Author Interview: Creston Mapes

Plug time. What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?

Books one and two in the Rock Star Chronicles series. Book one,
Dark Star, released in June 2005. It's about a young man who was abused as a boy and turns to rock music as an outlet. When his band, DeathStroke, hits it big, he becomes a millionaire in his early twenties, but still can't find peace or joy.

When alcohol, drugs, women, and material things fail, Everett Lester turns to a personal psychic for solace. When she turns up murdered, he's charged with it. All the while, he is getting letters from a young lady in Topeka, Kansas, who's telling him about Jesus Christ.

Book two,Full Tilt, is the continuation of the story. Everett's eager to share the redeeming power of Christ's love with the world through his music, but reaching his family in their twisted lives is another issue. His gambling-addicted brother, Eddie, and the rest of his deteriorating family greet Everett's attempts with disdain and hatred. When the Mob gets involved, Everett and Karen feel the heat. And when Eddie's son, Wesley—who blames Everett for his brother's death—hooks up with psychotic Tony Badino, the two meth-using antichrists are determined to bring Everett down.

Tell us about your journey to publication. How long had you been writing before you got the call you had a contract, how you heard and what went through your head.

I had written two full-length novels and parts of two or three others before Dark Star fell into the hands of a very capable agent. I wasn't looking for an agent, because I had made fairly good inroads on my own. But when God brought him along, I figured we better go with the program. About 6-8 months later we found Multnomah and a three-book deal. So, it took six years in all before I received a contract.

When my agent called to tell us, I had to sit down. My elderly parents were in town and they were able to celebrate with us. I did shed some tears when I got the news, and prayed thanks. After all, you're trying all those years, not positive you heard from God, but pretty sure you did.....So, when the news came, it was such a relief, such an amazing thing that God did for me. He had rewarded my faithfulness and I was SO thankful.

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

Of course. But the great thing is, I know Dark Star is done, on the shelves, and it's a great product. Nothing can change that now! It's out there and if it's the last thing I ever do, I know it's touched lives, because we've heard from a lot of people. Same with Full Tilt, almost. It's in the final stages of editing and will be out soon. Then we'll have two out there for the world to enjoy, and nothing can change that. You get what I mean?

I just went on a trip, alone, to my childhood home and had a chance to do some brainstorming on book three, and I'm psyched about it. Self-doubts come, certainly, but when I look back at God faithfulness in my life and writing, that's what I go on. Just that knowledge that He will deliver. It's not up to me. It's His gig. Not by power, nor by might, but by My spirit, sayeth the Lord!

What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?
Just write the very best story you know how and let everything else take care of itself. Keep writing good stories and don't let your focus wander to other things too much, like publicity, pr, marketing, and all that important stuff!

What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve heard?

That all writer's need agents. I just don't believe it. I made excellent contact with 10-12 senior fiction editors at all the best publishers. They were kind. Looked at my stuff. Some said they wanted to see more. We built relationships and it was working. Now, as I said, my book fell into the hands of an agent. It wasn't planned. So, I thought God was leading me in that direction.

What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

Let's put it this way. I guess I didn't realize what a long haul this was going to be. It takes time, time, time, hard work, hard work, and much concentration to write good books and to get the word out about them, and to develop a following of readers. It takes time. Be patient.

Do you have a scripture or quote that has been speaking to you lately?

Yes, I do. "Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. Psalm 25: 4,5

Is there a particularly difficult set back that you’ve gone through in your writing career you are willing to share?

From 1999-2004 I thought I was supposed to be writing fiction at the intervals when my regular freelance work slowed down. So, when those rejects came during that span, each one was a set back. Bam, bam, bam....knocking me down. But God's still voice kept pushing me forward with the fiction. Boy, was that tough! I was so sure I was supposed to be doing it. It just goes to show us all that writing is so very subjective. You just need to find that one person who shares enthusiasm for your special story.

What are a few of your favorite books? (Not written by you.)

Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger. Most books by Kent Haruf. When the Finch Rises by Jack Riggs.

If your authorial self was a character from The Wizard of Oz, which one would you be and why?

I guess I'd be Dorothy, because I'm a dreamer...and because I always have wonderful thoughts and memories of my childhood home.

What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?

Dark Star and Full Tilt. They are just such major accomplishments. Dark Star is first-person, like a memoir, plus it goes back and forth from past to present. God just brought it all together.

Full Tilt is my first third-person novel, which was a real change from first person. Many unique things about it make it special. By the way, I have a wonderful editor at Multnomah who is very detail oriented, she's creative, just fantastic.

Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?

Not yet.Can you give us a view into a typical day of your writing life?Up at 5:30. Walk/job 2-2.5 miles with my dog. Quiet time in the Word for 30-45 minutes. Breakfast with the kids (at different times). Into office at 8 or 8:30 until 5:30-6:30 writing. Tapped out after that and can't work much at night. Don't want to, because of my family.

If you could choose to have one strength of another writer, what would it be and from whom?

I don't know if you're familiar with Melanie Wells yet. She's a friend and fellow Multnomah author (When the Day of Evil Comes). The thing I loved about Mel's debut novel was her sense of humor and realness. I would like to see those traits come out even more in my writing.

Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?

I want my books to do what the Left Behind books did. I hope the whole world knows about them and has the opportunity to read them. I want them to glorify God in an enormous way. I don't want to write fiction just to say I do it. I've been transformed by Jesus Christ and I want to share the gospel through real, gritty, contemporary stories.

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

Whenever I would get 2-3 rejects in a row, then get busy with my normal work, I would say, "That's it...I'm back to my normal work and that will probably be the end of the fiction. But, inevitably, my work stopped and I felt God pulling me to write fiction, with no promise of pay or a publisher.

My wife is home with our four kids, so this has been a step of faith. I just give God so much thanks.....

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

Writing novels take an enormous amount of discipline, and brain energy. At the end of a full day of writing, I'm burned out. Fried. Sometimes I feel like I don't have a whole lot left for my family. That bothers me and I'm trying to pray through it and still be everything they want and need.

How much marketing do you do? Any advice in this area?

Any first time author is going to have his or her share of marketing to do. I set up signings locally and have had great success doing so, mainly because Multnomah has such a good name in the industry. The stores are all carrying my books, so when I call, they usually agree to set up signings. The web site is key. Keep it updated. Give readers the info they want there. Mine is crestonmapes.com and I've seen monthly visits increase dramatically ever since Dark Star released in June 05. That is one place I can drive people to very easily. And they get everything they need there: sample chapters, bio, contest, reviews, reader praise, order info, and how to contact me.

Also, I do business card sized promo cards with my book jacket and info on them. Great to hand out, mail to friends and family, etc. You can only tell people about the book so much, but handing them a reminder card has proven great.

Parting words?

I encourage writers to pray about whether He wants them in this field or not. If He does, pray that He makes the passion burn and grow stronger. If He doesn't, pray He takes the desire away. Also, get a copy of Writer's Market, find the publishers who are right for you, start making contact and sending out proposals!
My email is creston@crestonmapes.com Thanks Gina!