I've always had a love for strange fiction and stories that were a little off the beaten path. Additionally, I've found there is a shortage of novels in the horror/dark fantasy genres that are written with a Christian readership in mind. I decided to try my hand at it and see what I could come up with. The Maze was the result.
2. How did you come up with the names of your characters?
The main character in The Maze is named Jamie Burroughs. Jamie isn't significant. However, Burroughs is a bit of a play on words. For a large chunk of his life, Jamie has lived with his head in the sand, effectively burrowing down beneath the truth that is apparent all around him. His stint in The Maze is his wake-up call, and through all the trials and tribulations found within, the blinders are torn away, allowing him to see the world as it really is.
3. Other than writing what else do you like to do?
I enjoy playing guitar, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
4. Are you inspired by people you know for your stories?
Typically no. My books are usually inspired by a random thought, a fleeting idea, or some sort of 'What If' scenario.
5. What message were you trying to impart to the reader?
The central message in The Maze is that no matter how far downward you may spiral in life hope is never lost.
6. Who is your favorite Author?
Ray Bradbury is my favorite author. Like most writers, I started out writing short stories. The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, and The October Country were my textbooks for learning.
7. What is your favorite book?
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. It remains one of the only books I take the time to reread.
8. How old were you when you started writing?
I started writing the occasional short story in high school around age 16 or 17. It wasn't until I was in college that I seriously began to pursue all of the ideas floating around in my head.
9. Are you planning on writing more books?
At the moment, I'm currently working on a sequel to The Maze in addition to a couple of other stand-alone novels. I'm always working on something new.
10. When readers criticize your book does it give you pause about writing again or are you encouraged?
It's very easy to get discouraged by a review. However, I try to keep it in perspective. A review is simply someone's opinion. Nothing more. While one person may hate one of my books, another may love it. You have to take the good with the bad.
11. What advice would you give those trying to write a book?
If you have an idea that you believe in, don't give up. The Maze was written, rewritten, revised, torn apart, and dissected over a period of about 5 years. During that time, it went through two different agents, a couple of publishers, a hard-drive crash, and some very dark periods in between. There were times it would have been very easy to give up on the book and move on to something else. However, in the end it was all worth it, and now it's one of the books I'm most proud of.
"Winter Nova" by Preston Morgan
What inspired you to write your book?
In 2009, I finally embarked upon my lifelong goal of reading the Bible from beginning to end. My study sparked my desire to share some of the important lessons that I learned through a novel about perseverance.
Winter Nova emerged as the product of this effort. The book is intended to entertain its readers and hopefully to assist them in their personal/spiritual growth. Many of the chapters are, in fact, extended parables that hopefully spark reflection about common responses to difficult situations.
While I wanted the novel to have strong Biblical roots, I also didn’t want to be heavy-handed with metaphors or messages. I think it’s possible to read the entire book and follow the story as presented. On the other hand, if a reader is so inclined to look for them, I think he/she will find that there are countless details, including the measurements of monsters and the length of wars, which explore issues and images referenced in the Bible.
How did you come up with the names of your characters?
I researched the roots of many names, and tried to select good matches for the characters’ personalities/features. It was a long process, but I’m happy that there are these unique linkages. For instance, Evan means Young Warrior, which is an accurate description for this character. At the same time, his name can also be viewed as the male, abbreviated form of Evangeline, which means Bringer of Good News. Gavin’s name means White Hawk, and this moniker foreshadows an important event in the novel. Arwyn is often used as a boy’s name, which is very relevant given that her father always wanted a son.
Other than writing what else do you like to do?
My favorite activities include watching sports, reading books (mainly history/biographies and fiction these days), watching movies (old and contemporary), and volunteering.
Are you inspired by people you know for your stories?
No.
I have found that the inspiration for my stories originate from a theme which fascinates me, and I use that to build a world and create realistic characters. During these steps, some of my personality traits, as well as those of people I know, help form composites for various characters, but generally speaking, these additions come later on in my writing process.
What message were you trying to impart the reader?
I wanted to communicate that adversity can be a vehicle for self-discovery and a catalyst for greatness. In this regard, I love the quotation from Thomas Paine, which I use as an epigraph for Winter Nova, because the words frame the external and internal conflicts which test the four main characters. Indeed, the responses of each of the three men and Arwyn play a key role in the final outcome of the novel.
In the same way, many of us are tested by difficult circumstances. I don’t think there is any shame in admitting that we are going through hard times. I have been through them, and my guess is that many readers have endured them as well. Through it all, I would hope that everyone would remember this encouraging verse.
“After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)
Who is your favorite author?
Two writers come to mind.
In terms of mechanics, I would like to point to Ernest Hemingway—particularly his short stories, but also his novels. As others have often indicated, Hemingway’s prose is quite efficient and crisp. For the most part, I try to write simply and clearly and let the story take care of itself. I would never flatter myself and think that I have achieved anything near the quality of Hemingway’s prose, but my intention is to construct sentences very carefully and put my own unique imprint on American literature.
