Author Behind the Story Blog Series - Tez Brooks

Elections. Our forefathers obviously thought they would be a good idea. And in light of what they faced - a tyrannical king imposing his will upon masses two thousand miles away - we can understand their reasoning. 

What our forefathers believed, too, was in the general goodness of man. If left to decide, they designed a constitution, allowing the American to always choose the right thing, the right side, and the right candidate. Well, at least the majority will do so, that is. 

What our forefathers failed to understand or believe was Isaiah 5. There a section in that chapter that aptly describes the state of the world as I write. Evil is good. Good is evil. Darkness is Light. Light is Darkness. Bitter is sweet, and sweet is bitter. People are wise in their own sight. Getting drunk is a badge of honor and makes everyone smile (Have you seen the beer commercials?). Wicked people are declared righteous for a bribe. Those who are righteous have their good standing removed. No matter how much you organize mankind into this or that kind of society, his sinful nature will twist that governmental structure into an evil empire run by the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2). 

Said all that to say this: Make sure you are serving the right Kingdom (Matthew 4:17). The Kingdom of Heaven has all of those things listed above correct. Evil is still evil. Good is what God is, and He alone, according to Jesus (Mark 10:18; Luke 18:19). Light is still Light, and darkness comes from the evil one. 

This is where our next guest comes in. He, too, is trying to point people in the direction of the heavenly kingdom. And yes, we know we are a week late in posting this blog interview, as we typically post on the second Wednesday of the month. However, our guest was out of the country, so we cut him a little slack on the deadline.

Welcome with me our next guest to the Author Behind the Story Blog Series, Tez Brooks!

Tez, we need you to kick this interview off in traditional ABTS fashion. Give us a quick bio. In fifty words or less, who is Tez Brooks? 

A multiple award-winning author, filmmaker, and speaker, Brooks was recently named one of the Top Writing Coaches by the Coach Foundation. His work appears in Guideposts, Power for Living, The Upper Room, CBN.com, YouVersion, Focus on the Family, and more. He and his wife are full-time missionaries with four children.

I’m going to give you a shotgun list of favorites. List your favorite in each category and then tell us in one sentence why it is your favorite. 

On your mark. Get set. Go!

Favorite Song of All-Time: “Xanadu” by Olivia Newton-John because it says so much and makes so much sense.

Favorite Non-Fiction Book: The 1939 Farmer’s Almanac. It’s life-changing, weather or not you read it.

Favorite Bible Verse: “Jesus wept.” (Amplified Bible)

Favorite Movie: “The Swimmer” (1968) starring Burt Lancaster. The plot and the acting will leave you shaking your head in wonderment.

Favorite Actor or Actress: Eve Plumb. I am still not sure why she never won an Emmy.

Favorite TV Show: It’s a toss-up between Teletubbies or Barney and Friends. (Hmmm....)

Favorite Novel: Farrah Fawcett… oh wait! I thought you said “navel.” (I'm not even going to touch this...both literally and figuratively.)

Favorite Author:  Paul Sheldon

Favorite Sport: I don’t care for sports, I’m not athletic. So let’s say, tic-tac-toe.

Favorite Team: Team Edward from Twilight? (I'm getting a little worried about this interview...)

Favorite Subject in School: Study Hall

Favorite Subject Now: I’m not in school now.

Favorite Teacher in School: None of my teachers are in school. They all graduated decades ago.

Favorite Time of the Year: 12:17 pm

Favorite Place to Vacation: Earth…for now

Well, that went well, uh, I mean, not too bad. The "Dad Jokes" crowd will love it. :-)

Everybody seems to have a bucket list. Do you? If so, what’s on it? If not, why not?

My life as a missionary with the Jesus Film Project has taken me all over the world. So by God’s grace, much of my list is checked off. But I’d like to see the Egyptian pyramids and walk the Great Wall of China, if the Lord sends me there at some point.

If you had your life to live over again, besides being an author (which we guess would be your obvious answer), what profession would you choose?

I have a long history of acting and directing in the '80s and '90s. If I could have made enough to live on, I would have been a full-time actor. I loved acting in my younger days and the thrill of performing, especially in faith-based theater and films.

Besides storytelling, what talents do you have? 

I paint (that talent was passed down from my grandfather) although I'm not as good as he was. I also sing, act, and anything creative. One day I‘d like to learn how to play the guitar.

Of all the stories/books you have written, which one is your favorite? And what compelled you to write this story?  

I think I appreciate “Adult-o-Nomics” the most because it’s filled with wisdom from scripture, myself,
and others. It’s a practical advice book for young people who are just launching out on their own for the first time. I had fun compiling it and making it easy to read.

Do you ever receive negative reviews from readers? If so, how do you respond when you see them?  

Honestly, it doesn’t bother me. I have a thick skin, because I deal with rejection all the time from publishers. So, when a reader posts a negative review I remember not everyone has to like me or my books. That’s ok. A lot of people didn’t like Jesus either.

Tell us about what project you are currently working on. 

I’m working on a book that offers 100 discussion questions you should ask your fiancé before the wedding. It is an expanded version of an article I wrote for Focus on the Family based on the pre-marital counseling I have done with couples as their officiant.

Has your writing crossed over into other areas? If so, how? If not, will it? 

I have written flash fiction a few times and a few short film screenplays that won awards at film festivals. One in particular is titled Jangled. I enjoy writing these because they are quick to complete, and they help me develop the skills for a longer work of fiction in the future. Creating story from scratch is so much harder than nonfiction. I really admire authors who can write engaging stories with interesting characters.

As a writer, what is “success” to you? And has that “definition” changed over time as you have traveled down the writer’s path? 

