I was inspired, in large part, by The Modern Library's list released in 1999 of the "100 Best Novels of the Twentieth Century." So many of the novels thus honored were skillfully crafted, but empty of purpose. They missed the mark, in my opinion, of what's truly "good." Yes, the world's a tough place, but there is truth that transcends all that; hope and redemption are realities that I didn't see addressed. My mission, then, became to write a novel that was not only well written, but also pointed the reader toward the goodness of of God.

Amazing, though, how much work it turned out to be! A few frustrating years later, I tried to quit. But couldn't. I'm not sure if writing is best compared to an abusive lover, an addiction, or a disability. But whatever it is, I've finally come to grips with the fact that it's not something I chose; I was born to it. And so I write.

Did I mention that when I first started out, I didn't care for science fiction and eschewed Christian novels? And that now, I write Christian science fiction? God is not only good, but He also has a marvelous sense of humor.