John L. Owens' THE NINTH GENERATION

We're happy to have John L. Owens with us. Click on the photo to the left to visit his website. Read on to learn more about John and his book...

1) How did this story come to you?
The story slowly unfolded while cleaning the acrylics of our family-owned tanning salon. My wife and I took turns running it. Between customers, it was a great escape to delve into the setting of The Ninth Generation and to ponder the dialogue that might have taken place between Noah’s father, Lameck, at 112 and Enoch, at 364 years of age. The time period before the flood had fascinated me and there were mysteries that I longed to solve. I had also prayed for something that would help our 18-yr-old adopted son to obtain a Biblical world view. An adventurous, fast-moving novel with some clean romance seemed in order.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I had followed the advice of David Morrell, author of First Blood, who said to writers, “Your goal should be to write something that’s important to you, not to the critics.” And while I had utilized the editorial arm of The Christian Writers Guild, the final novel was a difficult sell to a regular publisher – most prefer a New Testament time period. I had also taken a position on Genesis 6:4 – the angelic / human view – that may have been uncomfortable to some. So, with prayerful consideration and some advertising – publishing experience, I decided to go with a reputable pod Christian publisher (Xulon). If it was meant to multiply, perhaps it would. At least I had something to give my son and, interestingly by request, to the mothers of his friends.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I passed out once when asked to speak in public. / God used a witch to open my eyes to the reality of the demonic (she was delivered and saved). / I served as academic dean to the first above-ground pastoral training school in the former USSR.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am working on a field manual on spiritual warfare – Positioned for Victory (non-fiction), while thinking about another more contemporary fictional novel that might parallel The Ninth Generation – Jesus prophesied that the last days will compare to the days of Noah.

5) Parting comments?
For those who have ever wondered what it was like living among the centenarians, and would like to preview a well-researched, imaginative novel, please visit my book site.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.TheNinthGeneration.com – contains links to blog and podcasts