book, do not expect an evangelical story. Instead, these stories harken back to what J.R.R. Tolkien did with The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien was a survivor of the trenches in World War I. When war returned with World War II, the darkness he saw was difficult for him, personally. He felt as if the world had not healed. In The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he offered a new concept of lore that acknowledged the grip of war, the darkness people faced that had to be combatted, and the courage that was required. That is precisely what I am trying to do with these series. I’m not putting forth a Christian message for believers. I’m creating a new kind of story that includes the positive aspects that come from our life walk: courage in the face of hardship. Growth. Change. The meeting of life’s challenges. The need for a greater vision. Compassion. And above all, hope. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Thomas: Three. Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book? Thomas: The crucial element in writing speculative fiction is NOT the speculation. The key to these stories being successful is in anchoring them somehow to reality. With most speculative fiction, this comes down to making the emotions of the characters, and the characters themselves, come alive so powerfully that their world and their adventures become real as well. Brock: What do your readers think about your latest series? Thomas: The most recent Thomas Locke release was B2 in the Trial Run series, entitled Flash Point. Suspense Magazine recently awarded Trial Run their prestigious Best Book of 2015. Brock: Where do you like to write? Thomas: These days I travel a great deal, as it is required both for my teaching and for the service my wife and I are involved in. This year, for example, I will be working in the United States, Europe, and the Far East. As a result, it is necessary to hold to the discipline of writing wherever I am. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Thomas: I like to think of myself as a full-time writer, though there are increasingly other non-writing projects that my wife and I are involved with. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Thomas: For the past eighteen years, I have written a minimum of four full-length projects every twelve months. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Thomas: I came to faith at age twenty-eight and started writing two weeks later. Within days I knew this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Before that time, I had never written anything longer than a business report. I wrote for nine years and finished seven books before my first (The Presence, Bethany House) was accepted for publication. Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? Thomas: Most definitely it was the works of positive visionaries writing speculative fiction. It was a huge honor and delight when, the year after I started writing, Arthur C Clarke agreed to serve as my very first mentor. Brock: What is the one author, living or dead, who you would co-write a book with and why? Thomas: There are a number of Christian teachers whose lessons and books have enriched me. I would love to work with any of them in fashioning their teachings into a story. Brock: Describe your feelings when you opened the box and saw the first published copies of your very first book. Thomas: I know you are looking for some expression of joy here. And I was certainly happy. But our lives at that point were undergoing some really seismic shifts. The arrival of the book was great, and offered huge comfort at a difficult time. But in truth we were a little too busy just then to be overwhelmed. Now, when I look back, the day that happened really seemed more like, okay, I have now passed through this portal. The book is great, but the spiritual lessons are even greater. God is with us right now. His ways are sure. This is the key. Brock: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing? Thomas: My faith is center to all my works, both those intended for evangelical publishers and those aimed at the mainstream. There is no difference except whether I openly express my devotion. Brock: What’s your favorite holiday memory? Thomas: When I began writing, I needed a place where I could take a holiday from my day job, and time this to writing the climax of my story. For this I wanted to focus totally on the work, without the normal outside pressures. Because I surf, I looked for a place where there were waves. I worked in Germany, which has no repeat no surf. A dear friend suggested I visit the Basque country on the Atlantic coast, on the border of France and Spain. I fell in love with the wild and rocky region, very similar to northern California. I have worked on more than two dozen books there, and dedicated my first French release to the family with whom we stayed since the year after we were married. Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Thomas: Just now I am studying the Psalms anew. So many new favorites, so many old friends. It is a delight to dwell in these pages. Thomas Locke is a pseudonym for Davis Bunn, an award-winning novelist with worldwide sales of seven million copies in twenty languages. Davis divides his time between Oxford and Florida and holds a lifelong passion for speculative stories. He is the author of Emissary and Merchant of Alyss in the Legends of the Realm series, as well as Trial Run and Flash Point in the Fault Lines series. Learn more at TLocke.com. Author Website: TLocke.com Author Facebook: THOMASLOCKE Interview with Brock Eastman Featuring Siren's Fury Brock: Tell us about the main character’s development in Siren's Fury. Mary: In Storm Siren (Book 1) Nym faced a storm raging around her in the form of Adora, Eogan, war, love and loss. Now, in Siren’s Fury, Nym is facing a storm inside of her, when, after losing her Elemental abilities, she compromises what she knows to be right and chooses to absorb a dark power in an effort to save someone. However, she quickly discovers that instead of being able to control the evil within like she had hoped, the darkness begins taking over her. Brock: In three words, what is Siren's Fury about? Mary: Loss. Compromise. Surrender. Brock: How do you believe this part of the story (in the series) relates to the lives of readers? Mary: In Siren’s Fury, the issue I think readers will most identify with is that struggle regarding compromise and its consequences. Specifically when done with the right intentions (which is usually the case) as well as when “wrong” and “right” seem relative. But of course truth is invariable, and, while each compromise of that truth has consequences (often severe), there is also grace for redemption and overcoming. Brock: Is there any biblical background or basis for the book? Mary: Faith is an integral part of my life and therefore biblical principles and struggles will always be a part of my stories. If I were going to make any biblical comparison, it’d be that Nym reminds me very much of King David – with a beautiful heart full of compassion, but making an unwise choice when faced with impossible-seeming circumstances. Brock: What feedback have you received from readers in regards to the series? Mary: *laughs* Hands down the most often received comment is “WHAT ON EARTH DID YOU DOOOOOO?!”(in regards to Storm Siren). Which is almost always followed by kind words from readers about being able to relate to Nym and her internal struggles as well as her victories. I’ve been enormously touched by the amount of incredible people who take time to write notes about how they’ve been inspired. Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? What is the title? Mary: I’m currently doing edits on Book 3 (still untitled!) and I’ll be honest – they’re by far the hardest thus far. I think I’m feeling my own pressure of wanting to wrap Nym’s story up well and do my amazing readers justice. :0) Brock: Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series? Mary: Ooh yes! We’ll get a glimpse into Cashlin (and all its weirdness), discover more of the Dark Army’s creepiness, learn about Nym’s birth and backstory, and encounter decisions that will equal life, love, loss, and death. As well as an epic finale (which I’m hoping readers won’t hate me for, ahem). ;0) Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned? Mary: The characters have changed more than anything – their struggles and strengths have become clearer and more personal to what I see myself and others encounter. Brock: Were any scenes or characters cut from the book? Can you give an example? Mary: *laughs* I seriously think I might be the most boring writer in the world! I write in a straight line from start to finish – and usually add a scene or two during edits, but there aren’t any I ever cut (weirdly enough). However, I can say my editors and I were so fond of a new boy named Kel that we enhanced his storyline. And he’ll be fully in Book 3. Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids/teens? Mary: As a parent of 2 teen girls and a pre-teen boy, I’m always looking for stories to inspire a deeper love of reading in my kids. But even more so, I’m looking for stories to ignite their hunger for adventure and reflective truth at a soul level. I hope Siren’s Fury does that. :0) Brock: What do you hope kids/teens take away from this book or series? Mary: (1) Courage to live their own incredible stories that God has written. (2) Understanding it’s both the beautiful and broken bits (the ups and downs) that make us who we are and our life stories come ALIVE. (3) Bravery to accept and embrace the unique individual God has created them to be (because he only creates glorious things). :0) Brock: How long did it take you to write Siren's Fury? Mary: 7 ½ months Brock: Favorite book? Mary: Gah – there are SO manyyyy!! But my current obsession is Marie Rutkoski’s incredibly brilliant WINNER’S TRILOGY (because off-the-chart FEELS). And Marissa Meyer’s LUNAR CHRONICLES (because Captain Thorne is Han Solo in book form). Brock: Favorite sound? Mary: My husband’s voice, my children’s laughter, and my steaming espresso machine. Brock: Weirdest food you’ve tried? Hmm…probably rattlesnake (and yes, it tastes like chicken – stringy chicken :0)). Although my husband and daughter have me beat - last year in Cambodia they ate deep-fried tarantula. Apparently it takes like bacon. Author website: MaryWeber.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/marychristineweber Author Twitter: twitter.com/mchristineweber Author Instagram: instagram.com/maryweberauthor/ Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Richard L. Mabry When Dr. Mark Baker and Nurse Kelly Atkinson are held at the mercy of a dangerous gunman, the lives of every emergency room patient are at stake. At the end of the evening three men are dead. One is a police officer whose life couldn't be saved despite Mark's best efforts. The other two are members of a drug cartel. After the standoff, the killing is not over. When the drug cartel loses members, revenge is not far behind. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, hiding her own feelings for Mark. Three questions remain: Who is the shooter? Who will the next victim be? And can Mark prove his innocence before the gun turns on him? "Fatal Trauma asks big questions of faith, priorities, and meaning, all within the context of a tightly crafted medical drama." -Steven James, best-selling author of Placebo and Checkmate Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this book? Richard: It began with a conversation, discussing the time a physician whom I was privileged to help train confronted a man with a gun in a hospital emergency room. Since Mexican drug cartels have extended their influence into our area of Texas, it seemed natural for me to add that to the idea stirring in my head. Thus, Fatal Trauma was born. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? Richard: Dr. Mark Baker is an emergency room physician. He knows it’s time to settle down, but he isn’t sure he’s met a woman who’s “the one”—until he sees her with a gun to her head. Nurse Kelly Atkinson has already decided that Mark is her “one,” and when they both seem to be just a trigger’s pull from death, she’s more certain than ever. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Richard: Mark had a year of surgery residency before he decided he wanted to treat “a little bit of everything.” That’s why he’s an ER doctor. Rachel’s parents are divorced, but unlike many such situations, their separation didn’t drive her away from Christianity—it brought her closer. Brock: In three words, what is this book about? Richard: Faith under fire. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Richard: I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer. I start with a premise or hook. Then I populate the story, although I learn more about the characters as the novel develops. I figure out something to keep the story moving and prevent a sagging middle, then craft what I hope will be a surprising and satisfying ending. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Richard: I don’t think my readers are ever going to go through the trials of my two protagonists…at least, I hope not. But what I’d like them to realize, after they finish reading Fatal Trauma, is that even when things look bad God is with them. He doesn’t cause bad things to happen, but He’ll stand by us as we get through them. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Richard: I tried writing in a number of genres before I finally settled on medical suspense. Then, because there’s a bit of romance in all my books and they have a Christian point-of-view, I adopted the tag, “Medical suspense with heart.” Brock: Are your novels part of a series or are they freestanding? Richard: My novels are totally freestanding, and can be read in any order. I think this is harder for an author than writing a series, since in earlier books they will have created a locale and characters. Nevertheless, I’ve had numerous readers (and publishers) tell me they prefer freestanding novels. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Richard: People think that, because I’m a physician, I should be able to write medical scenarios without having to do any research, but that’s not right. Medicine is constantly changing, and the way a heart attack was treated a year or two ago is most likely different from what is best practice now. As for the scenarios themselves, those are products of my imagination, although sometimes I insert details from my experience or that of other physicians. Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book? Richard: The two major elements I try to balance in my novels are suspense and romance. I let the characters themselves dictate the way the plot proceeds, and thus they determine how much of each element is in each book. When I look at the plot after it’s wound up, I generally end up with slightly more suspense than romance, but that’s not due to any conscious decision on my part. Brock: How does it feel to have your work published? Richard: Since I either wrote or edited eight textbooks during my time as a practicing physician, I figured seeing my first non-medical book in print wouldn’t be that big a deal, but I was wrong. What got me into this type of writing in the first place was my non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse, and when the book came out I was thrilled that God helped me take the event that was the toughest I’d ever experienced and turn it into something that might help others. Every time I am reminded of that book (which continues to minister to thousands), that thrill comes back. Since Fatal Trauma will be my eighth published novel, you might think there wouldn’t be any emotion associated with seeing the book in print…but you’d be wrong. I guess it never goes away. Brock: Why did you choose to focus on a male or female protagonist? Richard: I wrote four novels over four years that were all rejected by publishers. Each of them had male protagonists…because I was a man, so that’s how I thought. Then I read that 85% of Christian fiction readers were women and they preferred female protagonists. Well, as one of my med school professors used to say, “You can teach a white mouse in three times.” So I switched to female protagonists. It was only after I’d had four novels published that I was brave enough to write with a male lead character, and I’ve sort of alternated since then, always with both a male and female playing prominent roles. And, since I’m always asked how I can write authentic fiction from a female perspective, I have to give credit to my wife, Kay. She’s my first reader, biggest fan, and severest critic, and doesn’t hesitate to say, “No, a woman wouldn’t say/do that…she’d say/do this.” And she’s right. Brock: Can you give us a hint about your next book? Richard: After Fatal Trauma comes Miracle Drug, due for publication this fall. It’s a novel that I actually wrote before Ebola became a household word. In Miracle Drug, a doctor is suddenly called on to treat an unusual, normally fatal infection sustained by an ex-President and the doctor’s girl friend. A cure would require both heroic efforts and a miracle drug. Brock: Where do you like to write? Richard: Although some of my colleagues like to use their laptops to write in coffee houses or on their back porch, I do almost all my writing in my office. There’s something about having a place to sit down and act like an author that seems to help me plot and compose more effectively. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Richard: I’m retired from my career practicing medicine, but I’ve found that “life” continues to demand a great deal of my time. So, even though I don’t have to leave the house for a job each day, I still consider myself fortunate if I can snatch an hour or two each morning and/or evening to write. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Richard: My first book took me well over a year to write, what with all the edits and revisions, because I was trying to get that elusive first fiction contract. Since then, although I’d love to have the luxury of a year between books, contracts and deadlines have dictated a book each six months (except for a couple of lulls when I changed publishers). Brock: What do you hope readers take away from your novels? Richard: My books are Christian fiction—that is, although there are no altar calls or long Scripture passages, they involve the struggles that affect all of us who are Christian. I’m trying to convey two messages in the books: the Christian is not immune to bad things happening, and God is always there to help us get through those bad times. Brock: What is your "how I got published" story? Richard: In 2009 I had no aspirations to write non-medical material. My wife of 40 years and I were going to retire, build on some farmland I’d purchased, and relax. Instead, she died of a sudden stroke. I used journaling as a grieving tool, and some friends who read what I was writing suggested I turn it into a book. Unfortunately, I had no idea how one did that, and eventually I attended a Christian writers’ conference. That was where I not only learned what I had to do to turn my journaling into a book, but was also challenged by two faculty members to try my hand at fiction. Eventually I received a contract for The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse. Then, a few years later, I finally got my first fiction contract. Brock: What’s your view on e-books and the new publishing revolution? Richard: When I first started seeking publication, writers who self-published were looked down on by those whose work was accepted by traditional publishing houses. That’s all changed now, and many writers are choosing to self-publish. The thing that bothers me about self-publication (both e-publishing and print-on-demand) is that some authors, in avoiding curation by agents and editors, put things out when they’re not ready for publication. Notice I said “some”—not “all.” Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author? Richard: The death of my first wife taught me an important lesson: we’re not guaranteed tomorrow. Each morning, I thank God for that day and try to use it wisely and well. I suppose I should worry about future novels and contracts, but one day at a time I try to write the best book I can. After that, it’s sort of out of my hands. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Richard: Actually, since my step-son works for that corporation, I’m going to say Dr. Pepper…specifically Dr. Pepper Ten. (Got to watch those calories). Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Richard: It’s probably a tie between a condo on Maui and the Palmenwald Hotel in the Black Forest of Germany. But I have to admit that, the older we get, the more Kay and I like our home and our routine, so the less we are likely to travel. Brock: Favorite season? Richard: Spring—when the weather gets nicer and baseball players report to camp for spring training. Brock: Favorite color? Richard: Blue Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Richard: I hang my hat on Romans 8:38-39, which tells me that nothing—not even death— can separate us from God’s love. Brock: What books do you read for pleasure? Richard: I’ve always loved mysteries, thrillers, detective stories, and the like. I suppose that’s why I feel comfortable writing medical suspense. I read both Christian and non-Christian fiction, and I have too many favorite authors to start naming names (for fear I’d leave one out). Brock: I understand that golf holds a special place in your life. Can you explain? Richard: Jerry, my friend and attorney, and I started playing golf together after we met to probate my first wife’s will. That was in 1999, and we’ve missed very few Wednesday mornings since that time. Our friendship and time together has spanned the death of his first wife, remarriage for both of us, and a variety of events both good and bad. We talk about everything, enjoy being outdoors, and don’t keep score. It’s amazing how much more enjoyable the game is that way. Author Website: RMabry.