Don Furr Interview (with Mary Nichelson)

It’s been almost a year since we interviewed Don Furr, author of Quest for the Nail Prints. At the time of the interview, he was involved in his media tour for the book and busy with other aspects of promoting it. 


Now, many months later, I wanted to catch up with him and ask how the tour went and what his writing agenda involved. As always, Furr was gracious enough to take time from his busy schedule to discuss his many projects in the works.

MN- The last time we spoke, Quest For The Nail Prints had just been released. How did your book tour, interview circuit and book signings go?

DF- The book tour went very well. Quest has been very well received nationwide and we have sold between 4000 - 5000 copies. That seems to fair well considering I am unknown.

MN- Was there a favorite aspect as it related to promoting Quest that you really enjoyed?

DF- I just enjoyed meeting people all over the country... from several cities in Florida, to Atlanta Georgia, Nashville and Memphis Tennessee to Las Vegas, everyone was very gracious to me and the book was very well received. And the reviewers were so kind with their words. It has truly been an experience I'll not soon forget.

MN- One reviewer wrote, “Those that are not "church-types" will enjoy the action and adventure aspect of it.”That would have to make you feel successful as an author; after all, isn’t the goal to write a book that resonates with everyone?

DF- Absolutely. I wanted the book to be appealing to everyone and it seems to have bridged the Christian/secular gap.

MN- I’m curious at to what the reaction has been to your cross themed display.

DF- I'm glad to say that the cross won a gold advertising award with the Memphis Advertising Federation here in February along with the single book stand.

MN- I see you are still working on your version of Back to the Future’s DeLorean. This is more than just a passing hobby, I presume?

DF- Yes it's just a hobby, but it keeps my mind spinning regarding time travel. I was also able to attend a Back to the Future show with my car in Orlando where I met several cast members from the movie, most notably Claudia Wells, who played Marty McFly's girlfriend in the first movie. She is a believer and is reading Quest for a review.

MN- When can readers and fans expect to see the sequel to Quest in print?

DF- Peter's Quest is coming along nicely. I hope to finish it sometime late next year.

You can order your copy of Quest For The Nail Prints at the book's website.

You can stay in touch with author Don Furr on Facebook and his book page

Other interviews featured in the October issue of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine: Tracy Krauss, Gloria Gaither, and Wallace Henley.

About Mary Nichelson:  http://www.marysworld411.com/

This interview is courtesy of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine. 

 

Wallace Henley Interview (with Mary Nichelson)

Interview with Wallace Henley

Change.  People sense this worldwide event on the threshold that guarantees universal implications far greater than one could ever predicted. With the assurance that something is developing, yet not knowing what it is or how bad it could be, humanity is left with one option, fear. Fear, however, is not synonymous with stability or being an anchor, and that is what author Wallace Henley says we must be during this time of uncertainty. How to get from being fearful to taking control, though, is going from one extreme to the other but not impossible. In his newest book Globequake, Henley reveals the good news that while experiencing uncertainties, we do have one certainty in God. Henley graciously talks absolute truths, ‘spheres’ and hope during our interview, expanding on his wealth of knowledge and demonstrating why this pastor and writer exemplifies true leadership within his church congregation and reading audience.

MN- You went from reporting violence during the Civil Rights movement to working as an aid in the White House , back to journalism and then into ministry proving that life can indeed take us down many different paths. What has been your foundational belief or belief system that has remained constant in spite of your many career changes?

WH- The constant in my life is the Kingdom of God. A person in the political sphere once asked me why I was working there if I am an ordained minister. "I work for the Kingdom of God, and this just happens to be my current assignment." My core calling is to the Church, but all the spheres of our engagement are arenas of God's Kingdom advance.

MN- There are two widely opposing theories regarding life in 2012; we are living in the most chaotic time in history and we are living in the most blessed time in history. I believe both statements are relevant and accurate. Your thoughts?

WH- I agree that both statements are true. I write in Globequake that though we are living in a time of great upheaval, this is a "golden age" for the church. The 1st century Church in Rome was under immense stress, but God used her to impact the entire Roman Empire and change the course of history. Our testimony is established most clearly in the hard times. Isaiah says "the people who walk in DARKNESS have seen a great light." I think you could say, the deeper the darkness, the brighter the light!

