RBC Book Club Interview with Chris Fabry

My book club was once again spoiled by an author's generosity ~ this time Chris Fabry graciously answered our many and varied questions about his compelling novel, June Bug, as well as those of a more personal nature regarding his family and ongoing battle from their mold exposure heartache.


Chris impressed us greatly with his exceptional writing talent and his positive outlook despite the physical and financial consequences of their mold exposure. For more on the Fabry story, click here.

JuneBug


June Bug is a poignant and thought provoking story about 9 year old June Bug and the fall out from her discovering that the man she calls Dad has been living a lie.

I hope you enjoy our Q&A with Chris :)

**If you haven't read June Bug there are spoilers below**

RBC:~ I must say I am one for happy endings and would have loved having them all settling down together in Dogwood as one happy family. Did you ever consider such an ending or was the inference that the sheriff being a nice guy and realizing Johnson had acted with best intentions suggested him leaving town so as he wouldn't have to arrest him for kidnap.

CHRIS:~ This was both a legal decision and a decision of the heart for Johnson. Johnson knew if he stuck around that Natalie wouldn't be able to be Natalie. He had to leave her. It was a gift to leave her, though his heart was breaking. Some don't understand that choice.

I was intrigued by the idea of RV's using Walmart as a caravan park and was wondering if this really happens. I have this vision of a car park full of people making the most of a free site, deck chairs out, sitting around the barbie having dinner. I just can't imagine our major supermarkets allowing people to park their caravans overnight.

I don't think they allow a barbecue, but the overnight parking is a company policy and has been for years.

I enjoyed the character of June Bug. A girl matured before her time. What did you draw from most to try and speak through a child's eyes/experience ... your own childhood or that of your children?

Both. I spent a lot of time alone as a child, which prepared me for the life of a novelist. But I saw June Bug as this little social creature, like my own girls, who was starved for that interaction. That's why she's so loquacious with strangers.

John feels that his life was 'redeemed' somewhat by June Bug. God uses everything to turn things into good. Even tragedy. What in your life has taught you this at any time?

Wow, about a million things. The most recent is the mold situation. We're making tough decisions about our home in Colorado now that sits with all of our worldly possessions. At some point, the things of earth will either hold on to you or you will let go of them. I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone, but I wouldn't trade the lessons either.

In my mind, a child's abduction would be my worst nightmare. Not knowing what harm has been/is being done to them. Did it help you write the story by creating a 'good man' into the character of John? Did you consider an alternative, less well-meaning fellow?

Yes, but I quickly abandoned that idea because I couldn't bear seeing any harm come to June Bug. I did, however, want the reader to ask the question early on, “Who is this guy and what is he doing with this little girl?”

Did you struggle with the end? I felt for June Bug and John's separation. The only father/family she has known. Does anything replace that? In a similar situation, what would you want to see happen?

I didn't struggle with the decision he had to make. I struggled writing it well. When we left our home and the toxicologist reviewed the levels, he said, “Treat this like a fire. Don't take anything with you.” We asked about our two dogs and the man groaned. In the end, I had to do the hard thing and have them euthanized. It was something I knew I had to do but I struggled greatly in that process. I think you see John doing the same thing, knowing what he must do and finally walking through it. That's one reason why, subconsciously, John allows Natalie to go home with his dad--at the place where she walks to her grandmother's. He's letting her go, but he's letting it be on her terms.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing June Bug?

Getting it done while we abandoned our home of 8 years. I was writing in a chemical splash suit in an office that was frigid. Then, editing in a little camper outside of our house. There's a lot of hidden pain in that book and irony.

Who is your favourite character in June Bug and why?

Obviously, June Bug and John are close to my heart. I think the Sheriff is special. He shows up, along with Natalie in my next book, Almost Heaven.

I understand that John needed to let June Bug get to know her grandparents and life in one place with all the trimmings, but may I ask why the story ends with June wondering when she will see her "dad" again? I figured they would always be a part of each others' life.

It's what a girl would ponder, I think. She's lost so much she wonders if this, too, will be taken.

I would be interested to know how you have gathered the idea for a child kidnapping to be an extension of Romans 8.28. It is a challenging concept yet very believable in this situation and I would appreciate if you can share some of the journey or processes that started this story idea.

