Into the Fire

First let me say this: there isn’t a better thriller writer in or out of CBA today than Robert Liparulo. He’s a master of pacing, his first two novels operating in overdrive, particularly Germ. Deadfall is now out, so I’ve been skipping most of the blog tours where it’s featured because I don’t want anything to spoil it for me. It’s up next after finishing a few pages of my current read. From what I understand, this particular story is more character driven than the other two novels and a bit less frenetic in pace. I can’t wait to find out. If you love to read exciting novels and aren’t afraid of some rough and tumble violence within the context of the story, you simply must read Robert Liparulo’s books. You must.

It’s easy to be a cheerleader for Robert. Personally, he’s been an encourager to me, articulating some of the observations of publishing in general and CBA publishing specifically which others only dance around. He is the one who has translated certain methodologies to me and helped me to see not just that I don’t fit in but to understand the hows and whys of that premise and oddly enough that it’s okay that I don’t.

Today I got to spend about an hour with the man face to face talking about writing, publishing, and knowing what you want to do but having to wait until God gives the go sign. Robert, or more informally Bob, is generous with his time, his concerns, his insights, and his thoughtfulness. He’s exactly who you expect him to be after communicating with him via e-mail for some time now. He’s unpretentious, honest, and real—the kind of person you want to count as your friend. Serious yet easy going and quick to laugh.

God elected to allow Robert Liparulo into my life to encourage me, to give me a place of expression, to reinforce my efforts at this writing gig. My writing and Robert’s writing are nearly as far apart as the east is from the west in pretty much every possible way, but somehow he has liked what he has read of mine, and that amazes me. Blows me away, in fact. And I am so grateful for it.

One of the highlights of our time together came at the end when he wanted to pray with me in the bookstore cafeteria area. Hallelujah! He prayed for me, and I prayed for him. It was one of those anointed moments in time.

It’s one thing to be able to write a mystery, or to grasp pacing, or to keep the suspense taut. It’s another thing altogether to be able to excel at all three with downright good writing. If you want to read books that zing with unique twists from a great storyteller and a well-crafted writer, do read the novels written by Robert Liparulo.

Few people are as generous with their time when they don’t really have it to spare as this man is. I am blessed to have him in my life.

Father, please continue to protect Robert on his multiple trips and give him the insights he needs for each ensuing meeting. Go before him, Lord, and take him to the places you want him to be. Bring the people into his life that you want him to meet and to work with. Give him divine opportunities. Help him to always hear your voice, Holy Spirit, and to demonstrate your love, Jesus. Continue to pour out your Spirit upon him and bless his every act of obedience. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.