Why did I write a novel? Good question! And there are primarily two answers: my Christian faith and a whole lot of free time.
Faith
Fiction writing has a unique ability to explore deep truths about ourselves and the world in creative and engaging ways. There've been times in my life when I've read a particular book and its powerfully shaped my faith. I bet you've had that experience too.
C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, Madeline L'Engle's A Wrinkle In Time, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, William P. Young's The Shack, and so many more; all have been influential in my Christian journey, encouraging me to engage in my faith in new ways.
I do not put my novel in the same category as these incredible authors, but I list them so you can see my inspiration.
I decided to write so that (hopefully!) others may come to know God in a new and engaging way.
Free Time
When COVID-19 began to cause major shut downs throughout the world, it disrupted almost all facets of life seemingly overnight. One practical implication was that all of my hobbies disappeared in an instant. Being forced to stay at home gave me more free time than I knew what to do with.
That's when an idea slowly began to emerge in my mind.
Write.
I write sermons every week. I also write a weekly newsletter to the church. But I'd never attempted to write fiction before.
Something in me wanted to try. So I sat in the most comfortable chair in my house and began sketching the outline of a book idea. Then I wrote the first chapter. Then I re-wrote the first chapter. Then I wrote the second chapter.
I quickly (and unexpectedly) fell in love with fiction writing.
The Result: Rockhill, A Novel
Over the course of a year or so I wrote Rockhill. Nathan Buskirk quit his well-paying profession and moved his family across the country to accept the last job he ever expected to have— pastor. After a year on the job, he discovers the secret: Rockhill Church is on the verge of financial collapse. Will this young pastor find a way to save Rockhill from closing? Or will the pressure shatter his faith, his family, and his sense of God’s call?
Since completing the novel I've found a literary agent, hired an editor, and am currently working on revisions to get it ready for publication.
I'd love to share with you my novel.
It's not ready yet, but until it is I invite you to join me on a journey. And I'll use this forum to update you on my progress, as I work from pipe dream to publication.
For now, you can sign up on my website to have the first chapter emailed to you.