Greetings from Sarah Sundin in California! Today I’m “traveling” to the other coast to chat with Eddie Jones, who writes award-winning novels for teens and tweens. And occasionally speaks Pirate.
Welcome, Eddie! Please tell us about your book Medium Well Done.
When a young woman goes missing, Nick is forced into an unlikely partnership with local police. As he uncovers the facts, Nick discovers a world of darkness where a fake fortuneteller deceives clients for profit. What he learns is worse than any lies a fake psychic passes off as truth.
What inspired you to write this book?
Racism within certain law enforcement organizations, fake psychics that play on peoples’ emotions for profit, to debunk the idea that ghosts can be called up from the dead for a chat, to point readers (mostly boys) to the Bible where the truth about ghosts, spiritualists, and talking to the dead are discussed (and warned against).
With so many of these important topics to cover, what is the primary focus of your book?
A clever “why did he/she do it” mystery that may or may not be a murder. Solving the puzzle is the book’s primary focus, but there is a hint at romance (young love and broken hearts), exposure of our own prejudices, humor, and a trip through Savannah Georgia’s past and underground tunnels.
What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
That if we seek the truth and the Creator of all truth, the Truth will set us free: and perhaps set someone else free as well.
What was the hardest scene to write?
First chapter. That one took months.
Ouch. I hear you. How do you share Christ in your writing?
At Pirate-preacher.com I pontificate a lot: too much my wife says. I’ll often write in the voice of a pirate. Otherwise I write as a lubber. Lubbers sometimes struggle to understand pirate-speak.
What themes do you return to again and again in your writing?
Championing the underdog, defending those without a voice, not taking ourselves too seriously (humility), keeping a loose grip on life, and laughing at our mistakes. If we can’t laugh at our screw-ups you can bet others will.
Yes, we do. So how has being a pirate-preacher-writer impacted your relationship with Christ?
I have a better perspective of how God sees us as characters in his story. We have free will and go off script all the time. As the Author, Jesus and our Father must spend a great deal of time adding elements of scenes and plots to keep the story moving the right direction.
What’s your actual writing place like?
Green room, front porch, top porch, patio.
And what would be your ideal writing place?
Ocean front dog room in Holden Beach, NC. From there I can see the waves (small), hear the surf, but not sweat all that much. The dogs can nap on the couches. And when my work is done, I can grab my board and head out.
Why do you love writing?
It’s my first language.
Do you have an unfulfilled dream?
Live at the coast, surf sandbar breaks, and write a series of bestselling novels. I pray God’s blessing on those two “visions” daily.
What ministries are you involved in, and why?
Moore Square in Raleigh. Each Sunday morning I drive down and hand out sandwiches, water bottles, and donated clothing to those sleeping on park benches and sidewalks. One November Jesus sent me down to Moore Square after church with 40 box lunches. I’ve been going back each Sunday ever since. I take orders for new clothing and household items, order those on Amazon, and return the next week to pass out the new goods. My message to those I meet is simple: Jesus came to give us life to the full and he wants YOU to be in HIM so you can enjoy the fruits of his kingdom. I’m also co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries
What a fantastic and sorely needed ministry. Other than that—and writing—what talents do you have?
Teaching writing and Scripture.
Do you have a “day job” or a previous career? Does it influence what or how you write?
Sold toilet paper for a while. Wrote about a TP salesman in a quirky romance called Bahama Breeze.
That’s hysterical! Everyone struggles with time management in our 24/7 world. How do you stay disciplined and meet your deadlines?
I write in the morning with coffee until around 9, take a break, write for another hour, then come back in the evenings and write from 7-8. When on deadlines I shove things around to write faster.
All of us writers can relate. So what are you working on now? Tell us about your next project.
Down to Davy Jones (Caribbean Chronicles series)
What can a man give in exchange for his soul? Ricky is about to find out there are worse things than being snatched from the deck of a ship by the Kraken, plunged into the depths of the sea, and cast into the Lake of Fire―things like sailing aboard a ghost ship crewed by demons and the dead. Would you sail into the underworld aboard the Flying Dutchman in order to save someone you love?
That sounds exciting! Thank you for sharing with us today, Eddie!
To learn more about Eddie and his books, please visit Eddie’s website and Eddie’s blog.
Writing for Him,
Sarah Sundin