MN- In your latest book, you address the cultural Globequake we are currently living in. Explain what exactly the Globequake is.

WH- By 'Globequake' I mean that the changes sweeping down on us are worldwide, not merely local or regional, as in an 'earthquake.' We are living through spiritual, political, economic, family, educational tectonic shifts, redefining the face of the world. Except rather than moving at inches a century as the literal tectonic shifts did, these are moving at lightspeed, and we are try to build lives, churches, families, schools, governing institutions, and businesses on top while everything changes as fast as we think we get it nailed down.

MN- I was impressed with the broad spectrum of information you write on. You explore most social aspects of life-including family, church, government and education-and offer insight on determining and balancing troubled mindsets within each aspect. These are the general areas most would identify as the most stressful and influential, and I am presuming that is why you decided to tackle these key areas?

WH- I write about those 'spheres' (a term from 2 Corinthians 10) because they are the fundamental institutions of society, and the realms of our daily engagements. These are also the zones of Kingdom advance, meaning they are missionary fields as much as geographical points on the planet.

MN- In Globequake, you write frequently on absolute truths. Face it. The greatest challenge for a believer is remaining faithful to absolute truths while being influenced by cultural trends. What is the secret?

WH- The key is not to let style drive theology. Our church has about 15 different worship services each weekend, some of the traditional, but some very contemporary. However, that style does not set our theology, but we bring the ancient truth of God's Word into contact with the culture, in the language of the culture. One must do like Daniel (Daniel 1:8) and set oneself in concrete that he or she will not be 'defiled' by the spirit of the age.

MN- In your opinion, what do people fear most; (a) change or (b) the uncertainty of change, not change itself?

WH- In our day, change is addictive because we all live through it and deal with it constantly. The uncertainty is the problem. In Globequake I've tried to show where the certainty is midst it all--in the Kingdom of God as a theological system (orthodoxy) and the Kingdom of God as a functional system (orthopraxy).

MN- Speaking of fear, one of the reasons you wrote Globequake was to educate the reader on “how to remain fearless in an increasingly fearful world”. With one in four now reporting anxiety, one in seventy-five being diagnosed with a panic disorder, and anxiety disorders being credited as being the most common mental illness in the US affecting over 40 million, I’d say you wrote to a much needed segment of the population. In what ways do you think Globequake will have a positive effect on those suffering from fear and anxiety due to world events?
WH- If people read Globequake they will see that God is in charge of history (a whole chapter on 'time' deals with this), that history is the arena for the outworking of God's overarching plan, that the unshakeable Kingdom of God is the theme of history, and that even in the midst of the chaos there is order and peace. As people receive the Holy Spirit He brings the manifestation of that peace, and as people grow as disciples, developing a biblical worldview, they think about the world differently, understanding Who is in charge.

MN- I see that you are a pastor of a church that currently mentors 60,000+ members. That must be quite challenging! What is the greatest leadership objective you encounter as a role model to such a large congregation?

WH- My aim always before these thousands of people, and others I touch, beginning with my family, is to model a life anchored to the unshakeable Kingdom midst the world's turbulence. That's why I write transparently about the huge changes and turbulence I've lived through personally in 71 years on earth. -

Author Bio- Born just two days prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, author Wallace Henley has spent most of his life learning to deal with a world in crisis. Born to a couple who had survived the Great Depression and were understandably alarmed when their nation was cast into a world war only days after their first son’s birth, Henley learned at an early age that stability could not be found in an unstable world.

By the time Henley reached high school the threat of communism was rampant and the constant threat of a nuclear war made him wonder if his generation might not be the world’s last. A few years later, he was once again called to bear witness to the world in crisis mode when, as a young reporter in Birmingham, Alabama, he was assigned the violence and unrest brought on by the Civil Rights movement. And a few years after that, while working as an aide in the White House, he witnessed the dissolution of the troubled Nixon administration. Returning to journalism following Nixon’s departure from the White House, Henley soon began to feel drawn to the ministry – a career choice he’d once sworn to never make – and within a few months became pastor of his first church.

