“An Unlikely Source of Light”

1) Let’s start with the basics. What is your Author name; use your Pen name if you have one.

My Author Name is Dennis McFarland

2) What is your genre and what drew you to it?

I have two books. They are meant to compliment each other. One is religious nonfiction, and the other is an action/suspense novel. I did not sense so much of a call to any certain genre but rather a greater sense of purpose. I knew what I wanted to accomplish and the material for both books just kind of flowed through me if that makes any sense.

3) Which character of yours was the most challenging to write and why?

In the novel, all the characters might be reflections of different parts of my character. Who they were kind of took shape around the story I needed to tell. There is only one character that is based on a real person. Julianna in the story is loosely based on my JR High School crush. I never saw her again after JR High, so I had to construct a back story for her. But I wanted the feelings Paul had for her to feel genuine. Plus, for the purpose of the story I wanted to give that character everything he could ever ask for. Stitching all that together was difficult The nonfiction book features me as the main character. Doing the audiobook for it was a challenge because I could only hear it narrated in my own voice. Picking another person was truly difficult.

4) Do you prefer writing dialogue, action or other scenes?

I’m an action guy for sure! I write like I speak, and anyone in my gravity will tell you I am an excellent storyteller. I want to verbally sit you in the seat and put you on the ride.

5) What is your favorite part about being a writer?

I don’t know that I could zero in on a single favorite part of being a writer. I started journaling at 12 years old and still have every single spiral notebook today at 52 years old. I was raised in solitude. Writing is my escape. It is how I heal myself. It is how I reach out to others. It is my gift.

6) What is your favorite character from any book you have ever read?

I don’t know if you will count comic books for this answer, but I have a long-time obsession with the story of Rom the Spaceknight. This guy gives up his humanity to chase this alien race down that destroyed his home world. He lands here and starts evaporating “Dire Wraiths”, but nobody knows at first, because they are shapeshifters. So, it looks like he is executing our neighbors. The conflict within the Dire Wraiths concerning sorcery versus science just enhances the story. Definitely Rom.

7) Where is your favorite place to read?

My favorite place to read is less about location and more about the environment. I like a distraction free reading environment. I want the book to be the sole distraction. This can be on the couch at home in by lantern light and campfire.

8) What was your favorite childhood book?

My mother started reading The Hobbit to my little sister and I when I was probably 6-7 years old. Her work schedule changed, and she could not continue, so I picked it up and finished it myself. That was the first novel I ever read and is still my favorite book from childhood.

9) Do you prefer to read series or independent novels?

I don’t really have a preference between series or independent novels. If the story gets ahold of me, I will work all the way through it. A coworker recently introduced me to Terry Pratchett. I am currently reading “Mort” and I love it. For a guy I had not heard of before, the world of stories he has created is enormous.

10) If you could live in any “book world” what would that be?

I love the Star Wars universe. It is both beautiful and dangerous. The possibilities are endless for whatever character you could imagine.

11) What is your best book memory?

My favorite memory was listening to my son Brandon read “Harry McCleary Scatter Cat” to his mother and I. “But along came Harry McCleary…”

12) What is the name of your book/series? Tell me a little bit about them.

My first book is nonfiction. It is titled “First Church of Mars: A Practical Guide to Christianity for the Interplanetary Traveler.” Simply put, I suggest some changes that could be made within the church to make it more culturally relevant and effective while at the same time not compromising the “truly” important doctrinal issues. It is also available as an Audiobook. My second book is an action/suspense novel. It is titled “Razormist: Does God Love Everyone, Even A Professional Killer?” It is parabolic of my first book and tells the story of Misty. She was raised as a professional killer but encounters a spiritual community like what I suggest in my first book. As a result, she has a spiritual awakening. (I am actually half heartedly working on a plot map for a sequel)

13) Do you have a website? If so, what is it?

My website is www.ttwmtruth.com and is a kind of hub for all my creative endeavors.