Q: You write reviews for a couple of different websites. Would you review my book?
A: As of this moment, unfortunately no. I have time constraints like everyone else, and simply cannot get to books in the timely manner that they justly deserve. I read for pleasure, and review those books as I am moved to do so. I also keep up on indie publishing, and read a fair amount of indie work. If by happenstance I end up reviewing your book, you may by all means use some of it as a blurb if you so choose.
Q: I suspect you’re a Christian. Are you a Christian?
A: Yes. I’m a sort of strange hybrid of Presbyterian and Anglican. Presbypiscopal, you might say. Or Anglyterian. Either way, bishops are awesome. An enthusiastic adherent of the Ancient-Future ecumenical mentality, which seeks to bridge the gap between the ancient church and the on-rushing future.
Q: Would you classify your novels as “Christian Fiction?”
A: Yes and no. There, does that help?
I am a Christian, obviously, and I write fiction, so yes. But would Barnes and Noble put my books on their “Christian Fiction” shelf? Probably not. There are no prairie women in bonnets on my book covers, for one thing. Nobody converts at the end of my books, for another. While the indelible mark of my faith rests on every page I write, the books are neither designed nor intended to be didactic or “preach” at people. My central concern is in telling a good story, which inevitably happens to line up well with important Christian themes. My musings on this important topic can be found here.
Q: What led you to decide to go the route of indie publishing?
A: A lot of things, including the reality that I’d like to make a living on this writing gig, and that’s something less and less possible in traditional publishing models. I explain a bit more about my reasons here.
Q: What are some inspirational stories for you?
A: I was shaped in childhood by the accidental discovery of a Beowulf audiobook at the library. It had a picture of a dragon on the front, and that was good enough for me. The amazing winter-y Northness of the book made a huge impact on me. Then I discovered Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit maybe a year later. From there, my fate was sealed. My dad introduced me to Star Wars at ten. Then I found Lloyd Alexander’s Chronicles of Prydain, and met Taran, Henwen, Dalben and all the rest. A perennial fantasy favorite is R. A. Salvatore’s Drizzt and DemonWars books. As a teen, Babylon 5 taught me how to outline and reveal a story a bit at a time. Buffy, Angel, and Firefly taught me how to write character and dialogue. And then Harry Potter came along, the late, great love of my life. So yeah, there were a lot.
Q: Are you a geek?
A: Of course! What, were you asleep for that last paragraph? I own several LOTR swords, including Sting. I also own the One Ring, in case you were hoping on seizing absolute control. You’re too late. It’s over at my house.
Yes, my geek certification is strong. Comic books, check. I know Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail pretty much by heart, check. British accents? Why yes, check. Refusal to believe Firefly has been permanently canceled ten years after cancellation, check. Watched all the LOTR extended edition BTS material several times? Check. Disgustingly excited about the first Hobbit film, check.
A: What happens in book five of your fantasy series?
Like I’m going to tell you.