It used to mean obtaining a good contract from a large pub house and selling thousands of books. I was one of those authors who felt that only traditional publishing through an agent was the way to go. Over the years, however, my definition of success is “finishing the book and making it available” to those who need it. If that means self-publishing and only selling a few hundred, so be it. We only have a few short decades on this planet, and we each have a lot of valuable information, advice, and stories to pass on to others. Matthew 25 reminds us that if we are to be good stewards of the talents God has given to us, we must work to invest those, not bury them on our hard drives.

What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?  

I was going to say skydiving for my 50^th birthday but maybe that’s not so crazy these days. A lot of people have done that. So I’ll go with eating a tarantula and a rat. Yes, you read that correctly. In Cambodia I ate a fried tarantula. And in Africa I ate a BBQ’d rat because someone dared me.

That's why I could not be a world traveler to just anywhere. God banned certain things in the Old Testament for a reason. I'm convinced tarantulas and rats didn't make the cut in Acts 10 when Peter saw the sheet come down from heaven. Just sayin'... 

We know “Readers are leaders, and leaders are readers.” Is there a book you’ve read in the past five years or so that has helped you become a better you? If so, which one was it, and how did it affect your life? 

Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul. It changed my entire spiritual life and opened my eyes to the amazing fact that I can bring nothing to the table when it comes to being born-again. God brought it all, and my salvation is not fragile. If you struggle with your identity in Christ and your security as his child, this book is for you.

I love R.C., but I have never read a book by him yet. Guess what's going on my TBR list?

When you look for a new home, what are the things that are important to you?

I prefer newer homes, because I’m not a fixer-upper kind of guy. I need a great view from the front or back. I need a room for my writing studio and a spare room for company. A nice yard is important to me. I need lots of natural light inside. In my bathroom, I don’t like open floor plans….I need a toilet room with a door please. LOL.

What Bible scripture has impacted your life the most, and why?  

Phil. 3:12 is my favorite verse. It reminds me how desperately I need Christ to continue transforming me.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about you, or anything we didn’t cover?

I love helping other writers. Teaching at writer’s conferences and sharing my knowledge is fun, and I love spending time with my peeps. When I’m not attending those, I enjoy coaching authors through Purple Mountain Literary Services. It’s so life-giving to me to help writers improve their craft and get a leg up by learning about the industry. I have a few openings for clients, and if any of your readers are interested, I’m happy to connect through my website at tezbrooks.com  

Okay, readers, you heard him. Looking to improve your writing career? There you go. "Get a wiggle on," as Vera Stanhope would say.

But if not, and you're just looking for more books and articles to read, then check out Tez's website and social media accounts:

TezBrooks.com

Facebook

Twitter

Thanks, Tez, for taking the time to stop by the Florida Front Porch and chat for a while. And to our readers, your numbers are growing! We're almost at 100,000 hits! Thank you for making ABTS and all this blog has to offer a success!

Until next time, which will be in December, May God bless America, and more importantly, may America bless God!

Kevin 

 

PS - And don't miss out on Kevin's latest book, A Pulse of Time (A Blake Meyer Thriller - Book 5 of 6). Book 6 - the final "chapter" - is slated for release Dec. 2024!

 

Author Behind the Story Blog Series - Lynnette Bonner

 

The more I traverse this road we call "Life," the more I realize how little it is about me. Contrary to the mantras of the selfie society we currently live within, and where Narcissus would stand and clap all day long in appreciation of millions of people who believe as he did, I find myself becoming smaller. Not physically, mind you, although I would welcome a little of that, specifically in the weight department. Not psychologically, for I've never felt more alive than I do these days and have no suicidal ideations whatsoever. Not emotionally, as if I'm about to burst into song from the '70s. Not spiritually, beating my back with a whip, chanting "Woe is me."

I've become what the Bible calls a "slave of Jesus Christ." And He is my Master. 

I know. I know. You're probably asking, "Where does it say we're slaves?" You might even be thinking, "We're called "servants" in many instances, but never slaves, unless you're talking about being a 'slave of righteousness.' But to call ourselves 'slaves' is demeaning, offensive, and downright mean in today's society."

I challenge you to do a word study. Look up the word "kurios" in the Greek New Testament. Sit down with a cup of coffee, because it will take a while. It's used 747 times. It's the word "Lord." And it means someone who has complete dominion over another. A ruler, a master, who is supreme over others. It is a reference to Jesus. It is Him by another title. And when you are this kind of person - a Master - it is understood that you have "slaves." You cannot be the master over nobody. And in the world where Jesus, John, Peter, Paul, and the remaining disciples preached and wrote their epistles, they understood this relationship very well. It became the dominant motif, the dominant metaphor in the New Testament. 

The word "slave" is the word "doulos" in the Greek. It is used over 150 times in its various forms. It is unequivocal in its meaning. It means exactly what you probably think it means. A "slave" is owned by his or her master. A slave has no rights. A slave does not get to choose where he or she wishes to work, like a servant does, by the way. A slave was a tool in the days of the Roman Empire. A master could kill his slaves with no repercussions, no reprisals in the courts, nothing.

When one starts to dive into this study and sees the metaphor come alive and thus explain our true relationship to Jesus and God (if you look at the Septuagint), then verses like "You were chosen" come alive. Verses like "You are not your own. You were bought with a price" come alive. Verses like "You cannot serve two masters" come alive. When you start to look at all the verses describing our relationship with Jesus in this way, then the Bible really starts to make sense. 

