I had no idea where it came from, or what it meant. I mean, it was an obvious racial slur, and once I started to explore it, I discovered this character, a mystical man living in the woods, that turned out to be the son of God.

Christian Fennell – 25 July 2022

The Back Flap

Christian Fennell’s third book, LOVE, GUNS & GOD in America, is a portrayal of the violence, race issues, and ideological confrontations facing America today. Set against the background of the religious right’s march toward establishing a Christian state, two young children, fleeing a white nationalist upbringing, chance upon a large, mythical man in the woods, who helps them on their journey to California. When captured, events take a horrific, racial turn, one that many years later, still impacts all those involved. LOVE, GUNS & GOD in America is both thrilling and timely.

About the book

What is the book about?

LOVE, GUNS & GOD in America is a portrayal of the violence, race issues, and ideological confrontations facing America today. Set against the background of the religious right’s march toward establishing a Christian state, two young children, fleeing a white nationalist upbringing, chance upon a large, mythical man in the woods who helps them on their journey to California. When captured, events take a horrific, racial turn, one that many years later, still impacts all those involved.

When did you start writing the book?

2014

How long did it take you to write it?

Seven years. But that said, I was working on three books at once during this time.

Where did you get the idea from?

I was speaking with my son, Cael—I can’t remember what we were talking about, when a line of dialogue appeared in my mind. It was this: “If I’m a monkey, I’m the Monkey King.” I had no idea where it came from, or what it meant. I mean, it was an obvious racial slur, and once I started to explore it, I discovered this character, a mystical man living in the woods, that turned out to be the son of God. So, that was interesting, and I pursed it.  At first, I thought it might be a short story, but then, no, it was a novel.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Not struggled, exactly, but I never got on any big runs with it – maybe, one or two, but mostly, it was all short blasts. When I’d be away from the book for any long periods of time, it was always the character, Lizzy, as a young girl, that brought me back into the book.

What came easily?

The structure, it wrote itself – or rather, developed organically from the telling of the story.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

I’ve had a habit – I don’t know if I will any longer, of putting my kids in my books.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Yeah, sure … I mean, reading is one of the great pleasures of life, at least for me, and so … well – Sheila Watson, her book, The Double Hook. It taught me all is possible, and only that… and more of it, if we reach to it, and try, and don’t settle.

Do you have a target reader?

Yes, absolutely. This is their profile: A reader who enjoys spoiling their favorite author with untold riches and meaningful insights.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I enjoy writing early in the day … starting around 5 a.m. There’s something about the world at that time. The quiet. It pulls me in and holds me. I need a rested brain to write, and my best chance at finding that is first thing in the day. By noon, I’m generally done in.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

With The Fiddler in the Night, my pervious novel, I had a rough idea where the story might go. With this one – never, not once did I know anything beyond the currently scene I was writing.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Edit as I go. Rewriting is writing.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Yes, loud, with earbuds. There’s so much … but lately, A3 has been on high rotation.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was the right fit, at the right time.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Professionally.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

The publisher usually helps with this … that said, I’d like to do some more ‘real world’ efforts, now that the world seems to be opening back up.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Think about you as a writer, and what seems to be the right thing, for you, given where you are at any particular time. There’s no one right path.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Muskoka, Ontario.

Where do you live now?

Montreal.

What would you like readers to know about you?

That I write, because life changed, and that’s just that. Same, too, with how I write.

What are you working on now?

I see more short stories coming, while I explore two or three novel ideas. Also, a collaboration, which I’m really excited about, because I’ve never done that before, over the length of a novel. And because, the person I’ll be collaborating with, is a hell of a good writer. I also have a short play to write, and more essays.

End of Interview:

For more from Mr Fennell visit his website.

Get your copy of LOVE, GUNS, & GOD in America from Amazon US or Amazon UK.