The Christian Critic: Eric Wilson Interview

As the astute visitor of this blog may have noticed, this entire week has been declared Eric Wilson week at The Christian Critic. Eric was kind enough to take some time out to answer a whole host of questions related to his books. It has been my pleasure and honor to get to interact with Eric over this past week, pick his brain a bit, as well as reintroduce myself to the characters he has created. Since we've spent the last week focusing on the novels, today I want to focus on the man behind the books.

Eric Wilson is a master storyteller, following the path of the Nazarene who Himself spoke in Story. Wilson brings a thematic richness to his literary art, combining meaningful messages with incredible story in an engaging and intellectual style reminiscent of C.S. Lewis. His stories are for those on the fringes of faith, exploring Earth’s tension between Heaven and Hell. For those with eyes to see and ears to hear, dual stories play out in the reader’s mind. First, there is the page-turning adventure of escapism, where one is thrown in to a world of conspiracy, serial killers, and vampires. But underneath it all is a fountain of Truth, where the careful reader can immerse himself in the masterful exploration of Biblical imagery.

~~~

Even though Eric has answered questions all week regarding some of the specifics of his books, I wanted to take a deeper look into the mind of a writer. Eric was gracious enough to give me that look:

TCC: On a purely technical level, your writing tends to have a literary aspect not just in its depth, but in its prose and level of description. While your books are page-turners, I know that I'm going to have to slow myself down to fully absorb and engage all the intricacies and detail you bring to your novels. I think this is part of what sets you apart from most authors. Why write in this style when most authors don't? And how do you think this affects who reads your books?

Eric: Why do I write in this style? Because I'm too stupid to realize it doesn't sell as well. Seriously, I write what I love to read. I get tired of serial killer novels, of car chases, gunfights, and so on. I've read close to 1500 books in my lifetime, and I'm bored by the same old stuff. I just hope to attract some readers who want stories that challenge the heart, soul, and mind, while also providing a fresh angle on entertainment. It doesn't have to be stuffy, just heartfelt.

TCC: On a thematic level, you grapple with some pretty weighty issues in all of your books, whether its redemption, God's foreknowledge, forgiveness, the power of choice, and the list goes on. With so many novels being written for pure escapism and entertainment, I think another thing that sets you apart from most authors is your commitment to writing Story with a purpose. What drives you to tackle such themes and how do you pull it off without sacrificing the thrills and chills of the story?

Eric: If my relationship with God was based on a set of religious rules and formulas, I would feel the need to outline those things in didactic fashion in my stories. That would come across as preachy. I don't like that. I think God is big enough to handle our questions without feeling defensive. I allow myself, my own kids, and my fictional characters to wrestle with the unknown. If Jesus is the answer, why are we afraid of the questions?

TCC: Very few authors write like you do. So who are your influences in writing? How did you become the author you are today?

Eric: My parents raised me to think, to question. I spent some early years of my life overseas, and discovered the beauty of other cultures, languages, customs, and thought processes. My own childhood reading progressed from C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, to S.E. Hinton and Paul Zindel, to Robert Ludlum and John LeCarre. These days, I love all sorts of authors and genres. I think John Steinbeck is amazing. I love To Kill a Mockingbird, Lord of the Flies, and A Thousand Splendid Suns. The list could go on. If a writer cares about characters, I do too. That's what draws me into a story, no matter its style or theme.

TCC: You've taken some considerable heat for being a Christian and publishing what's being considered a "vampire" novel. Do you have anything to say to those who can't seem to get past the vampires?

Eric: If we are going to make a difference in this world, we need to reach out to the widows and orphans, to the sick and the "unlovely," and that means stepping out of our comfort zones. I write for those on the fringes. I don't expect those in the bubble to understand. There are some other fantastic Christian writers who have struggled to find their niche in this box. I'm not the only one. Although I am writing in styles and symbols that speak to a certain sort of reader, my stories are firmly grounded in biblical history and theology. Sadly, many American Christians have not learned to recognize such things unless they are packaged in a sanitized way. We have so much knowledge, so many "milk and cookies" books at our fingertips, but we rarely get into the "meat" of walking with God through the shadows of doubt, sin, and death. It's in those dark places that we discover His amazing grace and power.

TCC: With this seven-book epic completed, where do you go from here? What projects are you working on now?

Eric: I have over thirty ideas written in a notebook. I have two nonfiction ideas I'm pitching to publishers, as well as one fiction story that I think could really shake things up. Again, I wish I could find that one publisher who would stand by me no matter what. The truth is that money ("mammon") is the god of commercialism, and that is what dictates most Christian entertainment.

TCC: I also hear that you're putting your genius to work as an editor. Want to tell us more about that?

Eric: I'm discovered that I love to help others hone their art. It's something I may branch into more, if my own writing does not find its footing. For now, though, while I'm still young and have my hair and teeth, I really want to focus most of my energy on more of my own writing. I'm hoping that door will open again.

TCC: Last question, possibly the most important question I have to ask...What's going to happen with Gina Lazarescu's Facebook page now that the Undead trilogy is complete?

Eric: She will fade away here, soon enough. She's not a big online person, and she would rather spend time with those she knows who survived the epic battle at the end of Valley of Bones. She will continue to age slowly, staying alive long after most of us are gone—and, hopefully, the books will too.

Thanks for the great interviews, time, and promotion, Josh. You've been a fantastic fan!

TCC: Eric, the pleasure has been all mine. It has been an adventure for me this past week to get to revisit your characters and immerse myself again into the depth of the story you tell. Thanks for your time!

~~~

For those wanting to know where you can interact with and learn more about New York Times bestselling author Eric Wilson, you can find his primary website at WilsonWriter.com. He’s also on Facebook, and even has his own fan forum. For specific information on the Jerusalem’s Undead trilogy, visit JerusalemsUndead.com.

~~~

Links to all of The Christian Critic’s reviews for Eric Wilson week are provided below: