Making Miracles: an interview with novelist Chaim Potok

---

When it comes to inspirational reading, Max Lucado is by far my favorite with beautiful prose and deep spiritual content. In other areas a few favorites are: And, of course, the entire range of classics. My last book, whichever that currently is.

I am always in the process of having finished my last book while writing the next. Different readers have different favorites. What thrills me is when readers write to say that one of my books, whichever one it might be, has impacted their lives and hearts. Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz? On the other hand, it is in new places and people I find inspiration, and I do enjoy meeting readers, so it is just as well the process is there to force me out of my solitude.

Are You an Author?

Take us through your process of writing a novel briefly—from conception to revision. That would be an entire book in itself.

In brief, the process is supremely individual to each writer. There are best-selling authors who write as though constructing a building with every scene, character, conversation, plot twist set out on three-by-fives before writing the book. Others write as though cultivating a tree, letting the story gradually grow. I tend toward the latter. But the middle is rather broad, opening up in detail as I get to that part of the story. Then as I actually write the story, I can go back and pull those nuggets from my files.

I also keep a notebook through each book so that if I think of anything, even if it is for a future part of the book, a conversation, thought, etc. As you can see, I do tend to grow a book like a tree. Then comes one last polish for actual prose and grammar.

See a Problem?

At this point, I am always surprised and excited at how well it has all come together. Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish? My dream is to someday write a story that hold up such a light and effect such change in the world in which I live. Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting? Every time I start a new book, looking ahead at the daunting amount of work involved.

I did think of quitting during those early years of rejection letters and even with the ups and downs of those first books, mainly because I was investing so much time that could be invested elsewhere in our international ministry. Instead at each point when I was most discouraged, a door would open, I would get a call from an editor or a grateful letter from a reader. Now I know beyond doubt that I am called to write and could never be happy doing anything else.

Making Miracles: an interview with novelist Chaim Potok

My favorite part of being a writer is holding a finished book in my hand. My least favorite is the mind-stretching, heart-gripping, excruciating labor of writing that rough draft.

Access Check

Birthing the story is definitely the hardest work I do in my life and makes everything else seem easy by comparison. That publishers want their authors out there in the public arena is the constant juggling act between publishers and authors. My current publisher has put together an excellent marketing and publicity team with a publicist who has taken much of the angst out of the marketing process. They really do know what they are talking about.

Have you received a particularly memorable reader response? I received a phone call at home from a reader my first alert of just how easy I was to find on the Internet. He was intrigued by a quote from the book that became its theme: I could tell such stories with every book; this is why I write!

Perhaps just a few of the themes that have spilled over into my writing from the people and places and heart lessons of my life:. If those themes sound more troubling than joyous or peaceful, let me assure you that they are not because our safety, and the safety of our families and our country, are not, and never will be, in the absence of the storm, but in the presence of a Creator God who rides on the wings of the wind, whose laughter crashes through the thunder and lightning, and who in the midst of any storm cradles His children safely and tenderly in the palm of His Almighty hand.

Dale Andrew White

If I did not have that absolute assurance, I would not have the nerve to research, much less write, the stories that I do. I love her stories, the size and depth of her knowledge and research. The bigger her books the better. I think Firestorm is my favorite of the three Crossfire, Firestorm, DMZ , but each one is definitely worth the time of a reader.

Writers helping writers launch

I love reading Christian novals and have read many different authors. Showing 1 - 16 of all Results Books: The Magic of Andre Norton: An Interview 1 Dec The World According to Robbe-Grillet: A Florida Anthology 2 Feb To the Manor Admitted: Read this and over 1 million books with Kindle Unlimited. Borrow for free from your Kindle device.

Encounters with Authors 10 Dec Skinner 12 Nov Return of the Dittos 6 Dec Harry Crews of Bacon County 12 Nov Mortimer of the Bailey: Crossed Paths 27 Jul Previous Page 1 2 3 4 Next Page.

• Rasta Heart: A Journey into One Love
• Alimars Quest Book 2: A Kingdom Divided
• Be the Best Grandparent: The authoritative practical guide for every grandparent (Teach Yourself)
• Living Stories: Pastoral Counseling in Congregational Context
• Before Equal Suffrage: Women in Partisan Politics from Colonial Times to 1920 (Contributions in Wome