Open Season: The First Joe Pickett Novel by C. J. Box. 323 pages. Putnam Books. This isn’t the first time that I picked up a book because I watched a movie or TV series. But usually I waited until I was done with the viewing before I turned to the book. In this case, my … More Review: “Open Season” by C.J. Box
Despite my better sense, I’ve been mulling over the sequel to the book I just launched, Soul Survivor. Here’s a taste: Salzburg, Austria After his introduction, the gray-haired man in his 60s got up from his chair on the platform amid applause from the small audience. He looked out over the thirty-some people in the … More Short Story: “The Serpent and the Dove”
Here’s another sneak peek at Soul Survivor, my new book featuring Connie Simescu, the UT Austin student caught up in a crazy war between good and evil. You can get the ebook for a limited time for 99 cents right here. After Ruth and Josh left in the ambulance, the U.S. marshals continued to search … More Sneak Peek #3: “Soul Survivor”
We’re in the middle of final exams at my university. I’m also in the middle of a book launch. Actually, two book launches if you count the one that is being handled by Pacific Press in the Adventist Book Center system. In addition, I’m head deacon at an exceptionally busy church. So the past six … More Surveying the Wreckage of Another Year
When I listed on my bio on Twitter a couple of years ago that I write Christian suspense, one of the writers who connected with me asked (partly in jest and partly serious, I think), “What is Christian suspense?” I then had to explain that a Christian suspense novel is like any other suspense novel, … More How to Write a Christian Thriller
Well, sort of. This is the first year that I have actively pursued writing awards. I blame it on my colleagues Kyle Portbury and Mike Agee, one an award-winning filmmaker and the other an award-winning radio broadcaster. I have to work with these two bozos every day. Whenever Kyle does a short film, he goes … More Yes, it’s good news. No, I didn’t win.
It seems like months since I wrote END and finished the first draft of The Key of Solomon. Like all authors, I wish that was the end of it and I could just hand it off to my readers at that point. But I know that was just the beginning of the work that needed … More What Happens After
Hey Gang: I’ve been pretty mum lately, but that’s just because I’ve been hard at work on my latest book. It’s called The Key of Solomon, and it’s the sequel to Salome’s Charger, the Christian suspense novel that Celeste Walker and I had an opportunity to work on back in 2015. This one sends Dr. … More Sneak Peek: “The Key of Solomon”
I want to try something different, and I need your help. I read that Andy Weir, author of The Martian, started his book off by posting it chapter by chapter on his website and looking for feedback from his readers. I would like to do the same thing. This isn’t the first time that I’ve … More The Great Adventure’s Grand Experiment
When my wife’s brother was getting married, those in charge came around and asked for words of advice from many of us who knew him well. My advice? “Don’t take life too seriously.” And I was serious when I said it. It’s too much of a temptation to get overly dramatic about each and every … More Make ‘Em Laugh…Or At Least Smile
The Great Adventure 