In the time since, he has traveled the world as a speaker and writer, authored more than a dozen books, served as a Congressional chief of staff and as a leadership consultant and worked in over 20 countries, all the while gaining a keener grasp of scripture and a deeper understanding of human nature.

Today he serves as pastor in the 60,000 member Second Baptist Church of Houston, led by Ed Young and is a columnist for Christian Post. He and his wife of over 50 years, Irene, live in the Houston area. The couple have a grown son and daughter and when not working or traveling, enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.

You can read more from Henley through his blog or connect with him on Face Book!

Order your copy of Globequake through Amazon and Christian Book.com.  Also available in Kindle and Audio!

Interviews also featured in TWJM's October issue: Don Furr, Tracy Krauss, and Gloria Gaither. 
About Mary Nichelson: http://www.marysworld411.com/.

This interview is courtesy of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine. 

 

Gloria Gaither Interview (with Mary Nichelson)

For years, Bill and Gloria Gaither have reached millions of people through their music. Until now, viewers and listeners have been privy only to snippets of their message through their music and television show. With the release of The Gaither Homecoming Bible around the corner, readers can have a Bible and Gaither scrapbook all in one. It is packed cover to cover with features such as “inspirational and insightful Scripture devotions by the Gaithers and other favorite Homecoming artists; articles on beloved hymns, gospel songs, and Gaither classics and the inspiration behind them; original poetry by Gloria Gaither to enlighten and inspire; and quotes by greats of the faith, reflecting on the importance of music in the life of believers.” And of course, it is surrounded by the gospel in New King James Version (NKJV) format, the same good news that has motivated the Gaithers throughout their career.

With multiple deadlines and tasks looming, Gloria Gaither was still able to take a few moments to speak with me regarding the message within The Gaither Homecoming Bible.

MN- With so many Bibles on the market, what makes the Gaither Homecoming Bible unique?

GG-Parents today are concerned that their children (including adult children) find that the Bible applies to their real lives, every day.  The contributions of the Homecoming Artists reflect in very personal stories how the Word of God speaks to them in the daily of their lives.  Many of these contributors are young families who, though they have a very public life as singers and recording artists, also work to keep their marriages and families in tact and do it on the road on week-ends and also maintain homes during the first part of the week.  This Bible is not a theological commentary; it is a practical interfacing of life with the Word.  We find, too, that parents of all ages (including grandparents) are concerned that their children may not be learning the great common literature of the faith, including the great content-hymns and gospel songs that have rescued generations of believers when life hands them a hard blow or when they need words to express their personal history with God.  This Bible uniquely includes at the site of the text that inspired them, many of these great songs and the stories behind them. The middle generation, particularly, will want to give this treasure of music literature to their children and their families, and also find it a great way to honor and thank older parents who taught them these songs and a love for the Bible.

MN- There are 20 original poems included in the Bible that were written by you. Do you have a favorite and can you tell our readers the story behind this particular poem?

GG-I think my favorite would be "The White Stone," a poem that is a written from the point of view of Mary Magdalene fusing the symbol of the stone rolled away from the grave of the Lord so white with light that Mary couldn't look at it with the symbol found in Revelation 2:17 of the white stone that will ultimately reveal our true identity given us by God himself. 

MN- Readers will love that some of the Gaither friends have contributed by writing articles based on personal experience. Do you believe this will connect the reader with these artists on a whole new level besides just a musical one?

GG-Yes, all too often it seems that audiences view performers and communicators as somehow distant from them and the everyday struggles and simple joys and accomplishments of life.  Sometimes up-front people themselves begin to believe their own press releases.  But there is nothing like the Word of God to reduce or elevate us to our true selves and make level the ground at the foot of the cross.  Bill and I  travel with these artists and on most days we all know that we are just dust with the wonder of having had the breath of God breathed into us.  I think when readers see what these artists have written, they will know that they are amazingly transparent (as I know them to be), hungry for God, and open to growth on a daily basis.

MN- Writing is your life; I mean, whether penning songs or articles, devotionals or poems, you have a diverse gift of communication. At what point did you realize that you had been gifted with writing that connected with others, and at what point did you realize that you loved to write?

