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 Daniel
Blackaby is a fourth-generation writer who has a unique, strong, and
challenging faith and whom God has blessed with a contract for a
fantasy fiction trilogy! His debut fiction title, Legend of
the Bookkeeper,
is an introduction to a fast-paced thrill ride of adventure. It is a
true pleasure to offer you an opportunity to learn more about this very
talented young man.
Your Website
Bio page describes you as a fourth-generation
writer. One generation includes Dr. Henry Blackaby, who wrote several
well-known Bible study guides and books. What does that description
mean to you, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and realistically? How
has that shaped your identity as a writer?
It’s a tremendous honor to have
such a godly heritage and to witness
firsthand what God can do with ordinary men who are wholly yielding to
Him. There’s also a lot of pressure. When your grandpa’s book sells
over seven million copies, it’s not an easy act to follow! However, a
Blackaby family motto is “Never settle for less than God’s best for
your life.” God didn’t call me to write Experiencing God . .
. Again!
He called me to be faithful in my own life. Included in the four
generations is a poet, two nonfiction writers, and now a fiction
writer. It’s amazing how God has used each in a unique way to impact
his own generation.
Your first
published work was a
nonfiction title about standing up for God in a world that is
antagonistic toward anything having to do with God. Do you see your
generation as being more or less persecuted in today’s society? How do
you personally take a stand in today’s world?
I know persecution is a relative
word, but I would argue that
persecution in America is at the highest it’s ever been simply because
the world has never had as many tools at its disposal (social media,
Internet, etc.). Thanks to Facebook it’s almost impossible to live a
genuine Christian life in secret. I take a stand by trying to be
faithful each day in every little opportunity God gives me. God’s not
asking me to transform the world, but over time I pray that my daily
obedience will add up to a life that makes a positive impact for God’s
kingdom.
Your first
work of fiction, which you
published at the age of twenty-five, is a fantasy. Wow! What was it
like to land a contract for a trilogy? Have you always been a fan of
the genre? What is your favorite aspect of this trilogy?
It’s been an amazing adventure!
It was my greatest dream to write
fiction and to have the privilege of doing it so young has been
unbelievable. I always have adored the fantasy. I could stock a small
library with the number of fantasy books I’ve devoured over the years.
Having the unlimited freedom to construct a new world with its own
history and quirks was a blast.
I’ve read Legend
of the Book Keeper—very exciting! What is your target age
group?
I’m
glad you enjoyed it! To be honest, I didn’t write with a particular
target audience in mind. I basically just wrote a story that I would
enjoy as a reader. I believe a well-told story can transcend age and
gender; however, it was in my childhood/teen years that I fell in love
with fantasy, and I hope my story helps today’s young people do the
same.
Is there a
character in the story that is similar to you in any way? If so, who is
it and what are the similarities?
The main character, Cody, is a
clear reflection of me! I like to
think we share many heroic qualities . . . just kidding! We are both
hopeless dreamers who enjoy the adventure of life. I was somewhat of a
“loser” during my school years, so most of Cody’s struggles and
insecurities come directly from things I had to overcome in my own
life. When writing, I’d basically throw Cody into a situation and ask
myself, “What would I do?” No wonder Cody always seems to make poor
choices!
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What
do you hope readers will take away from this series?
I hope they enjoy journeying
into a new world and allowing their
imaginations to soar. I also hope they can learn from the characters.
Regardless of “good guy” or “bad guy,” there is no perfect character in
the story. They are all flawed and insecure and must overcome their
fear of inadequacy. I think all readers can relate to that struggle.
When can
readers expect the second book in the series to be available? Can you
give us a sneak peek?
Book 2 will be available April
2013 and is titled City of Gold.
It is shaping up to be even more action packed yet very character
driven. Many of the lingering mysteries and unanswered questions get
explored in Book 2, such as the identity of CROSS, Randilin’s dark
deeds,
and Tiana’s past. For a taste of what’s to come, the prologue and first
chapter are available at www.russell-media.com/cityofgold/chapterone.
 What does a typical writing day look
like for you?
Unfortunately, I haven’t had
enough typical writing days to know! I
am currently completing graduate school as well as writing another
nonfiction book. So I tend to grab writing time whenever and wherever I
can. This often means brewing a cup of coffee at 10 p.m. and typing
away until my drooping eyelids make me stop!
What is the
most challenging part of the writing process?
Time and confidence. People
often glamorize writing a book, but the
reality is that you must be willing to commit the hundreds of hours
necessary to finish it.
It’s also tested my
self-confidence. I pour my soul into my writing, but, unfortunately,
not everyone is going to gush and praise its brilliance! Without a
thick skin, a one-paragraph negative critique could derail me. I always
take them seriously and try to learn from the criticism; but,
ultimately, I am not defined by them.
How important
is social media to the author? Do you believe you are “ahead of the
game” in this area because of your age?
It’s crucial. I’m fairly young,
but I know five-year-olds who do
things on a smart phone that blows my mind! Things change so fast!
Social media is an amazing tool and opportunity for authors. It has
allowed for an intimate bridge between writer and reader that has never
been possible before. My greatest joy so far has been connecting
one-on-one with readers. (http://www.facebook.com/danielblackabyauthor
twitter.com/#!/DanielBlackaby)
What thoughts
would you like to share with your readers to
encourage them to pursue their dreams while also standing up for God in
a world that doesn’t encourage Christians to dream big?
Jesus took a handful of lowly
fishermen and used them to turn the
world upside down. Who are we to think He can’t use us as well? Most of
the time the roadblock is not God; rather, it is our fear of failure or
criticism. When we say “I can’t,” we are really saying “God can’t.” We
serve a big God who doesn’t settle for tiny dreams. Be faithful every
step and you’ll be amazed where you will find yourself in a year.
Kim
Ford has been a resident of
Alabama for more than ten years. Originally from Georgia, she holds a
Bachelor’s degree in English from Brenau Women’s College. She has spent
the past 9 years in sales and marketing and has been an avid reader of
Christian Fiction for more than 20 years.
A mother of two teen sons both nearing the end of high school, Kim’s
life is full and blessed. She enjoys singing, writing and spending time
with her family. She blogs at: Window
To My World
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