I was going into a Walmart one night and there was a dilapidated RV parked in the back of the lot and I thought, “I wonder who's in there?” Then I walked past the missing children board and stared at it. When I came out I had the story idea, but I didn't know where it would go. It's funny, my editor from Chicago was in town for a meeting and she and her husband took us to dinner. I told her I had an idea for the next book. “A little girl lives with her dad in an RV and they park in Walmart parking lots. One day she walks into the store, looks at the missing children poster, and sees herself.” That's all I said. She started smiling and wiping away a tear. She had the story, too, because everyone wants to know what happens to her. Why is she there? Who is she? This is our central question and when we find our rest in Him, we see 8:28 working.

Could you explain a bit about the missing child posters program in the US - and its success rate.

I don't know specifics on that, but one missing child found is success. I'm sure it's much greater than that.

As a guy - how did you manage to so successfully portray the emotions, outlook etc of a young girl?

I don't get hung up with gender and trying to sound like someone I'm not. I just put myself in her shoes. I'm sure I didn't get everything right, but the fact that she had been travelling with a man for so long, had no friends, not much contact with other kids her age other than observation, helped.

Mae and Leason have found their granddaughter Natalie… is there any reason you left so many other characters with no particular conclusion?

Yes, that is life. Everything is not tied into a neat bow. This is Romans 8:28. Though Mae and Leason have found her, there is more heartbreak ahead. We never get to the point in life, I don't think, where we can coast. I don't like to tie up every loose end of stories. Is it a satisfying conclusion? Yes, in my mind. Does it answer every question? No. You have to decide. What happened to Scout Finch after the end of To Kill a Mockingbird? Did Jem's arm heal? What happened in town? Were there more reprisals against Atticus? Did he ever remarry? This is where the story ends.

So much of the book is written through the eyes of a nine year old girl… is there someone who has been your inspiration for that character, one of your own children maybe?

Yes, Kaitlyn was 9 or 10 at the time. She's very bright and perceptive, very talkative, boisterous, but she can brood. Plus, she has 4 older sisters I used as fodder as well. :)

There are so many characters and their personal choices and relationships in this story - did you have a primary message you wanted to get across to your readers?

I don't do primary messages. I let the themes come from the story. Having said that, “Who am I?” was one question that had to be asked. I'd rather leave that to you.

How did you decide to base her story and life with John on the principles found in Les Mis?

I just loved that novel and the depth of it. I wanted to take just a slice from it and paint it in a Walmart parking lot. It wasn't retelling as much as it was a nod to Victor Hugo.

I've always been curious as to the reason behind the switch from young adult and kids fiction to adult fiction?

I haven't switched, I still love to write children's fiction, I have always wanted to write a story that I wanted to read and that adults would enjoy. There are subjects and themes here that I can't tackle in a children's book to this depth.

When I read June Bug the first time I was struck at how you got inside the head of a little girl in such a genuine way. How did you bridge the gap from being an adult man to understanding and communicating the psyche of a little girl?

I don't know. If you think I've done it well, I accept that as a compliment. But I don't approach the page thinking, “I have to be 9 now.” The character leads me and music leads me.

How has your understanding of justice, mercy and integrity changed as you wrote 'June Bug'?

It deepened the concept for me and I had to wrestle with it like John did. That's another novel, though, if i were to answer. :)

If June Bug was made into a movie, any thoughts on who you would cast in the pivotal roles?

It's actually being optioned by a producer in Hollywood. I haven't seen the final contract yet. Natalie will probably be someone who isn't even born, knowing how long it takes to make movies. I don't know about John. I love Tom Hanks, but I think anyone with any acting chops could take that role and make it sing.

Rel: Sorry Chris, the book club declined on Tom and thought Matt Damon would be a better fit for John!! And we would be in the front row for any movie made! And so we are clear...because of the brilliant story, not just Matt ;-)

Can you tell us about 'Almost Heaven'? Maybe I can pester Rel into letting me review that one for her too?!?

Billy Allman is the main character. He is a loner, a hillbilly genius, in a way, who has been through such heartache and tragedy. He has a dream to build a radio station and present gospel music to the people of Dogwood. He has a love interest. There are roadblocks. But he meets Natalie. It's my most “Christian” novel so far, and probably my most dark novel, though June Bug was pretty dark in places. I think once you read the first chapter and what he lives through, you'll be hooked.

What does a day in the life of Chris Fabry look like, when you're in the midst of writing...as well as having a large family and a regular job?