Unfortunately, throughout the centuries, translators have translated doulos as "servant." There are six Greek words that can be translated "servant," and doulos was never intended to be one of them. Why? Because a servant "works for someone else." A servant can pick and choose who that employer is. A servant can take his daily wage and go home. A servant can resign and move on to "greener pastures," if HE OR SHE CHOOSES to do so. A slave, on the other hand, does not have those luxuries. A slave is totally dominated and owned by the will of another, i.e., his or her master. This is why Jesus says on more than one occasion things like, "Why do you call me 'Lord,' but you do not do what I command you to do?" That's the language of a master to his slaves. Slaves do not get to choose to be OBEDIENT. If the master chose them from the slave market (the slave market of sin, in this case), then He expects them to be obedient. No questions asked. And as they prove their allegiance, then He calls the "friends" (John 14) and shares His Father's Will with them more and more. 

So why do I bring all this up? I do so because of two reasons. One, as I mentioned before, I am becoming smaller. I am doing so as I become "a slave of Jesus," just like the disciples and the apostles were. They often started their epistles by describing themselves as a slave of Christ. They did not see it as offensive. They embraced it, because it was the best and most complete way to describe their relationship to their Lord and Savior. Even Paul said how we must be able to proclaim "Jesus is Lord," in Romans 10:9. To truly declare that, one MUST be a doulos. He cannot be "Lord" (kurios) if you are not His doulos. (This might explain why the church as a whole has so many issues, particularly in America. We like being obedient when it is convenient to be so...just like a servant.)

The second reason is why I started this blog so many years ago. To promote other writers, whether my writing career took off or not. I thought it could become a "database of other writers" readers could discover, and in doing so, maybe find a new "favorite" author. Little did I know how God would bless this blog. We are almost at the one hundred thousand hits milestone. Did you hear that? ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND! I am totally blown away at how He has grown this site from its meager beginnings to what it is today. Over the last couple of months, we've seen over three thousand hits alone. That's a 500% increase from the end of last year. And we don't even post as many authors a year as we used to. We used to do one a month. Now we do one a quarter. Yet, God has blessed less with more. That's sounds biblical, doesn't it?

In keeping in step with Him and the purpose of this blog, I want to welcome our next guest to the Florida Front Porch. So, pull up a chair, grab some sweet tea, and welcome a fellow author I have known for years from afar. We "met" as published authors of a now-defunct traditional publisher and have remained "virtual" friends over these years since. She's self-published now, with great success, and is an "information hub" when it comes to that world. She was a guest back in 2019, but I'm sure things have changed since then, right? Please welcome once again, Lynnette Bonner!

Lynnette, we always start off with this question. In fifty words or less, who is Lynnette Bonner? 

I was born and raised in the heart of Africa where my parents were missionaries. Without TV, I spent many joyful hours lost in the depths of a book (even if I had to do it with a flashlight after I was supposed to be asleep at boarding school.) I write spellbinding historical romances full of heart-pounding romantic tension that are uplifting, clean, and wholesome! There are no sex scenes or cussing. Each book includes an inspirational faith thread that brings the reader hope and joy.

Are you married? Single? Have kids? 

I’ve been married for over 32 years. We have four kids and two grandkids. Also a Pomeranian Chihuahua mix and a Ragdoll cat who are more work than the kids ever were!

That was smart. You answered the pet question without answering two questions separately. 

When the words aren’t flowing, what is your favorite comfort food and why? 

Chocolate and coffee. Sadly, the older I get, the less chocolate my waist can handle!

Everybody seems to have a bucket list. Do you? If so, what’s on it? If not, why not? 

I’ve always wanted to visit Australia. Haven’t been able to do that yet. I did recently get to fly in a hot air balloon, and that was awesome! It was something I’d been wanting to do for a long time.

Besides storytelling, what talents do you have? 

I’m a graphic artist who has worked on book cover design since 2012. I’ve worked for many wonderful clients over the years, and several publishers, one of which I’m still working for. I recently had to scale this business way back in order to keep up with writing stories.

Do you have a crazy, interesting, behind-the-scenes story about the publishing world you’d like to tell your readers without boring them to death with industry gobbledygook? 

When I was first pitching books to publishers back in the 1990s, I got rejected by all of them. Through the years, between giving birth to three boys and a girl, I worked on my craft, took writing classes, read all the articles and writing-craft books I could find. In the early 2000s we moved from Idaho to Washington. I was homeschooling three boys and had a toddler, and simply had no time for submitting my book to publishers. I remember praying and telling the Lord, “You gave me that story, and if You want it published, You’re going to have to drop a publisher in my lap.” Christmas of 2006 rolled around and on Christmas Eve of that year, my mom (who is also a writer) sent me an email. She said she’d learned of a new publisher that was just opening their doors and sent me the information. They did not require a (much dreaded) proposal, only a cover letter and the full manuscript. The kids were all in bed, not soundly sleeping, but being good because the next day was Christmas. I sent the publisher an email that night. Honestly, I figured it would be another in a long line of rejections. But six months later I got an email that thrills the heart of any author. “We want to publish your book!” God quite literally dropped that publisher in my lap, which is what gave me the confidence to know that I COULD live this dream that I’d had since Junior High. I’ve been an independent author (not through a publisher) since 2012, but that contract was what gave me the courage to start!

Of all the stories/books you have written, which one is your favorite? And what compelled you to write this story? 

If I had to choose, I would say my stand-alone On the Wings of a Whisper. It took me fifteen years to make sure I had the research on that book right. It is set in Africa starting in 1866, during the time of missionary explorer, David Livingstone.

Tell us about what project you are currently working on. 

I’m currently writing a series that starts in Independence, MO, and then continues on the Oregon Trail. I’m loving it! History and romance are my favorite things!

What’s the craziest thing you have ever done? 

That might be a toss up between eating crazy foods like fried flying ants, escargot, or sea turtle and going up in a hot air balloon, depending on what your fears are. 😊

I have a hard time eating vegetables. Flying ants? Snails? Sea turtle? I'll pass. 

When you are looking for a book to read, what are the things that are important to you? 

