I went this way because of past history and I knew that it would be a free and quick way to get my book out for sale on Amazon.
Christiopher Hearn – 20 February 2024
The Back Flap
Helping Christians explain the validity of our faith to non-christians. It can also be read by people who do not believe in God to see that there is evidence for Christianity.
I give answers to the following reasons for not believing in God and more:
- We don’t really know how Christianity started
- Christianity is a made-up religion just like all of the others
- Christianity has too many legends and myths mixed in with the truth to know what is real and what isn’t
- The New Testament is written too late after the events to be a reliable source for knowing the truth about Jesus
- There is no evidence for Christianity
One of the goals of the book is to equip people so they will have more confidence when sharing their faith with others.
About the book
When did you start writing the book?
Summer of 2022.
How long did it take you to write it?
The main copy was finished in December, 2023.
Where did you get the idea from?
From talking on social media to atheists and other people who are not Christian. I realized that they were all missing some key points about the start of Christianity, namely concerning Christ’s resurrection. I saw that if I framed the discussion in this way, that the reality of Christ’s resurrection would be clearer.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Namely in the editing and formatting of the book.
What came easily?
Writing the text and putting it together in a systematic way.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The book is non-fiction, so all the people are real world.
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?
None have strongly influenced how I write, but I’ve been listening to people like Sean McDowell and Frank Turek and those whom they interview. What I hear from them influences my writing.
Do you have a target reader?
Yes, the main target reader is the Christian who would like to effectively share their faith with others, but doesn’t know how to do so.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I usually write with classical music playing (the “soft” or “relaxing” kind of classical). I enjoy Halidonmusic on YouTube.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
No. After I finished writing, then I put the material into outline form as an Appendix.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
A bit of both, but mainly after I’ve finished. If there will be another book, I’ll do more editing as I go.
Did you hire a professional editor? (May skip if being published by a small press rather than self-publishing)
Yes. A friend of mine.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I usually write with classical music playing (the “soft” or “relaxing” kind of classical). I enjoy Halidonmusic on YouTube.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I haven’t yet, but probably will to one or two. We’ll see.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I’ve done indie before through Amazon (Createspace) and this time the process was very easy; it was better than a few years ago. I went this way because of past history and I knew that it would be a free and quick way to get my book out for sale on Amazon.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Professionally. Also from a friend of mine who does art work for companies as his profession.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
A combination of a few ideas and winging it. : )
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Go for it! Amazon (Creatspace) is totally free and pretty easy to use. They will give your book an ISBN number, you can publish as a softcover, hardcover and on Kindle.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Various parts of San Diego area.
Where do you live now?
Michigan.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I have written two books concerning Christianity:
- How Did Christianity Begin? Hallucinations? Fabrications? Myths? Resurrection? A Look at the Evidence
- Let’s Meet God: Answering Common Questions Concerning Christianity
I have served as a missionary to Russia with Operation Mobilization (OM) and as a Senior Pastor for 8 years.
I have a BA in Journalism from Point Loma Nazarene University and an MDIV from Bethel Theological Seminary San Diego.
Along with writing, I love photography.
What are you working on now?
Not writing any books currently. Working on getting the word out concerning, How Did Christianity Begin?
End of Interview:
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Get your copy of How Did Christianity Begin? from Amazon US or Amazon UK.