I get up early. I pray that the kids will sleep. J I read something from scripture and spend some time praying about concerns and praises. Then I jump into whatever is on my plate. Today I have to finish some questions about Almost Heaven and have a meeting about my upcoming novel. I do my radio show in the afternoon and every day at 5 I'm in front of the house as all-time quarterback for Colin and Brandon, 10 and 8. What is your favourite time of the day to get writing done? Early morning.

What process and who decides on the names given to your books?

I come up with the initial titles and then the publisher gets involved. All of my adult novels have been titled my original title.

How do you settle on character names?

Names come to me like children. I knew “will” was a word I would use for our main male character in Dogwood because it was his will and love that drew him back to Dogwood. Other names don't have such meaning. Last names are more tricky. Spurlock was my mother's maiden name. I tried to use names that were common to the area. June Bug was a special name that came to me in a writing conference and I realized after planning the story that it was her name and the title.

What is the most rewarding aspect of writing for you?

Having readers connect with stories and characters, see themselves, and say they grow.

Being a mother of 5, I would love to know your thoughts on having a large family and if you receive any negative comments regarding it (I certainly do)?

The Fabry Family

Yes, I am single handedly warming the planet. People think we're Catholic or Mormon. I just say we're prolific Protestants. But most people appreciate seeing a large family and know there are sacrifices you make to have such a full quiver. I see children as a gift from God, not a chore or a punishment. My children are my greatest asset and gift. People are not just consumers, they are producers. The world is enhanced by people. Don't get me started.

Does your wife and/or do your children read your books?

We have 9 kids so she doesn't have a lot of time on her hands, but yes, she read June Bug and loved it. I'll ask her about different ideas--Karin is built around my wife and struggles she's had, though very loosely. Her closet was filled with quote books and journals. My kids read more of my novels for youth, though they're looking forward to the book I'm doing with Drew Brees that will be out in July.

On a personal note, I was reading your blog which mentioned 2 of your children being home schooled because of a chemical sensitivity. Is this a result of the mould spores and is it a permanent sensitivity or will it disappear when detox is completed?

Yes, it is from the mold. The immune system can be boosted, but this will likely be something they'll deal with the rest of their lives. And none of the children have been able to return to school yet.

I've been catching up on your blog...the 'Cactus Compound' invokes an image that doesn't mesh with 'home'! Could you explain what the 'Cactus Compound' is?

The full title is Cactus Compound and Detox Center. It's just what I came up with to describe our lives. We eat nothing but organic stuff now. No processed food. The kids can't tolerate it. I've lost 60 pounds without even trying.

Being someone with some dietary idiosyncrasies to deal with, I'm curious to know how your new diet is helping with the health problems from the mold exposure?

Our diet is now our main medicine. The toxins are still coming out from inside after our October, 2008 abandonment of the house. No gluten. No sugar. Green, green, green. Congee in the morning. Rice, beans, salad. Chicken, but only range fed and hymn sung. Not really about the hymns. No peanuts. No potato chips. No pizza. But oh, the food we do eat tastes so much better after giving all that up. I haven't had soda since Oct. 2008.

In what ways has your 'mold journey' impacted on your writing?

There were times when I had to stop because of the tears. I can't tell you what a deep wound the losses of the home and dogs were, and then to think of the children with lifelong maladies because of a builder's choice to cut corners. I don't know that you can write to any depth without something like that in your life. There were things before that were hurts, but nothing to that level.

Is your journey of the last couple of years every likely to end up as the topic for one of your novels?

We want to write a non-fiction book that will answer questions that we're getting from people around the country. Perhaps a novel would be a better form--or we could do both. My wife, if you've seen her blog, is a wonderful writer, so this is going to happen at some point.

Do you have a dream book you would like to write or have you already done that?

My dream book is always the one I'm working on. There are some things I really want to write but you take them one at a time.

How easy/difficult is it to weave your faith into your fiction?

I think it's the most organic thing I do. It's not difficult at all. What's difficult is getting it true-sounding. Not preachy or stiff or stilted. Christ is real. When he comes into a life, that life changes. But not always the way we think a life should change and certainly not at the speed we think.

