Author Interview: Eric Wilson
Today I'm talking with suspense writer Eric Wilson. Barbara Warren, who has posted more than 200 Amazon reviews, summarizes the plot of his latest: "It was a good night for Johnny Ray Black. Lots of fans, lots of fun, and then someone knocked him in the head, tied him to a statue, and cut the letters AX on his left shoulder. The stunt sent Aramis Black on a crusade to find the creep who did this to his older brother. Then Aramis begins to get strange e-mails quoting scripture and the letters AX begin to show up carved in other places and on other people. Afraid to go to the police, Aramis is soon plunged into a dark spiral of evil. The unknown opponent seems to be taunting him and is always one step ahead."
Eric, tell us about yourself.
I'm a lover of Jesus, lover of family, and lover of books. Some of my childhood was spent overseas, and I learned to love the world and all its colors. I want honesty in my walk with God. I try to show this in my novels, portraying characters with genuine struggles and genuine desire to find the Answer: Jesus. To date, I've written five novels: Dark to Mortal Eyes ('04), Expiration Date ('05), The Best of Evil ('06), A Shred of Truth (just released), and the novelization of Facing the Giants (in stores Sept 4).
And your latest project?
The Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy. The first book will be out in the fall of '08, published by Thomas Nelson. I can't wait!
What’s it about?
A classic battle of good and evil told in a modern context but with biblical history and Judaic tradition at its core. Humans are caught in a spiritual struggle, very symbolic, yet very visceral and bordering on the genre of horror. The underlying theme is Jesus' call for us to "die to ourselves daily." It's an un-American idea. We live for ourselves. Through a heart-pounding novel, I hope to communicate ideas that will stick in readers' minds.
I read somewhere that you're not crazy about what's generally available on the Christian market. Is that true and if so, why?
Actually, I think there are some amazing writers and books in the Christian market. More and more, authors are exploring life and faith through eyes of honesty and integrity.
My frustration is that much of the Christian market has become myopic, focused on providing "comfort food" and "safe alternatives" while watching the bottom line economically.
I would love to see the rich world of fiction reaching outside the religious box. Of course I want to make a living as a writer. All of us, as Christians, should be allowing the Lord to move through us in our vocations--whether architects, novelists, singers, or janitors. That's not an issue to me. But I would rather work another job if that's what it takes to write books that will touch the lives of those outside the church with stories of God's truth, than make a lot of cash while only tickling believers' ears. That's just my own calling from the Lord. I can't speak for other writers and the tasks they've been given.
What suggestions do you have for writers who don't want to make spiritual truth sound preachy or trite?
Imagine your own non-believing friends and relatives reading your words. Be real in your own relationship with God. Don't hide from your frustrations, but take them to the Lord in honesty and come through the fire refined. It's a daily process. I think that process is reflected when you write of characters with similar struggles. Life is often messy. If we try to wrap it up in nice little bows, our stories sound trite and somewhat naive. I believe Jesus is big enough to handle all of our questions. He is the Answer, after all.
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
Planting my butt in the chair. It's easier to watch TV, write emails, make phone calls, vacuum--anything that takes the place of the creative process. I can't wait till I'm in the mood. I write, and then the mood comes. That's how it works for me. As a husband and father, working another part-time job, I can always find distractions. In the end, I have to sit and write. No excuses.
Anything else on your mind?
I want readers to know that God has a specific call on their lives. Whether it's writing, singing, cleaning toilets, whatever--you can be a blessing to those around you. Be faithful in the little things, keep starving your sin nature and feeding your spiritual nature, and allow Jesus to lead you places you never expected. This next generation is poised to make waves in God's kingdom, but it will only happen if you shake off the dust of the past, the doubts, and plunge forward with diligence. I'm still learning this as a forty-year-old. Hopefully, others will learn from my hard-headed mistakes.