Christian Novelist James Somers Shares Words of Wisdom

Have you heard of James Somers? If you are a science-fiction fan, particularly Christian science-fiction, that may change soon. Somers' debut novel, The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King, is an action-packed, sci-fi roller coaster that leaves readers exhausted by the end, which comes too soon for many.

Heir to the King kicks off The Chronicles of Soone saga. It's a saga very much, admits Somers, inspired by Star Wars. "I've always been a fan of the Star Wars series since I was a kid," says Somers. "[Heir to the King] started as a creative writing project with Jedi characters...just for fun. But as I wrote more and more, I began to care about the characters and decided to scrap the Jedi idea for my own original storyline."

Somers is a pastor and surgical technician living in Tennessee, who writes primarily and in his spare time. That may change, however, as his popularity as a writer increases. Heir to the King, published by Breakneck Books, performed respectably in sales for a print-on-demand book with limited distribution and advertising. Now, Somers has an agent who is shopping the sequel to major publishers with bigger budgets and larger distribution networks.

For those interested in breaking into the ranks of the "Published," James Somers has a few lessons to share in time management, persistence, and inspiration. Yours truly caught up with the author recently and this is what Somers had to say.

BT: How long did you want to be an author?

JS: I did not want to be an author until I had finished my first novel, The Chronicles of Soone: Heir to the King.

BT: How does it feel to be a published novelist?

JS: I've enjoyed the experience very much. It is a wonderful feeling to have a publisher review your work and accept it--to be willing to put their name on it and back it in the marketplace.

BT: Where do you get your story ideas?

JS: I wish I knew. They just come to me when I start to ponder an idea. Chronicles began as just a creative writing project to take my mind off of the endless coursework I had in college. My latest young adult fantasy, A World Within, came about when I was invited to submit a short story to an upcoming fantasy anthology. I knew I couldn't write anything about wizards or spellcasting as a Christian and feel right about it. So, I tried to figure out a way to get around all of that and the idea came to me...praise the Lord is all I can say. It may be my best novel yet.

BT: How popular is Christian fantasy and science fiction?

JS: I think is may be gaining in popularity. My friend, Wayne Thomas Batson, and three other christian fantasy authors just did a book tour, The Fantasy Four, and by the end of the tour, WAyne was asked to appear on Fox & Friends regarding Christian Fantasy. As we see Harry Potter going bye-bye, at least for new books, we may see more of an interest. People, including Christians, will be looking to fill their appetites for the genre I think.

BT: Do you write every day?

JS: I usually am doing something writing related every day. I use my work breaks and late at night when the family is in bed, etc. It's not all writing, but proofing and revising and outlining too.

BT: How important are time management and self-discipline when it comes to writing?

JS: With all of the other responsibilities I have as husband, father, pastor, etc, I'm finding it to be crucial. I couldn't write without excellent time management skills.

BT: What advice would you give to an aspiring novelist?

JS: Read books that you would like to write...learn how to do it well from those who are doing it well. And if you are doing something already done before (most are) then at least try to add your own style and throw in a curve ball to make it unique, so people will want to read it. Have others critique your work who will be honest with you about it and don't give up. Making contacts with other authors is very important as well.