Author Interview ~ Paul Maier

Dr. Paul L. Maier is a professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. He holds degrees from Harvard University and Concordia Seminary. He has published numerous articles and books, both fiction and non-fiction, with several million in print in a dozen languages. Dr. Maier lectures widely and is frequently interviewed for national radio, television, and newspapers. He and his wife, Joan, have four grown daughters.

What new book or project would you like to tell us about?



I’m at work on “Skeleton 3,” that is, the successor to A SKELETON IN GOD’S CLOSET and MORE THAN A SKELETON.






Tell us about your publishing journey. How long had you been writing before you got a contract? How did you find out and what went through your mind?

It started with articles for magazines. Then I decided that my father’s story had to be told – he started the longest-running religious broadcast in the history of radio “The Lutheran Hour,” and McGraw-Hill published my first book, A MAN SPOKE, A WORLD LISTENED in 1968.

Do you still have self-doubts about your writing?

Not at all.

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

No, because I was fortunate to be published rather quickly.

What mistakes did you make while seeking a publisher or agent?

Once I tried several submissions at once to different publishers, and they were “offended.” However, I understand that is rather common now.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve heard?

Get involved with your own material, and the project starts writing itself.

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

You HAVE to use an agent.

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

Yes, the continual (almost revolving-door) changes in editors and publishing personnel.

What do you wish you’d known early in your career that might have saved you some time and/or frustration in writing? In publishing?

To ignore any rejection slips, but try to learn from them.

Was there ever a difficult set back that you went through in your writing career?

Not really, other than several rejections early on.

What are a few of your favorite books?

I’ve always been turned on by the classical historical novels, such as QUO VADIS. I also admire and use the C.S. Lewis books.

What work have you done that you’re especially proud of and why?

In non-fiction: my new translations/commentaries on JOSEPHUS and EUSEBIUS, since both authors are such crucial sources for the early history of Christianity.

In fiction: my novels PONTIUS PILATE and A SKELETON IN GOD’S CLOSET, since both have fresh plots that are of paramount significance for Christianity.

Do you have a scripture or quote that has spoken to you lately in regards to your writing?

1 Peter 3:15: “Be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for the hope that is in you.”

Can you give us a look into a typical day for you?

Teach my history courses at Western Michigan University in the mornings, work on my acreage in the early afternoons, do e-mail and correspondence in the late afternoons, and write at night.

Do you have a word or page goal you set for each day?

No. That’s too artificial: let the pen (computer!) go where it will.

What author do you especially admire and why?

C. S. Lewis and my fellow defenders of the faith, Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel, Hank Hanegraaff, Jeff Sheler, Ed Yamauchi, and others. All write clearly and incisively against the radical, revisionist critics who have attacked Christianity in past and present.

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

Favorite: Sharing my insights and creative efforts with others.

Least favorite: Proofreading

How much marketing do you do? What's your favorite part of marketing?

Quite a bit, to make sure that it’s done properly. My favorite part would be network exposure, rather than one single radio or television station.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Be sure of your publisher’s promotional efforts well in advance of the publication date. This is especially important in the case of the rapidly-changing personnel situation so notorious at publishers today.