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/rmabrybooks Author Twitter: twitter.com/RichardMabry Author Pinterest: pinterest.com/RichardMabry Author blog: RMabry.blogspot.com Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring The Hive ON THE RUN TO SAVE HER BABY A pregnant cyborg and a teenage boy fight against intergalactic governments to protect the unborn in this novel from a Christy Award-nominated author. Why is Zain pregnant? She belongs to the Hive, a collective of cyborgs who choose to live apart from the rest of human society. At times, the Hive rent out some of their females to produce tailor-made children for paying couples. But Zain is an engineer, not a breeder. When she finds herself separated from the Hive, she decides to find the person who she thinks ordered the baby. Surely they'll help her find her way home. Matthew "Scorn" Nelson has spent the better part of his teenage years cracking computer systems, causing mischief and havoc wherever he can. But the night of his greatest triumph turned into a painful memory, one he wants to erase. But that night was also his first step on a road to faith. When Zain arrives on his doorstep, Scorn is horrified. What's he supposed to do with a pregnant teenage cyborg? Unfortunately, he'll have to answer that question on the run. Zain's people want to reclaim her and terminate her pregnancy. And both the Ministrix and the Praesidium, two intergalactic governments in a constant state of cold war, want Zain's baby for their own reasons. Will their enemies run them down? Or will Zain find a new Hive for both her and her child? John Otte has a knack for writing creative stories set in futuristic worlds. His vivid settings and well defined characters will pull you in and not let go until you’ve finished. Brock: How did you come up with the idea for The Hive, but also the book prior to it Numb? John: The first book, Numb, was kind of an odd journey. I was first inspired by a short story contest for a now defunct webzine, created the world as part of an unfinished NaNoWriMo project, and had the main character pop into my head while watching Daniel Craig playing James Bond. The rest of the plot kind of snowballed from there. But in terms of The Hive, I can honestly say I don’t remember where I got the idea. I think it’s the result of asking “So what happens next?” I wanted to keep telling tales in the same storyworld as Numb, and so I asked myself, “What would happen next?” Pretty soon, a few threads started to pull together and I had the basic kernel of an idea. Brock: Tell us about the main characters and what makes them unique. John: The Hive follows two main characters. The first is Zain. She is a member of the Hive, a cybernetic society that has chosen to separate themselves from the rest of humanity. She’s an engineering drone. She’s incredibly naïve when it comes to the rest of human society, which makes things extremely difficult when she finds herself separated from her people. Matthew Nelson is the son of wealthy executives and attends a swanky private school where he is, unfortunately, a social outcast. But that’s okay, because Matt also calls himself “Scorn.” He’s secretly a systems cracker, someone who can get inside a computer system and make it do whatever he wants. And he is, quite simply, one of the best crackers ever, responsible for all sorts of crazy mischief. Brock: Share something about them that no one else knows. John: Zain was a major crier. At least, she was in the first draft of the book. I hadn’t realized how often I had her break down in tears until I was reading through it and found myself thinking, “Why are you crying again?” As for Matt, he has a number of really big secrets that very few people know about. The biggest is that he recently became a Christian. In his society, though, that’s technically illegal, so he has to hide it from just about everyone. Brock: Amazing how reading through a story a few times, we begin to see repetition we didn’t realize was there. In three words what is this book about? John: Oh, that’s easy. I can sum it up in three words: “pregnant teenage cyborg.” That was actually the nickname of the book for years. I was at a writers’ conference where I pitched it to an editor. The editor liked it so much, she went around telling people about how one guy pitched her a book about a pregnant teenage cyborg. Pretty soon, all I had to do was tell people, “I’m the pregnant teenage cyborg.” You can imagine the looks that a few people gave me who didn’t know what I was talking about. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? John: I’m more of an outliner when it comes to putting together a story. Actually, I call what I do “stepping stones” writing. I have to envision about half a dozen key moments in the book. Sometimes those moments are huge and other times they’re just little snippets. Whatever the case, once I have those moments, I kind of make it up as I go along between those moments. Brock: I’ve had situations before where I’ll jump ahead and write important moments and then connect the parts, but sometimes I find myself getting bored writing the connecting stuff. How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? John: In two ways. First of all, there’s the fact that Zain’s pregnancy is unintended and, from her perspective, unwanted. By writing this story as I did, I hoped I could approach it from a different angle. But second, I also saw a sort of resonance between the Hive and some corners of the modern Christian church. This is kind of my way to not-so-subtly critique it. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? John: Science fiction, no doubt. I’ve tried my hand at fantasy and enjoyed it, but there’s just something fun about science fiction that keeps me coming back. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? John: No, this is all my imagination running wild. I tend to write more space opera than hard science fiction, so I can be a little more fast and loose with the facts. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t do research to help make sure I got the details correct. At one point, I went out and bought a copy of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” from a Goodwill. When I brought it home, my wife looked at it and asked me, “Something you’re not telling me?” Brock: Ha ha, that’s hilarious. Sounds like something my wife would have said to me. Are you working on the next book in the series? John: In a way, yes. It’s not under contract, but I’m having a lot of fun with it. Once again, I asked myself, “What happens next?” and the result is a story that’s kind of a mix between “Leverage” and “Star Trek.” Brock: Where do you like to write? John: One of my favorite places to write is at my local library. They have private study rooms that are just perfect. I can stay off the internet and get a lot of work done. But my absolute most favorite place to write is at a friend’s house. One of my fellow authors has friends over regularly to work on our projects, as well as provide encouragements and critiques for each other. It’s an eclectic group of authors; we have speculative fiction folks like me mixing with historical romance and romantic thriller authors. But we have a lot of fun. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author? John: I am strictly part time, fitting it in when I can. In my “other life,” I’m a Lutheran pastor, so it can be a difficult trick to balance the two. Brock: Considering your other requirements. How long does it usually take you to write a single book? John: It really depends. I’ve been averaging about a book a year right now, although sometimes it takes me a little longer. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? John: I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. When I was in fifth grade, I started putting together my own badly drawn comic books. After I realized that I was a really bad artist, I “graduated” to writing really bad Gary Stu science fiction adventures. I’ve tried my hand at fanfiction, movie scripts, and even a stage play that garnered some serious interest from a dinner theatre in Australia. I guess the upshot is that I’m a storyteller at heart and can’t help myself. Brock: What’s your view on e-books and the new independent publishing revolution? John: I was skeptical of ebooks when they first hit the market, but I now own a Kindle that has way too many books on it. I still love the feel of a print book, but I like the way that I can take risks on new authors and stories. As for the way that this is reshaping publishing, I find it interesting to watch. I’m glad that so many people are finding their voices and bringing their stories to receptive audiences. At the same time, though, the quality of stories that have entered the marketplace have suffered somewhat. There’s no shortcut for good fiction. Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? John: Boy, that’s a good question. My family was the terror of our local library because we checked out and returned so many books every three weeks. I loved Encyclopedia Brown when I was a kid. I really got into Star Trek novels when I was a kid (Peter David was my favorite author for those). I’m not sure I could pick just one favorite book. Brock: What is the one author, living or dead, who you would co-write a book with and why? John: Easy question: Brandon Sanderson. He is my current favorite by far. I love the intricate storyworlds that he builds and his stuff is always so entertaining. I think it would be a blast to collaborate with him. Brock: What would your dream writing job be? John: For me, there’s one dream writing job I’d love to have: writing a Star Wars novel. I’ve been a Star Wars fan since I was a kid and ever since they started producing novels back in the ‘90s, I’ve wanted to write one. Maybe someday I’ll get the chance. We’ll just have to wait and see. Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author? John: I have what can best be described as pipedreams: hitting a bestselling list, having a book adapted as a movie, create something that will someday be featured in Hall H of Comic-Con. But my greatest hope is that I can just keep telling fun stories to people. Brock: Aside from writing, what else do you do in your spare time? John: I’m the consummate geek. I love games, both video games and tabletop games. I’m always on the lookout for something new to play, although I don’t get many opportunities to play them all. Brock: You were a theatre major in college. What’s your favorite stage play? John: The play is called A Company of Wayward Saints and I’ve had the privilege of directing it twice, once in college and once in seminary. It’s an amazing play about a troupe of comedic actors trying to put on a show called “The History of Man.” It’s hilarious and poignant all that the same time. Brock: What’s your favorite TV show? John: I’m a suck for anything that has to do with superheroes, and there are a lot of shows that fit that particular bill right now. My absolute favorite right now is “The Flash.” It’s a funny show with plenty of action and a lot of heart. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? John: Coke. Without a doubt. I figure if I ever have to stop drinking Coke, their stock is going to crater. My congregation is very used to seeing me with a Coke in my hand when I’m teaching Bible study. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? John: Australia. A year after we got married, my wife and I spent two weeks there and we had a phenomenal time. I would love to go back someday. Brock: Favorite color? John: Purple. I have no idea why, but that’s it. Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? John: Far too many. Romans 8:28-39 is toward the top of my list. So are 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (basically anything that talks about the resurrection). Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? John: I like to listen to instrumental music when I write, anything without lyrics. So I’ll use movie soundtracks, stuff like that. Right now, I’m kind of hooked on a group called “Gothic Storm.” Fun music to write to. Author Website: JohnWOtte.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/authorjohnwotte Author Twitter: @JohnWOtte Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Through Waters Deep It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges—and dangers—await them. “Fascinating history, interesting location, touching romance—Sarah Sundin packs it all in this page-turning story as she takes us Through Waters Deep. Readers are sure to enjoy living this stirring World War II era adventure with Sundin’s characters.” --Ann H. Gabhart, author of Love Comes Home and The Innocent Brock: How did you come up with the idea for the Waves of Freedom Series? Sarah: When I was doing research for my other World War II novels, I noticed some little-known historical tidbits. In 1941, before Pearl Harbor, U-boats sank a US destroyer, damaged another, and sank five American cargo ships. Meanwhile, Americans argued bitterly—was it more dangerous to join the war or to allow the Axis to triumph? I thought this would be a fascinating setting for a story. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? Sarah: Ensign Jim Avery is an American naval officer assigned to a new destroyer. He’s easygoing and congenial—but he finds his “float with the current” ways may not be enough as the situation heats up at sea. Mary Stirling is an efficient secretary at the Boston Navy Yard, content to stay out of the limelight. When evidence of sabotage is found at the shipyard, Mary is thrilled to have her own mystery to solve—if she can do so quietly, without calling attention to herself. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Sarah: Oh, they each have a secret—which is revealed in the novel! Brock: In three sentences what is this book about? Sarah: A country on the brink of war. Two friends on the brink of romance. Three threats to keep them apart. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Sarah: I’m a huge outliner. I have to know the characters thoroughly before I start, and I have a detailed plot outline as well. However, I do discover things as I write the rough draft, and I let them guide the rest of the story. For me, these are usually smaller details rather than huge plot points, but they always make the story richer. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Sarah: Many of us are impeded by our fears or by events from our past that have skewed our thinking. I hope as readers watch Jim and Mary’s struggles that God will work in their hearts in His own unique way. I’m always awed when readers tell me how God used my simple stories to help them grow—often in an area not even addressed in the books! The Lord is amazing! Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Sarah: I love writing historical romance, and all my novels have been set during World War II. I find the era endlessly fascinating, with millions of stories. And I just can’t imagine writing a novel without a love story in it—hopelessly romantic. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Sarah: Three. Through Waters Deep is the first book, Anchor in the Storm will be released in the summer of 2016, and the third book in the winter of 2017. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Sarah: Way too much research. Since Jim Avery serves as a gunnery officer on a Gleaves-class destroyer, I had to learn about destroyers, the Battle of the Atlantic, and the US Navy in general. I also ended up reading the 500-page Naval Ordnance and Gunnery Manual from 1944. Oh my. That was when I was glad I took all those physics classes as a chemistry major! For Mary’s end of the story, I learned about the Boston Navy Yard during World War II (now the Charlestown Navy Yard). My favorite research was visiting Boston and exploring WWII-era destroyers. And eating Boston cream pie. Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book? Sarah: As much as I love research, I remind myself readers want a story, not a history lesson. I allow myself to write in as much research as I want in the rough draft, then I slash and burn when I edit. And my editor slashes still more. Only what the reader needs to know. Brock: Why did you choose to focus on a male and female protagonist? Sarah: I enjoy alternating between hero and heroine. First, it’s fun to watch a romance develop from inside both heads, as they each try to imagine what the other one is thinking and feeling. Second, it allows me to tell two related stories. Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? Sarah: The second book, Anchor in the Storm, is going through edits at my publisher, and I’m busy writing the third book. Brock: Can you give us a hint at Anchor in the Storm? Sarah: For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. She loves the wartime challenges of her new job but spurns the attention of society boy Ens. Archer Vandenberg, even if Arch is her brother’s best friend. As Arch’s destroyer battles U-boats along the East Coast in the darkest days of the war, Lillian uncovers a black market drug ring. Arch’s efforts to aid Lillian’s investigation and to win her trust fling them both into danger—from torpedoes, drug lords, and opened hearts. Brock: Do you plot or outline the entire series before you begin writing, or do your books take on lives of their own? Or is there a combination? Sarah: My publisher required a long synopsis of each book in the series before they gave me a contract, so I did have to think through each of the three stories. I didn’t mind. Although each novel stands alone, the main characters appear in each novel, so I wanted to know them well in advance—and know where they were going. In Through Waters Deep, this helped me give intriguing (I hope!) hints about the rest of the series. Brock: How much leeway do you gives yourself with facts in a Historical genre? Sarah: I try to stay as close to history as possible. However, since I use fictional characters, I automatically alter history. For example, in Through Waters Deep, Jim sails on a fictional destroyer, to allow me to create a fictional cast of characters. Although the adventures of the USS Atwood are imaginary, I based them on actual incidents involving destroyers at the time. Brock: Where do you like to write? Sarah: I’m blessed to have my own office now. I have a lovely L-shaped desk with cupboards for all my binders. When my kids were younger, I did a lot of my writing on-the-go—on the sidelines during soccer practice, in the karate studio, the dentist’s office—wherever I could. As our nest is emptying, I’m able to spend more time at my desk. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Sarah: Both. I work full-time as an author, more than forty hours a week. But I also work one evening a week as a hospital pharmacist, because we have kids in college and pharmacy pays! Plus, I worked hard to get that degree, and I can’t bring myself to give it up quite yet. And I do hear fascinating stories working in a hospital… Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Sarah: For the Waves of Freedom series, I’m on a nine-month schedule, faster than the year I’m used to. That means two months for character and plot development, five months for the rough draft, and two months for editing—with interruptions for publisher’s edits for earlier books and publicity for new releases—and life. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Sarah: January 6, 2000. How’s that for exact? Like all bookworm little girls, I entertained a brief fantasy of becoming an author, but I shelved it with my ballerina fantasy and my Olympic figure skater fantasy. I loved science, so I became a pharmacist, a career that allows for flexible hours. In 2000, my kids were little, and I was loving my stay-at-home mom/on-call pharmacist life. Then I got slammed with a story idea—in a dream!—that wouldn’t let me go. I had to write it. So I wrote it. Now I’m addicted. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Sarah: Diet generic cola. We’re cheap. I do prefer Diet Coke to Pepsi though. Brock: Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos? Sarah: Soft. I’m from California. We can be snobby about such things. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Sarah: Anywhere! I love to travel. We had some fun years when my husband traveled a lot on business, and we were able to use his frequent-flier miles to take the kids to England, Germany, France, Italy, Australia—and Boston too. Brock: Favorite season? Sarah: Autumn! I love the crisp weather, the colors, and the school supplies. Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like coco, raspberry tea, animal crackers? Sarah: Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon—hot in the winter and iced in the summer. Today I’m drinking iced green tea with blueberry and pomegranate—no sugar. I told you I was from California. Brock: Favorite color? Sarah: Blue. Brock: Favorite pasta dish? Sarah: I love trying new pasta dishes, but I have a lifelong fondness for a good old-fashioned spaghetti with meat sauce. Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? Sarah: Music distracts me when I write. I sing or hum or want to get up and dance. Ironically, I’m not distracted by the noise of a busy household—or soccer field or karate studio. Author Website: SarahSundin.com Author Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahSundinAuthor Author Twitter: http://twitter.com/sarahsundin Author Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sarahsundin Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Fusion Fire A New Life for Lady Firebird Forced to forsake her royal heritage, Lady Firebird now faces new and powerful enemies. Firebird is pregnant with twins when her new husband, Brennen Caldwell, is left as the only heir to ancient messianic prophecies. Meanwhile on another world, Firebird’s sister defects to the enemy camp and is made a prisoner. Brennen’s superiors ask him to try to rescue her, and Phoena’s desperate husband travels light-years trying to enlist Brennen’s aid. But Brennen is not tempted to comply… until a divine dream sends him exactly where he does not want to go. “Sweeping drama in deep space… a plot filled with action and intrigue. Thought-provoking without being preachy.” —Moody Magazine Brock: I'm honored and excited to interview Kathy Tyers; a pioneer and champion for the Christian Science-Fiction genre. If not for her development of the genre, my own series might never have been published. Kathy, how did you come up with the idea for the Firebird series? Kathy: During the summer of 1983, the third Star Wars movie was released and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds came to town. While working in my vegetable garden I tried to imagine a sequel to “Return of the Jedi,” and one night I stayed up feverishly writing down notes. The first draft of that novel was unpublishable fan fiction—but I joined a writers group and started learning the craft, replacing all the copyrighted material with my own ideas and characters. On a note of delightful irony, ten years and four novels later I was asked to write a Star Wars novel that took take place during exactly the time period I had imagined that summer in the vegetable garden. Brock: It’s neat to see how God works things out. We’ll talk about Star Wars later. First, though, tell us about the main characters in Fusion Fire: Who are they, and what makes them unique? Kathy: Lady Firebird is a wastling, the extraneous third child of a noble family, and she was born only for insurance that the line won’t die out. When her eldest sister’s heirs are born, she is expected to seek a noble death. She trains as a fighter pilot and is sent on a suicide mission. But things don’t work out that way. Brennen Caldwell is the only surviving son of an ancient messianic lineage. He’s a man of deep faith, but because of his ancestors’ experiments in genetic engineering, he is also a highly trained telepath. Recently I read that a reader had called him “swoon-worthy.” Brock: That sounds like high praise. Would you mind giving us one fact about each main character that no one else knows? Kathy: When Firebird was in her early teens, on vacation at the family retreat at Hunter Height, she went out with a group of friends for a day of hunting. She was an excellent shot, but she couldn’t bring herself to pull the trigger, and for the rest of the vacation she was mercilessly belittled by her older sister Phoena. Phoena is one of the main villains in Firebird and Fusion Fire. Brennen isn’t fond of traveling passenger-class or even as command staff. He would much rather pilot. Brock: It’s always fun to hear information the author knows, but has not shared in the story. In three sentences, what is Fusion Fire about? Kathy: Firebird is forced to confront her own sin and darkness, even though she’s a “good” person. It’s also about two rescues, one that succeeds and one that goes terribly wrong. And Firebird and Brennen learn that sometimes, there’s a terrible price for keeping vital secrets. Brock: When writing, do you outline the entire book, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Kathy: I’m an outliner. It’s partly because I have a bad memory but also because I have a compulsive need to get things right. The first full draft of one of my books reads like a sketchy outline of the scenes, plus dialogue. I hear my characters speaking long before I can see them. I make several self-editing passes and add “sedimentary” layers of subplot, setting, etc. Brock: This sounds like a great process. Often I find myself having to completely rewrite a section if not well outlined or if my characters get a bit out of hand. As this is a five book series, did you plot or outline the whole thing before you began writing? Kathy: Originally, I had a very different five-book series in mind. Bethany House Publishers ended the series as a trilogy, so I had to telescope