Interview With Christian Author Thomas Phillips
Tips and Techniques From the Author or Molech Prophecy
SW: Please tell us about your new novel.
TP: Molech Prophecy is about a former gang member Tommy Cucinelle who thought he had left his old life behind when he became a Christian.
That's why he's surprised when his pastor asks him to use his old skills - finding people who don't want to be found - to locate the church secretary after she mysteriously disappears and the church is vandalised. The police don't have any leads.
Tommy's investigation brings him face-to-face with the unpleasant memories from the past that threaten his new identity, but turmoil is soon the least of his worries. A local Wiccan church is at the heart of the mystery, and Tommy's search uncovers a startling prophecy about child sacrifice to the pagan god Molech.
When the missing woman's sister - Tommy's new-found romantic interest - disappears as well, the quest becomes personal.
SW: God, spirituality and religion feature as main components to your new book. As a writer, do you feel that spirituality and art are linked?
TP: Absolutely. I’ll explain why. Writing is my way of expression. Since my Faith is first in my life, the two need to go hand in hand. The best thing about writing Christian fiction novels is that the book should appeal to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/suspense/thriller.
And realising it or not, what they will get, aside from the story, is a lesson. My writing has become my witnessing tool. I am not preachy. You will never see anything in my stories telling people to follow God. But, as it should be in life, readers will see examples that show Christians are people. Flawed. Real.
Being a Christian does not mean your life is now on autopilot. In fact, the Bible promises a tougher road for those who proclaim Christ as their Saviour. In a way, I show that to readers in my story. It’s that simple, yet, this is something that is often overlooked.
SW: Could you please share with us five tips you would give fledgling writers working on their first novel?
TP: Of course, these are my core five:
- Read. If you want to write then you have to read, read, read. If it you aspire to write science fiction, read all the science fiction novels you can. If it is mystery books you want to write, read mystery novels, the good, the bad and the ugly, and so on.
- Write. Sounds obvious, but it’s not. If you want to be a writer, you have to write. Everyday. Blog, journal, keep a diary. Work on your novel or play. And you have to do this every day.
- Join a critique group. I co-lead a critique group at a local bookstore. It’s free. We meet once a month, and the benefits to all are obvious. When you write, you know what you are trying to say. So when you reread what you have written, it sounds perfect. You need outside readers to give you constructive feedback on what you are working on. Some comments you can take with a grain of salt, some you can take to heart. All of it helps you grow as a writer.
- Research. Even fiction has to be factual. Writing mystery novels, I have many friends on the police force I contact for processes to make sure what I have my characters do and say is as real-to life as possible. My second novel, coming out next summer, is about a kidnapping. I worked closely with many agencies to get facts and processes down accurately.
- Observe. I didn’t say this, and can’t recall who did but, the quote is something like, “There are no bad experiences in a writer’s life. Only opportunity.” It is important to capture mentally all that happens around you. Be a people watcher to help create three-dimensional characters.
You can find out more about Tom’s other works and the novels he’s currently working on at Thomas Phillips' website.
