Looking back

I thought we'd take the day off from interviews and reflect.

I've done close to a hundred interviews in less than a year, counting the many yet to air. It's hard to believe!

The amount I've learned has surprised me. I feel so amazingly blessed to be able to pick the brains of fiction's brightest and then to share it with you all.

Each interviewee has taught me something. A few interviews stand out, (the telephone interviewees have an unfair advantage), though I appreciate them all for different reasons.

Interviewing Ted Dekker was a definite highlight. I mean, c'mon, it's Ted Dekker. I think I still have "Theodore Dekker" on my caller id. (I'll never wash that phone again.)

The funnest interview hands down was Robert Whitlow. The man is just so easy going and funny.

My favorite email interview was Athol Dickson. I'm a fan for life even without reading his books. (Though I intend to in the coming weeks).

Our most informative interview, in my opinion, is an upcoming one with Jack Cavanaugh. He taught me so much and seemed to hold back nothing. Again, I'm a fan for life now.

(He has a new release out next month, Storm, and it is AWESOME. If you've read Safely Home, that is what I'd compare it to in regards to the great story, charecterization and take away message. I was entertained, convicted and inspired! Gushety gushey gush.) I can't wait to share that interview with you and book review.

Of course Bill Myers and Karen Kingsbury were great to talk shop with also.

Some of the newcomers were great fun too because of their zest for the business and freshness they brought to the table. And any day I can interrogate author friends like Alton Gansky, Don Brown, Deb Raney, Gail Martin, BJ Hoff, TL Hines, Ron & Janet Benrey (etc.) is a good day.

Another highlight was an interview I just finished via telephone with Walter Wangerin Jr.--National Book Award winner. (The Book of the Dun Cow). This guy is legendary. I felt in awe listening to him speak with great passion about Christian fiction.

I hope I keep that kind of fire. Speaking of Mr. Wangerin--he has been recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of Cancer. I asked how we might pray for him and his request was for peace.

Will you take a moment right now and send that prayer up to our Father on our brother's behalf?

I'd love to hear which interviews stand out to you. What take aways (to quote Kelly Klepfer) you've received and if there are questions you wish I'd ask these authors that I haven't been.

I appreciate you all stopping by, leaving comments, encouraging me and authors who have taken time out of their lives to encourage us.

Stay tuned, some of our best is yet to come.