I love suspense, romance, and history. If it has one of those elements, chances are it will catch my interest. The cover does have to be well done (If the author doesn’t care about the cover, then chances are the writing is also not strong—not always, of course! But this is a truth I’ve noticed over the years.) I tend to read more contemporary romantic suspense verses historical romance like I write. I think that’s because it gives my brain a break from my own genre.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about you, or anything we didn’t
cover? 

Thank you for having me! I’m glad to share a little about myself with your readers. As a pastor’s wife, and entrepreneur who wears too many hats, I don’t do blog posts very often, but Kevin and I go way back to that first publisher I mentioned above. So it’s been fun to chat with you all today!

Thank you, Lynnette, for taking time to connect with our readers. I know they appreciate it.

Dear Readers, if you want to get to know more about Lynnette's writing, you can find her at the media outlets below:

Lynnette's Website: www.lynnettebonner.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lynnettebonner 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@lynnettebonner

Until Next Time,

Kevin

Author Behind the Story Blog Series - Frank Stanfield

When it comes to this blog, it's hard to believe we've eclipsed 88,000 hits. When it started years ago, it was designed to be place where I was showcasing writing I was doing for various websites...and it went by a different title. Then, one day, I decided to shift the focus to fellow writers on a similar journey. So, we renamed it and launched it. Now, here we are, multiple authors into the process, with a database readers can visit for the purpose of finding new authors to read. With over 88,000 hits, I'd say it's working.

Now, it is March of 2024. I'm waiting for the shoe to drop. It's an election year. The exact same scenario is setting itself up for a repeat performance. Big wigs are building bunkers and selling off stock. It's hard to ascertain why, but in the words of the Navy captain in The Hunt for Red October, played by Fred Thompson (no relation, by the way), these people "don't take a dump without a plan."

We all know what happened in March four years ago. Three months prior, CEOs like Bill Gates were stepping down from their positions. I counted fifteen at one point. Couldn't put my finger on why then. Now, hindsight is 20/20. They were all buying stock in Pfizer apparently.

I bring all this up just to say that things are brewing. We'll see it soon enough. I'd say someone has been reading my Blake Meyer Thriller series and is using it as a playbook, but let's hope not. The contagion Blake is fighting makes COVID-19 look like the swine flu. Remember that? Neither do a lot of people.

Our next author to be featured on the Florida Front Porch walks in these halls of which we speak. He writes about the news. He tells the stories that sometimes keep us up at night. But he also writes stories of hope too. If you live in central Florida, there is a good chance you have heard of him. He wrote for the Orlando Sentinel for years. Now, he is a regular contributor for the Daily Commercial. His coverage of the vampire cult in Florida that made national headlines has taken him to the set of The Discovery Channel, the Oxygen Channel, CourtTV, and multiple other  documentaries over the years.

Please welcome my fellow author, brother in Christ, and longtime friend and former neighbor, Frank Stanfield!

It's a tradition to give us a quick bio here in the Florida Front Porch. In fifty words or less, who is Frank Stanfield? 

I have been a newspaper editor and reporter for more than 40 years, mostly in Florida, where I have covered murder and mayhem, hurricanes, alligator attacks…you name it. I have a good imagination, but you can’t make this stuff up. It’s too crazy.

Before you ever got a notion of becoming a writer/author, how old were you, and what were you doing in that time of your life? 

I liked writing and loved reading newspapers, comics, and books, even as a young child. When I learned that Clark Kent/Superman worked for the Daily Planet, I was in.

That explains your frequent trips to the phone booths in those early days...

What educational background do you have?

High school teachers in Jacksonville, Florida, took pity on me or wanted me to go away. The Air Force was a real-life education, then a B.A. in political science, University of North Florida, and a master’s in journalism, University of Georgia. I had to get away from a terrible job at a Georgia newspaper, and I parachuted into Bulldog paradise.

No such thing. Red and black are incidentally the colors of Hades. Orange, blue and green, on the other hand, are the colors God gave our beautiful planet when He created it. Just sayin'... (Can you tell there is a rivalry here? - Even though Frank is a Georgia fan, my Christian faith says to forgive him and love him anyway.) 

Okay, enough with the nonsense.

Are you married? Single? Have kids? 

I’m married with three daughters and six grandchildren. Talk about real life! A joyous real life. Surrounded by females, I know more about women than any other man – and I still don’t know anything.  

I’m going to give you a shotgun list of favorites. List your favorite in each category and then tell us in one sentence why it is your favorite. 

 

Favorite Song of All-Time: My Girl by The Temptations, a sweet love song by one of most exciting groups ever.

Favorite Non-Fiction Book (other than your own & besides the Bible): The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe recounts the early heroes of the space program.

Favorite Bible Verse: Rev. 21:4. God keeps his promises.

Favorite Movie: Casablanca. Ingrid Bergman’s character is so beautiful, infuriating, and loving.

Favorite Actor or Actress: Humphrey Bogart played tough guys with depth (I love old movies).

Favorite TV Show: Keith Morrison must write his own well-crafted scripts on “Dateline.”

Favorite Novel (other than your own): The Prince of Tides storyline ventures off, comes back, yet still stays on a soulful track like an elaborate jazz tune.

Favorite Author (other than you): Pat Conroy (see above) didn’t run from family trauma, he weaved it into his stories so he could keep his sanity.            

Favorite Sport: Football is a game of brute force, acrobatics, strategy and controlled chin-strap busting violence. Little brother of war is about your tribe vs. another.

Favorite Team (Can be any sport, any level): Is there anything better than 92,000 fans losing their minds at a University of Georgia football game? (Yes, about 200 miles south...in Gainesville.)

Favorite Subject in School Growing Up: English literature is like popping the hood and looking into the soul of humanity.

