We're happy to have Chuck Black with us today talking about his books, Sir Quinlan and Sir Rowan. To learn more about Chuck and his books, read on!
Titles: Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor, and Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest (ages 8+)
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Cover blurbs:
Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor: Two friends are called into duty, but only one has the courage to follow. Will Quinlan choose a life of comfortable apathy or faithful service to the Prince? When things go wrong, will he face his past and overcome distrust to bring the Valor Knights back together?
Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest: Sir Rowan, Cameria’s most prestigious tournament knight, is attacked and left for dead. Meanwhile, his people suffer as the Dark Knight expands his tyranny. The final battle looms – will Sir Rowan recognize his true purpose as a Knight of the Prince in time to save Cameria?
1. How did this story come to you?
My original inspiration for writing biblical allegory in the form of children’s adventure stories came from my own kids, and finding that their attention was so much more engaged when the stories of God and themes of the Christian life were told in the form of medieval knights and castles.
When it comes to my development of these books in particular, the stories grew out of the themes I wanted to illustrate. The theme of Sir Quinlan is apathy. I realized that the best way to show the perils of a life of apathy was to show the contrast between one character who lives in apathy and one who lives with purpose.
The theme of Sir Rowan is pride. The fame and fortune of people in our entertainment industry was a natural backdrop for Sir Rowan. Additionally I wanted to close out the series with a lead-in to the end times. I’ve always been fascinated by the biblical account of the two witnesses, so I used this Revelation account to help tell the story.
2. Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I self-published the first four books until enough interest was generated to catch the attention of a publisher, Multnomah Books. They quickly caught the vision for the story and here we are five years and twelve books later. The journey has been a whirlwind full of labor, adventure, and blessing!
3. Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. Writing a book was never a goal or plan of mine, but now I’ve written twelve.
2. My wife and I were never going to have children, but we now have six.
3. I’ve written twelve books I was never going to write for my six children I was never going to have. I’m still learning to give up my selfish ways, listen quietly to God, and say yes when He calls.
4. What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have three different ideas for my next work but haven’t yet decided which to pursue. I am taking a short break from writing to rejuvenate myself, my family, and my creativity.
5. Parting comments?
I consider it a great honor and privilege to be able to share these stories with people everywhere. The power of an inspiring story is immense, and aspiring to live with purpose for something greater is motivating. Jesus Christ gives us both story and greatness by which we can live a life filled with purpose and adventure. That is the heart of all of my books. Although my characters are not perfect, they are noble and true to that call. I know there are faithful Christians that have done that well, and it is my desire to one day be as noble and courageous.
6. Where can fans find you on the internet?
They can find me at http://www.kingdomseries.com/ or www.facebook.com/ChuckBlack.Author or write to me at chuck@perfect-praise.com. Fans can see all my books and read free excerpts at http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=75395.
