Into the Fire

The colorful and entertaining author of the Joe Box mysteries (Until the Last Dog Dies, When Skylarks Fall, and To Skin a Cat), John Robinson joins us today to give us his answers to some questions about writing.

1. John, you have said your Joe Box mysteries were specifically written to entertain men. Would you say that is the primary objective of your writing? If so, why?

Yeah, Nicole, it is. Here’s why. Not to slam anyone in the CBA, but let’s face it, there’s an embarrassment of riches with stuff written for a female audience. Prairie romances, chick-lit, sisterhood books, whatever, there simply hasn’t been a lot to entice your average red-blooded, meat-eatin’ male. The condundrum has been circular: the CBA hasn’t put out much fiction for men because they say Christian men don’t read fiction. Conversely, most Christian men say they’d read more fiction if there was something that caught their interest. I’m hoping to balance the scales a bit with my stuff.

2. Will there be more Joe Box mysteries? How did Joe Box come to be?

More Joe Box? I dunno. Recently the publisher completely revamped their thinking, now saying they’re not interested in any more of those stories. So we’ll just have to see. As far as how he came to be, that’s pretty simple. I’ve always liked private-eye novels, especially written from a first-person point of view. I liked their grit, their sass, and I’m not ashamed to say it, their action. Several years ago the thought came to me: what would happen if I took a rough, smart-mouthed, classic PI, put a tragedy in his life, and through that have him come to a saving knowledge of the Lord? How would his new walk of faith impact his sometimes violent profession? The more I pondered it, the more I liked it. I started monkeying around with some ideas, and thus Joe Box was born.

3. I like to give each author a chance to say what they might like to see change in the CBA since the discussion has been so volatile. Your opinion on this?

Mine’s fairly simple. My dear CBA: grow some by-God guts. Tackle today’s problems with a strong moral compass and unflinching clarity, and don’t be shy about then taking that vision to the world. Believe me, they need to hear what we have to say. Matter of fact, they’re dying to hear it. Because the truth is, the choir’s been converted. Matter of fact, they’ve left the building and are already at the Chinese buffet.

4. If you could accomplish anything with your writing, what would it be?

I’d like to reach audiences that would never think of picking up a Christian novel. And then with my writing, grab ’em by the throat.

5. Which part of the writing process (i.e. initial idea, writing the story, editing, queries, proposals, etc.) do you find the most difficult and the most pleasurable?

The most difficult part to me is typing the first draft, the “writing down the bones.” That’s where the ideas in my head have to transmogrify into words on paper, and the process can be hard. The most pleasurable part is rewriting. Each run-through of the manuscript can reveal new facets that thrill me . . . or plunge me into head-bashing despair. Either way, it’s darned interesting.

6. I’m sure you have your favorite authors, but is there anyone you particularly want to pay tribute to or acknowledge here?

I’d say first and foremost, Jim Bell. Jim’s not only a consummate, passionate wordsmith, he was so freaking nice to me when I first met him at Glorieta in 2000. As an unpublished greenie, that was . . . astounding. Since then we’ve become good friends, and I still consider him to be one terrific writer (although watch out Jimbo, I’m closing in on your six).

7. Is there anything you want to say to those who remain unpublished?

Over a half-century ago, Winston Churchill said it far better than I ever could: “Never give up. Never, never, never, never give up. Never.”

8. How did writing novels originate in your life?

I’ve always like telling stories, even as a kid. When I was in college I was an editor on the school paper (matter of fact, I came up with this greeting when I’d pick up the phone: “Student affairs. Would you like to have one?” I thought it was funny; my journalism prof failed to see the humor. Anyway). After college I put away the idea of writing (God knows why), not picking it up again until I was in my late forties. The desire then hit me like a runaway bus, and I’ve haven’t stopped since. Whether that’s good or bad, I’ll let the market decide.

9. In reality what do you think is the best marketing tool for authors today?

A good, qualified mentor, one unafraid to encourage you when you’re right, and kick you in the groin when you’re wrong. Failing that, a solid critique group.

10. Is there a particular kind of novel you have yet to write that you really want to write but aren’t sure that you can? Explain.

Yeah, I’d like to write a big, sprawling, multi-layered, world-building epic, the kind James Michener used to write. Only with more guns. And submarines. Could I write one? I dunno. But one day I’d sure like to try.

My thanks to John for his willingness to answer these questions with his honesty and ready-made humor.

Father, I would ask that you would lead John to the publisher who can appreciate his mission, his talent, and his attention toward and focus on godly fiction for men. Bless his efforts and keep him encouraged by your Spirit. Continue to give him good stories to tell. May he grow ever closer to you in the process. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.