Religion / History
Date Published: April 12, 2023
Publisher: Clay Bridges Press
Following the tumultuous course of American history in the mid-nineteenth century, here is the story of Nathan Butterfield-a preacher's son whose faith in God is all but destroyed as he experiences the loss of loved ones and friends and witnesses his country being torn apart by the brutal realities of slavery. As the nation descends into a bloody civil war, Nathan is drawn into the conflict and further embittered and traumatized by the savagery that surrounds him, though several people try to help him see that a gracious and loving God is still to be found. Only through a life-changing battlefield experience does Nathan finally see the staggering depth and beauty of God's amazing grace.
Interview with Ross Phillips
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Writing energizes me. I like to think through story lines character development and sentence structure, use the creative part of my brain.
What
is the first book that made you cry?
"Banner
in the Sky" - I identified with the main character feeling
outcast.
How
did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
My writing process didn't change. I turned in a full manuscript and worked with publishing group from there.
What
do you owe the real people upon whom you base your characters?
The main character is somewhat autobiographical, so my life experience was helpful to draw from. The real historical characters challenged me to think about myself, the kind of person I want to be.
Where
did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?
My parents were both voracious readers and learners, and definitely encouraged me and my sisters in these directions.
What
do you like to read in your free time?
I like to read historical fiction (surprise) and a wrll written mystery.
Can
you share some stories about people you met while researching this
book?
I didn't meet anybody in my research. Just me and Wikipedia.
Why
did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? If
you write more than one, how do you balance them?
As a therapist I have a strong interest in trauma and recovery. My faith is the most important part of who I am. I love history. I wanted to blend all these into one story. As to balance, my next book will be on a different theme and not historical.
How
do you begin writing a new book? What challenges come with it?
I worked off a short story I wrote one years ago. My challenge is in good character development and story flow.
Share
a place that inspires you to write.
My
main writing area is my dining room table. Not worth a picture.
About the Author
Ross Phillips is a practicing behavioral health therapist with a significant interest in trauma recovery. He is a history lover and was a Civil War reenacted for nearly fifteen years. He sees his relationship with God as by far the most important part of who he is, and he is constantly amazed by God's grace. Phillips lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his cat Jasper, whom he loves, and a small statue of a friendly beaver named Bob, that he kind of likes.
Contact Link
Purchase Links
0 comments:
Post a Comment