Into the Fire

As promised, here is the interview with best-selling author and very gracious gentleman, James Scott Bell.

1.Almost every Christian fiction author writing today has an opinion about the progress, or lack thereof, in the CBA. What is your opinion on the status of fiction in the CBA?

I think things are better than ever right now. Certainly a great deal better than when I started in the mid-90s. We have more talented writers and editors than ever before, and knowledge of the craft is high. The material being published these days is high quality all the way around.

2.How do you describe your fiction?

I strive to write novels “they can’t put down”. I am primarily a suspense writer.

3.Do you have a favorite piece of work that you’ve done?

In suspense, I think I hit all cylinders with Presumed Guilty. A book with a more personal flavor is Breach of Promise. Finally, I would like to mention Glimpses of Paradise, which was a stretch for me, a long historical novel spanning WW1 to the early 1920’s. I worked hard on it and think it turned out pretty well.

4.Do you have a particular part of the entire process from writing to publishing that you dread or especially dislike?

The editing process. After all the fun and frolic of the first draft, you have to roll up your sleeves and correct all the problems! It’s necessary and, when done well, satisfying. But it’s nerve wracking, too.

5.Conversely, what is your favorite part of the process?

The first 20,000 words. I love openings. Act 1 is my friend.

6.If there was one thing you could determine that a reader “got” (or understood) from your novels, what would it be?

That justice is worth fighting for and ultimately will triumph.

7.Since you wrote your first book up to now, what is the most valuable thing you’ve learned about the “business” of writing?

That it IS a business, and you have to balance art and commerce in your long term planning. The publishers have to make money to stay in business, and you have to present yourself as someone who can, even in a small way, help them to do that.

8.You frequently encourage writers in your contributions at Charis Connection. Is there something in particular that you want pre-published writers to know above all else?

That the journey is as important as the destination . . . in fact, there is no destination. Even after you’re published, you have to keep going forward. Think long term, always. Publishers and agents are not looking for a book. They are looking for writers, people they know can deliver over and over again. Keep learning the craft. I still read books on writing, looking for reminders.

9.What do you think is the most important part of preparing a query and/or proposal?

The first two pages. Most agents and editors jump to that first, because if they see the writing is weak, they don’t have to bother with the rest of the proposal. It’s a great time saver! So be sure your first two pages, then the next twenty or whatever it is, are grabbers.

10.If you could have any one of your novels made into a movie, which one would it be? Why that particular one? Would you make sure you got to participate in the writing of the screenplay?

I’ve always thought the Kit Shannon books would make a great franchise. She’s the character I get the most mail about. I just love her. I would want to do the screenplay or teleplays, of course. No one knows the character like I do!

11.Since you wrote and published your first novel, how has the process changed, if it has?

The publishing houses are run more like (and are often owned by) big companies. This has pluses and minuses, like everything, but I think in the main it has resulted in a more professional class of writers and better product.

12.What is the one question you hate to be asked?

This one.

Um, and maybe the one about which of my books I like best. It’s sort of like selecting among your children.

13.From another fan, here are the two questions she submitted for you. What is the most challenging part of your continuing writing career? What is the most effective way for you to keep your faith strong and centered in your career and/or while you’re writing?

The challenge is simply to keep producing at a high level, knowing the bar gets set higher with every book. I love that challenge, though. That’s what makes writing fun for me. If I was just mailing it in, I’d probably look for other work.

As far as faith goes, I do bathe my plans and projects in prayer. I try to remember to do that, so I’m not just writing to please myself. It’s sounds simple and basic because it is. I just have to remember to do it.

Thanks, Jim, for your straightforward and helpful answers. Always a pleasure to hear from this man.

Father, I ask for your added blessings upon Jim for consenting to give his time and knowledge in answering these questions for writers and readers. Whatever his current project is, I pray he would be receiving your directions and leadings for it, that he would be faithful in prayer, and that you would meet his need with your great supply. Inspire him, refresh him, and may he always follow your lead. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.