Favorite Subject Now: Recess.

Favorite Teacher in School: I had a mad crush on first-year high school English teacher Joyce Wilkins, who was also the student newspaper faculty advisor.

Favorite Time of the Year: What’s more invigorating than autumn with a nip in the air, leaves showing their dazzling colors, and college football?

Favorite Place to Vacation: Savannah keeps its Old World charm and its tables groaning with fantastic Low Country food.

Favorite Drink: Tea should be ice cold and so sweet your tongue almost knocks your brains out.

Favorite Food: Cheeseburgers are meant to be thick and juicy and topped with Vidalia onions.

  

When the words aren’t flowing, what is your favorite comfort food and why? 

Whatever I can get my hands on.

If your life was a story, and you were the lead character, what kind of role would you play? (Would you be the romantic lead? The comedic sidekick? The stern office manager? The warrior? Or what?...based on your personal life story.)

I would be a cynical, sometimes comic homicide detective.  I always want to know WHY.

For all the pet lovers out there, answer this question: Do you have any? 

I’m married to the crazy cat lady.

What makes you cringe? 

Ssssssssnakes make me set the world’s high-jump record.

Everybody seems to have a bucket list. Do you? If so, what’s on it? If not, why not?

I want to dance at my grandkids’ weddings.   

Do you have a favorite line from a movie or book? If so, what is it? 

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way–in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.” - A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

If you had your life to live over again, besides being an author (which we guess would be your obvious answer), what profession would you choose? 

I don’t look back. Being a newspaperman has been an adventure, but I had a chance to teach at the college level, and I sometimes wonder what that would have been like.

If you could go back and have a “do over” concerning something in your life (we’re thinking about something non-writing related here), what would you have done differently?

Hopefully, there’s not that many, but I would like to go back and not hurt the people I have burned with an extinguished hot match head or a flaming blow torch.

You're speaking metaphorically, right?

Besides storytelling, what talents do you have? 

When I’m not writing about people being eviscerated, flayed, or wrecked emotionally, I can make people laugh. I actually enjoy public speaking.

If your life was a movie, what movie would you choose? 

How great would it be to be in one of those old MGM musicals, singing and dancing, getting, losing, and regaining the pretty girl at the end? Happily ever after. The end.

If your life was a TV show, what TV show would you choose? 

“Quantum Leap.” The main character time travels to fix things so history comes out right. How great would it be to avoid mistakes, to be a better person, not waste time on trivial things, to meet THE ONE earlier, and be a Christian sooner.  

Besides the usual things authors face, has there been an unusual event that changed your perspective about being an author?

There is not one thing that changed me. Life-changing events are links in a chain, the most interesting links are those that threaten to break you, including losing those you love.

Of all the stories/books you have written, which one is your favorite? And what compelled you to write this story? 

If you’re lucky, you get to cover one huge, unforgettable story that grabs everyone’s attention. The teen vampire cult murder story gave me a chance to peer into the bottom of the barrel of human depravity. It’s pretty scary to think about the thin veneer of civilization.

Do you ever receive negative reviews from readers? If so, how do you respond when you see them? 

One person complained that the stories read like newspaper accounts, and another said it was too much behind-the-scenes. If you pay too much attention to critics you get outside of your self. 

As a writer, if you had one thing you would do over again, what would it be?

I would be bolder, adding fiction to my body of work. I am inexplicably reluctant to move a novel out of
my desk drawer, to at least try to get it published, and it’s a pretty good yarn.

Tell us about what project you are currently working on. 

My novel is about a veteran who suffers from PTSD who meets a woman who has her own issues. When I mentioned this recently to another writer he said, “It’s much needed. It could help someone.”  

What surprised you the most during the research for the book you are currently working on?

I have been surprised by the vast number of people who suffer from PTSD: combat veterans, first-responders, social workers, crime victims, and others. I joke that I was in the military and covered horrendous crimes, but the only flashbacks I have are from the year I taught in middle school.

Those of us who have taught middle school know EXACTLY what you are talking about. We should have received combat pay.

Knowing what you know now about writing, publishing, etc., what piece of advice would you give to the person thinking about writing that novel they have always wanted to pursue since they were young, or the person who believes they have a non-fiction book in them that would be helpful to others? 

Write about what you know, even if you’re young and don’t know much. Every life story is unique. Keep telling yourself that there are readers who will buy your book, despite what gloomy agents, editors, and publishers say.

Has your writing crossed over into other areas? If so, how? If not, will it?

I tell myself that I am too busy doing freelance journalism to write anything else. The truth is, I have a file cabinet stuffed with clippings that could be the basis for crime fiction, but the Lazy Boy recliner calls my name every night.

As a writer, what is “success” to you? And has that “definition” changed over time as you have traveled down the writer’s path? 

Success is having people read your work.

If you had one person you could meet (think outside the Bible here) and could spend as much time as you wanted with that individual, who would it be and why? 

Winston Churchill saved Western civilization while the rest of the world dithered and floundered against Nazi Germany. After the war he peeled back layers of history with bulldog tenacity and keen insight. He was also one of the most eloquent speakers in history. How did he do it all?

If you had one person you could meet (think ONLY Bible characters here) and could spend as much time as you wanted with that individual, who would it be besides Jesus, and why? 

Without Paul, the New Testament would be skinnier than a flatbread sandwich. What a life! He went from persecutor to fearless ambassador for Christ.

What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?  

I was an airplane mechanic in the Air Force, but I hopped in the back seat of a fighter trainer every chance I got, and the pilots let me fly it.

When you look for a new home, what are the things that are important to you? 

I have a home office and room for a few hundred of my favorite books.

When you look for a new car, what are the things that are important to you? 