Chris ~ on behalf of the RBC Book Club, a heartfelt thank you for
sharing with us and also the readers here at Relz Reviewz.
We wish you and your family God's peace and love :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Tracy's reviews of June Bug & Dogwood

Visit Chris' blog

Visit Andrea Fabry's blog

Learn about the Fabry's mold story

Buy Chris' books at Amazon or Koorong

A Woman Called Sage by DiAnn Mills

Synopsis:~

Sage Morrow has everything---an adoring husband and a baby on the way---until five ruthless gunmen change her life forever. Now accompanied only by her magnificent hawk, she's a Colorado bounty hunter bent on retribution! But the stakes are raised when two young boys are kidnapped. Will the hunter become the hunted?

My take:~

DiAnn Mills' contemporary suspense novels have been favourites of mine for sometime. I wondered whether I would feel the same draw to an historical story, even though it was written by DiAnn. I should have know she could pull it off!

While it is DiAnn's blend of suspense and romance that usually draw me in to her stories, it was her unique character Sage Morrow that made the story for me. Trauma and tragedy have created in Sage a ferociously independent woman bent on revenge for her husband's slaying. DiAnn's trademark suspense is present along with a forbidden attraction that the upright Marshall Parker Timmons feels for Sage, her heritage and occupation destined to ensure political suicide for his future plans. A Woman Called Sage is a satisfying and enjoyable read.

With thanks to Zondervan & CFBA for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Sworn to Protect and Breach of Trust

Interview with DiAnn

Visit DiAnn's website

Buy DiAnn's books at Amazon and Koorong

Code Blue by Richard Mabry

Synopsis:~

After a broken relationship, all Dr. Cathy Sewall wants is to find healing. But it's clear that returning to her hometown is a prescription for trouble. When one of Cathy's medications almost kills the local banker, she's charged with malpractice! She knows she's innocent, but who would want to end her career---and possibly her life?

My take:~

Retired physician Richard Mabry M.D. has exchanged his stethoscope for a pen, with pleasing results! The return of the town's prodigal daughter out to prove her worth has the local medical fraternity's "boys club" on edge and the scene is set for the perfect small town mystery. Combining medical expertise, solid suspense and a fledgling romance, Richard has all the essential elements at work in the first of his Prescription for Trouble series. On a par with Hannah Alexander novels, Richard has a bright future in this niche genre as he continues to grow his craft. The first chapter of his second novel, Medical Error, can be found at the end of Code Blue and has me hooked already ~ bring on Dr Anna McIntyre and Nick Valentine!

With thanks to the author for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Cathy & Will

Read the first chapter of Code Blue

Visit Richard's website and blog

Buy Richard's books at Amazon or CBD

CFBA Blog Tour of No Greater Love & More Than Conquerors by Kathi Macias

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Extreme Devotion series

No Greater Love

More Than Conquerors New Hope Publishers (April 5, 2010)

by

Kathi Macias

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathi Macias is an award-winning author of more than twenty fiction and nonfiction books. She has also ghostwritten and collaborated on books for a number of well-known individuals. She is a staff member for The Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service and a member of The Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network, Christian Authors Network, American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers Fellowship International, Advanced Writers/Speakers Association, for who she serves as membership chair, and orange County Christian Writers Fellowship. She is the 2008 winner of AWSA’s Golden Scroll Award.



A Former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Macias is a credentialed minister and served as an associate pastor at a large church in Southern California, where she did biblical counseling, trained small group leaders, and oversaw support/recovery ministries. She is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and has appeared on several radio and TV programs.

ABOUT THE BOOKS

...(set in South Africa in 1989, during the violence and turmoil just prior to Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the overthrow of Apartheid.

Forbidden romance, an unlikely martyr and an even more unlikely hero. Orphaned four years earlier when their parents, active in the African National Congress ANC movement against apartheid, were murdered16-year-old Chioma and her 15-year-old brother Masozi now live and work on an Afrikaner familys farm. When Chioma and Andrew, the farm owners son, find themselves attracted to one another, tragedy revisits their lives. Chioma escapes to join an ANC rebel band in her effort to survive and gain revenge for her family and culture. When cultures clash in life-or-death struggles, Chioma must choose between violence and revengeor forgiveness and selfless love. Loosely based on historical events and set near Pretoria, South Africa, in the violent upheaval prior to ANC leader Nelson Mandelas release from prison in 1990 and his ascendance to the presidency of South Africa, this story of forbidden romance produces an unlikely martyr who is replaced by one even more unlikely.

