article | my life peace with God.
The plotline of Illusion is very complex, although it revolves around only a handful of characters. What was your writing process like? How did you keep everything straight?
I’m a very methodical writer. Before computers I used reams of paper and stacks of index cards. Now I use various computer programs to brainstorm, outline, and structure my stories according to proven rules and techniques of storytelling. Generally, my notes and outlines comprise more words than my novels. I suppose that’s one reason I’m a comparatively slow writer, something that has always bothered me given the fact that other authors can turn out a book every six months while I usually take about two years. Nevertheless, my approach to writing seems to work very well for me so I guess I’ll just keep writing and learning to do it better.
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Your biography on your website, FrankPeretti. com, mentions that you launched a Christian music ministry. Do you play an instrument? Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what is on your playlist?
I’ve been a musician since high school. I started on guitar and then, thanks to John Hartford playing banjo on the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour way back in the ’60s,
I took up the
banjo and have majored on that instrument and bluegrass music for most of my adult life. I’ve been a part of several music ministries over the years, singing, playing banjo, guitar, and bass. Tons of fun. Now that I’m leading the worship at my local church, I’ve seriously taken up the guitar and it’s been loads of fun. I have no illusions: I’ll never be a professional level musician, but I love music and I’m having a wonderful time.
As for listening to music while I write, I’ve found I can’t do that. Music fascinates me so much that I end up listening to the music and not
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thinking about the writing. I do have a playlist, however, for when I’m fixing lunch, driving in the car, doing anything that doesn’t require intense, focused thinking. It includes some of my old favorites like Joe Pass, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and Jose Feliciano, and Glad, my favorite vocal group of all time. As you can imagine, Bela Fleck is my musical hero. I enjoy a lot of the contemporary worship music as long as it doesn’t get too noisy. I don’t like noise. Sometimes— especially when I’m doing the bookkeeping—I tune in Mozart, Bach, a little Beethoven.
You’ve been called “America’s hottest Christian novelist.” How does your faith influence your writing?
I trust the Lord to provide me with stories that convey Biblical truths and ideas, whatever message the Lord lays on my heart. I wouldn’t want to write a book that doesn’t say anything. In Illusion, I wanted to paint a picture of our longing as Christian believers to be at home with our Bridegroom, Jesus. If that message doesn’t come across for some people, it will be enough for me to write a story about two people who managed to stay married and in love for over forty years. That’s a very timely message in itself.
What’s up next for you? Are you working on another book? Can you tell us anything about it?
Right now I think I’d like to live quietly for a while and just listen to what the Lord has to say.
SALE $
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Illusion Frank Peretti
When a car accident claims his wife, Dane goes to see a new magic act—and is shocked to find a 19-year-old version of his wife. (Howard) HC 9781439192672 $26.99 SALE $24.97
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