I have a new Chevy Equinox painted Georgia Bulldog red with a Dawg license plate frame and an alumni plate on the front.

When you are looking for a book to read, what are the things that are important to you? 

I like to think of myself as a “keen observer of the human condition” journalist. What can I learn from the most stressful times in people’s lives, about good vs. evil, suffering, courage, and cowardice?

What Bible scripture has impacted your life the most, and why? 

The world is a mess, but Rev. 21:4 is a about hope, the hope that only God can promise.

Frank, it's been fun. And I predicted it. Your answers would be short. It's the newspaper guy in you. Cut, cut, cut that word count, and "just the facts, Ma'am." 

Dear readers, if you're interested in learning more about Frank's writing, check out his digital footprint below!

http://www.frankestanfield.com,

https//www.facebook.com/frank.stanfield

Frank Stanfield •WildBlue Press True Crime Website

You can also find Frank on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn!

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time,

Kevin

Author Behind the Story Blog Series - M. B. Aznoe

 

This Christmas feels different. For me, for the first time in forever, it's not about the hustle and bustle. It's not about the lights and the presents. It's about God. About what He did, invading our sin-soaked world, evading those who wished to kill Him before He ever spoke one word, and devoting His life, here on earth, for one sole purpose: To pay a penalty we could never repay in a thousand lifetimes. Name one other God who did that. 

You can't. Because none exist. All other gods demand something from the worshipper as payment. A baby son or daughter to burn in the fire. A trek across hot coals. A climb up a gazillion steps on one's hands and knees. A debilitating depravation of food and water. Do these things, and that god or goddess may allow you to enter their presence. They are all "religions of human achievement."

But not Christianity. It is the "religion of Divine accomplishment." Our God came to us. Our God realized there was nothing we could do to earn a seat at His table. Perfect adherence to the Law couldn't do it, because no human could pull it off. So, if our God wanted to be like the other gods, then He would have left us alone, to burn in hell for all eternity. His rightful response to any questions about His lack of love would have been, "All you had to do was follow the one rule of the garden in Eden. It was that simple. Believe in me. Trust my Word. But instead, you believed in the Serpent, believed his lies, and thought me to be the jealous con artist and the crook, trying to keep you from getting all that was coming to you. But you see, it was never about the tree, really. It was about Truth. And what is not the truth. Who you should believe in and who you should not trust. Sadly, you failed the test. You chose the serpent, so with him you shall reside for all eternity."

I am so happy God did not end the story there. From Genesis 3 on, the Bible is a love story about a God - as awesome and fearful as He is - who came down to earth and dwelt among us. Why? So He could redeem those who cannot redeem themselves. Once we accept this gift, then our allegiance changes from one devoted to self to one devoted to God.

The Babe in the manger. The work of the Holy Spirit. The work of God. It's all because of Him, and for Him.

That's what we are celebrating on the Florida Front Porch this holiday season! 

With wind-whipped storms spiraling down from the plains to mini-heatwaves pushing back from the tropics, it's December in Florida, where 359,000 moved to in the last twelve months, according to a report I just read. Soon, the peninsula will break off, because of the weight, and float out into the Atlantic. If it doesn't sink, then all that land becomes island property. And those of us in the interior suddenly have oceanfront views. It's a win-win (wink-wink).

Therefore, to round out the year of 2023, we want to celebrate some Floridian authors, yes, I said authors, who have a unique setup. Please welcome fellow Word Weavers, M. B. Aznoe, better
known to us as the husband and wife writing duo, Matthew and Bethany Aznoe!

In ABTS fashion, give us a quick bio. In fifty words or less, who is M. B. Aznoe? 

Being the writing duo we are, we seek to explore God’s faithfulness through fantasy, because we can wrestle with real-life struggles without the real-life baggage that often gets in the way. Our main desire is to encourage and challenge people toward a deeper walk with Jesus.

Obviously, you are married? Tell us more.  

Yes, we have been married for over twenty years, and God has blessed us with six children (5 teenage boys, and one princess).

Congratulations! Twenty years. A great milestone!

For all the pet lovers out there, answer this question: Do you have any?  

In addition to a house full of kids, we have a dog named Peppermint (a black lab mix who tops the scales at a hundred pounds), a cat named Glacier (a stray who graciously adopted us and manages to tolerate our presence), and a hamster named Lachonk (who pretty much just does his thing).

I saw a sign in a veterinarian's office once that read: "Dogs think they're human. Cats think they're God." That is so true!  

Do you have a favorite line from a movie or book? If so, what is it and explain why it is special to you? 

Since we are two people, we have two lines. 

The first is from the movie, The Two Towers:

            Frodo asks Samwise, “What are we holding onto, Sam?”

Samwise responds, “That there is some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it's worth fighting for.”

The second is by J.R.R. Tolkien from the book, The Fellowship of the Ring.

             “I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.

"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

Sometimes it feels like we are living in one of those times where we really would rather not be. But God has placed each of us here for a purpose. These quotes remind us that we are not only placed here for a purpose, but we are called to fight “the good fight” of faith.

Amen.

Besides storytelling, what talents do you have?

We are both musical people. Matt plays the keyboard, and Bethany plays the bass guitar. We serve on the worship team at our church and like to write songs (some of which have managed to make their way into our books). Bethany is also an excellent cook and loves experimenting with new recipes that she creates on the fly. Matt is a skilled software engineer and, in addition to his professional work, is working on an application to generate chord sheets that he hopes to someday release to the wild.

Tell us about what project you are currently working on. 

We are actively working on the fifth and final book of the Swordflower Saga. It has been a real challenge to complete due to many life struggles in the past two years. However, the end is in sight, and we feel like we’re finally getting a handle on the complex conclusion to our series. We’re hoping to be done by March of 2024.