If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of No Greater Love, go HERE.

Watch the video trailer:

...(set in Tijuana, Mexico, and also in San Juan Chamula, Mexico, which is deep in the heart of Mayan country)

True love ignites their passionate pursuit of His call With violent crime on the rise and the political climate changing throughout certain parts of Mexico, the opportunity for open Christian witness, particularly in some areas of Chiapas State, is rapidly decreasing. Hector Rodriguez pastors a small church in the tourist-popular border town of Tijuana. He also routinely carries Bibles deeper into the hostile areas of Mexico, where he ministers despite increasing difficulty and persecution. Hectors mother accompanied him on one of those trips and felt God called her to stay in the little village of San Juan Chamula, where she uses the Scriptures to teach reading to the families who are open to it. In retaliation for Hectors bringing the Bibles into areas hostile to Christians and in an effort to dissuade him from continuing to expand his ministry there, Hectors mother is murdered. Hector must decide if he will continue his work despite his worries about protecting his wife and children.

If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of More Than Conquerors, go HERE.

Watch the book video:



Rel: My books are yet to arrive but I have read a number of Kathi's earlier books which I enjoyed greatly. Hope these are just as good!

Check out Michelle's review of No Greater Love for her thoughts.

Character Spotlight ~ Lena Nelson Dooley's Madeline Mercer & Jeremiah Dennison

Madeline Mercer & Jeremiah Dennison

Multi published author, Lena Nelson Dooley has just released the latest historical romance in Summerside Press' popular Love Finds You series. Lena heads to the gold mining town of Golden, New Mexico delving into the lives of a mail order bride and a rancher, determined to protect his old friend from a gold digger of the female kind!

Enjoy and over to you, Lena:~


Brief physical description

Madeline Mercer looks like a china doll, with brown hair and a creamy complexion. She is petite with gray eyes that can turn warm or stormy. She most resembles a young Sandra Bullock.

Jeremiah Dennison is a strong, cowboy rancher. He’s tall and has longish dark hair, which curls too much, so he tries to keep it trimmed. His dark, inscrutable eyes are shadowed by dark brows. He has a strong chin. He resembles John Schneider with darker hair.

Strengths and weaknesses

At the beginning of the book, Maddy isn’t sure what her strengths are. She’s always been taken care of. She does have a compassionate heart, which she exhibits when she befriends Lorraine, a pregnant widow who is destitute. As the story progresses, Maddy finds she has many strengths that carry her through desperate situations and unfamiliar territory.

Jeremiah has a strong loyalty to Philip the old miner who befriended him when he first came to the gold fields. Now he’s taking care of Philip, who is losing strength every day. Jeremiah likes to be in control, but when things happen he has no control over, he loses his temper. And a lot of things take place after the Mercer woman arrives that upset his stable world.

Your inspiration for the character

I really didn’t have any particular person in mind when I created each of these characters. Since I have a drama background where I have been a director and an actress, it’s easy for me to create believable characters. They grew out of the storyline and fit it completely.

Background to the story

I’ve always been interested in mail-order bride stories, both the real ones and in fiction. I read a lot of information, including actual ads and letters from men to prospective brides.

Then I started with “what if.” What if I made him a real cowboy and her from a wealthy family from back East? That should create lots of interesting situations.

After that, I had to come up with a scenario that would make her need to leave Boston and go to Golden, New Mexico, wherever that was. With all this in place, the story really took off.

Thanks Lena ~ I'm looking forward to watching the sparks fly in this story!

On Thursday, the spotlight shines on Cynthia Ruchti's Libby Holden from her debut novel, They Almost Always Come Home.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Lena's website

Watch the book trailer

Buy Lena's books at Amazon or Koorong

Getting to know James L Rubart

Jim Rubart has made some positive noise with his brilliant debut novel, Rooms with it being described as "extraordinary", "unforgettable" and "profound". I soundly concur!

It is a privilege to have Jim share at Relz Reviewz and we hope you enjoy this interview.

Over to you, Jim:~

If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be?

I changed my own name when I was eight years old and now wish I hadn’t. Until then everyone called me Jamie, but I thought it was girl’s name. So when my family moved from Seattle, WA to Spokane, WA I announced, “When we get to Spokane I’m not Jamie anymore, I’m Jim!” I wish I would have kept Jamie. Now I think it’s a cool name for a guy.