I would also draw attention to C. S. Lewis. I enjoyed reading The Chronicles of Narnia as a child and re-read them as an adult soon after the movie Prince Caspian was released. I found that the books held up very well in my mind. As an adult, I have also discovered the other writings of C. S. Lewis, and I do find his non-fiction works, such as The Problem of Pain, are interesting starting points for discussions about many complex spiritual issues.
Are you planning on writing more books?
Definitely.
I’m currently working on a non-fiction book, and I also want to complete a series around Winter Nova, which intentionally only gives a six-month snapshot of a world in turmoil. I’d expect the rest of the series to deliver a more complete picture of why certain events take place in Winter Nova and also reveal some surprises about the main characters.
I also have other fiction books that I’m very excited about, and I can’t wait to complete those as well.
When readers criticize your book does it give you pause about writing again or are you encouraged?
At first, I took any criticism to heart and was discouraged. Over time, I’ve come to accept that my writing will not appeal to everyone for a variety of reasons, including personal tastes, subject matter, or my style. At this point, I would say that I’m neither discouraged nor encouraged by criticism, and where there is constructive feedback, I do try to take that into account to improve my writing.
What advice would you give those trying to write a book?
For someone trying to write his/her first book, I would recommend three things: Style, Simplicity, and Structure.
Style: There are helpful guides and wonderful classes that help writers develop their style. I would recommend that any first time writer spend some time reading authors who they admire, perhaps attending a writing workshop, and/or investing in highly regarded books about the process of writing. With all that said, I don’t think any author should sacrifice his/her voice in an attempt to fit a convention that is out in the marketplace. To put it differently, after you have studied and practiced enough, go ahead and start writing.
Simplicity: I remember feeling the urge to try and write a book that would impress the literary critics with complex themes and an unusual writing style. In the end, I chose to exert some restraint, and I would advise new writers to keep it simple. Try to understand your own limitations and respect them.
Structure: Try to outline ideas to make sure the story has a logical beginning, middle, and end. Also, try to structure time to sit down and write—and later on to read, edit, and revise. These blocks of time are important to make sure that the book is completed in a timely basis.
"Lazarus Man" by Scott Toney
1. What inspired you to write the book?
Lazarus has always fascinated me. Here in the Bible we have the miracle of Jesus bringing him back from the grave, but the question I always had was what was his life after being brought back like? There is little known, and so I was driven to take what we do know from various sources and write a possibility for the days beyond when Jesus brought him back. To us it is such a beautiful miracle, but I approached Lazarus as a man who feels lost and uncertain after returning to the living, especially after Jesus' crucifixion. I approached him as a person like the rest of us, who in that deep moment of darkness, turns to God to heal him and show him his path.
2. How did you come up with the names of your characters?
Most names have been taken directly from the Bible, but for those names of created characters I just jotted down names until I had one with the right fit.
3. Other than writing what else do you like to do?
Sing, I love to sing, and I love to help others in any way I can. And my family is my world.
4. Are you inspired by people you know for your stories?
I am inspired by the love others show me and by God. I find that if I follow God's direction and let him lead my pen, then my writing will follow the path it was meant to follow. I pray a lot, no matter what I am writing.
5. What message were you trying to impart to the reader?
When you feel the darkness the greatest, that is when God is strongest by your side. The characters in the Bible were just like us. They felt pain, doubt and despair. We are all 'Man'. Turn to God and he will cherish and guide you.
6. Who is your favorite Author?
Tad Williams, he writes Fantasy and I am a huge fantasy fan.
7. What is your favorite book?
The Dragon Bone Chair by Tad Williams
8. How old were you when you started writing?
It all began as a youth, around 10, when I wrote tales to go with the computer game Oregon Trail, creating stories to go with Jimmie getting typhoid or Susie getting small pox.
9. Are you planning on writing more books?
I have 4 planned now. They may never stop. I am currently writing a Sci-Fi novel titled Bishop. Then I'll be writing 'The Book of Esther' done much in the style of Lazarus, Man. I'll also eventually be tackling sequels to Hearts of Avon and The Ark of Humanity.
10. When readers criticize your book does it give you pause about writing again or are you encouraged?
As writers we must have tough shells. Someone people will always criticize. Some criticism should be taken to heart and put in place to better our current and future works, and other criticism is not valuable and is not worth worrying about at all. A writer has writing in their blood. I will never stop writing. I just don't have that in my blood.
11. What advice would you give those trying to write a book?
Write it now. Begin tonight. I write one single spaced page per day. You'd be surprised how fast that adds up and how much it will mean to you once you've finished your first book. And I just can't tell you how much my reader's reviews have meant to me. Begin your book now. There is no day like today.