Crown of Fire from two book outlines into a single novel. Wind and Shadow and Daystar took shape while I was working on a degree in Christianity and the Arts at Regent College in Vancouver, BC. Brock: How do you believe the “Firebird” series relates to the lives of readers? Kathy: In the “Firebird” series, humanity’s history changed direction even before Christ was born. I think readers have enjoyed following this what-if thread of alternate history, as well as the deepening relationship of two warrior heroes who are deeply in love with each other and their God—but who certainly aren’t the type to settle down and live happily ever after. Not even as parents… but that’s another story. Brock: Kathy, I can probably guess this. But what is your favorite genre to write? Kathy: I’ve written speculative fiction for many years, mostly space opera and hard science fiction. Right now, I think I’d like to try my hand at contemporary fantasy. Brock: Expanding horizons. Would you mind explaining “hard” science fiction for people who don’t know the speculative subgenres? Kathy: That’s science fiction in which the plot revolves around solving a scientific question that’s true to science as we currently understand it. My hard SF novel, Shivering World, is about one character’s quest for healing, but the plot also addresses issues of genetic engineering and terraforming. And since you might ask: “terraforming” is the hypothetical science in which certain uninhabitable planets might gradually be modified to support life as we know it. Brock: Ironic you mention terraforming; because it was a part of the manuscript I just finished up. I think it’s one of the more exciting hypothetical scientific fields to be explored in space exploration and colonization. What is the biblical background or basis for the Firebird series? Kathy: God keeps his promises no matter how long it takes, and his character never changes. Brock: That’s an assurance we can certainly draw hope and find peace from. How many books are in the series? Kathy: Fusion Fire is #2 in a series of five: Firebird, Fusion Fire, Crown of Fire, Wind and Shadow, and Daystar. Brock: Any certain research required for the books, or is it all from your imagination? Kathy: Well, I read a lot about high-performance military aircraft and discussed battle strategies with some folks who had military experience—and I took a ride with an aerobatics pilot, in order to see how some of those maneuvers actually felt. I also studied the “worldbuilding” aspects of astronomy and geology that it takes to imagine believable worlds, and I highly recommend Stephen L. Gillett’s Worldbuilding: A writer’s guide to constructing star systems and life-supporting planets. Brock: Thanks for the recommendation; I’ve put it on my wish list. How do you strike the right balance in your book? Kathy: Oh, I just keep the plot moving and the characters’ interaction (and personal growth) front and center, and try and make sure that every scene, including every viewpoint shift, drives the plot. Those self-editing passes include lots of re-reading, to see if I lose interest anywhere. Having a baddish memory helps with self-editing, because it enables me to read the current version as if I hadn’t read the previous drafts. Brock: This is an issue I often run into. I’ll find myself adding a detail or dialogue, only to find I said the same thing two paragraphs later. What has been your readers’ feedback on the ‘Firebird’ series? Aside from the, “Swoon-worthy” Brennen Caldwell. Kathy: I was deeply honored when the fifth Firebird novel, DAYSTAR, won the speculative fiction Carol Award from the American Christian Fiction Writers for the year of its original release, 2013. But an even higher honor came when a young woman at my church told me she had decided to become a Christian after reading Firebird. She invited me to her baptism. Wow. Brock: That’s an honor and a celebration. I can’t think of a higher praise for your work. After our work is often a vessel for God’s message to be delivered to others. Why did you choose to focus on a female protagonist? Kathy: It’s just more natural for me to write deep, third-person viewpoint from a woman’s perspective. But since these books include scenes from my male characters’ viewpoints too, I tried to write them just as believably. The bottom line, even when you’re writing villains, is to make every character a sympathetic, three-dimensional human being. Or alien, if you have aliens. I don’t write aliens. Brock: I don’t write aliens either; though I do have a blue character (it’s from the minerals in his home.) How did you feel about finishing the series? Kathy: I thought that when I sent off the last book, I would struggle with my usual post-book depression. Oddly, instead I had a sense of job-well-done. It felt like I’d finished something I’d been called to do. Brock: Good to know there is a bright side when I turn book five in. Honestly I think I’ve been dragging my feet on the writing because I don’t want to say, “Goodbye,” to my characters. Is it difficult to be accurate to a Biblical perspective or Biblical facts when writing fantasy fiction? Kathy: Actually, I find it a fascinating part of the creative process. The idea of the same God—with the same attributes—keeping the same promises under very difference circumstances, actually drives the plot. Particularly in Daystar. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? And where do you like to write? Kathy: I’ve done both. Right now I do more editing than writing and find it very satisfying, but I would like to get back to writing more. I write mostly at home, at a computer on my desk. But I have vivid memories of writing under deadline on the road. In the passenger seat, of course. Brock: That’s good you’re not typing and driving, though most laws center on texting and talking. I get car sick if I try to read in the car which is a bummer, because we take two thousand mile roundtrips to Illinois each year. How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Kathy: I’m fairly slow. It takes about four months to complete a first draft and eight months to flesh it out and edit the rough bits. Brock: What is your "how I got published" story? Kathy: After my first novel was rejected by a small press and a major science fiction publisher, I got serious about researching the field. In the science fiction trade journal Locus, on the industry news page, I spotted the photo of a smiling young editor at Bantam Books who had just been promoted in-house from “editor for young readers” to “editor” of their Spectra science fiction line. I sent her the then-current revision of Firebird and got to work on another project. At the World Fantasy Conference later that year, I worked up my courage and introduced myself. To my amazement, she recognized my name on my conference badge and apologized for not having read Firebird yet… “But our first reader really liked it.” I lived on hope for the next few months, until a friend told me that his cousin worked with a major Hollywood producer and suggested I submit the novel for possible movie rights. I’d been told at my writers group that it was unwise to submit a book to two publishers/producers at the same time. My writers group encouraged me to telephone the editor at Bantam Spectra. The editor gave me the go-ahead to pursue film rights… and then she said, “And we’re going to publish the book.” I think there are still handprints on the ceiling of the apartment where we were living. Bantam Books—this was huge! It was my third Bantam editor who telephoned in 1993 to ask if I would like to be a Star Wars author. My response: “Um, let me think about that... YES!!” Brock: What a journey, but what a payoff. Not only did you have your own original work being published, but you were getting to work on a brand that inspired you. And as promised, tell us about your experience with Star Wars. Kathy: People usually ask how I got to write a Star Wars tie-in novel. Alas, it was simply because I had already published four science fiction novels with the publisher (Bantam) that got the book contract from Lucas Licensing. I got a second chance when a different New York publisher (Del Rey) got the Star Wars contract, and—get this—one of the editors who had originally read and rejected Firebird scolded me for not rewriting it and sending it back to her… and she asked me to participate in their “New Jedi Order” series. I can’t tell you how honored I felt. So that was my second Star Wars invitation. Did I have any doubts about writing Star Wars? Not the first time. But the second time, I was already working with Steve Laube, who was at Bethany House Publishers, on the third novel in my Firebird series. I was actually more excited about the Firebird books than Star Wars at that point, so I asked Steve for advice. He laughed like he thought I was crazy, and he told me to take Del Rey’s offer. It was the only time in my life that I wrote two books in a single year. I don’t think I would do it again. The stress was overwhelming. But what a year! Brock: Understandable. I tend to overcommit to projects, but somehow I always finish. Someday I will learn to pace myself. What was your favorite book as a teen or child? Kathy: Lord of the Rings. Nothing else came close. Brock: Who is one author, living or dead, that you would co-write a book with and why? Kathy: Great question. Dorothy L. Sayers, if she’d take me on. I could learn so much from studying her style, hearing about her Oxford education and her other life experiences. And perhaps she’d enjoy dabbling in another genre. I loved her “Lord Peter Wimsey” mysteries, which are set in England between the wars. Hmm, that’s the same era as “Downton Abbey.” Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Kathy: Neither. Give me a cup of black tea with a splat of almond milk, summer or winter. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Kathy: Most recently: a dude ranch in off season for my autumn honeymoon. We hope to revisit Ireland someday soon. And I try to get back to Vancouver BC every summer to take a spring/summer school class at Regent College. That’s a different kind of vacation, not particularly relaxing (getting an education at Regent College is like getting a drink from a fire hose) but soul-nourishing. Brock: I have always wanted to go to Ireland. I may even write a story about it, just so I can visit the emerald isle for research. Favorite season? Kathy: Spring, especially after a long Montana winter. Seeing the first daffodil sprouts, buds swelling on the fruit trees, and the unfurling rhubarb leaves gives me the grins. Brock: Favorite pasta dish? Kathy: I make spaghetti from white rice pasta, homemade tomato sauce (preferably with homegrown heirloom tomatoes), and ground bison or venison. My recipe blog is comfortablecomfortfoods.com, and I’ve got a fantastic lemon-almond-basil pesto recipe there that’s also excellent on pasta. Brock: Yummy. I'll be turning my wife (who loves cooking and baking) on to your blog. Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? Kathy: When I’m writing a rough draft, the right music puts me in exactly the right mood. But I never listen to music when I’m editing, since I need to know that the emotion is on the page, not in the music. When I was writing the Firebird series, some of my favorites were the soundtrack to “The Man from Snowy River,” Tchaikovski’s fourth and fifth symphonies, and a Cincinnati Pops recording called “Victory at Sea and Other Favorites.” Brock: I completely agree, music can certainly put me in the exact right mood. I love the pace and the drama it can create while I write. Kathy, thank you for taking time to share about your “Firebird” series and your writing journey. I know you’ve inspired me. I look forward to whatever future projects you write. Kathy Tyers is known for her Star Wars Expanded Universe novels - The Truce at Bakura and New Jedi Order: Balance Point. The "Firebird" series, Firebird, Fusion Fire, and Crown of Fire have been available for years. She also have five other science fiction novels, a travel book, and a co-authored book a with a classical guitarist, Christopher Parkening. Kathy lives in south western Montana. Author Website: KathyTyers.com Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathytyers/ Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Falcon The day of deadly reckoning has arrived for Raptor team. . . . . . and Warrant Officer Salvatore “Falcon” Russo is just the right mix of guts and grit to lead his brothers-in-arms against the Osiris hacker, Meng-Li Jin. Sal must cut through thick roots of bitterness and betrayal to take down the terrorist—but that means putting the team in the hands of Cassandra Walker. The last time he did that, two of the most important people in his life died. He will not make that mistake again. Cassandra Walker knows three things: she has never loved any man besides Salvatore Russo; he hates her more than life itself; and her mission may destroy any chance of reconciliation. The deeper Raptor digs for truth, the more betrayal seeps from the very fabric of their mission. Friends become spies and turncoats. Enemies morph into strange allies. As the tides turn and Sal rethinks his game plan, he is forced to trust Cassie again. And it might be the last time. Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this book? Ronie: The Quiet Pros series organically grew out of the A Breed Apart series. However, the seed-germ for Falcon’s torment within his story spring-boarded off a true story where a famous individual tragically caused a friend’s death. It was horrible, and I was so heartbroken for all involved. The idea of wanting good things for your friend was so universal, but somehow bringing a friend/loved one into a good situation…then “causing” their death? Wow. Shatter me! Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? Ronie: The man focus in FALCON is Salvatore Russo, the “team daddy” of the Raptor team. He’s singularly focused on the mission and making things get done, even if that includes getting the newcomer—his former girlfriend—kicked off the team. Haunted by a mistake with Cassie, Sal wants nothing more than to get her out of his life and stop the terrorists responsible for making minced meat of his team. Cassandra Walker feels the chance to work with Sal and possibly save his team is God’s second chance to make amends with him, the one prayer she has never stopped begging for. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Ronie: Sal deals with his inner demons in a very haunting way, one that—in real life—affected my own family (I’ll keep that details under wraps for now, sorry). For a woman seeking amends and forgiveness, Cassie is keeping too many secrets, including her real purpose on the team. Brock: In three sentences what is this book about? Ronie: Sometimes, forgiveness is easy—when it’s given to others. The hardest form is forgiving ourselves. Especially when it costs someone their life. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Ronie: I believe forgiveness—especially of ourselves—is universal. There are things each of us have done that we have trouble releasing to the Lord. I’m notoriously hard on myself, and years ago when I went through counseling for abuse, my counselor often admonished me to let things go, to forgive myself. That’s hard to do because I don’t want to keep making mistakes, and sometimes, letting go might feel like “letting myself off the hook.” But if we remain captive to those things, that’s fertile soil for the roots of bitterness to dig deep and penetrate our lives. Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book? Ronie: In an attempt to stay true to my Rapid-Fire Fiction brand, and knowing readers are expecting an intense ride with raw characters, I work very hard to keep the balance heavier on the suspense side. There will always be romance in my stories—I’m a die-hard romantic, but for me, personally, that comes in smaller doses. Brock: Last year was a crazy-busy year for you. How did you survive? Ronie: Unfortunately, 2015 dipped its toes in that insanity too, with a book due, galleys due, and my daughter’s wedding to plan. The last fifteen months have taught me to be pretty ruthless with cutting stress and learning the “power of no.” We have obligations, but they shouldn’t tether us to stress and fear. Every night I sat down to write Falcon, I would cry (not even joking) because I had nothing left to give. But I leaned heavily on the Lord. I would whisper, “You created the universe in 7 days, surely you [through me] can write a novel in two months.” I leaned into Him, and the words flowed. Brock: What’s Next for Ronie and Rapid-Fire Fiction? Ronie: Since Falcon is the last book in the Quiet Professionals series, I’m looking ahead and very excited about my upcoming project—Oops! Just got flagged. Apparently, that’s still classified information that could cost me my life. Hmm…well, what I can tell you is that there is undoubtedly more Rapid-Fire Fiction (suspense) coming!! And this Fall my first fantasy novel, Embers, will hit shelves. Author website: RonieKendig.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/RapidFireFiction Author Twitter: twitter.com/roniekendig Author Pinterest: pinterest.com/roniek Author Goodreads: goodreads.com/RonieK Written by Brock Eastman Featuring Tainted by Morgan Busse Morgan Busse is no stranger to the world of Speculative Fiction, and she’s now delving into a new series and a new sub-genre within Speculative Fiction; Steampunk. Steampunk has always been around, but in the last several years it’s been embraced by several Christian Authors including Evangeline Denmark (Curio), Shelley Adina (Magnificent Devices), JC Morrows (The Order of the Moonstone) and Christopher Hopper (The Sky Riders.) Morgan describes Steampunk as, “A fusion of our history (usually Victorian or western) and science fiction/fantasy.” “So why choose to write Steampunk,” I asked Morgan? “What I love about steampunk is the possibilities. Steampunk isn’t just science fiction or Victorian. It can have magic if you want. Or you can borrow from the time period of your choice without being confined to it or to the technology that existed. So if you want to invent some kind of steam powered cell phone, go for it!” Morgan explained. “And what makes it so different, that you wanted to specifically write Steampunk and not Fantasy like your other series?” I asked. “The thing that sets steampunk apart from other genres (both visually and in story) is the feel. Steampunk has a feel of fantastical inventions, adventure, and science/discovery. Usually cogs, clocks, corsets, goggles, airships, and alchemy are associated with steampunk stories. But you don’t have to have any of those if you don’t want to. Have fun and create your own technology, weapons, and culture,” Morgan said. “What are some unique things or aspects of the genre that you brought into you series?” I asked. Morgan went on to explain, “My own steampunk series borrows heavily from the Victorian era and science. I also had fun inventing things such as mechanical animals, an airship that runs on solar panels, a sniper rifle hidden within a walking cane, and a prosthetic arm that functions as an electric cannon.” She is careful to add though, that “Like any other genre, the story cannot stand on just the genre underpinnings. What connects the reader to the story is the story itself, with characters the reader can relate to. So while you’re having fun inventing your steampunk world, remember to tell a story, one that will grip your readers by the heart and mind.” And that is what she has done with Tainted and her strong protagonist Kat Bloodmayne. Kat is one of the first women chosen to attend the Tower Academy of Sciences. But she carries a secret: she can twist the natural laws of life. She has no idea where this ability came from, only that every time she loses control and unleashes this power, it kills a part of her soul. If she doesn’t find a cure soon, her soul will die and she will become something else entirely. After a devastating personal loss, Stephen Grey leaves the World City Police Force to become a bounty hunter. He believes in justice and will stop at nothing to ensure criminals are caught and locked up. However, when Kat Bloodmayne shows up in his office seeking his help, his world is turned upside down. Together they search World City and beyond for a doctor who can cure Kat. But what they discover on the way goes beyond science and into the dark sphere of magic. Morgan’s talent as a writer weaving a powerful story with deeply developed characters rises to the surface in Tainted. Like her other series Follower of the Word, readers will find themselves drawn in and not ready to leave as the story comes to a close. And her stories always have a deeper meaning that will impact readers long after they’ve finished, so in a way those stories will continue on. I asked her if it was hard to include a Biblical perspective and be accurate when writing speculative fiction. Morgan explained, “I don’t find it hard to be accurate. I am a visual person, and so when I teach, I use visual ideas to help people grasp Biblical concepts. Naturally, that comes into my writing as well. I don’t preach in my stories, I show who God is, what sin is and what it does to us, and what sacrificial love is by telling a story. The great thing about fantasy is you can actually show it.” Interview by Ashley Eastman Featuring Hidden Agenda Ashley: If you’re a fan of romance, but need that twist of suspense to keep the pages turning, then Hidden Agenda is the right read this spring. Lisa Harris continues her exciting Southern Crime Series with the third installment Hidden Agenda. I had some time to sit down and ask Lisa some questions about her new book and about her as an author. Lisa, how did you come up with the idea for this series? Lisa: Like with most of my books, they start with a character. In this series, that was Avery North. At first, all I knew is that she was she was a single mom and a police officer, but I knew I had to tell her story. A brainstorming session with a group of authors helped me further develop the series that eventually came to revolve around the Hunts, a family from Atlanta who has served their country through the armed service or police department for generations. Despite conflicts that arise between them, they are very close knit, and when it comes to fighting injustice, they stick together and do whatever it takes to stop that injustice. Ashley: Who are Hidden Agenda’s main characters? Lisa: I really had fun writing Michael and Olivia’s story in Hidden Agenda, primarily because their stories were different from anything I’ve written. They are two people who come from opposite worlds who end up having to work together to stay alive. Michael’s the son of a former Police Captain and an undercover detective. Olivia’s father is part of a South American drug cartel and wants Michael dead. But despite their mistakes, they both are after the same thing. The truth. Ashley: I promise these two characters’ stories deliver on the promises of romance and suspense. Lisa, in three sentences what is this book about? Lisa: For the past eight months, Michael’s family has thought he was dead, but the undercover assignment he’s been working on has just been blown. With a contracted hit on his life by the cartel and not knowing who he can trust in the police department, Michael finds himself on the run from both the cartel and the law with the daughter of the man who wants him dead, Olivia Hamilton. Ashley: Lisa, what are the Biblical threads woven into the series? Lisa: Overall, I’d say it’s a call for us to realize our own weaknesses and fears and to in turn learn to rely only on God’s strength. Each main character in this series is pulled out of his or her comfort zone to a place where they have to turn to God. Ashley: How many books are planned for this series? Lisa: Hidden Agenda is the last book in the three books series. Dangerous Passage and Fatal Exchange come first. Ashley: Do you prefer to outline the entire