That's a very good question. I've always looked at it this way; there is music, not Christian music. There is acting, not Christian acting. There is the ability to write, and it lines up with the others. Within this context, we certainly write from our experience. I feel that sometimes people have used various labels as an excuse to not aim as high as they possibly can. I think we should be the best we can be at whatever our chosen profession. A teacher should do his or her very best in the classroom for example. The fact that this person is a Christian can't help but show through. I think it's the same with my books. Obviously they contain material that is unmistakably Christian, but I would hope that anyone could pick one of them up, read it, and see it as a great story. Some of my reviews that have come from outside the traditional Christian circles have been the most interesting.
10.SR: Can you discuss any upcoming projects or "things on the burner"?
By the end of 2004 my publisher will have released at least six of my titles. I've written two types of manuscripts in the 30 that are completed. Most of these are chapter adventure stories. Around six of the manuscripts are more true to life. Those may be released under a different series name. And I should say that my series are a bit different. Each book has different characters, locations in the country, settings, and plots. So we don't have all these fantastic things happening to the same group of kids.
I see myself continuing with both of these series as long as the stories continue to be sent through me. That process is a story in itself, but I can't see arbitrarily stopping on those. I mentioned the humor book earlier and I'd like to see that released one day.
I'm in the very early stages of a book that could be several hundred pages. It would be aimed for readers a little older, but would still be of interest to all ages I think. The book is somewhat fantasy and yet it deals with some of the most important issues in life.
I also have concepts for a number of picture books for younger children.
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