GG-I grew up in a home filled with ideas.  My mother was a painter, a poet, a writer, and a speaker.  My father was a pastor with a hunger to connect the dots in Bible and then to connect those discoveries to practical living.  I began writing before high school, wrote my own speeches (oratory) for speech contests, and wrote poetry for my own pleasure and, sometimes, catharsis.  In college I wrote academic papers on philosophy, literature, sociology, etc., which I loved doing, but also wrote for the pure joy of playing with words.  In graduate school I became enamored with the works of John Steinbeck and began writing professional papers for Steinbeck publications and for presentation at Steinbeck conferences.  But always I wrote--in journals, for gifts, for fun.  When I met Bill and fell in love, I found he was writing some songs.  I began giving him suggestions on his lyrics, but gradually, we sort of worked our way into a system that worked for us:  we both got ideas from our lives and surroundings, then he would come up with a musical setting that seemed to fit that idea.  Once that was done, I usually wrote the verses and finished whatever holes were left in the chorus (or theme refrain).  I love writing both songs and books for children, maybe because I am still one myself.  I love writing deep philosophical or theological pieces that, as Bill says, get the idea "on the bottom shelf" where ideas have to interface with the road of life.  I guess there is no genre of writing I don't enjoy, though I have never written long fiction.  I hope to try that, too, one day.

MN- Throughout The Gaither Homecoming Bible you write on the love of music, and in one passage, specifically on the difference between a gospel song and a hymn. The article states, ‘In general, we could think of hymns as those songs of praise and worship we send up to God identifying for all to hear His attributes and thanking Him for His amazing intervention in our world and in our lives.... The other kind of song that we need to sing together is the gospel song....these songs are horizontal, by that I mean that they are the word of our testimony.’ Why is it important to sing both types of song as opposed to just one style?

GG- Suffice it to say that if I read the Word of God correctly, our worship of God should be a balance of vertical (songs, devotion, prayer) that expresses our awareness of who God is and the attributes of his character as  well as an awareness of who we are (and are not).  This includes confession, thanksgiving and honesty about what we need that only God can provide. The second part of worship is a personal testimony to each other of how we know who God is, how we came to have a relationship with him, and, because of that relationship, how, then, should we live.  If our praise is just words and we leave those around us still hungry, without shelter, without clothes, without love and compassion  then our "praise" is worthless.  So in our music, we need a even balance between hymns and songs of praise (the vertical part of our experience and history with God) and gospel songs (songs of personal testimony and commitment to make a difference with our faith in our world.

MN- The story behind the writing of John Newton's Amazing Grace is common knowledge. What song of yours would you like people to be singing 100 years from now?

GG-Only the people who find our songs true in their own personal experience over time and across changing fads of style can choose the songs that will be sung 100 years  from now.  I hope a song like "Because He Lives" might be one of them, because the resurrection (both in history and in our own lives) is so central to our faith.  A living  God who chose to come and walk with us here on this earth and give us an eternal perspective in the "regular" of  our days is the tenet of our faith that changes our lives and how we live them.

MN- I love the fact that you and Bill (Gaither) have not only invested in artists, but generally speaking, in people themselves. We need more of that in a world that seems to be tearing apart at the seams. What are some ways we can connect with others through day to day interactions?

GG-We have a wise friend who says she asks God when she meets people to show her what He had in mind for them from the beginning of time and then to give her the  wisdom and grace to act toward them as if that had already been accomplished.  I love that.  I think the "us--them" mentality is the farthest thing from how Jesus would have  us think.  If we could only see what God had in mind for others and for ourselves, then partner with God to help in every way we can to make that a reality, the world would be a different place.

MN- If you could sum up your purpose in getting the Gaither Homecoming Bible in the hands of readers in one sentence, what would it be?

GG-The Word of God is a living thing, not a club to enforce our point of view, but a living, breathing, trans-formative thing to give us life as it was intended to be lived; if we just ingest it, over time, we will be different and see others differently.  Our purpose is to love people into actually letting the tire of their lives meet the pavement of God's Word.

