Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my second book. My first was called Happiness from the Bible, published by Lighthouse Christian Publishing. My third book is in my head, but I haven’t started writing yet.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Joy of Philippians. I love reading and studying the Bible, and also I find Philippians very inspirational. Putting those things together, it seemed natural to me to write a book about Philippians.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m very patient – it took me about six years to write each of my two books! If I get bored or don’t have enough time, I’ve found that I can leave a project alone and still come back to it and finish it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
C. S. Lewis is probably the strongest influence on my writing. These days I read a lot of 19th century British literature, and I’m sure that has an effect on me.
What are you working on now?
I’m “resting” from finishing up my second book, but I suspect I’ll catch the writing bug again soon. I also publish articles in mathematics.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
A lot of Christian related themes or issues are in my head all the time, and sometimes it strikes me that something I’m thinking about needs to be put down on paper. i do it partly for myself, but I also hope that I might say something that someone else finds helpful.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t worry about whether or not it’s good enough or whether or not someone else will like it. If it’s interesting to you, write it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust in the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.
What are you reading now?
Lorna Doone. I’m almost finished. I don’t usually see it in the very top of the classic lists, but I’m really enjoying it. I hope I’m not going to be disappointed in the ending, because I could see it ending in a lot of different ways! I’m also reading a book of excerpts from the writings of Kierkegaard – I like to keep one fiction and one non-fiction book going all the time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m just going to stay open to new ideas, and whenever I see something I want to write about, then I’ll try to put it down.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Beside the Bible, maybe the Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Lewis’ space trilogy.