Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you write in so many different genres?
Great question. Mostly because I have lots of stories to tell. I started writing primarily for ministry and biblical study, but God built me with a very active imagination and a desire to tell stories about people of faith in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. So as God gives me a story idea (a divine prompting as it were) I make sure to capture that idea. Sometimes I'll let the idea simmer for a while, other times I'll write a short story or start outlining the book right away.
What is the favorite book or article you've written?
That's tough to say. I suppose maybe the most recent one, whichever that might be.
What are you working on right now?
Oooo boy. OK. Right now I'm working on a book titled A Pastor's Guide to UFOs, which is a ministry book to help pastors talk with their congregations about everything being discussed in Congress and being revealed by insiders. I'm also nearly done with my first cozy mystery book titled The Murder Skein, which is about a knitting club called The Knit Wits that find themselves caught up as suspects in a murder. I've just begun an eschatological thriller titled The Forgotten Reign. And I'm about 30% done with The Sinister Goodbye, the sequel to The Stolen Goodbye.
What's the next one you want to write?
Good question. I have several that need to be written pretty soon. One is a devotional book titled When God is Silent.
How do you start writing a book?
It all starts with the idea of the book. The story I want to tell. Some authors are very organized with a whole process. I've always envied them, but I tend to write more as a stream-of-consciousness. I can see the story in my mind, the book just happens as I am telling the story. It's almost as if I am watching a movie in my mind and I'm writing what I see.
How do you prepare to speak at an event?
That depends greatly on the event itself and what the organizer wants to achieve. Whatever the topic or event, the very first step is prayer. I need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and words. If it's a church or ministry event, then likely my topic will be more biblical in nature so I will create a combination of outline and transcript on that particular biblical topic. If it is a series of meetings, say a multi-day conference or several services in a church, I'll plan what I want to discuss overall then break that up into smaller segments that will be a singular meeting. When I'm asked to speak on Christian creativity, I always begin in Genesis 1. God creating. Our God is a creative God and we are made in his image. He's made us to be creative. Then I will expand and explore that more in-depth.
How long have you been in ministry?
A long time. I began ministry while I was still in Bible college in the early 80s. I would call pastors and ask for an opportunity to speak. Sometimes I would get off work at 9:00 on Saturday evening, go to the dorm and grab my hangup bag and suitcase and drive through the night, sleeping in my car for a few hours before the church service began. In my junior year I started a singing group (I sang high tenor) and that made it a little easier since we offered singing and preaching.
What are your degrees in?
Bible, Education, and both Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern History
How long have you been married?
Mychere and I were married in 1985.
Do you have a family?
Yes. We have two sons and a daughter-in-law. Son number two is accepting applications!