What if some of the scholarly theories were true – a woman wrote part of the New Testament?Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Lawfully Loved, by Jenna Brandt, is:
sarahackerman@...
Congratulations! I'll email you for your snail mail address, and we'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.
And now let's visit with novelist Latayne Scott, author of the Biblical historical literary novel, A Conspiracy of Breath (TSU Press, September 2017), a finalist in the International Book Awards' religious fiction category.
Latayne Scott has been writing since she was in grade school, and she won her first prize for writing in the third grade. She's published hundreds of short works such as poems and magazine articles; won awards for humor and for radio plays; and over two dozen published book through small publishers and big (such as Zondervan, Kregel, Baker, Word, Howard and others.)Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.
I’m trying to expand my brainpower (neuroplasticity) by doing challenging tasks. Like math. (Yuck.) Getting back to my studies of German. Trying not to be a klutz in exercise class.
I've been using math-related games on my phone for exactly that purpose!
Please tell us a bit more about the plot of A Conspiracy of Breath.
A patrician Roman woman becomes a Christian and soon the Holy Breath breathes on her to produce the book of Hebrews (not unlikely considering that Jewish Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles.) Her life and those of other Christians of the time are anvils on which God hammers out His will – and His Word.What is it about your lead character that will make your readers care about her?
Like Corrie Ten Boom, she is a reluctant leader. She struggles, like Job, with the thought that God is paying too much attention to her!
Share with us one line or paragraph that gives us a good feel for the tone of your novel.
The last night on the ship, I dreamed of the old heroes and gods. I saw them one by one fade like shadows into the glare of a sandstone cliff. I looked around for them and they were no more. There was only the cliff, and sand stretching without horizon in every direction.
Atop the crest of the cliff was a standard, and on it was a long, swaying gauze-like scarf. At first I thought the wind caused its motion. Then I realized that it caused the wind.
What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?
Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher. I am writing some young adult novels and this was an excellent insight into teen issues.
What are you working on now?
I always have several projects going. Cruciform Press will publish later this year The Mona Lisa Mirror Mystery, a YA novella involving time travel, and I’m working on a sequel to that. I’m co-writing a nonfiction on sexual predators for Bethany House, have a new Bible study about stewardship of time, talents and possessions that will be released soon by TSU Press, am working on a literary novel about the Civil War, and am doing quite a bit of teaching and speaking.
Where else can readers find you online?
I blog at Pandora’s Box Gazette, on my blog at www.latayne.com and with co-author Dr. Beth Robinson at KidsCallMeDoc.com.
The book can be purchased online via the following button:
Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?
Why do you think people often expect Christian fiction to help them feel better? Is this a good goal for Christian fiction, and why or why not?
I love that question. Thank you, Latayne, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Latayne has offered to give away a signed copy of her novel. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Latyne's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.
Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.
Also readers, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post title.
Remember, if you'd like information on additional new releases, check out Christian Book Heaven, a new email newsletter for Christian book deals in whatever genres you select. You can subscribe here: ChristianBookHeaven
Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE
11 comments:
I think we should expect Christian fiction to encourage us, not solely to make us feel better. I think we often believe that being a Christian means having happy endings. Therefore, people reading CF books often look for and expect happy, perfect endings. As we know, the Christian life is full of ups and downs. We are not promised perfect, happy lives, but we are given HOPE for tomorrow. We have hope that God works all things together for our good. So....should CF always make the reader feel "better?" No, but it should always encourage and point the reader bsck to the true source of joy.
Love that answer, Cherie. Despite the usual expectation that CF (especially romances) will have that happily-ever-after ending, it's still possible to leave behind some bittersweet reality. That's the way life is, even when things turn out well. Hope is key.
Oh, and remember to leave your [fractured] email if you want to be entered in Latayne's drawing, readers.
Cherie, that was very insightful. Thank you
Trish, thank you for sharing your interview with Latayne. I love here life stories and her close connection to our family. It would be a delight to be able to read another of her books! Thank for all the good things that you do for others! Norma Carden Reynolds at norey72@att.net
Norma, I would love to hear what you think about this book! Blessings on you!!
I don't read Christian fiction to just feel better. I like to know I am not alone.
Jane, I never thought about that before, but you're right. Good Christian fiction provides fellowship by pointing us to unseen realities that superintend and even overcome our personal circumstances. Thank you for that reminder!
One of the best feelings as a writer is when you hear a comment from a reader that makes it seem as if the two of you actually had a conversation about the topic. It makes the author wonder how many other people are gaining that understanding as they read--as you said, Jane--that they are not alone. They're with the Lord and their heart is connecting with the author at that moment. Very cool.
I love to read both CF books and Christian Non-Fiction books.
In my opinion, the goal of CF books should be to lead the reader to Faith in Jesus Christ.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Library Lady, thank you for your insight! I know that's a goal many readers want fulfilled when they read a book of Christian fiction. I have a question -- do you believe that references to Jesus Christ specifically are necessary in a book of Christian fiction?
Post a Comment