Your first pet’s name?

Trouble, a cat, and it was.

Your best friend’s name in primary (elementary) school?

Dave Damrell. I found him on Facebook three or four months ago. Very fun to connect again.

Did you have a special toy that went everywhere with you when you were young? Please describe.

Oh, wow. Do I have to describe the first thing that popped into my mind? Okay, fine. I loved playing sports growing up and had this small plastic baseball player that even went on vacations with me. I called him Basey. I know, not too original, but hey, I was seven.

A few years ago my mom gives me a box of old junk from my childhood and Basey was in there. Here’s something no one knows until now: A few pages into ROOMS Micah makes a quick reference to a company called Bay-C. Yep, it’s my nod to a treasured childhood toy. ROOMS is actually full of inside jokes like that.

If you were stranded on a desert island what one object would you want with you? (Besides your Bible)

My laptop. I don’t know if other writers feel like this, but I can’t not write. If I go a few days without writing I start to feel jittery. (I sure hope your desert island has electricity.)

What's your favourite ice cream flavour?

Cookies and Cream. But I’m weird. I like to stick my ice cream in the microwave for a few seconds and make it almost soupy before I eat it.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Two things. An author and Evel Knievel. My mom would never let me get a dirt bike growing up. Now my boys and I all have them. Great fun. (But I don’t jump cars.)

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Italy with my wife for at least a month.

Favourite book?

The Chronicles of Narnia (all seven in one volume so they can count as one. J

Heroes, Bones, Lost or The Brady Bunch?

LOST by 4,815,162,342 miles. Hard core LOST fans are smiling right now ‘cause they understand why I chose that number.

Captain Jack Sparrow, Indiana Jones or Jason Bourne?

Jason by the width of a quark. Indiana is that close. Sorry, Jack, you make me smile but you’re a distant third.

Baseball, basketball or gridiron? (I’d put cricket in there but don’t like my chances!)

Gridiron, I’m really hoping to play football again in heaven. Cricket? Huh?

Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock) or Sydney Harbour Bridge?

Not even close. GBR all the way. I went scuba diving there in the early 90s and can’t wait to go back someday.

Where's the most interesting place you have been?

Australia. My wife and I loved it. For the people. For the sites. The beauty. For the weather. All of it.

Rel: Okay, so I REALLY like you now ;-) Here's a picture of the Twelve Apostles, a couple of hours from my place!

Favourite movie?

Tie between It’s a Wonderful Life and The Matrix. You see how those go together, right?

Marketing, public speaking, writing ~ which one comes most naturally?

Wow, tough. All three are deep inside my comfort zone, but I’ll probably have to go with public speaking as the most natural; it’s a gift I’ve always had. I’ve been always been okay speaking without ever working at it. Marketing and writing I’ve had to study in depth to get proficient. When I was in second grade I was picked to make an announcement for some school assembly and it went really well. I’ve liked public speaking ever since.

What's your most fervent prayer?

That God says, “Well done, while on earth you maxed out the gifts I gave you.”

What is your favourite Bible verse (or "one" of your favorites) and what does it mean to you?

Matt 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

We’re not taking anything with us after our short time of being mist on this earth except for our relationships—with each other and God. So why do we spend so much time on stuff that in seventy or eighty years that will be gone for eternity?

Besides God, who has influenced you the most?

C.S. Lewis. His fiction made me want to be a writer, his non-fiction—specifically Mere Christianity—made me say for the first time, “Hey, there’s someone out there that has put into words what I’m feeling.”

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

I’m terrified of heights. So it took a lot of courage to jump out of an airplane at 10,000 feet. I figured if I faced my fear I would conquer it. Didn’t work, but what a rush! I’m a bit of a thrill seeker, so I was terrified and loved it at the same time.

What was your most embarrassing moment in High School?

My lawyer says I can’t tell you.

Rel: But I'm a lawyer so would keep it confidential ~ LOL!!

Where did you go on your first date with your wife?

We went to dinner at the Farm House Inn which is halfway in-between Seattle and Bellingham. Then drove to the top of Mount Erie a few miles from there. Spectacular views. A Mount Erie reference made it into my next novel.

Ask each of your kids one thing they think is great about their Dad and share it with us, please!

Micah says, “Your creativity, and such incredible love for his kids that you canceled an important meeting to be with me on my birthday.”