Tell us about your writing day. How do you go about writing?

We write whenever we can find a spare couple of hours, sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the evening. Matt works a standard 9-5 day job, and we are both active in our church. These combined with having six children who all live at home makes finding those hours a real challenge sometimes. We have a writing nook set up in our bedroom with a large monitor that we can share. We take turns typing while the other offers suggestions or corrections or does research on their cell phone.

Knowing what you know now about writing, publishing, etc., what piece of advice would you give to the person thinking about writing that novel they have always wanted to pursue since they were young, or the person who believes they have a non-fiction book in them that would be helpful to others?

Find a good writing group… like Word Weavers! Seriously though, we published our first four books without having one. There were many ups and downs and several mistakes we think could have been avoided if we had been a part of a writing group. A great writing group encourages you and gives helpful feedback on your work-in-progress. It is so rewarding, and it revives you with renewed energy to get your project done.

This is so true. Writing is one of those professions where encouragement from those "in the know" helps so much.

How do you come up with the names for your characters?

We get asked this question a lot, especially because our character names are often quite exotic. We start with a good understanding of the culture and language of whatever character we are naming in our fantasy world. Each of the cultures in our books have their own specific sound and feel to the names they use. The Auxlanders have a more guttural, consonant-heavy tone and often use the near-silent “h”, while the Jyrye have a more fluid, light feel using a lot of “ya” (female) and “ye” (male). One other trick we have used in our current series was to use Biblical names that are transliterated into the native language of that character. For example, Aaron became Ahron. David became Davyed. We even devoted a section of our website to sound clips for all of the people, places, and things in our make-believe world.

On a fun side note, Khomar Tyrinian was originally the name of an old role-playing character that Matt used back in college. The name was brought forward into the series and split into two different characters. The characters themselves are quite a bit different from the original.

What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?

We live crazy, but not in the way people might typically associate with that term. God calls; we follow and leave the rest in His hands. One instance of this was when we moved to Texas solely because we felt God would have us attend a specific church there. We lived in a small, 900 sq. ft apartment with our (at the time) 5 boys until God provided us a bigger space to live. Years later, when we were living in Kalispell, MT (near Glacier National Park), we felt called to pastor a small church in Poplar, MT (on the flat eastern side of the state on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation). So Matt left his computer
programming job, and we headed east to heed that call.

Why do you live where you live now?

After pouring ourselves into the church in Poplar, we were approaching burn-out. Matt was called out of the blue by a pastor friend of ours, and as he was explaining all that was going on, our friend suggested that we come down to Florida to rest for a while. Filled with a peace that this was God’s answer to our prayers, we left for Florida. We did not have a job lined up nor even a place to live. We just packed our belongings into a storage unit and headed south. God not only provided us a job and a home in which to live, but He also gave us a church with a great youth pastor for our kids which was sorely needed. In addition, He led us to Word Weavers of Lake County. They have been a tremendous encouragement. We had been struggling to write again after our recent experiences, and they gave us the support and enthusiasm we desperately needed.

What Bible scripture has impacted your life the most, and why?

There are so many scriptures that have carried us through both difficult and amazing circumstances over the years. As a result, we had a hard time narrowing it down, but we settled on Romans 8:28.

“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

Some might find this answer cliché, but for us, it has truly been a lifeline that we’ve clung to through some pretty dark and trying times. As the old hymn “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” says,

 

“Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him.

How I’ve proved him o’er and o’er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus.

Oh for grace to trust Him more!”

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about you, or anything we didn’t cover? 

Our writing journey began after we watched an episode of Deep Space Nine. We spent over an hour complaining to one another about their inaccurate portrayal of marriage in that particular episode. Finally, we stopped and looked at one another as the thought struck us: why were we complaining about someone else’s work? We should write our own.

We had been talking about it for years, and each of us had created separate fantasy worlds, characters, and ideas. We joined them together, combining the strongest elements of each, and set to writing a compelling story with a more realistic view of marriage. And thus spawned the Swordflower Saga!

Interesting how each writer has his or her own story about what launched them into the career they have forged.

Well, readers, like always, we encourage you, if interested, to find out more about our guests by checking them out via their social media outlets. You can find M. B. Aznoe in the following locations:

Website: www.swordflowersaga.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbaznoe

X, formerly Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbaznoe

Until next time, Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year!

Kevin

Author Behind the Story Blog Series - Catherine Goonen (aka C. G. Clark)

I logged in to upload this post and was pleasantly surprised. Last month, this blog logged over 3,500 hits. The most ever. We're not even halfway through the month of September, and we're sitting at almost 2,500 already. On one day alone, we had almost two hundred. 

I am so happy, because that's why I started this blog so many years ago. It's to be a database of authors and other writing of mine from way-back-when as a monthly contributor to Seriously Write, a once-in-a-while contributor to More to Life Magazine, and other online locations.

However, it's always been about the other authors, of which I am just one, and the field of writing in general.

So, thank you, to all of you who have found us and are making history here at ABTS. We hope you are finding some new authors to read as a result of a blog like this. Otherwise, you would never have known they existed.

Now, to keep up our ABTS tradition of introducing new authors, please welcome to the Florida Front Porch another fellow Word Weaver, Catherine Goonen! 

Cathy, have a seat in one of our Adirondack chairs, grab an "Arnold Palmer," and in ABTS style, give us a quick bio. In fifty words or less, who is Catherine Goonen? Or should we call you C. G. Clark? 

Hi. I’m Catherine Goonen, a grandmother of nine, and married to a retired military pilot. Writing as C.G. Clark, I’m an award-winning author, and my characters find redemption, restoration, and salvation as they witness the spiritual battle over mankind’s future when their realities collide with the unseen heavenly realm.

Before you ever got a notion of becoming a writer/author, how old were you, and what were you doing in that time of your life?