Author Bio-Bill & Gloria Gaither’s new project that is being published by Thomas Nelson releases Oct. 9, 2012. This wonderful couple met in college, married, started their music career, had babies, and are still going strong with their marriage and career. The Gaither Homecoming Bible is a legacy project for the beloved couple, who have had a tremendous impact on people around the world through multiple media projects. Throughout their career, the Gaithers have successfully accomplished the following: Sold over 20-million video and audio units worldwide, 15 different TV networks carry Gaither programming reaching over 334-million household, Billboard magazine says, “Bill Gaither has done for Gospel music what MTV did rock.”, Bill Gaither has won 6 Grammys and 41 Gospel Music Awards with 127 videos certified by RIAA….9 multi-platinum, 56 platinum, 62, gold.

You can order your copy of The Gaither Homecoming Bible on their website.

Other interviews featured in October issue of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine: Wallace Henley, Don Furr, and Tracy Krauss.

About Mary Nichelson: http://www.marysworld411.com/ 

This interview is courtesy of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine.

 

Wind Over Marshdale by Tracy Krauss Releases Today!

Tracy Krauss is launching her book WIND OVER MARSHDALE on Tuesday, Oct. 16. Full of intrigue, romance, and plenty of surprises, see what’s hiding just beneath the surface in this seemingly peaceful town. You can help her achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at amazon.com TODAY – and receive all kinds of cool free gifts while you’re at it!
Here’s how:
1. Go to the Landing Page on Tracy’s Website
2. Buy the book at amazon.
3. Go back to the Landing Page and fill in the form with your name, email and purchase number.
It’s that easy! You’ll be directed to your free gifts and all you have to do is choose which ones you want.

About the book:

Marshdale. Just a small farming community where nothing special happens.  A perfect place to start over… or get lost. There is definitely more to this prairie town than meets the eye. Once the meeting place of aboriginal tribes for miles around, some say the land itself was cursed because of the people’s sin. But its history goes farther back than even indigenous oral history can trace and there is still a direct descendant who has been handed the truth, like it or not. Exactly what ties does the land have to the medicine of the ancients? Is it cursed, or is it all superstition?

Wind Over Marshdale is the story of the struggles within a small prairie town when hidden evil and ancient medicine resurface. Caught in the crossfire, new teacher Rachel Bosworth finds herself in love with two men at once. First, there is Thomas Lone Wolf, a Cree man whose blood lines run back to the days of ancient medicine but who has chosen to live as a Christian and faces prejudice from every side as he tries to expose the truth. Then there is Con McKinley, local farmer who has to face some demons of his own. Add to the mix a wayward minister seeking anonymity in the obscurity of the town; eccentric twin sisters – one heavily involved in the occult and the other a fundamentalist zealot; and a host of other ‘characters’ whose lives weave together unexpectedly for the final climax. This suspenseful story is one of human frailty - prejudice, cowardice, jealousy, and greed – magnified by powerful spiritual forces that have remained hidden for centuries, only to be broken in triumph by grace.

What others are saying:

Tracy Krauss has a deep talent. I am looking forward to more from her.

-          Tom Blubaugh, Author of Night of the Cossack

Tracy Krauss typifies all that is good in modern Christian authorship. She is consistently there for her readers and elevates her every effort.

-          Joyce Godwin Grubbs, Author From the Grassroots

Tracy’s characters are raw and real; her plots edgy and electric.

-          Lisa Lickel, award winning author of Meander Scar,  A Summer in Oakville, The Map Quilt and other inspirational novels.

There is plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep any reader's attention, but for lovers of romance, this one will make your heart pound.

-          Michelle Sutton, reviewer and author of more than a dozen inspirational novels

Author bio:
Tracy Krauss is a high school teacher by profession, and a prolific author, artist, playwright and director by choice. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has gone on to teach Art, Drama and English – all the things she is passionate about. After raising four children, she and her husband now reside in beautiful Tumbler Ridge, BC where she continues to pursue all of her creative interests.