Taylor says, “Your ability to relate to and talk to people of different views, to be able to help them in what they’re going through in life, your perceptiveness to see through the surface level and get down to the heart of the issue.”

Rel: Thanks boys ~ what's Dad going to do about character names now?!

ROOMS

What or whom inspired you to write this story?

When I was a teenager I read Robert Munger’s little pamphlet My Heart, Christ’s Home. When I was in my mid-twenties I thought, “What if you took that idea and put it on steroids? Then I mixed in flavors of my favorite movies and books and out came ROOMS.

Is there anything of Jim in Micah?

Micah is a mix of three specific personalities I had in mind when I wrote it, and I’m probably one of them. So yeah, there’s some of Jim in Micah. And there are some bits and pieces in ROOMS that actually happened to me. No, I’m not telling which ones. J

Please describe each of your main characters with one word.

Rick - wise

Micah - passionate.

Sarah - perfect.

Did you have the plot fully determined before you started writing ROOMS or did you go on an intriguing journey wondering where it would end up, just like Micah?

I went on the journey! I didn’t know how to write a novel, so I just let my imagination go, like a movie playing in my mind and wrote down what I saw. I was constantly surprised.

What do you hope readers take away from this story?

Freedom. Healing. A determination to step into the density God planned for them.

What was your favourite scene to write? The most difficult?

The scene with Rick and Micah on Cape Lookout at the end of the book.

The scene right after that one.

You have just finished writing your second novel. Care to share?!

Absolutely. It’s the story of a young man searching for God’s book of days—described in Psalm 139—that has recorded the past present and future of every soul on earth.

Cameron Vaux is losing the memories of his wife, who died two years earlier in a car accident and it terrifies him. When he hears a vague legend to a book hidden in Three Peaks, Oregon he heads there to see if it’s real and recover. But his quest turns out to be far more than just searching for the book.

Thanks for having me, Rel! GREAT questions!

An absolute pleasure, Jim!! GREAT answers :) Really enjoyed getting to know you better and so looking forward to your next offering.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of ROOMS

Character spotlight on Micah Taylor

Visit Jim's website and blog

Buy Rooms at Amazon or Koorong

Book Trailer for William G Boykin & Tom Morrisey's Danger Close

I've had my eye on Danger Close for sometime and can't wait to read it. This trailer only reinforces that view. Tom Morrisey is a terrific writer and no doubt, LTG (Ret) William G Boykin has a story to tell that will ooze authenticity!

Danger Close releases in July, 2010 from B&H through their exceptional Fidelis line.

And to my friend, Davo ~ you are going to love this one!

**Warning: this trailer is more graphic than most**

Whirlwind by Robert Liparulo ~ EJ's Take with signed giveaway

Synopsis:~

David, Xander, and Toria King never know where the mysterious portals in their house will take them; past, present or future. They have battled gladiators and the German army, dodged soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, and jumped from the sinking Titanic. They've also seen the stark future that awaits if they can't do something to change it-a destroyed city filled with mutant creatures.

And they've still got to find a way to bring Mom back and keep Takisdian from getting them out of the house. The dangers are hitting them like a whirlwind...but the answers are becoming apparent as well.

EJ's take:~

The Dreamhouse Kings books by Robert Liparulo are fantastic thrillers. The fifth book, Whirlwind, is no exception. It continues the story of the Kings, a family who have recently moved into a house with very strange properties, mysterious portals leading them into unknown times and worlds. There is never a dull moment in Whirlwind, it is a non-stop action story. It is fast paced and leaves you desperate for more. Something is always happening so no one will be bored. Without an overload of description, it is amazing how much you get to know the characters. Their personalities are different and react very realistically. Whirlwind is a great piece of fiction, and I would definitely recommend it.

With thanks to the author for EJ's review copy

Guest reviewer:~ my 12 year old, EJ

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit the Whirlwind website

Reviews of House of Dark Shadows, Watcher in the Woods & Gatekeepers

Character spotlights on Taksidian, David,Toria and Xander King

Exclusive interview with Bob

Visit Bob's website and blog

Buy Bob's books at Amazon or Koorong

Just released ~ Frenzy by Robert Liparulo

To celebrate the release of the final Dreamhouse Kings book, Frenzy, Bob is offering a signed and personalised copy of it to one of my readers!

To be eligible for a chance to win complete the form below on or before 9th May, 2010 :)