My father was a computer technician in the Air Force. When I was ten years old, we were living in Great Falls, Montana, and he took me with him to check the computer in one of the missile silos. I didn’t understand the purpose of such an enormous machine, but the flashing lights and strange sounds fascinated me. It filled a room the size of my living room, and it seemed as if the metal, wires, and bulbs had a mind of their own. It was a tangible perspective of a world where rockets launched into space and people walked on the moon, and my imagination began to take off with them.

Sounds like a scene out of War Games? Remember that movie? Good movie. Lots of blinking lights in the WOPR too.

If you had your life to live over again, besides being an author (which we guess would be your obvious answer), what profession would you choose?

If mathematics had not been such a nemesis, I might have become an architect. I always wanted to design something that would make a difference and stand the test of time, like Frank Lloyd Wright did. I also had a serious interest in photography, but never had the time or resources to fully pursue it.

Funny you should mention that. I, too, has dreams of being an architect at one point in my life. Interesting...

Of all the stories/books you have written, which one is your favorite? And what compelled you to write this story?

Of the five books I’ve written so far, I think Restoration is my favorite. It’s the story in which I took the most risks, especially for Christian fiction. My main character, Rebeka, is someone I aspire to be when I grow up. She’s stubborn, determined, and has a fierce faith that can’t be shaken, no matter how hard the enemy tries. (I’m getting there.)

As a writer, if you had one thing you would do over again, what would it be?

To be honest, I would not have listened to all the nay-sayers that kept me from pursuing my writing when I was younger. Even with my first three books, I made mistakes … everywhere … but I took my granddaughter’s advice and self-published them anyway. After all, I could always revise and republish them, which I’ve recently done. I’m not writing to make money. I’m doing it because the Lord wants me to write, and I trust His plan. As long as I do that, I can’t go wrong.

So true.

Knowing what you know now about writing, publishing, etc., what piece of advice would you give to the person thinking about writing that novel they have always wanted to pursue since they were young, or the person who believes they have a non-fiction book in them that would be helpful to others?

In a word, write. Don’t let fear hold you back. Don’t let other opinions sway you. Pray about it, get your marching orders from the only One that matters, then get to work. That’s the “pep talk” part. As for the practical part: read, research, write, read, re-write, and write some more.

And edit. And edit...

How do you come up with the names for your characters?

Good question. I’ve used name catalogs. I’ve researched names in other languages based on what they
mean. Sometimes, it’s a name I hear in passing. They all end up in a database where I can find them when I need them.

Now, let's switch gears and talk about you personally. What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?

I’m not a fan of heights, nor am I a thrill-seeker of any kind. My husband is the one who will happily experience the Sky-Coaster, the Reverse Bungee, or skydiving. I prefer to watch from a secure spot on the ground. But … I took a literal leap of faith on my 60th birthday. I stepped off the top of the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas to drop 855 feet while connected to a cable controlling my fall until I slowed to a standing stop at the bottom. It took approximately seventeen seconds from the time I stepped off the platform until I touched down, unhooked, and walked away.

It's never made sense for me to jump from a perfectly good airplane or rooftop. I guess I'm just practical like that...  

For all the pet lovers out there, answer this question: Do you have any?

I have an opinionated, stubborn, far too smart, very vocal, and extremely loyal black cockapoo named Zander.

You know Zander is short for Alexander, right? And Alexander the Great was very much like your dog, so maybe it's all in the name...

Why do you live where you live?

I’ve lived all over the country, from Maine to California, and Texas to Montana. I was born in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and met my husband in Orlando. When we finally chose where we wanted to build our final home, we chose Clermont, Florida. Despite how it’s grown, it still retains its old-Florida-charm, and has just enough rolling countryside to satisfy the needs of a flatlander wanting a change. We’re almost equal distance from the east and west coast beaches and we never have to shovel snow. Granted, we may have the occasional hurricane, but we know it’s coming can board up the house, head up to Missouri to visit family, and clean up when we get back.

We know “Readers are leaders, and leaders are readers.” Is there a book you’ve read in the past five years or so that has helped you become a better you? If so, which one was it, and how did it affect your life?

Charles Stanley’s The Will of God: Understanding and Pursuing His Ultimate Plan for Your Life. It helped me to decide whether to publish my first book during a time when I struggled with understanding God’s purpose for my life. Even though I know He has a plan for me, sometimes I need to be reminded. This book helped me get back on track.

What Bible scripture has impacted your life the most, and why?

I draw inspiration and courage from Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This scripture that has given me the boldness to forge ahead and do what the Father has called me to do … write.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about you, or anything we didn’t cover?

Writing is the perfect occupation. You can write almost anywhere, with or without the internet. You can even write “old school,” using pen and paper. No matter how or where you do it, you have the ability to bring characters and worlds to life for the enjoyment or enlightenment of others. In a way, God has gifted writers with the ability to create. Perhaps not literally—only He has that power—but it gives us ways to glorify Him that are unique to each author. It’s also a sacred duty, because words have power. They can build up, but they can also tear down. So, handle your gift with care. Foremost, make prayer your constant companion and keep open those lines of communication with He who equips you to do what He has asked of you.

Good advice.

Dear Readers, If you wish to get to know Catherine better, here are some place on the web you can find her and her books: 

~ Website link: https://www.cgclarkbooks.com/

~ Facebook page link:  https://www.facebook.com/CGClarkBooks

~ Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/cathygoonen7

~ FictionFinder link:  https://www.fictionfinder.com/author/detail/2352

~Amazon Author Page link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.G.-Clark/author/B0849V5K84

Thank you again for stopping by and make ABTS part of your busy day!

Me wearing my granddaughter's 
sunglasses several years ago.

Kevin