Q & A

A. It was strange. A relative who was waitressing served a family on vacation one New Year’s Eve. Later, she heard they’d been in a terrible accident. Even as I listened in horror, something in me recognized the potential beginning of a novel, though I had no idea of the plot. Much later, I learned that two of my cousins at the other end of the country actually knew this family—even odder, their last names were similar. For me, it confirmed a connection. As for Brittany, my protagonist: while reading old bits of my writing I found scribblings I’d forgotten, about a teen with a long reddish braid. And my daughter had a doll named Brittany, which may have lodged in my brain.

A. All characters in Topping the Willow are made-up, though like every writer I borrow bits, like someone’s injury or snub nose. But real occurrences in people’s lives did inspire some plot events. Most happily, the horse Joy is real; I owned her for two drama-filled years. You can read her story here—but Spoiler Alert, it’s better to read the book first.

A. Yes. In ancient classical dramas, a god lowered by crane at the end would solve all the problems (see deus ex machina, Merriam-Webster). Today, such endings seem fake and contrived. But anyone who loves and follows God will find that happy endings aren’t unusual, they’re “God stories.” The testimonies of people being baptized prove this. (See Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:28.) Of course, a faith walk doesn’t mean you avoid all storms, but God will be there to help you through them.

A. Actually, the Bible calls itself the Word of God, written through ordinary men inspired by the Holy Spirit. (2 Timothy 3:16) In the centuries after the Crucifixion, much prayer and effort were spent establishing which Scriptures are legitimate. The astounding discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 confirmed that these have been transmitted accurately through millennia. Personally, I’ve read the entire Bible five times in five years and have been stunned by its unity of vision, history, and theology.

A. Yes, and I like “intentional dating” better. If a Christian resolves to commit her whole life to God, wouldn’t that include the all-important decision of who to marry? Should we even date, and what should that look like? Hearts are so often broken during the many relationships we have before marriage, not to mention the damage caused by all kinds of sex outside marriage. (Listen to popular music.) Many now see the wisdom of dating to consider someone as a potential partner. It’s way more fun than it sounds, and the joy of couples whose marriages begin this way must be seen to be believed. See “Your Stories” on this site for some true accounts, and “Favorites” for some books on this.

A. No. God created everything on which the branches of science are founded, as well as music, poetry, and art; people only study them. Many famous scientists believed, and a field called Apologetics deals with philosophical, historical, and archeological proofs of Christianity. There’s a growing stack of books by brilliant agnostics and atheists (Lee Strobel, Josh MacDowell) who investigated the Resurrection—and ended up believers. Tim Keller’s The Reason for God and The Case for Christ are also superb; the popularity of his Manhattan church defies logic. Again, check out “Favorites”.

A. Some things in the Word are specifically forbidden, where others are a matter of personal conscience. A short biblical answer on drinking: No, as long as you don’t get drunk … but be aware, your freedom to drink can be a stumbling block for those with a weakness for alcohol. (Rom. 14:20-21) As for friends, are any a stumbling block for you? Following Jesus means reading God’s Word and letting him change you to be like him. But you won’t be alone; the loving Holy Spirit who dwells inside believers will help you.

A. Narrowgate is the name of the horse farm in Topping the Willow. But it’s also the overarching metaphor for all my work, whether it involves a Willow sequel, film, or TV series, or something completely different. The meaning is threefold. First, the spiritual: In a famous sermon, Jesus said: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matt. 7:13-14) Secondly, the historical: Plymouth, Massachusetts, where my church is, is the spiritual gateway through which Christianity came to America; today, many believe the area is experiencing revival. Finally, I hope Brittany’s story will become a movie. And in a real film projector, the film passes through a narrow gate as it’s projected onto a screen.

A. Congratulations! I believe this is the most important decision you will ever make. If you don’t own one, get a Bible (see “Favorites” for suggestions) and begin to read it every day. (The Gospel of John is a good place to start.) Secondly, find a good church. Being discipled and having fellowship with other believers is crucial to developing a strong faith. Pray for God’s wisdom and leading as you check out different churches.