series, or do you write as you go letting the characters take control of the story? Lisa: A little of both, but for the most part I spent a lot of time staring at a pile of sticky notes in order to bring the story together. ☺ The plots of each individual story, and then the three books together as well, are woven pretty tightly, so that forced me to stay organized. But there were also a few surprises along the way as some of the characters took over! Ashley: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all straight from your imagination? Lisa: I spent hours doing research on everything from the setting (Atlanta and the Georgia coastline), to drug trafficking, to bomb squads. I love the research part of writing and too often find myself having to stop or I’d never get any books written! Ashley: As a reader I appreciate a well researched book. Can you give us a hint at your next project? Lisa: I just turned in book one of a brand news series to my editor at Revell. It’s about a newly established missing person task force, and this first one is set around the Smoky Mountains. Like the last series, this one took tons of research—everything from rappelling, to poaching, to mobile command posts—but I really enjoyed that part of the writing. Ashley: What is your favorite genre to write for? Lisa: I love romantic suspense, heavy on the suspense. Ashley: Where do you like to write? Lisa: Where ever I can find a quiet place. I don’t have an office right now, but the couch, or dining room table, or desk work fine. Ashley: Sounds like you invest a lot of time in writing. Are you a full time writer? Lisa: No. For the first time in seven years, though my role as ‘mom’ has changed. I’ve been a homeschooling mom until just a few months ago when the last of my kids went off to attend a missionary boarding school. It’s been an adjustment, but thankful, I have plenty to keep myself busy with as I’m still writing, am involved in our women’s ministry, and run a non-profit called The ECHO Project that helps meet people’s physical needs where we live here in Mozambique. Ashley: How long does it usually take you to write a single book in the series? Lisa: I like to have at least six months for a full-length novel. That gives time for research, plotting, and writing. Ashley: Do you plot or outline the entire series before you begin writing, or do your books take on lives of their own? Or is there a combination? Lisa: Definitely a combination. I have in the back of my mind an arch of the character and story line and start from there to fill in the details. Ashley: What is your inspiration for writing this series? Lisa: I wanted a series that went beyond just a fast-paced romantic suspense, but also delved deep into the character’s lives and how their experiences affected them. Each story also deals with a real life issue like human trafficking and the drug cartel. Ashley: Coke or Pepsi? Lisa: Neither. (Unless I’m on a tight deadline and need a caffeine jolt) Ashley: Soft shell or hard shell tacos? Lisa: Hard, because I love them can’t get them where we live. Ashley: Favorite place to vacation? Lisa: I love the sun and the beach, because we live near the Indian Ocean. But with summer on the way, I’ve been dreaming of a cozy cabin somewhere in the mountains with a fireplace and a good book. Ashley: Favorite season? Lisa: Spring and fall (Not too hot or cold!) Ashley: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like coco, raspberry tea, animal crackers? Lisa: Popcorn Ashley: Favorite color? Lisa: Purple Ashley: What’s your favorite holiday memory? Lisa: Making homemade ornaments one Christmas because our car broke down and we couldn’t make it home. It reminded me that being together is what really matters! Ashley: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Lisa: II Corinthians 4:16-18. I love the reminder what we see here is temporary and we need to fix our eyes on what is unseen, the eternal! Ashley: Favorite pasta dish? Lisa: Anything with homemade pasta. I bought a pasta maker recently and wow, there is such a difference! Ashley: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? Lisa: Anything without words. Right now on my playlist is the Lord of the Rings soundtrack and Lindsey Stirling. Ashley: Thanks for sharing about Hidden Agenda all the way from Mozambique and thanks for serving for the Kingdom there. Author Website: LisaHarriswrites.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorLisaHarris Author Twitter: @heartofafrica Author Pinterest: pinterest.com/lharriswrites/ Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring The Pharaoh's Daughter Long before Moses would lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, he was a three-month-old baby, placed in a basket and set adrift on the dangerous Nile River. That precarious journey led a Hebrew slave child into the arms of the Pharaoh’s daughter. Who was the woman who drew this child out of the water? What transpired in her life and what influence would she have over the man Moses would become? In The Pharaoh’s Daughter, award-winning author, Mesu Andrews answers these questions as she weaves an intricate tapestry of Egyptian history, biblical fact and her own artful imagination to describe fundamental truths that transcend time and culture. Experience a familiar Old Testament story, for the first time, through the eyes of the Egyptian mother who loved Moses as her own. Andrews begins this epic with a single, haunting image; a girl, terrified and trembling hides alone in a dark closet. Her name is Anippe. She is the daughter of a Pharaoh and the sister of the boy King. Yet with each new identity, she continues to hide among shadows of fear and doubt, while never understanding her true worth. Devastated by the death of her mother during childbirth, Anippe is terrified to conceive a child and an heir for husband Sebak. Yet she still yearns for motherhood. When she discovers a Hebrew child stowed in a basket on the river, she believes her prayers are answered. Her story has only begun. Her life of royalty is suddenly bound with the fate of the Hebrew slaves, as she struggles to conceal Moses’ true heritage. In The Pharaoh’s Daughter, Andrews invites readers to step back into time and experience a world ripped from the pages of the Bible. With an absolute reverence for scripture and a meticulous examination of historical records, Andrews illuminates the truth of God’s Word in this complex and mesmerizing tale. Discover how God calls out to those who hide in the shadows. Watch as He draws them out of watery depths and into His eternal family. Examine how He changes their names and with it, their hearts. Stand in awe of a hope that can never be lost or stolen. In this beautifully conceived story, Andrews beckons readers to come out of hiding and meet face-to-face with a name-changing, covenant-keeping God. Mesu Andrews’ deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the biblical world alive for her readers. Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author. Her three subsequent novels, Love's Sacred Song, Love in a Broken Vessel, and In the Shadow of Jezebel all released to great reader enthusiasm. Mesu has been married to her husband Roy for 30 years and they live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. They have two adult daughters. Brock: Mesu Andrews is carving out a niche for herself with Biblical fiction. The Pharaoh’s Daughter is the first novel in her Treasures of the Nile series and her fifth book to date. Mesu answered our questions about her inspiration, her intriguing characters and her passion for Biblical fiction. What was your inspiration for writing this book? Mesu: Of all the great Old Testament characters, Moses stands alone as the friend of God (Ex. 33:11). That intrigues me. What further intrigued me were the women in Moses’s life—four specifically mentioned. The ancient world was a man’s world, so when women are recorded in written text, I get curious. I suppose it wouldn’t be unusual to mention his mother, but he gave detail about Jochebed’s motivations and thought processes. He elaborated on his sister Miriam’s courage to approach Pharaoh’s daughter in the bulrushes and boldly revealed his Egptian mother’s defiance of Pharaoh’s edict. Later, Moses mentioned his wife, Zipporah, and described her heated reaction when Moses neglected to circumcise his sons. The transparency with which Moses describes these women and the underlying respect—by their mere inclusion in the text—made me want to dig deeper into their history and tell their stories. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? Mesu: We first glimpse Anippe hiding alone in a dark closet, traumatized and trembling after witnessing the death of her mother during childbirth. She’s the daughter of a Pharaoh and sister of a boy who would soon become king. Anippe is plagued by debilitating fear throughout her life, and it builds layer upon layer as she grows into each new role of her life. Terrified to conceive a child and heir for her husband Sebak, she believes the gods answered her prayers when she discovers a Hebrew child stowed in a basket on the river. Her life of royalty is suddenly bound with the fate of the Hebrew slaves, as she struggles to conceal her child’s true heritage. The fertile Nile Delta is home to Egypt’s fiercest military family—the Ramessids. Centuries ago, the Ramessids assisted Pharaoh in ousting the Hyksos—a Canaanite band of tribes—and were rewarded with lush, green estates. They forced the remaining Canaanites, called Abiru (Hebrews), to forced labor on building projects and in the fields. Much of the harvest produced flax for Egypt’s most lucrative export—linen. Mered is the Chief Linen Keeper on the Avaris Estate, where he grew up as slave and companion to the young Master Sebak when Sebak’s parents died in a sweeping plague. The whole estate rejoices when the young master marries King Tut’s sister, but Mered has misgivings about his new mistress, recognizing her little deceptions as warnings of heartache for his master and a dark future for the Hebrews. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Mesu: Anippe, though young and impulsive, has a unique talent for designing the exquisite linen robes produced by the Avaris estate. She sketches beautiful designs that the weavers expertly craft into their linen creations. Mered was a Hebrew male slave that smelled like ben tree oil—an Egyptian cosmetic oil to soften dry skin. It was one of his many dichotomies—his need to appear Egyptian for the sake of trading Avaris’s linen and yet remain thoroughly Hebrew in faith and commitment to Yahweh. Brock: In a few sentences what is this book about? Mesu: Experience the story of Moses through the eyes of The Pharaoh’s Daughter who found him. Meet the brave midwives who protected the sons of the Hebrews, the talented young Miriam whose singing soothes the heart of Pharaoh’s grandson, and the young prince who must choose which god he will follow. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Mesu: Each of my books has had an overarching theme. Job’s story (Love Amid the Ashes) spoke to those who suffer. Gomer and Hosea’s story (Love in a Broken Vessel) challenged readers to God-sized forgiveness and the promise of God’s grace. The Pharaoh’s Daughter tackles that nagging—sometimes debilitating—emotion of fear. On September 11, 2001, our entire nation experienced fear, but fear was daily reality for the Hebrews in ancient Egypt. Personally, I have grown up afraid—why? I have no idea. I remember being afraid of the dark. Afraid a fire would burn down our house. Afraid of dogs. Afraid of… you name it. As I’m writing this, I’m afraid I’ll run out of coffee creamer. We’re all afraid of something. When The Pharaoh’s Daughter pulled a Hebrew baby from the Nile, I believe she was motivated by fear. This book explores the choices that grew out of her fear and leads the reader through the consequences and victories, the joys and sorrows of those choices—and the faith that frees her from fear’s prison. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write? Mesu: My ONLY genre is biblical fiction. My first love is the study of God’s Word. Biblical novels give me an excuse to keep my nose buried in the Bible and research books! What a joy to share with others both the passion and pleasure of my heart. I am most blessed. Brock: What is the biblical background or basis for the series? Mesu: Exodus 1:1-2:10. The Pharaoh’s Daughter gives a brief background of how Jacob’s family came to dwell in Egypt, but most of the book focuses on Exodus 1:15-2:10, the story of Pharaoh’s edict that the Hebrew midwives kill all Hebrew male babies and Moses’s rescue from the Nile by Pharaoh’s daughter. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Mesu: Two book are planned for Treasures of the Nile series: The Pharaoh’s Daughter and a book on Miriam, Moses’s sister (as yet untitled). Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Mesu: LOTS of research, and I LOVE it!!! I must confess, I hated history in high school and college, but I can’t get enough of the historical and biblical research for my novels. It’s actually hard to start writing the book because I enjoy the research so much. I always include an Author’s Note at the end of each book to share how the research helped form the story. Many folks have commented it’s one of their favorite parts of my books because it helps define what’s fact and what’s fiction. Of course, my foremost goal is to send readers back to Scripture to read the Truth. Biblical novels are fiction, after all, and are only intended to stir curiosity for more of God and His Word. Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book? Mesu: My process is always the same: biblical Truth is foundational, historical fact provides the next layer, and creative fiction fills in the holes. When forming characters (especially the biblical characters), I try to take into account the full counsel of Scripture. Solomon was especially difficult (in Love’s Sacred Song) because he was supposed to be the wisest man who ever lived, but he sure made some stupid life decisions, right? When forming characters and circumstances in The Pharaoh’s Daughter, I had to be especially cautious because there’s so much conflicting historical data regarding Egypt, its kings, its gods, etc. I finally had to choose a few vetted resources and use them exclusively for my historical facts. My editor is a huge help in this area, offering her years of experience as a guide for how Christian readers might receive my interpretations of characters and events. I’m so thankful for the talented team of folks who work alongside to publish my books. Brock: How does it feel to have your work published? Mesu: I’m on book #5, and it’s still surreal to walk into a store and see my name on a book on the shelf. Brock: Why did you choose to focus on a female protagonist? Mesu: Because my editor told me to. ;) Seriously, I struggle to write in a male POV because I struggle to think like a man. My sweet hubby reads all my manuscripts and helps with this area, making sure I don’t have men giggling or doing other ridiculously female things. Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? Mesu: Yep! The rough draft of Miriam (working title) is currently with my beta readers and will (hopefully) be in my editor’s hands by March 1st. Brock: Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series? Mesu: For all her eighty-six years, Miriam has found complete contentment in her relationship with El Shaddai, but when her brother Moses returns from exile proclaiming God’s new name—Yahweh—troubling doubts plague her. Yahweh no longer speaks in her dreams and the underpinnings of daily routine are shattered by revelations of His power. Her quiet home becomes Moses’s center for Yahweh’s activity, and Miriam begins to yearn for more of God, more of life, more of love. How could it be that Yahweh would ask a faithful, influential woman to stretch beyond her belief—and bless her with uninvited yearning? Brock: Do you plot or outline the entire series before you begin writing, or do your books take on lives of their own? Or is there a combination? Mesu: I’ve now written six novels (including the rough draft, Miriam), and each process has been completely different. The first book was by the seat of my pants—the characters told the story as I typed. With each book, I’ve done more plotting and outlining, but the characters still change the outline as I type, usually necessitating a new outline halfway through the rough draft process. Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned? Mesu: Several of the plot twists come to me as I write. I wouldn’t dare share them here and ruin the surprise. ;) Brock: Were any scenes or characters cut from the book? Can you give an example? Mesu: Actually, about 20% of the book was cut. Yep, it was pretty painful—but necessary. In its final form, The Pharaoh’s Daughter stops when Moses (Mehy—his Egyptian name) is eighteen years old. Originally, the story continued through Exodus 2:11-15, when Moses was forty and defended the Hebrew slave by killing the Egyptian slave master. My editor said telling that part of the story was more about Moses than The Pharaoh’s Daughter. Though I hated to lose all that work, she was absolutely right, so we cut it. It’s a far better story. Brock: How much leeway do you gives yourself with facts in a Historical Genre? Mesu: None. If there’s a discrepancy between my story and Scripture, it’s an oversight, and I apologize. God’s Word is Truth, and it stands as the unalterable foundation of every story. If historical research ever contradicts, I pray it through and often find a reasonable explanation for the seeming contradiction. For instance, when figuring Moses’s age, he would have been born in 1330 BCE. The Pharaoh during that time was King Tut—who was too young when he died to have a daughter. How could I write a story about Pharaoh’s daughter when historical fact made it impossible? Historical data showed that King Tut had sisters—who would have been daughters of Pharaoh Akhenaten. King Tut’s sister is The Pharaoh’s daughter in my story, and I didn’t have to skew history to write God’s Truth. My books aren’t textbooks. They’re fiction. However, I keep the biblical Truth and historical facts as precise as possible. Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids? Mesu: I’ve had teachers contact me for the free bookmarks on my website because they were using my books in their Lit. classes and wanted to pass out the bookmarks to their kids. Some parents may not feel the subject matter is appropriate for teens under sixteen (Love in a Broken Vessel is about the prophet Hosea marrying the prostitute Gomer). It’s up to the parents to make that call, but The Pharaoh’s Daughter tells about a fourteen-year-old princess who is forced to make some pretty terrifying choices. Our kids are forced to grow up pretty fast these days. Fear is something they’ll face all their lives. I hope this is a story that can help parents and their kids openly discuss how to deal with their fears in a way that honors God. Brock: What do you hope kids take away from The Pharaoh's daughter? Mesu: "Fear is the most fertile ground for faith." Anippe’s fears cause her to deceive and push away those closest to her. All kids lie. Many times it’s because they’re afraid of the consequences that will follow a truthful answer. I pray that Anippe’s story will give kids the courage to trust the Lord—and the love of those around them—enough to live a life of faith. Brock: Where do you like to write? Mesu: In my recliner by the fireplace with a cup of coffee in hand. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Mesu: I’m a full-time writer. (It still feels funny to call myself an author. It’s too much fun to be a real job.) Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Mesu: My first book took twelve years. Now, it takes me a year from the time I begin researching the topic to the time my rough draft is complete—and usually another year before the book releases. Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the series? Mesu: I think in both stories of Treasures of the Nile, God is enigmatic to the Hebrew people. He’s been nearly silent for four hundred years, speaking only occasionally through a girl (Miriam) who matures into a faithful prophetess. When Moses returns from exile, proclaiming Yahweh’s new name and His promise of deliverance, the true “Treasures of the Nile” become God’s character and power revealed to His people. Brock: Expound on the spiritual themes in The Pharaoh's Daughter. Mesu: Much of Anippe’s fear stems from a life devoid of real love. 1 John tells us perfect love drives out fear, and this is an important lesson for The Pharaoh’s Daughter. We see the antithesis in Mered, whose love and faith give him a steadfast quality throughout the ups and downs of a Hebrew slave’s existence. Themes of worth, wealth, and true value are also explored, while young Moses (Mehy) must decide which of the many “voices” he’ll listen too—the loudest or the ones proven by peace. Brock: What is your "how I got published" story? Mesu: I was a pastor’s wife from Indiana who spoke at a few women’s conferences a year, and I wanted to publish one Bible study—on Song of Solomon. When I attended my first writer’s conference with this singular goal, I was told by an editor, “I wouldn’t publish a Bible study on Song of Solomon if Billy Graham wrote it, let alone a first-time author without a platform.” That was the kindest feedback I received at that conference. A good friend of mine suggested I write the study as a biblical novel, teaching through a parable—as Jesus taught. She suggested it again, and again, and again. Finally, in 2008 I listened and attended the Mount Hermon fiction mentoring clinic taught by Gayle Roper. I didn’t even know what POV was, but the Revell editor was looking for biblical fiction at that conference and was willing to take a chance on a VERY unproven author. The rest, as they say, is history. No one will ever convince me that getting published is anything but God’s direct intervention. The odds of me getting published—especially in fiction—were astronomical. But my God is out of this world. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Mesu: I’ve never wanted to become a writer. I was compelled to write, and it became my joy. I used to be an off-the-charts extrovert, teaching God’s Word in Bible studies, adult small groups, and women’s conferences. In 2002, my health took a downward turn, and I spent six months in bed. I still needed to share the Word of God somehow, so my laptop became my best friend and the avenue God provided for sharing what He taught me. Sometimes His greatest gifts are those we don’t realize we want. Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing? Mesu: When I started reading biblical novels, there weren’t many to choose from in the Christian market, so I found what I could in the general market. Though the Red Tent isn’t a Christian novel, it is superbly researched and written and made me long for true-to-Scripture biblical novels. I soon found Lynn Austin’s Chronicles of the Kings series and Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series, which are still some of my favorites. Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author? Mesu: I want to maintain my passion for God’s Word for as long as I write. If my passion for the Word gets lost in the publishing mire or daily stresses of marketing/social media, I’m done. I write to glorify the Word, Who became flesh. If I ever lose that focus, I have nothing worth saying. Brock: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing? Mesu: I must personally embrace the lessons my characters experience. If my characters are doing or saying things that the Lord hasn’t made real in my own life and heart, they come off as preachy and fake. Their journey is my journey—not in specific detail, of course. I’m not a shepherdess or prostitute or princess, but I learn the lessons of love, forgiveness, and faith as surely as each of my protagonists learned them. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Mesu: Diet Pepsi (once in a great while) Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Mesu: Anywhere my kids/grandkids are! Or in our friends’ mountain cabin. Brock: Favorite season? Mesu: Pacific Northwest summer—July-September. Perfection on earth. Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like coco, raspberry tea, animal crackers? Mesu: Coffee w/ hazelnut creamer in the morning. Roasted soy nuts for an afternoon snack Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Mesu: Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Brock: Favorite pasta dish? Mesu: Any pasta with alfredo and marinara sauces mixed. Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? Mesu: Not anymore. Menopause has become mental-pause, and now I do one thing at a time. Brock: If I could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Mesu: I’d go back to Israel. Hubby and I went with a tour group in 2000, but I’d love to go back with a private guide on a research tour of my own. Brock: What do I read for pleasure? Mesu: Biblical novels. I love to see which biblical characters other authors choose to write about. It’s fun to stay current on new releases to share with my readers and exchange opinions about their favorites and mine. Author Website: MesuAndrews.com/ Author Twitter: twitter.com/MesuAndrews Author Facebook: www.facebook.com/MesuAndrews Author Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/mesuandrews/ Interview by Ashley Eastman Featuring Amy Clipston Linda is no stronger to hardship. Now she dares to hope for a chance at love and a new beginning. As the sole survivor of a buggy accident that left her orphaned at age four, Linda Zook was raised by her unwilling Uncle Reuben. She longs to be worthy of someone, but the life-long effects of her injuries and her upbringing under the care of her embittered uncle have destroyed her self-worth. Aaron Ebersol left the Amish community seventeen years ago when he could no longer bear the restrictions or the constant tension with his father. Despite all of his unanswered letters to his parents, and the roots he’s put down in Missouri, Aaron hastily returns to the Amish community of Paradise, Pennsylvania, after receiving word of his mother’s stroke. Hesitant to get too close to the family he was once a part of, he decides to stay at the Heart of Paradise Bed & Breakfast. He soon encounters Linda, working there part-time, and the two find they have a lot in common. Can Linda and Aaron forgive the family members who have deceived and forsaken them? And will Aaron be able to convince Linda that she is worthy of his love? Amy Clipston consistently delivers an exciting look into the lives of the Amish. Her experience as an author and knowledge of the Amish world creates exciting characters and rich stories that take her readers along on an engaging story. Ashley: Amy, thanks for joining us. First, I wanted to ask how you came up with the idea for The Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series? Amy: The Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series features women who work at the fictional Lancaster Grand Hotel. The series was inspired by the Berlin Grand Hotel in Berlin, Ohio, which I visited in 2011 while I was on a book tour with two other Amish fiction authors, Shelley Shepard Gray and Vannetta Chapman. When we visited the hotel, Alicia Mey, the marketing representative from Zondervan, suggested I write a series about Amish women who work in a high-end hotel and show the juxtaposition of the Plain life with the fancy English (non-Amish) life. Ashley: I can imagine how being immersed in a place like the Berlin Grand Hotel can really get your imagination turning. Who are the main characters in A Simple Prayer and what makes them unique? Amy: As the sole survivor of a buggy accident that left her orphaned at age four, Linda Zook was reluctantly raised by her Uncle Reuben. She longs to be worthy of someone, but the lasting trauma of her injuries and embittered upbringing by her uncle have destroyed her self-worth. Aaron Ebersol left the Amish community seventeen years ago when he could no longer bear the restrictions or the constant tension with his father. Despite years of unanswered letters to his parents, and the roots he’s put down in Missouri, Aaron rushes back to the Amish community of Paradise, Pennsylvania, after receiving word of his mother’s stroke. Hesitant to get too close to the family he was once a part of, he decides to stay at the Heart of Paradise Bed & Breakfast. He soon encounters Linda, working there part-time, and the two find they have a lot in common. Ashley: These are characters I certainly can’t wait to learn more about. Can you share one unknown fact about Linda and Aaron with our readers? Amy: I always have mental models for my characters and I imagine them when I write the book. My mental model for Linda was movie star Natalie Portman, and my model for Aaron was Olympic ice skater Charlie White. Ashley: Give readers the one sentence version of A Simple Prayer? Amy: Two emotionally broken people looking for love and acceptance. Ashley: How does A Simple Prayer relate to the lives of your readers? Amy: I believe that we’ve all suffered from some sort of rejection in our lives, whether it’s from a family member or a friend. Everyone has been hurt and knows what it’s like to feel alone. Ashley: When you write do you outline or follow the story as it develops? Amy: Oh, I definitely outline! I outline each chapter scene by scene and use my outline as a roadmap while I’m writing. The book changes and grows, but the outline keeps me on track. Ashley: Is this your favorite genre to write for? Amy: I love writing Amish books. I have an Amish friend who helps me with my research, and I enjoy sharing ideas with her and getting her feedback. I love finding new ways to tell an Amish story, and I respect the culture. I learn more about the culture when I write a new book. Ashley: Is there a biblical background for A Simple Prayer? Amy: A Simple Prayer is loosely based on the parable of the Prodigal Son. Ashley: How many books are planned for The Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series? Amy: A Simple Prayer is the last book in my 4-book Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series. Ashley: How do you research the Amish world to make such accurate portrayals of the Amish world? Amy: I have an Amish friend who has been helping me with my books since my first book, A Gift of Grace, debuted in 2009. I talk to her on the phone frequently, and she answers my questions. I’m so thankful that she takes the time from her busy day to help me with my books. Ashley: How do you strike the right balance in your book? Amy: I outline the story, but it sort of flows on its own. I write what feels right to me and let my editor do her magic to make it better. Ashley: What do your readers think about your latest series? Amy: I think readers will enjoy A Simple Prayer because it’s the last book in the series and the mysteries about a couple of the characters will be revealed. All of their questions will be answered with this book. Ashley: Why did you choose to focus on male and female protagonists? Amy: I enjoy writing from both the female and male point of view, and I’ve been told that I do a good job with the male POV. I enjoy watching people and listening to how they speak and react to things, and I try to bring that out in my writing. Ashley: Are you working on your next series? Amy: Currently, I’m working on a new series, which features a new Amish family and will be based in Bird-in-Hand, PA. The first book will debut in November 2015. Ashley: Do you plot or outline the entire series before you begin writing, or do your books take on lives of their own? Or is there a combination? Amy: I loosely plotted the books in my Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series. My editor and I decided who would be the main protagonists in each book, but we didn’t have their stories ironed out when I start writing A Hopeful Heart. My new series, however, is plotted out, and I know what the story will be for each book. The stories may grow and change when I write them, but I have a premise for each book. Ashley: How is A Simple Prayer different than how you originally planned? Amy: The idea of Aaron coming back in book #4 wasn’t in the original plan for the story. I knew that the book would be Linda’s story, but my editor and I hadn’t worked out the idea of having Aaron come back until we were finishing up book on book #2, A Mother’s Secret. Ashley: How much leeway do you give yourself with facts about the Amish? Amy: I am always true to the Amish culture, but I do take some fictional license with my characters. For example, Carolyn Glick in A Mother’s Secret was an unwed teenage mother. This may be a rare occurrence in the Amish community, but according to my Amish friend, it does happen. The Amish have the same problems and issues that the rest of us have. Ashley: Where do you like to write? Amy: I have a laptop, so I usually write in the family room in my house or in the recliner in my bedroom. Ashley: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Amy: I work full-time for the City of Charlotte, and since I write four books per year, I also write full-time. I work four 10-hour days for the City in order to have Fridays off for writing, running errands, and volunteering at my boys’ school. I’m also blessed to have my mother living with my family. She handles most of the housework, including food shopping, cleaning, and doing laundry. Thanks to her help, I’m able to spend any free time at home writing. My schedule is not an ideal schedule, but I make it work. My family is very supportive and thankful for my book contracts. Ashley: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Amy: After the book is plotted out and outlined, it takes me approximately four weeks to write the first draft. Ashley: What do you hope readers take away from the series? Amy: The theme for my books is always hope and faith. I pray that my books will give my readers a sense of peace and help them find hope and renewed faith in God. Ashley: What is your "how I got published" story? Amy: I always wrote as a hobby when I was a child. I started carrying around notebooks in elementary and only shared my stories with a few friends. I accidentally found a local writers’ group after college. I joined the writers’ group in 2001 and signed with my first agent in 2005. I received my contract for my first Kauffman Amish Bakery book, A Gift of Grace, in December 2007, and that book actually hit stores in April 2009. Ashley: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Amy: Although I wrote for a hobby, I didn’t realize I wanted to become an author until I found the writers’ group in 2001. It never occurred to me that my stories could possibly become actual books until I met other writers and learned how to polish my books. Ashley: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? Amy: My favorite book was The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. I read it fourteen times (yes, I kept track on the inside cover!) and I knew the movie by heart. Ashley: What is the one author, living or dead, who you would co-write a book with and why? Amy: I would love to co-write a young adult book with S.E. Hinton. Her books were a pivotal part of my adolescence. I would be honored to work with her. Ashley: What was it like when you opened the box and saw published copies of your very first book? Amy: I danced and yelled! I ran my hands over the cover and then smelled and hugged the book. It was my dream come true. There was no feeling like it! In fact, I still hug and smell my books when a new book arrives. It doesn’t get old. I’m so thankful that my publisher still gives me the opportunity to share my stories. Ashley: What are your hopes for your future as an author? Amy: I hope that I can continue to write books that touch readers’ hearts. I’m thankful when a reader contacts me and tells me that my story touched them. I’m thankful that God is using me to share his love. Ashley: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing? Amy: I believe my faith comes through in my writing. I’m grateful when a reader contacts me to say that my book helped him/her renew his/her faith in God. I believe that God is using my voice to share his word, and I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to do that. The books have been a blessing in my life, especially with the readers and other authors I’ve met through my writing. Ashley: I know that organ and blood donation is something you are passionate about, Amy. Please share a little about this. Amy: Some readers may not know that my husband, Joe, has endured two kidney transplants. Joe received a kidney from his brother in 2004, and it only lasted four years. In 2008, he went back on dialysis, and he was very ill. I was willing to donate to Joe, but I wasn’t a perfect match. Instead of donating a kidney to Joe, I found another way to help him. I donated a kidney on June 14, 2011, at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Through my donation, my husband, Joe, received a second kidney transplant. My husband and I matched another couple and swapped kidneys with them. I donated a kidney to a woman, and in exchange, her husband gave a kidney to Joe. My memoir, A Gift of Love, details our journey with Joe’s kidney disease and his two kidney transplants. You can find my memoir here. Due to Joe’s kidney struggles, I’ve become an advocate for both organ and blood donation. I volunteer with the National Kidney Foundation, and I also run blood drives at my church. If you are healthy and able, please give the gift of life and donate blood. Ashley: You've posted some delicious looking Amish recipes on your website. Do you incorporate these into your novels and do you have a favorite? Amy: My first Amish series, the Kauffman Amish Bakery series, featured several recipes in each of the five books. Crumbly Peach Pie was the favorite of Timothy Kauffman, who was featured in my book A Place of Peace. Timothy is one of my favorite characters, so I thought I’d include that recipe here: Crumbly Peach Pie 9-inch pie shell, unbaked 1 cup sugar ¼ cup flour 1 tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp nutmeg 1 stick butter 8 large peach halves ¼ cup water Mix together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then mix in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle half of the mixture in the bottom of the pie shell. Arrange peach halves cut side down over crumbs. Cover with remaining crumbs. Add the water after and bake for 10 minutes at 450 degrees, then for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Author Website: AmyClipston.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks Author Twitter: @AmyClipston Author Pinterest: pinterest.com/amyclipston Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring The Five Times I Met Myself What if you met your twenty-three year old self in a dream? What would you say? Brock Matthews’ once promising life is unraveling. His coffee company. His marriage. So when he discovers his vivid dreams—where he encounters his younger self—might let him change his past mistakes, he jumps at the chance. The results are astonishing, but also disturbing. Because getting what Brock wants most in the world will force him to give up the one thing he doesn’t know how to let go of . . . and his greatest fear is it’s already too late. "If you think fiction can't change your life and challenge you to be a better person, you need to read The Five Times I Met Myself." -Andy Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of How Do You Kill 11 Million People, The Noticer & The Traveler's Gift Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this book? James: Ideas never come to me the same way twice and this story was no exception. The muse this time was my wife, Darci. She and I were talking one evening when she said, “God knows what we’re going to grow into ten years from now. Wouldn’t it be fascinating if we could talk to that person we’re going to become?” I agreed and started writing a book where my protagonist’s future self came back and talked to him about he would become. But in the end we found it was much more fascinating (and powerful) if a present day man went back and began a relationship with his younger self. Because don’t all of us wish we’d known back then what we know now? And wish we’d done some things differently? And wonder how our lives would have turned out if we had? Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? James: You’ll love the main character, Brock! (And not just because his name is Brock.) We get to know two versions of Brock Matthews, one that is 52 in present day, and one that is 23, who the older Brock meets in his dreams. Then there’s his wife, Karissa (again, we get to know both the older and younger versions) who is slipping from Brock’s grasp in the present day and he doesn’t know how to get her back. Plus Brock’s brother, Ron who Brock competes with in every area of their lives. Toss in an enigmatic doctor of psychology who seems to know more about what’s going on with Brock than he’ll say, and Brock’s best friend Morgan (who starts him on his fascinating journey back to his younger self) and I think we have a fairly interesting cast of characters. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. James: Brock’s desire when he was a kid was to play college basketball, but it died when he was young and he’s never told anyone why. Karissa's dream was to be a dancer, but no one knows this. Ron longed to be a professional golfer. Brock: In three words what is this book about? James: Hope. Restoration. Freedom. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? James: Most of the time I have nothing more than an overarching idea and just dive into writing the story however it comes to me. In this case, the book was a more complex than usual, so I had to build a fairly complete outline to start writing from. But it was interesting to see the multiple twists and turns the story took as I wrote it. I like that because I figure if I can surprise myself while I’m writing the story, even when I’m supposed to know where it’s going, when my readers get to the book, they’ll be surprised as well. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? James: I believe there’s a part of all of us that wishes we could go back and tell our younger selves what they should have done different, whether we’re 20 or 40 or 60 or 80 years old. We wonder how our lives would have turned out if we’d made different choices. And we want hope and restoration and freedom in the midst of examining those choices we did or did not make. I wanted to explore those questions and give readers the chance to search through those questions in their own lives. By the end of the novel I want to offer them hope and restoration for the choices they would or wouldn’t have made, if they had the ability to do things over. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? James: All from my imagination. That’s what makes fiction so much fun to write. I see a movie playing in my head and just write it down as it comes to me. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? James: Depends on the deadline. If it’s six months, it’ll take six months. If it’s due in eight weeks, then it’s eight weeks. Once I get the idea bubbling through my brain I’m able to write fairly fast. What most people don’t realize is how emotionally and physically exhausting writing can be. It’s like running a marathon. There’s massive satisfaction and triumph in finishing, but at the same time, it takes a lot out of you. So when I’m done, I spend a day or two comatose on the couch, trying not to drool too much. Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the novel? James: Andy Andrews describes the book as being life changing. That’s exactly my hope, that people’s lives would be changed after reading The Five Times I Met Myself. I’ve had people say my books are not fluffy reading. That they stick with people months and years afterwards. I hope that’s true. I want my stories to seep into people’s minds and more importantly their hearts, and encourage them for a long, long time. Brock: Expound on the spiritual themes in the book. James: It’s extremely tempting to try to get our validation from our spouse, our children, our career, our accomplishments, our friends, our accolades ... everything except Jesus. Yet the only validation that lasts is from the Lord. This is at the heart of The Five Times I Met Myself and a truth I’ve learned only recently myself. Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing? James: My wife isn’t a big fiction reader, but she’s brilliant at nuance and relationship. So she shapes my novels to a greater degree than she realizes. I ask her if something rings true or not, and she’s always spot on with her counsel. Extremely grateful for her. Brock: What’s your view on e-books and the new publishing revolution? James: Love e-books, love my Kindle (even though I’d still chose a physical book over an electronic one if I had to choose). I love that it’s now easy for anyone to publish a book in electronic or physical form. Hate the fact that most people think they’re ready to publish a book before they are. I put myself in that camp. I thought I was ready when I wasn’t. Writing is hard. Writing well is even harder. Brock: Describe your feelings when you opened the box and saw the first published copies of your very first book. James: I suppose I’d be able to recall those feelings easier if I hadn’t been dealing all that strange moisture collecting in my eyes. Seriously, Darci and I sat on our front porch together and I struggled to believe it was real. A dream since I was 11 years old, so when it came true in my mid 40s it was a wonderful, surreal moment. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? James: They still sell Pepsi? Brock: Favorite place to vacation? James: Oregon coast. Brock: Favorite season? James: Give me an endless summer. Can’t wait to get to heaven and check that box. Brock: Favorite color? James: Green till I was ten. Blue ever since. Brock: Favorite pasta dish? James: Toss some pesto, a bunch of shrimp, some angel hair pasta, mushrooms, roasted pine nuts all together and I’m feeling very good. Brock: It sounds like you and your wife have a great relationship. Other than her, tell me about two or three of the other most important relationships in your life? James: Without question I have to mention our two sons, Taylor and Micah. I dedicated The Five Times I Met Myself to them by saying, “What dad could be prouder?” So true. I’m crazily blessed, because Taylor and Micah are not only seriously outstanding young men, they are two of my best friends. Brock: I know it’s years away, but any thoughts about what you want on your tombstone? James: Haven’t really considered it, but I’ll take a quick stab: “He loved Jesus, Darci, Taylor, and Micah with his whole heart and when others were around him, they felt more free.” Thanks so much for having me, Brock! Author Website: JamesLRubart.com Author Facebook: www.facebook.com/JamesLRubart Author Twitter: @jamesLrubart Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Waking Beauty What if the Sleeping Beauty Refused to Wake Up? The rescue wasn't going at all how he planned. Prince Arpien intends to gain a throne and the sleeping beauty's heart with a single kiss that wakes her from the evil fairy's curse. But kissing the princess is only the beginning of a series of unforeseen obstacles: man-eating bugs, deadly spindles, talking lapdogs, and fiery pickles. The sleeping beauty is the biggest complication of all. Princess Brierly is Beautiful and fairy-Gifted, but also...daft. After one hundred years of sleep imprisonment, Brierly refuses to believe this rescue is anything more than a tantalizing but doomed dream. Arpien is drawn to the vibrancy beneath Brierly's indifferent exterior. Can they reclaim her kingdom? Do they dare trust in the Prince of the old tales to help them battle the evil fairy who cursed Brierly? What is the price of waking beauty? An exciting new twist to the classic popularized by Walt Disney and beloved by my daughter Elsie Mae. Sarah E. Morin spins this tale into a unique version, yet maintain much of the context that has made this story so treasured. Brock: Sarah, thanks for joining us to chat about Waking Beauty. First what inspired you to write about Sleeping Beauty with your own twist. Sarah E.: My inspiration: lack of sleep. Seriously. I exhausted myself taking 51 credit hours my sophomore year of college. One was an independent study on Disney musicals. One day I stared longingly at my bed and mused aloud to my roommate, “I wish I could be Sleeping Beauty and sleep for 100 years.” But then I got thinking. Would I really enjoy sleeping so long? What if everyone I loved was dead when I woke up? What if I had not only dreams, but nightmares, and there was no possible way to wake from those nightmares? What if I learned to take control of the dreams (lucid dreaming)? After being exposed to countless dream worlds, when the prince kissed me, how would I know that world was the “real” world? Would I prefer to go back into a world of my own making rather than face the truth? I jotted down 8 pages of notes in a computer file, saved it, and did nothing with it for 7 years. During that time, I converted to Christianity. My new faith did not mesh with the fantasy book I’d spent years writing. I may have converted, but it was a few months later that I actually surrendered to Jesus. I told God, “Ok, I’d rather serve you than my own ambition to write, so I won’t willfully write anything that undermines you.” I fasted from writing for several months. Eventually I opened up that old file I’d written in college, and suddenly I saw, “Ah! This is how to turn this story into a Christian story.” My struggle to find truth became Brierly’s. Brock: That’s an awesome journey you took. I can appreciate the length of time between writing that original idea and working toward publishing. Can you give some insight into the main characters? Sarah E.: Brierly (aka Sleeping Beauty): She is what literary types might recognize as the “wise fool.” She acts like a dreamy ditz, but actually, she’s brilliant. With a hoard of fairy godparents at her christening, she’s bound to be abnormally Gifted. She sings, she talks to animals, she’s a bit like a superhero. There are two big twists on Brierly’s character that make her different from other Sleeping Beauties. First, she refuses to believe she’s awake. Even after she falls in love she refuses to believe it. The Waking World, and its theology, has disappointed her before. Without the structure of the lies she has built around herself, she’ll collapse. The second twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty story is that my Sleeping Beauty was warned about the consequences should she prick her finger on a spindle. She brought about her own curse when she touched the spinning wheel. You may say, “Well, that was foolish.” Sure it was. But it’s understandable. Don’t we all give in to temptations even when we know better? (I say this as I eat chocolate, for example.) Arpien (aka hero with a rescuer complex): Arpien is the great-grandson of the guy Brierly was engaged to Pre Sleep. He’s grown up with the legends of the sleeping princess, and he built up this big fantasy about finally breaking her curse and proving his worth. He’s actually a character who lives in perpetual fear, and constantly tries to cover it up by posing as a dashing hero. Arpien is all about image, but he finds a deeper security by the end of the book. Nissa (aka the best friend): Nissa is Brierly’s distant cousin, and the niece of the current king. (Someone had to rule the kingdom while Brierly was asleep, and he’s not giving it back.) Her study of the old tales means she is the only person who believes Brierly’s claims of royalty. But she’s not very influential. She even thinks of herself as Lady Overlooked. Brierly doesn’t guard herself as closely around Nissa, so Nissa is able to chip some of the ice away while Arpien is still bungling his wooing attempts. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Sarah E.: Brierly: In the book, her Gift of Music plays a big role. If she lived today, she’d be into electronic music and performance art. Arpien: His weird name comes from the temp name I used when I was brainstorming: Rescuing Prince, later RP. But Arpien is kind of a nerd, so it became RPN. Poor guy. I love to torture him. Nissa: I made her really short because I’m really tall. We’re both at extremes of the height spectrum. However, I love being tall, and Nissa hates being short. I think the point I’m driving at is that anytime you’re different from those around you, you can hate those differences or love them as part of what makes you uniquely you, a God-patented design. If I could convey one message to the youth I work with, it would be that. Brock: In three sentences what is this book about? Sarah E.: “What if Sleeping Beauty refused to wake up?” Or “Waking Beauty uses a well-loved fairy tale as a way of debating relative and absolute truth.” Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Sarah E.: Brierly is a Postmodern Poster-Princess. At least once a week on the news, entertainment, business trainings, we hear that everything is equally true. This philosophy is our culture’s default setting, and so pervasive most people don’t even understand it’s a worldview in itself. I did not realize until I reached my 20s that the “everything is true” theory logically self-destructs. But without this theory, are we left adrift? Like Pilate, even when faced with Jesus himself, we find ourselves asking, “What is truth?” Brierly’s dream world is utterly postmodern—all dreams seem equally true. She wants to wake up in the real world, but she has no tools for determining what reality is even when she sees it. In some ways she even prefers making up her own truth. It gives her power to live in the dream world and create the rules of her surroundings any way she sees fit. But it also leads to meaninglessness and despair. Like Brierly, I think we struggle today with discerning the difference between reality and possibility. I think as technology advances, it will continue to become more difficult for people to tell truth apart from fiction. Take virtual retinal displays, where images of computer-generated realities are projected right into your eyeballs. I’m not against such devices, as they open up a world of imagination. But I think as a society we’ll have to become ever more discerning. Imagination and gullibility are not synonymous. Brock: Is this your favorite genre to write for? Sarah E.: Yes, fantasy. I also write poetry. Brock: What are some examples of how your faith has influenced the book? Sarah E.: A series of word images from the Bible. “Wake.” “Sleep.” “Thorns.” “Briars.” These words are scattered throughout scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, and are also innate in the story of Sleeping Beauty. Also three people:
All these people find themselves echoed in both key scenes and themes in Waking Beauty. Brock: What sort of research did you do for this book? Sarah E.: First I read and watched multiple versions of Sleeping Beauty, especially the ones over 50 years old. I knew readers would be looking for iconic scenes, like the Christening, the Wake-up Kiss, the Finger-Pricking. I decided which elements to keep and which to discard. For example, in one early version of Sleeping Beauty, her ogre mother-in-law eats her. Ew. I researched Medieval and Renaissance fashion, music, weaponry, architecture, and dance. It is not my intent to replicate a historically accurate version of any of these, but they were good inspiration as I imagined certain styles and colors for each culture. Although Brierly loves fashion, I am a Clothing Idiot. I spent weeks researching shoes, which the stereotypical woman would love, but I went crossed-eyed. I live in fear of the day I research shoes for Cinderella. Brock: There are a lot of fairy tale retellings out there right now. What’s your favorite? How is yours different? Sarah E.: I love seeing how people make fairy tales their own, whether it’s the TV show Once Upon a Time or the musical Wicked. My favorite retelling right now is Marissa Meyer’s metallic jambalaya, The Lunar Chronicles, which features a cyborg Cinderella. I am a Lunartic. I think there is a lot of space in this genre for more. You can distill most fairy tales down to two or three iconic scenes. Then the fun comes in moving those moments into new settings and trying to figure out character motivation. Waking Beauty differs because it’s simultaneously a spoofy fairy tale and a form of Christian apologetics. My heroine is also more complex than many Sleeping Beauties, in part because most Sleeping Beauties snooze through their own stories. Brierly is partially to blame for her own predicament. She pretends utter indifference to the world around her and the young man she comes to love, but it’s a form of self-protection. I see Brierly as a kind of flawed superhero, too. I mean, the fairies gave her a slew of Christening Gifts. I stick with some of the traditional ones, like Beauty and Music, but throw in some others like Animal Speech and Fleetsome Feet. I had a lot of fun playing around with these “superpowers” to make her a more active character than in other versions of Sleeping Beauty. Brock: What sort of balance in the story do you try to strike, to appeal to your readers? Sarah E.: For me, I suppose the balance is Spoof and Angst. I wrestle with deep philosophical questions, and juxtapose that struggle with humor. I put references to Nietzsche and talking lapdogs all in the same book. I used to think I could be funny OR serious, but not both. Now I think the contrast helps reach the reader and hold her attention. So I suppose I have resolved the issue by embracing my inner hoakiness. I do admit sometimes that humor breaks out like acne in the middle of a weighty passage. In such cases, I can only call in the publisher and editor with their facial treatments to remove the offending one-liners. Brock: Why do you capitalize so many words that don’t require it? (Gift of Charm, Rescuing Prince, Stance of Mourning, etc.) Sarah E.: Humor. I’m making a note that the idea is inflated in the mind of the character, or he/she is poking fun at it. Arpien, for example, comes from a very formal culture, where they study Boasting and Bowing. So for him, the capitalization indicates Some Important Ideal. Brierly usually means her capitals sarcastically. Nissa, the scholar, capitalizes any of the major recurring themes in the stories she reads. She thinks of Arpien as a Rescuing Prince. Fairy Gifts are always capitalized (Beauty, Music, Handy-With-Needle-And-Thread, etc). Brock: How does it feel to have your work published? Sarah E.: I am so analytical I’d have to hand over my entire journal to answer that question. I will say one feeling that surprised me as a first-time author was how much I enjoyed the process of editing. Steve Laube and his creative team at Enclave not only have great storytelling instincts, but know how to balance encouragement with challenge. Brock: How did you select your protagonists? Sarah E.: I knew from the beginning I had to have both. It’s the tale of Sleeping Beauty, so she has to be one. But a character whose main hobby is dreaming is innately a passive character. I never liked passive heroines, which is why fixing Sleeping Beauty’s story appealed to me. I wanted to explain why she was so passive, and then wake her from her passivity. By the end she would be rescuing people herself. Arpien (our prince) became a main character at first out of need. He is very driven. That’s a great characteristic in a protagonist, and one Brierly lacked for the beginning of the story. But after I got to know Arpien, I just loved spending time with him on the page. He is such a poser. Well-intentioned, but a poser. I enjoy the idea of a hero who is actually quaking in his boots. Brock: Are you working on another book for the series? Sarah E.: I have plans for another set in the same world, but it will be a stand-alone. Brock: Can you give us a hint at this next book? Sarah E.: I have searched long and hard for a fairy tale that grabbed me with a strong Christian angle, the way Sleeping Beauty did. Cinderella is one possibility, but I have some crazy ideas about The Princess and the Pea. I am still very much in the exploratory phases. In the meantime I am exploring publication options for my fairy tale poetry, which I perform for local groups. I think a few of my pieces would work as picture books for older kids and adults: Rapunzel the Hairbrained, Goldilock-picker. Brock: When you are writing, do you outline the whole book or give the characters freedom to change the story? Sarah E.: Something in between. Yes, I use an outline, but it comes into play after I’ve already finished several scenes. First, I always write the beginning and the end scenes. It’s like Mapquest. I enter “start” and “end,” but then drag the route around in the middle. Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned? Sarah E.: I planned it as one book. People told me it would never sell at that length, so I should break it into two. It sold as 2 books, but my wise publisher said, “The ending to book 1 isn’t working.” The best solution turned out to be putting the halves together again and cutting some words. I blogged about this at length, in fact, comparing my writing to camels. I am now a happy dromedary, meaning I have one hump, or one story arc. Brock: Were any scenes or characters cut from the book? Sarah E.: All scenes went on a weight-reduction plan (I always overwrite). Brock: Me too. Sarah E.: We also lost some of the longer scenes I added when I thought the book was going to be published as two books. Funny thing is I didn’t take them out—the publisher found them without me even telling him which ones they were! Steve Laube is insightful that way. Another scene had a near-death experience in a round of editing, but I made a plea to the publisher and received a reprieve. I am grateful to have a publisher so open to my input. Brock: The Author and Publisher relationship is key. Was it difficult to be accurate to a Biblical perspective when writing fantasy fiction? Sarah E.: I used to think so before I read Karen Hancock. Have you read her Arena? I picked it up less than a year after my conversion and it blew me away. Spec fic is the most theological genre outside of theology itself. I like what C. S. Lewis had to say about his “supposal” (the Narnia books). I can’t quote him exactly, but his notion was that by putting spiritual concepts into a fantasy world, you shake the connotations off words that otherwise sound too much like Christianese. You can then consider the idea itself, from a new angle, rather than get caught up in preconceived notions the “religious” words evoke. See? We can’t even say the word “religious” anymore without a whole truckload of connotation dumping on it. Brock: Where do you like to write? Sarah E.: Anywhere I can drag my laptop: under trees, up trees, libraries, Chinese buffets, the car while I’m waiting to walk into an appointment, any room of the house. I even tried to type while brushing my teeth. Once. Brock: Haha. Though I like the idea of up in a tree. Are you a full-time or part-time author? Sarah E.: Part-time. By day I’m a kid wrangler at an interactive history park (I supervise youth volunteers). I adore my young’uns. Adults aren’t as entertaining. Adults never ask you how long it takes to microwave your socks. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Sarah E.: I think it takes a lifetime to write a book. Even if you can measure 8 months or 8 years between the placing of the first word and the last, your cumulative life experiences affect it. If I had written the whole of Waking Beauty in college, when I first jotted down notes for it, it would have been a far different book. Ditto for if I tried to write it a decade from now. Robin McKinley wrote two versions of Beauty and the Beast, decades apart, and they differ drastically. Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the series? Sarah E.: I hope Waking Beauty works on two levels. I am no C. S. Lewis, but I love how Narnia works as a face-value entertaining story and as one with deeper spiritual meaning. So I hope readers laugh, but I also hope they can relate to Brierly’s struggle. I would like them to examine their own philosophical underpinnings, the way she does, the way I did. Are they standing on a solid framework? Can everything be true? Letting go of pleasant fictions is scary, but oh, readers, the truth is worth it. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Sarah E.: It was a congenital defect and I self-diagnosed at age 8. Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing? Sarah E.: Karen Hancock, folk tales and myths from around the world, Disney, Pixar, Ravi Zacharias, Lee Strobel, C. S. Lewis. And lack of sleep was a strong influence. Strangely, my day job as a history museum professional is also an influence. I plan programming and portray composite characters in 1800s Indiana. I can’t be as liberal with facts in history as in fantasy, but when it comes to building characters, they are very similar processes. When you portray a period figure, you consider motivations, family, class, worldview, culture, setting, all the things that go into building a good protagonist. Brock: What’s your view on e-books and the changes in publishing? Sarah E.: It’s fascinating. There are too many pros and cons to make a simple judgment call pronouncing it good or bad. But I do love to track it happening. As a history professional, the way any invention revolutionizes an industry and society is of interest, and here we’re living it. Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? Sarah E.: The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope and it still is. It combines Elizabethan history with The Ballad of Tam Lin. I first read this book when I was in 7th grade and have read it once a year since. In college, I wrote a soundtrack to chapter 13 as my honors thesis. Brock: What is the one author, living or dead, who you would co-write a book with and why? Sarah E.: Jane Austen, which sounds cliché, but I have an un-cliché idea for our project. Austen used to edit out words with scissors. Her letters to her sister are full of tiny holes. I would not touch any of Austen’s great works. I would sweep up the words she left like confetti on the floor and arrange it like magnetic poetry. I think even Austen’s word litter would be entertaining. I would publish it under the title, The Collected Litterature of Jane Austen, Edited. Misspelling intentional. I love a pun. Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author? Sarah E.: For God to use me as a tool to reach one person as profoundly as certain books and authors have touched me. I pray for that Unknown Reader, and picture her (it’s usually a “her” in my mind). I know it’s not up to me to move someone spiritually, it’s up to God. But I figure I’ll at least jump up and down in the toolbox when he’s looking for the right wrench for that one job. Brock: Favorite season? Sarah E.: Autumn Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Sarah E.: No, but I have a wide assortment of headwear, ranging from hats to doo-rags. I put on a different one according to my mood. Colorful ones for humorous scenes, dark ones for philosophical scenes. Call them my thinking caps. Brock: What’s your favorite holiday memory? Sarah E.: My Dad and I swap books and movies all year long. I let him borrow the Billy Graham movie, Billy, and he loved it so much he kept it over half a year. He wrapped it up for Christmas like a normal present. I unwrapped it and glared at him, and he just started belly-laughing until he cried and coughed. So next year I did that same thing to him, with books I borrowed. We have done this every year since. Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Sarah E.: I love the poetic opening of the Gospel of John. I think any writer gets excited to hear about the Word. Don’t you get excited when people refer to God as the Author of Life? Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? Sarah E.: Sort of. I compose music as a brainstorming exercise (you can watch me do it for Brierly on YouTube). But when I sit at the computer, there is no music in the background. I need to hear the rhythms of the words. I have a degree in music theory and composition. It is amazing how much it has helped me in developing the themes, pacing, and structure of my written work. Brock: Thanks Sarah for sharing with us and I look forward to seeing what you come up with next. Author Website: SaraheMorin.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/sarahemorinauthor Author YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC9QS6boA_S6azFZtiEc5jZA Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Exodus Cliff Graham is a former US Army officer who now travels the country speaking and writing. He is behind a series of media franchises and author of the Lion of War series while. And now Graham brings us his latest series, Shadow off the Mountain. Brock: Cliff thanks for joining us today. What was the inspiration behind Shadow of the Mountain: Exodus? Cliff: After working many years in ministry and speaking to different conferences, churches, and men’s groups, I noticed that the older men in the crowd tended to feel left out of what was happening, and as a result, had begun checking out to spend time on the golf course. I thought it was time we had a look at a Biblical character who defied the idea of “retirement.” Brock: Who are the main characters you chose to focus on and what makes them unique? Cliff: The primary characters in the series are Joshua and Caleb, the two spies Moses sent out following the exodus from Egypt who then assumed mantles of leadership over all the people. Brock: What is something about these two that others might not know? Cliff: I’m sure others know this, but it is not common knowledge. It is likely that Caleb was not an ethnic Hebrew, but instead a member of a desert tribe known as the Kenizzites. He is one of the first examples of how God’ covenant with Israel was intended for all people. As far as Joshua, he is one of the few characters in the Bible who never really “messes up” on an epic scale like so many others. He wasn’t perfect, but he was a great man doing great things in the power of his God. Brock: That’s some good insight into these guys, and I’m curious now to dig into the passages in the Bible covering them. In three sentences what is the first installment of the series, Exodus, about? Cliff: This is the gritty, intense portrayal of the journey from slavery in Egypt through the wars of conquest in Canaan through the eyes of Joshua and Caleb. It is about the nature of masculine friendship over a lifetime. It is an indictment of the idea that once you reach a certain age, you can just retire and take it easy. Brock: Truly you’ve highlighted in these stories, the inspiration behind the series. Did you outline the entire series before writing? Cliff: I am fortunate to be able to follow the basic outline of the Biblical narrative, so the overall structure is always known. I get to enjoy fleshing out details. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Cliff: Depending on the clarity I have for the story and characters, and the time available after seeing through other responsibilities, I can draft a manuscript in 30-60 days. The editorial process can take longer. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Cliff: I believe it will speak to men young and old who love a great adventure story, and will help them understand and appreciate the Bible more. Brock: How much leeway do you give yourself with facts in a Biblical fiction novel? Cliff: I try to stay exactly with the Biblical narrative where Scripture is specific, but where it is silent, there is room for ample imagination, so long as the tone and intent of the fiction is to honor the Bible. Brock: Is this your favorite genre to write for? Cliff: Yes, Masculine war-based fiction about battle camaraderie, and the costs of heroism and leadership. Brock: Where do you like to write? Cliff: Oddly enough, I love to write on my staircase near the living room of my house! I need the isolation but I also love to hear the sounds of my family in the house. It staves off the loneliness inherent to writing. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author? Cliff: I am full-time as an author, but I also spend a lot of time in other creative endeavors. I own a few small media companies that are busy producing a lot of content. Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing? Cliff: I was always a fan of Louis L’Amour’s fiction and his ability to paint a vivid scene in the reader’s mind. They were simple stories well told. To write for a mass audience, you want to be able to tell a story that is thought-provoking and of high quality, but never lose sight of accessibility. Brock: What’s your view on the current publishing revolution and the digital age of media? Cliff: It has made a big difference in my ability to get content out there sooner than I would have been able to otherwise. Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? Cliff: Without question, Tarzan of the Apes. I read it when I was ten years old and never forgot its imagery and themes. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Cliff: Coke Zero and it’s not close. Brock: Soft shell or hard shell tacos? Cliff: Soft, because that’s closest to a fajita. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Cliff: In America, the mountains of Wyoming and Montana. Otherwise, Israel. I have not been able to make it to Europe yet, because I want to be at a place in my life where I can spend a huge amount of time there going to museums and studying architecture, history, and art. Brock: Favorite season? Cliff: Fall. Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like cocoa, raspberry tea, animal crackers? Cliff: Green tea with honey. Brock: Favorite color? Cliff: Navy blue. Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Cliff: Psalm 140:7 Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? Cliff: The Pandora station “Movie Scores” to stir up storytelling senses, while also playing a thunderstorm on loop through another device. Brock: Cliff I’m going to check out that Pandora Station for sure. Thanks for taking the time to share with us. Author Website: CliffGraham.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/cliffgrahamauthor Author Twitter: twitter.com/cliffgraham Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Unbound He must be released for a little while. But the one who sees doesn’t believe. Elijah Goldsmith has nightmares he needs to ignore. Why would a rich kid from Manhattan dream three straight nights about a dragon and the destruction of St. Peter’s Basilica? He’s never even been to Rome. It’s bad timing, too. He’s graduating soon and applying to be a spy in the International Security Agency. That’s where he meets Naomi. She’s the kind of girl who makes boys like Elijah want to share their secrets. Were they brought together to learn what his secrets mean? There’s more to their sparks than they think. This is 2066, the year the world ends. "This is going to be huge. . . . The Da Vinci Code meets The Hunger Games meets Left Behind. . . . An imagining epic." -- Hugh Hewitt, author and national radio show host Brock: What’s it like to be an Amazon sensation? J.B. Simmons book Unbound has become a #1 best seller in multiple categories over the past several weeks, his story and his publishing model has taken him to the top. What makes this story so popular with readers? I sat down with J.B. Simmons to get the latest on the first book in The Omega Trilogy. Brock: How did you come up with the idea for The Omega Trilogy? J.B.: Unbound started with little questions about a huge idea. The book of Revelation says that, after one thousand years bound in chains, “the dragon, that ancient serpent ... must be released for a little while.” That’s hard to understand. Why would anyone unleash the bad guy? What would the bad guy do, and how long is a little while? Writing about these questions, and the characters that faced them, spun the story into the Omega Trilogy. Brock: Wow, the timing of this interview couldn’t be better. This past Saturday we were discussing the thousand years in the college small group we lead at our home. J.B. take a minute to tell us about the main characters. J.B.: Elijah Goldsmith has everything going for him. He’s the 18-year-old son of a New York banker. He’s smart, rich, and destined for success. But he starts having disturbing dreams. Soon events spiral out of his control. His fate is beyond anything he dreamed. Naomi Parish is a Christian from North Carolina, raised by a former NBA star who became a missionary. She’s home-schooled, and a genius at coding. Like Elijah, she is enlisting in an international spy agency. She’s also stunning—the kind of girl who makes boys want to share their secrets. Both Elijah and Naomi are unique because their background and skills, particularly when they’re together, put them in central roles as the world crumbles around them. They are chosen. A mystery confronted in the book is who, exactly, is doing the choosing. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. J.B.: Elijah is Jewish, but he barely even believes in God. Naomi seems meek and perfect on the surface, but underneath she’s fiery, intense. Also, her favorite flavor of ice cream is Butter Pecan. Brock: Always fun to get these little insights the author knows, but didn’t share in the book. In three words what is this book about? J.B.: Revelation. Technology. Destiny. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? J.B.: I start with a basic idea and let the characters take control from there. But I do have a vision for the endpoint. The exciting part is seeing how the characters react to what happens around them. Brock: My kind of author, my style’s the same. How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? J.B.: It’s about finding your way in challenging times. It’s also loaded with ideas about where technology is heading in the future. Also, thanks to the year 2000 (remember Y2K?) and the Left Behind series, many are familiar with ideas about the millennium. Gut reactions abound for this end-times stuff. But, as many readers have said about Unbound, I can assure you that its ideas are fresh and new and will make you think differently about it all. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? J.B.: I’m still figuring that out. One thing is clear: I like to write books that tackle the hardest questions, and that move really fast. In our modern era of distractions, I hope my stories will grab readers’ attentions and not let go. Brock: That is the challenge these days, especially for the younger market. Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? J.B.: I did tons of research. First, I studied Revelation, Daniel, and other prophecies extensively. This book was my favorite resource, because it compares the different end-times views objectively. I also read dozens of articles and books on the future. The trilogy takes place in 2066, when no one knows what the world will look like. One example is the “precept.” It’s a concept in the book about computing technology embedded in our normal brain functioning. Sound crazy? Well, two prominent MIT professors recently wrote a book, The Second Machine Age, that makes it seem pretty realistic, and maybe sooner than we think. Check out my blog for more info on the sources I used. Brock: Wow that’s at the same time frightening and really interesting. Can you give us a hint at the next books in the series? J.B.: Book 2 is called Clothed with the Sun. Book 3 is Great White Throne. The best hints you’ll find are in Revelation 12:1 and 20:11. Because those verses are so clear… Brock: Always great to point back to the Word. How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids? J.B.: This is a story that matters, because it seeks truth. I’ve heard from some parents who have been using it brilliantly – reading it out loud to their families as part of home-schooling. I think any parent who wants their kids to think about the future and faith will find this book to be a perfect fit. Brock: What do you hope teens and young adults take away from The Omega Trilogy? J.B.: That our world is heading fascinating places, with plenty of trouble on the horizon, but that there’s a higher power who’s in control. We can have hope no matter what comes. Brock: Hope is a great thing to have. How long does it usually take you to write a single book? J.B.: I try to finish a complete draft within 2-3 months. That keeps all the ideas in my head at once. But then I set the book aside for at least a month. It goes through many rounds of editing after that. The whole process takes around one year. Brock: What do you think is the key for finishing a draft so fast? J.B.: The habit of writing every day is huge. It took me a while to figure this out, but writing is so much better when it’s regular. Two books helped me understand this: On Writing by Stephen King and The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. For anyone interest in writing, they’re must-reads. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? J.B.: I went to law school with a goal of sharpening my writing skills. Then, about seven years ago, late one night, I was toiling over a legal brief and asking myself hard questions: “Who am I, why am I here, what am I doing?” An answer flashed in my mind like a bolt of lightning: “You are a writer.” Ever since, I’ve felt peace when filling a page with words. Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like coco, raspberry tea, animal crackers? J.B.: Coffee. I drink it black, preferably a light and recent roast. I have 3 kids under 5 years old, which is not always conducive to a full night’s sleep. One of my secrets is the coffee nap. Brock: J.B. I know the feeling I’ll have 4 under 5 in just a few days from now. Favorite color? J.B.: Midnight blue. Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? J.B.: Always. It’s usually beautiful, intense, and instrumental. Some of my favorites are Yann Tiersen, Sigur Ros, Mum, and Explosions in the Sky. Yann Tiersen is a French composer. His music is magical and genius. If you’re interested, his work on the soundtrack of Amelie is a good place to start. Brock: J.B. Thanks for answering these questions. Readers you won’t want to miss out on this exciting trilogy. Book 2, Clothed with the Sun is also available now. Author Website: www.jbsimmons.com Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JBSimmonsAuthor Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/jbsimmonslight Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Forged Steel Downtown. Coffee shop. 2 AM. One minute, Josh is firing off sarcastic remarks at his best friend Marc – the next, they’re running from shape-shifters. Apparently, even best friends don’t share all their secrets. Now Josh is in danger. He can see the monsters among the humans. When Marc is kidnapped, Josh finds himself pulled into the schemes of the fae courts, and throws in his lot with Marc’s allies: the lovely Larae, a human named David, and the fighter, Eliaster. But what began as a rescue mission becomes something much more involved… And all Josh wants to do is get out before it’s too late. Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this book or series? H.A.Titus: I came up with the idea after being introduced to urban fantasy via Neil Gaiman's novel Neverwhere and Kersten Hamilton's series The Goblin Wars. Both of them inspired me to try my hand at urban fantasy, which was a completely new genre for me, and I also decided to throw in a Celtic twist, as Celtic mythology has always been something that fascinated me. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? H.A.Titus: There are several main characters, so I'll just stick with the two who are the most important. The book is written in the first-person point of view of Josh, a computer and math genius who is also a fantasy and sci-fi geek. He's pretty unique because you don't see many geek protagonists getting out there and getting their hands dirty—they tend to stay in the bunkers giving the other protagonists technical back-up. Eliaster is my warrior character—he's full-blooded fae, which makes him temperamental and dangerous for humans to be around, but he's also committed himself to protecting humans from other fae who are worse than he is. He's my favorite character to write in this series, not just because of his sarcasm, but because he has a really cool story line that I can't wait for readers to see. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. H.A.Titus: Umm, ok… Josh absolutely hates energy drinks. He can down coffee like no one else, though. Even though Eliaster grew up in the fae-run Underworld, he isn't comfortable there and rarely sleeps more than two hours while he's in the Underworld. Brock: In three words, what is this book about? H.A.Titus: Adventure, mythology, and building trust. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? H.A.Titus: I loosely outline, so I have an idea of where I'm going, but I allow enough flexibility to let the characters take over at times. (And hope they won't change my ideas for the story too terribly much.) ;) Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? H.A.Titus: Anyone who has a hard time trusting others is definitely going to relate, especially to Eliaster. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? H.A.Titus: Well, I love urban fantasy and steampunk—each has its own tropes that make it fun—but I think my absolute favorite would have to be middle-grade whimsical fantasy, along the lines of the first few Harry Potter books, or Alcatraz VS the Evil Librarians, or Howl's Moving Castle. I just started trying it out earlier this year, and it's a fun change of pace from my darker YA and NA books. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? H.A.Titus: Five to seven, though that number keeps changing as the story is still in flux. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? H.A.Titus: I did a lot of research of Celtic mythology and the Irish Gaelic language, all of which was fun for me. I can finally speak a bit of Irish Gaelic, which has been a bucket list item since high school! Although I probably mangle some of the pronunciation, since it's easily one of the most confusing languages I've seen. Brock: How does it feel to have your work published? H.A.Titus: Really, really awesome. This has been something I've wanted to do since I was twelve, so being able to finally hold a book that is 100% from my head in my hands is easily as cool as the first time holding my sons. Brock: Why did you choose to focus on a male protagonist? H.A.Titus: I didn't really choose…Josh kind of walked into my head and said "Hey, I've got this cool story you need to write down." Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? H.A.Titus: Yes! Still finagling some plot details, since it introduces some new characters and a new point of view, but it's coming along. Brock: Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series? H.A.Titus: More Unseelie plots, more danger for Josh and Eliaster to get themselves into, and more sarcastic characters for the guys to snark at. If I tell you any more, it would step into spoiler territory. Brock: Do you plot or outline the entire series before you begin writing, or do your books take on lives of their own? Or is there a combination? H.A.Titus: This is the first series I've written, and it definitely took on a life of its own. It was originally intended to be a novella…then it expanded into a full length novel…then a trilogy…now it's a series. I'm kind of hoping that this doesn't turn into a trend for the rest of my stand-alone books, otherwise I'm never going to finish everything! ;) Brock: If your book changed as you wrote it, how is it different than how you originally planned? H.A.Titus: As I mentioned above, it was originally supposed to be a novella. It was also supposed to be satirical. Turns out I'm not very good at satire, and I adored the characters too much (ok, Eliaster…I adored Eliaster too much) to let it just be a novella. Brock: Were any scenes or characters cut from the book? Can you give an example? H.A.Titus: Not really, but there were a couple of characters whose parts were cut from having a big role to having merely a cameo. (For those who have read the book, these characters are Gren and Coriander from the Chicago Underworld.) Brock: Is it difficult to be accurate to a biblical perspective or biblical facts when writing fantasy fiction? H.A.Titus: I don't think so, although I can't speak for the biblical facts part as I've never tried writing Biblical fantasy. Any author who is a Christian, even if they're not trying to write specifically Christian fantasy, is going to show some Biblical perspective in their writing, even if it's something as simple as a "good versus evil" plot, or as subtle as Tolkien's Iluvatar. I think speculative fiction is something that is uniquely suited to the Christian perspective, as so many fantasy and sci-fi stories are, at their core, stories about heroes…and what is Christ's sacrifice but the ultimate hero story? Brock: Where do you like to write? H.A.Titus: I prefer writing in my office, where I can shut the door, plug in my headphones and turn on loud music, and concentrate, but more often (like as I'm answering these questions), I'm writing on my laptop at the kitchen table to the soundtrack of my newborn's snores and my toddler's car noises, alphabet songs, and random yells. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? H.A.Titus: Part time, for the forseeable future. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? H.A.Titus: It depends…usually about a year from start to finish, although it can take longer if I have to take a break from writing for a while. Brock: Expound on the spiritual themes in the book/series. H.A.Titus: I didn't really try to build any specific spiritual themes into Forged Steel, but one I've noticed that keeps cropping up, especially in a certain character's story arc, is clinging to God as a lifeline through everything. Brock: What is your "how I got published" story? H.A.Titus: Around May of last year, I realized that I would shortly be turning 26, and I still hadn't published a book, even though I'd said every year for the past five, "THIS year will be the year I publish a book". I realized I needed to stop procrastinating, stop being fearful, and just get my book out there. So I gave myself a deadline (my birthday, which was in July), and dove into editing my book for the last time. It was a mad scramble to get everything done in two months, so next time I'll definitely give myself more time, but in the end it was worth it. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? H.A.Titus: When I was twelve, when I realized that my penchant for writing stories might be a God-given talent, and that I should probably cultivate it. Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing? H.A.Titus: J. R. R. Tolkien got me started on fantasy—before then I tried writing mysteries and historical fiction, but it never really seemed to fit my personality. Fantasy was where I felt the most comfortable. Nowadays, Jim Butcher and Neil Gaiman have been strong influences on my urban fantasy, but for overall writing, I'm most inspired by anything Brandon Sanderson writes. Brock: What’s your view on e-books and the new publishing revolution? H.A.Titus: It's totally awesome! I loved having the ability to control my cover, my interior layout, and pretty much every other aspect of my book. It's forced me to learn new skills (though I was close to pulling my hair out a time or two), reach out to the community of writers I know online, and I also like being able to run giveaways and control the pricing of my book. It gives me a lot of flexibility and room to experiment. Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? H.A.Titus: The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, for sure. Brock: What is the one author, living or dead, who you would co-write a book with and why? H.A.Titus: Brandon Sanderson or J. R. R. Tolkien, although I know I wouldn't be able to come even close to their geniuses. Brock: Describe your feelings when you opened the box and saw the first published copies of your very first book. H.A.Titus: I just stared in a sort of shock. It was hard to translate the fact that these ideas, which had existed only in my head for so long, had finally been given a physical form. Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author? H.A.Titus: Well, as I'm sure any author would, I'd love to get a bestseller, or maybe even have my books made into movies or TV shows! My more realistic goal though is to be able to supplement my husband's income, or maybe eventually make enough to give us the financial flexibility for him to start his own business, which is something I know he'd enjoy. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? H.A.Titus: Neither…most dark sodas make my stomach upset, so I prefer ginger ale or lime-flavored seltzer water. Brock: Soft shell or hard shell tacos? H.A.Titus: Soft shell. I don't like the mess of hard shells. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? H.A.Titus: Copper Harbor, Michigan. It's a quiet, remote campground at the northernmost part of the Upper Peninsula. There's a tiny little town a five minute bike ride away, and it's right next to a Civil War fort. I love how peaceful it is there. It feels like my personal Rivendell, as Bilbo describes in The Hobbit: "Elrond's house was perfect, whether you liked food or sleep or story-telling or singing or reading, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Merely to be there was a cure for weariness..." Brock: Favorite season? H.A.Titus: Summer! Summers up here never get super hot, except for a couple of weeks in July or August. Most of the time it's the perfect weather to go mountain biking or rock climbing. Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like coco, raspberry tea, animal crackers? H.A.Titus: Ginger chews, dark chocolate covered pretzels or almonds, and tea—lots of tea, hot or iced depending on the season. Brock: Favorite color? H.A.Titus: Green or black, depending on my mood. Brock: What’s your favorite holiday memory? H.A.Titus: I don't have a specific memory, but I love Christmas. Despite winter being my least favorite season, Christmas is a time that I always get excited about—I think there's something about the season that is magical and joyful no matter how old you are. Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? H.A.Titus: Probably Psalm 45:1, "My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer." I've just always thought it appropriate for a writer. ☺ Brock: Favorite pasta dish? H.A.Titus: That would have to be spinach artichoke pasta with chicken. Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? H.A.Titus: I don't often get the chance any more (remember the whole writing at the kitchen table thing?), but I do enjoy listening to music while writing. A lot of times it helps my writing go better. What I listen to depends on what I'm writing—I build Spotify playlists tailored to each work in progress as I'm outlining, but it generally includes a lot of cinematic-type music from Future World Music, Audiomachine, etc. If I'm just writing blog posts or doing business stuff, I turn on Owl City or Andrew Peterson or Imagine Dragons—something bouncy and peppy to keep me moving. Brock: What are your hobbies besides writing? H.A.Titus: In the summer, I love to rock-climb and mountain-bike. The city we live close to also has a lot of nice paved biking paths, so we try to get out two or three times a week for a ride. In the winter, my favorite pastime is skiing, but I also end up going on a snowmobile trip once or twice a season too. Author Website: www.hatitus.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/hatitusauthor Author Twitter: twitter.com/HATitusWriting Author Pinterest: pinterest.com/HATitusWriting Author Instagram: instagram.com/HATitusWriting Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Murder at the Courthouse Michael Keane’s stressful days as a Columbus police officer are done. He’s ready to relax into his new position as deputy sheriff in his sleepy hometown. Nothing ever happens in Hidden Springs, Kentucky—and that’s just fine with Michael. Nothing, that is, until a dead body is discovered on the courthouse steps. As Michael works to solve the case, it seems that every nosy resident in town has a theory. When the sheriff insists Michael check out one of these harebrained theories, his surprising discovery sends him on a bewildering search for a mysterious killer that has him questioning everything he has ever believed about life in Hidden Springs. Bringing with her a knack for creating settings you want to visit and an uncanny ability to bring characters to life, A. H. Gabhart pens a whodunit that will keep you guessing. Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this series? Ann: I’ve always enjoyed reading mysteries. So I decided why not try to write one or two. I picked a small town because that’s what I know. Hidden Springs came into being. Then a character, Michael Keane, who loves his little town and wants to protect it, sprang to life in my imagination. At this point, I thought what if things weren’t as idyllic as they seemed in Hidden Spring. What if secrets from the past were buried under that peaceful surface that would threaten to tear the town apart? Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? Ann: My main character, Michael Keane, is a deputy sheriff in my little town. He was a policeman for a while in a big city, but didn’t like all the crime he saw there. His roots go deep in Hidden Springs and he’s happy back in his hometown directing traffic and writing up fender bender accident reports. But then a body is discovered on the courthouse steps and the town is plunged into a mystery. As Michael works to apprehend the murderer, new discoveries make him question all he has believed about his small town. Malinda Keane is Michael’s maiden aunt and the matriarch of Hidden Springs. She raised Michael after an auto accident killed his parents and critically injured him. Michael credits his recovery to her force of character that practically willed him back to life. Malinda works to keep the town of Hidden Springs as she thinks it should be, a vital Main Street of hometown businesses. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Ann: Michael longs to have a family but he’s in love with a woman he thinks would never live in a small town like Hidden Springs. Malinda was in love once and planned to marry, but her fiancé was killed in the service. After that, she poured all her energy into teaching math at the local high school and raising Michael. Brock: In three sentences, what is this book about? Ann: Murder at the Courthouse is about how secrets can be revealed to challenge everything we’ve believed to be true about a person or place. Michael Keane wants to keep the peace in his little town of Hidden Springs but bad things can happen anywhere. When violent death comes to call on the town, the small town peaceful image is disrupted. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Ann: I wrote my first novel because I had an assignment to outline a novel in a writing course I was taking. I hated doing outlines in school so I wrote my first novel instead. I start with my characters and a general plot idea, but then I let the characters show me their stories as we go down the story road. Sometimes I think it would be easier if I did like outlining and could plan out my books chapter by chapter. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Ann: Most of us have roots in place. I know I do. And this story is about how we can live in a place all our lives and think we know the people, but yet, we never know everything. Throughout the story, I have Malinda consider the blessings that come our way even in the midst of hard times by considering the Bible verses Lamentations 3:22-23. The old hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” was inspired by these verses with its words about how each morning we see new blessings from our compassionate Lord. I hope that thought will touch and encourage readers as much as it does me. Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Ann: I have written in several different genres. My first published books were historical romances in the general market and then I published several young adult and middle reader coming of age type stories before I came over to the inspirational fiction market. In the Christian market, I’ve published my Shaker books, historical family stories, small town stories and historical romance. Now I’m writing small town mysteries. But the best part of writing for the Christian market is being able to tell the stories I want to tell and letting my characters’ faith journeys be part of the story. So, I’d just say my favorite genre is the Christian genre, and I’m glad I’ve been able to explore different sorts of stories in this market. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Ann: The series will have at least three books. After that, it will be according to readers. But I do plan to write more historical stories as well. Brock: Why did you choose to focus on a male protagonist? Ann: In most of my Christian fiction books, I have both a male and female protagonist and sometimes a variety of point of view characters. But when I began writing these Hidden Spring mysteries, I seemed to need to mainly focus in on one character. I wanted that character to be in the center of the mystery, the one who would be working to figure everything out. I’m not sure why I decided the deputy in the story should be male and not female. That’s just what seemed to work for the story I had in mind. Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? Ann: Actually book 2, Murder Comes by Mail, is going through edits now and will be released in July 2016. I’m working on book 3 and trying to figure out who did what as I write. I’m letting a house have a big part in the story, so we’ll see if the house makes it into the final title or on the cover. There will be a new cat as there are cats on both the other covers. Brock: Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series? Ann: In Murder Comes by Mail, Michael becomes a local media sensation after he prevents a man from committing suicide. The good feelings don’t last long as photos of victims of a serial killer arrive in the mail addressed to the “Hero of Hidden Springs.” Things go from bad to worse with Michael desperately trying to stop the killer before someone new is targeted by the killer. Brock: Do you plot or outline the entire series before you begin writing, or do your books take on lives of their own? Or is there a combination? Ann: I do have a general idea of the plot of each book when I begin writing, but I did not have a plot or outline for the ensuing stories except for Michael’s continuing love interest and problems with that. So the books do take on a life of their own, but that continuing thread of Michael’s personal life and the life of his aunt Malinda and other townspeople is laced throughout all the books. Brock: Where do you like to write? Ann: For many years, I had a desk in my kitchen and wrote whenever I could grab a few hours from my busy life as a farm wife and mother. Eventually, we built an addition onto our house that included a much needed extra bathroom and even better, for me, an office with windows. My favorite room is a room with windows and I’m glad to have such a great place to write where I can look out at the yard and fields while I’m writing. My dog Oscar, a Lab Chow mix, keeps me company in my office. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Ann: I’ve been both. I have worked part-time in various secretarial jobs over the years, but now I’m able to work full-time. My husband has been retired for a number of years, but I can’t imagine retiring from writing. There’s always another story waiting to be told. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Ann: When I was around ten years old, I was a big fan of the Hardy Boy mystery stories. So I decided it might be fun if I could solve a mystery like they did. Since there was little chance I was going to stumble across a real mystery out on the farm where I grew up, I set about writing my own adventure starring a cuter, smarter model of myself. The rest is history. I’ve been writing ever since although it did take a few years before I saw my words in print. And I let other characters star in the stories these days. Brock: What was your favorite book as a teen or child? Ann: Well, there were those Hardy Boy mysteries that started me on my path as a writer. I also loved Black Beauty and Little Women. And when I was fourteen, I read Gone with the Wind over the Thanksgiving holiday break from school. I can still remember the feeling of being totally immersed in that story. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Ann: I love walking on the beach at sunrise with the waves lapping my feet and the pelicans diving for their breakfast. But I also like hiking in the mountains and being among the trees. So I suppose my favorite place to vacation is anywhere I can be near the wonders of nature. Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like coco, raspberry tea, animal crackers? Ann: I drink hot tea year around. That’s a gift of air conditioning that keeps it cool enough inside for that hot tea. I like black tea, unsweetened, unflavored and brewed from loose leaf tea. Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Ann: The Bible is full of beautiful passages and verses that speak to us in a variety of ways on our journey along life’s path. With each of my books, different verses or Bible stories seem to come to mind that fit within my story. Then after I’ve written the story and am privileged to autograph copies for readers, I try to come up with a verse that relates to the story to include with my signature. Lamentations 3:22-23 will be the Scripture reference I will use for Murder at the Courthouse. But for my recent Shaker book, The Innocent, I chose 1Thessalonians 5:17 since that story has a theme of how important prayer can be in our lives. I’ve used the blessing of 3 John 2 for several books. But if I had to chose one verse in the Bible that speaks to my heart and wows my imagination it would be John 21:25. “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” (NKJ) Oh, what a Savior! Brock: What advice was most helpful to you as a young writer? Ann: When I was a young writer, I read many articles on how to write and how to submit my writing. But what helped me most to develop as a writer was simply reading. Those books I loved to read helped me learn how words could be strung together and made to simply disappear as the story came to life in my imagination. Reading fed my imagination and helped to fill my well of creativity. It still does. Brock: What do you like about writing a mystery like Murder at the Courthouse? What are some of the challenges in mystery writing? Ann: I liked tying all the loose ends together in my mystery to make the ending work. But it can be a challenge to give hints throughout the book as to who did what without telling too much. At the same time, those clues have to be there or the reader will feel cheated. It is also more of a challenge to include a Christian thread in a contemporary mystery than it is to have that faith journey of my characters in my historical novels. In a mystery, it’s sometimes more about a Christian world view instead of a character’s search for faith or for a stronger faith. A mystery takes a narrower focus to be sure the mystery is on the main stage in the book. That’s not to say you can’t have character growth. You can, but you need to remember to keep the mystery in the forefront of the reader’s mind. Mystery readers like figuring out who did what while at the same time being pleased if the writer can pull off an ending that surprises them. But this has to be done fairly. By that I mean the clues have to be there pointing toward the ending when the reader thinks back about the story. Brock: Any last words for your readers? Ann: Only thanks for reading and I hope you are immersed in many great fictional worlds in the weeks and years to come. A. H. Gabhart, bestselling author of many novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Love Comes Home; several popular Shaker novels such as The Outsider, The Believer, and The Innocent; and The Heart of Hollyhill series. Ann grew up in a small rural town in Kentucky much like Hidden Springs, but Ann is happy to report nobody was ever murdered on her hometown’s courthouse steps. Ann and her husband still live on a farm near that same little town in Kentucky. Learn more at AnnHGabhart.com. Author Facebook: www.facebook.com/anngabhart Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnHGabhart Author Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/annhgabhart/ Author Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AnnHGabhart/ Interview by Brock Eastman Featuring Crazy Little Thing Called Love Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first engaging novel in a brand-new series about destination weddings, the power of love, and the possible mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple’s journey down the aisle to “I do.” Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father’s military career. She’s overcome what her mother called “the biggest mistake of her life” and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding? As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future? A fast-moving, powerful hurricane throws Vanessa and Logan together as they evacuate to a storm shelter along with other residents of the Florida Gulf Coast. Forced to spend time together, the pair battles unexpected renewed feelings for each other. Vanessa and Logan are faced with a choice: Should they accept, once and for all, their teenage marital mistake? Or is God offering them a second chance at happily ever after? Brock: How did you come up with the idea for this series? Beth: I brainstormed the idea for a series with my writing friend and mentor, author Rachel Hauck. I loved how a destination wedding series combined two elements that I believe will appeal to readers: weddings and travel. Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they? What makes them unique? Beth: Logan Hollister is the hero of Crazy Little Thing Called Love and Vanessa Hollister is the heroine. They meet as seniors in high school. Vanessa is part of a military family – she’s learned how to be the new kid in school, thanks to all the moves her family has made through the years. She’s good at saying “hello” and “goodbye.” Logan is more than his “bad boy” persona – he’s actually a protector – and offers Vanessa something she’s always wanted: stability. Brock: Give us one fact about each main character that no one else knows. Beth: Logan had long hair in high school. He grew it long to irritate his dad – teen rebellion – because his dad didn’t support his dream of being a storm chaser. Vanessa never allowed herself to collect anything growing up because her family moved so much. But if she had, she would have kept books – lots and lots of books – instead of borrowing from the library. Brock: In three sentences what is this book about? Beth: What if you discovered that what you thought was your worse mistake was actually the right choice? If you had the chance for a second chance at love, should you take it? Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Beth: I use the Book Buddy, a work-text developed by author Susan May Warren, to outline my books. I develop my characters, my spiritual thread, my subplots and/or layers, the main points of conflict or turning points in the story, even the ending. But even with all the outlining and pre-plotting, I then fast draft, which is when I release control and discover more about my characters and my story. I allow things to change. Brock: How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Beth: Doesn’t everyone have a choice they’ve made sometime in their life – maybe a choice they made in high school – and wonder: If I had a chance to change what I did, would I do something different? Brock: What is your favorite genre to write for? Beth: I love the genre I’m writing: contemporary romance. I believe there’s more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us. I examine the reality behind romance – how real life and love are messy – in the novels I write. And I like doing that with modern day stories. Brock: What was the Biblical background for this series? Beth: As I worked on my Destination Wedding series, I realized that God wove the wedding theme all through Bible. He identifies himself as a bridegroom and calls the church his bride. In Revelation, he talks about the marriage feast. And Jesus performed his first miracle at the wedding in Canaa. So, while each individual novel or novella has it’s own spiritual thread, I love how underlying all of the stories is God’s story that embraces weddings. Brock: How many books are planned for this series? Beth: Four in all: Two e-novellas and two novels. Brock: Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Beth: There’s always a certain amount of research. I researched destination wedding locations in the U.S. I researched wedding and reception details: wedding gowns, music, food, engagement rings, bouquets … that sort of thing. One fun thing that I ended up researching was wedding vows. Brock: How do you strike the right balance in your book? Beth: My plotting helps me find the balance – the pre-work I do before I start writing. And then I always look forward to getting feedback from my mentors and my editors – I value their input. Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? Beth: I’ve written Can’t Buy Me Love (the first e-novella), and Crazy Little Thing Called Love (the first novel). I’m working on the second novel, Almost Like Being in Love. Brock: Can you give us a hint at the next book in the series? Beth: Almost Like Being in Love asks the question: Just because you’re perfect for each other – does that mean you should commit “’til death do us part”? Brock: Do you plot or outline the entire series before you begin writing, or do your books take on lives of their own? Or is there a combination? Beth: I provided my editors with a basic synopsis for all four books. When it comes time to write each one, I expand the synopsis and go from there. Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids? Beth: I’m happy that my adult readers often hand my books off to their teen daughters. I hope that they will discuss the issues that come up in Crazy Little Thing Called Love with them – things like elopement, teen marriage, having to move a lot, struggling to make friends, divorce. Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book? Beth: I wish someone had said this to me when I was a teen: The choices you make now will affect you a year from now … 5 years from now … 10 years from now. I thought about that a lot as I wrote Crazy Little Thing Called Love. (And yes, it’s something I made sure my teens heard from me.) Brock: Where do you like to write? Beth: I have a wonderful home office decorated just the way I like it – and that two of my friends helped me organize. I also like to sit in a chair in my family room with my Bose headphones on and write on my laptop – and be right in the midst of all the activity. Brock: Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Beth: I am a full-time author – in between all the regular life interruptions that come up. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? The longest time? Beth: Three years. The shortest time from first draft to deadline? Eight weeks. Brock: What do you hope readers take away from the series? Beth: Second chances aren’t an automatic Yes from God … and they need to be prayed over and treated as treasures. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Beth: I was an avid reader who, when I finished reading all the books I lugged home from the library, would write stories for myself. So, I’ve written stories since I was in middle school. I graduated from college with a journalism major and focused on non-fiction first before becoming a novelist. Brock: What are some of the strongest influences on your writing? Beth: I’ve been blessed to have several writing mentors. Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck are forces to be reckoned with when it comes to growing as a writer. They’ve challenged me, both as a writer and as a believer, to push past my fears, my doubts, and to do this crazy adventure not for myself but for God. Brock: What’s your view on e-books and the new publishing revolution? Beth: E-books are here to stay. And I’m okay with that. I will always want “real” books in my life – the kind I can curl up with on my couch. It’s not the same thing, curling up with my Kindle. Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author? Beth: 1) To keep writing and to keep getting better. 2) To mentor other authors so that they can achieve their writing dreams. Brock: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing? Beth: For the past ten years, I’ve chosen one word to focus on for the year. This year, my one word is collaborate. I’ve always prayed over the stories I write – prayed for the readers, prayed for the process. But now I want to be so conscious of my writing being a collaboration with God – waiting on Him to help create this story. Brock: Coke or Pepsi? Beth: Coke – and when I am on deadline, I drink way-too much. Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like coco, raspberry tea, animal crackers? Beth: I keep a stash of Jelly Belly jelly beans in my office. I have a special glass jar on my bookshelf and it’s up to me to keep it stocked. I don’t have a favorite flavor, per se, but I avoid the coffee and jalapeno ones. Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Beth: Romans 5:1-2 (The Message) – especially the part where it talks about finding ourselves where we always longed to be – standing in the wide open spaces of God’s grace. Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what are some examples? Beth: I do listen to music – and I indulged in some Bose headphones to do so. I like to make up playlists for each of the books I am writing. Sometimes it is the kind of music my hero and heroine like. Sometimes the songs are themed to the book. For example, as I wrote my destination wedding series, I listened to a lot of wedding music. Brock: Why do you write? Beth: I write because life is messy. Relationships are messy. And God stepped into our messy lives, our messy relationships, and showed us that we don’t have to be this way. He offers us more. I like to write novels that weave together real life and a very real God. Brock: What part of writing a book is the most challenging for you? Beth: The End. I usually rewrite my endings several times before they feel right to me. When I begin a book, I often know exactly how I want to start – and it rarely changes. But landing the ending – that’s been more challenging to me. Author Website: BethVogt.com Author Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorBethKVogt Author Twitter: twitter.com/bethvogt Author Pinterest: pinterest.com/beth_vogt Instagram: instagram.com/bethkvogt Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/5042181.Beth_K_Vogt?from_search=true |
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