Thank you Victoria for participating in our author interview project! 
-The SCBC, Inc. (2004)

How did you decide to write Christian titles (fiction, non-fiction, etc.)?

When I began writing, I didn't know that I was writing Christian fiction. I had never heard of the genre. I just wanted to write books that were as entertaining as anything on the market, put God in the middle and have it still be a pageturner. Interestingly, I am not always happy with the label of Christian fiction. Of course, I am proud to be a Christian, but I hope that my books reach people who don't know the Lord. And with the label, "Christian," I'm not sure that's going to happen. But, I'll just keep writing what I write and leave the rest up to God.

Do you feel that Christian books, overall, are experiencing a rebirth?

I don't know if there is a rebirth happening. As I mentioned, I knew nothing about the genre before.

Do you study a special Bible passage prior to writing a book?

No, I don't study Bible passages. As I'm writing, I'm blessed that God works through me and will lead me to scriptures that need to be included in my books. But I begin more with concepts (like Joy will come in the morning or anything done in the dark will come to light) and then based on the concepts, I select scriptures.

Are there Christian themes or Christian issues you want to address through writing?

I'm not handling Christian themes as much as life themes through Christian eyes. That's why I like to deal with everyday situations - infidelity, abortion - and then handle it through Christian life.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I considered myself a writer at seven when I wrote a play called "Betty and the witch." The entire second grade performed it. I knew then that I was destined for "writing greatness." (smile) I was saved when I was ten. So, I feel as if I've always been a Christian.

What inspired you to pen your first novel?

I have wanted to be a writer my entire life. However, when I was growing up, there were no role models. I didn't see one writer (until I was in high school) who looked like me. So, while I was an avid reader and wanted to be like the men and women who wrote the books I read, it didn't seem possible. And although I was successful in the life I pursued, I never lost the dream of writing. In 1997, I started thinking that I was getting older and what would happen if I turned 80 and had never pursued my dream? I imagined myself sitting in someone's rocking chair, on someone's porch and living with regret. That scared the daylights out of me and honestly, that's why I wrote my first novel, Temptation.

How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

The titles are the most difficult things for me. There is no formula. I just go over and over in my mind what the book is about and try to find a title that will do the story justice. However, as I said, it is most difficult. My latest novel, Truth Be Told, went through at least five different title changes.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

Everyone who writes has influenced me because all authors - black and white - are doing what I always wanted to do. So, just be reading, I am inspired and influenced to keep writing myself. I guess, however, that I am most influenced by my pastor and God. My pastor, Dr. Beverly "BAM" Crawford (not the singer) doesn't realize the influence she has on me and my writing...(wait, knowing her, maybe she does.) When my pastor teaches - I want everyone to know of her messages and much of what I write - the spiritual "stuff" - comes from what I learn from my pastor. And God - well, I think that's self explanatory.

How much of the novel is realistic?

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?
I think my entire novel is realistic - however, that doesn't mean that the stories are based on anyone's experiences. And I would definitely not write about my life. But my novels are about life. Everybody's life.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

The hope of Jesus Christ!

Self-Publishing Questions:

How do you feel overall about self-publishing?

I have very mixed feelings about self publishing. I'm not a big fan - not because self publishing isn't good, but the industry is not really supportive of self publishers. An author has to spend quite a bit of money to really put their book out there and compete on a level where they can make a living. And very few people have the kind of money it takes. But no one is willing to tell an author this. I will say that if self publishing is the only option, then one should do it. But not without a lot of research and a commitment to the time that it will take to be successful.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of promotion for self-published authors?

The strength about self publishing is the author has complete control.  The weakness - the amount of money it takes to really compete with the other books on the market can be prohibitive.

Would you encourage or mentor someone to become self-publish?

I wouldn't be able to mentor someone who wanted to self-publish only because of the time it would take. (You wouldn't believe the number of emails I get from people asking me to read manuscripts and mentoring. If I did half of them, I would never be able to write or tour again.) However, I do write the self publishing section for Black Issues. The reason I do that column is so that I can help people who do want to self-publish.

Visit:  www.victoriachristophermurray.com

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