FREE STUFF:
Here’s just a sampling of the FREE e-gifts from generous supporters:

-    a free copy of  25 Years In the Rearview Mirror - compiled and edited by Stacy Juba; Shoot the Wounded by Lynn Dove; Live Without Stress by Shelley Hitz; Alternative Witness by Pauline Creeden; and Writing Your Family Legacy and Reflections of the Heart, both by Linda Weaver Clarke

- a free first chapters of such best-selling books as From Spice to Eternity by Yvonne Wright; Angels of Humility by Jackie MacGirvin; and Silence by Barbara Derksen

- beautiful downloadable greeting cards by Brenda Hendricks; and poetry posters by Violet Nesdoly

- the ‘Fit Test’ by author and trainer Kimberley Payne; plus a chance to win an ‘amazon’ gift card courtesy of Ruth Hill

-          And much more!

All if you buy your copy of WIND OVER MARSHDALE  at amazon.com on Oct 16! All links will be operational on the ‘Landing Page’ at www.tracykrauss.com/ 

DISCLAIMER: This ‘Best Seller book launch’ has been coordinated with the help of the ‘John 3:16 Marketing Network’ and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the internet or by email by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, amazon.com  

Tracy Krauss Interview (with Mary Nichelson)

Interview with Tracy Krauss

Tracy Krauss has blazed a new trail as it relates to ‘edgy inspirational fiction’ . With four novels and four screenplays available, she has earned her title; Author, Artist, Playwright. However, what separates Krauss from others that may bear the same title is her writing mission; “Fiction that inspires with an authentic edge.” 

Whether writing about relationships, spirituality and occults, or archeology, readers love her work, dishing out near perfect reviews for each of her books. She writes about genuine people that aren’t perfect, broaching situations that other Christian authors don’t dare write about. Her objective is clear.  While Krauss doesn’t spare the reader rough scenes, she ultimately honors the idea that redemption is possible through the power of God.

In June, Krauss released Wind Over Marshdale, a novel thick with racial tension, jealousy, and yes, sin. “WIND OVER MARSHDALE takes place in a small prairie town where, on the surface, everything seems quaint and happy. Underneath there are some serious issues, especially with racism, sexual promiscuity, and the occult.” In our interview, she elaborates on racism and prejudice but also gives insight to who Tracy Krauss-the Author, Artist, Playwright-really is.

MN- You confront several social issues in Wind Over Marshdale, and you do so very well without being preachy. You write about racial tensions, spirituality in different elements, and temptation/sin, among others. Why tackle so many issues in one book?

TK- I enjoy reading books that are multi-dimensional and complex , so I guess that translates into the way I write. So far that seems to be my ‘norm’, anyway. I love it when a book (or movie for that matter) weaves seemingly unrelated events and details together for the final climax. I also don’t shy away from topics that could be controversial, especially within the Christian marketplace, but I do try to maintain a balance between ‘realism’ and propriety. It can be a wavy line at times, depending on one’s viewpoint. One thing I don’t try to do is provide a bunch of pat answers. Complex social issues can’t be solved and then neatly wrapped up, in my view. Instead, I’m more interested in raising awareness and then letting readers ponder the questions for themselves afterwards.

MN- So me about the characters of Thomas Lone Wolf and Con McKinley. Which one do you think readers will adopt as their personal favorite?

TK- Thomas is proud of his Cree ancestry, and although he is also a born-again Christian and a man of strong faith, sometimes his frustrations over racial injustice brings out some bitterness. Con is a farmer, but he is no ‘hick’. He’s well educated and uses the latest agricultural technology. He is also a Christian, although he sewed his wild oats, so to speak, in his younger years, but is now pretty solid in his faith. Both are strong, rugged, handsome … (as all good heroes should be!) So far, readers seem to be more drawn to Con, perhaps because he is the more typical male protagonist. I am more drawn to Thomas, but I think it is totally a personal preference. I feel more empathy for the struggles that he’s had to face, (plus, in my mind’s eye, he is pretty darn good looking, too!) I’ve been tossing around a sequel with him in it, but I haven’t quite figured out where to go with it yet.

MN- As parents we have to be careful not to teach our children to carry on the prejudice that we may personally carry against others. How does someone who has been taught to hate or discriminate overcome that mindset?

TK- That’s a really tough question. I think getting to know other people as individuals is key, and in order to do that, you have to reach out and make friends with people that you might not normally hang around with. That is easier said than done, of course, but I have been fortunate in that we have lived in smaller communities – some of them remote – where our children had no choice but to mingle with everyone. Another thing is to be vocal against discrimination of any kind. It’s one thing I will not tolerate – even in jest. Often we just titter nervously when someone makes an inappropriate comment, but we should really speak up, (kindly, of course) and express our discomfort.

MN- Wind Over Marshdale is steeped in spirituality on many levels; Christian warfare, occults and other spiritual practices. Because we as individuals are ‘spirits’, don't you think we are naturally attracted to supernatural phenomenon's?

TK- Absolutely. It’s why there is such a fascination with stories about supernatural beings these days. Sometimes this interest seems innocent enough, but we should be aware that such things do exist and take precautions. Delving too deeply, even just for interest’s sake, can have consequences.

MN- To err is human, however, there may be readers that are carrying around an enormous weight of guilt because they crossed the line at one point and engaged in what they believe to be an unforgivable sin. What would you say to that reader?

TK- There is no sin that is ‘unforgiveable’ per se. When the Bible talks about that, the implication is that the individual has turned away from God, therefore NOT actually seeking forgiveness in the first place. As far as those who have dealt in witchcraft, the occult, sexual sin – anything - God can and will forgive us if and when we ask. His grace has no measure. It is boundless.

MN- Spiritual journeys and rituals should be sacred and personal although our beliefs will basically be the same. How can we effectively tell others about God when their journeys and rituals look so different from ours?

TK- I am a firm believer in focusing on what we have in common rather than the things that divide us. Even though we may go to a particular church and adhere to their doctrinal statement, the only point that really matters is this:Jesus and Him crucified. When you really boil it down, that is the essential truth that binds us together as believers and which should be our focus. Everything else is extra. I’m not trying to imply that the finer points of doctrine don’t matter, (things like the way we express our faith etc.) but as a larger body we need to focus on Jesus and just loving everyone else as individuals. Unity is not the same as uniformity. God is a God of great variety and we should be celebrating that fact instead of trying to make everyone fit onto our own particular mold.

MN- What is your favorite season?

TK- Autumn is easily my favorite season. I love the changing colors, the freshness of the air, and because I am also a teacher, that sense of excitement that comes at the beginning of a new school year.

MN- Favorite beverage?

TK- I am a coffee drinker – either black or with cream, depending on my mood, but definitely never sweetened! (My husband says I’m sweet enough already.)

MN- Current book of choice?

TK- I still love Frank Peretti’s MONSTER, even though it’s been awhile. I’m currently reading Ted Dekker’s BLINK, (also amazing), and I usually love my current release best, so I’d have to say WIND OVER MARSHDALE, although I’m still pretty sweet on my first book AND THE BEAT GOES ON.

MN- Do you have a special writing place?

TK-  I have two spots for writing. Most of the time I sit at my kitchen table with my laptop, but sometimes I use the computer in my office.

MN- Sum up Tracy Krauss the author in one sentence.

TK- I thrive on fallen characters, complex story lines, edgy topics, and God’s grace – all with a twist of suspense and a dash of romance.

Author bio-Tracy Krauss is a best-selling author, playwright, artist and teacher. She is a member of 'American Christian Fiction Writers', 'Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship', 'The Word Guild' and 'Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers', as well as several writing related social networking groups. Originally from a small prairie town, Tracy received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Sask. with majors in Art, and minors in History and English. She teaches High School English, Drama and Art. Apart from her many personal creative pursuits, she also directs an amateur theatre group and leads worship at her local church. She and her husband, an ordained minister with the PAOC, have lived in many remote and unique places in Canada's north, including Churchill Manitoba - the 'polar bear capital of the world', the Yukon, and the NWT. They raised four children and were active advocates of the homeschooling movement for many years. They currently reside in beautiful Tumbler Ridge, BC, known for its waterfalls. 
You can say in touch with Krauss through her Website  and blog as well as following her on FaceBook and Twitter

Other interviews featured in the October issue of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine: Gloria Gaither, Wallace Henley, and Don Furr.

About Mary Nichelson: http://www.marysworld411.com/

This interview is courtesy of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine.