Author Spotlight + Giveaway: J. A. Webb -- Fragments

This week I have J. A. Webb on my blog for an author spotlight.

J. A. Webb is a former atheist and now a devoted follower of Christ, military veteran, husband, father, small business owner, and Genesis award-winning author of thrilling Christian fiction, writing from his four acre farmstead located on the rolling plains of the upper Midwest, USA.

First off, welcome to my blog. It’s so great to have you here! 

I’m honored to be here!

What first sparked your passion for storytelling, and how has your journey as a writer evolved over time?

I’ve loved fantastical stories since I first learned to read, have always admired the great writers, and always played with the idea of writing myself. I wrote poetry, song lyrics, even a few abortive attempts to write novels, but for years nothing clicked.

Then, a few years ago, frustrated by the lack of thrilling Christian fiction written for men, I sat down and again attempted to write.

Apparently the timing was finally right. 

The story came alive. It flowed from the keyboard to the screen, often feeling like it moved of it’s own accord. And as a discovery writer- often surprising even me as the tale developed.

What unique aspects of your faith influence your storytelling style or the themes you explore?

I was an adamant atheist from a very young age, eight years old or so, remaining so until I was well into my thirties. 

My favorite genre, even from that young age, was speculative fiction. The worldview of most secular science fiction and fantasy is not Christian, to say the least, and in part informed and my decision to reject Christianity.

Now, having thankfully been saved, it burdens me that my sons (who also love speculative fiction) there is so little Christian fiction of that kind for them, and so many other young men, to choose from.

If you love Romance, Romantic Suspense, Cozy Mystery, or YA there is plenty of great reading available. But for adult men and young men who love adventure or speculative fiction? That is not YA? The pickings are slim.

This leaves those readers with two choices. Read books that are not really written for them. To them. Or read secular fiction, replete with those awful world views.

This motivates me to write for those readers. To provide thrilling stories written with the themes and stakes that resonate with the heart of a young man- or adult man for that matter.

Stories that represent the Christian worldview- as an integral part of the story. Not as a polemic. Not preaching. 

Stories that ask the big questions.

Stories that will thrill a believer, and that will meet the unbeliever or the seeker where they are, in darkness, and offer to them a glimmer of the True Light. 

And hopefully draw them to the Creator.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or passage that has guided your writing or life journey?

Psalm 96:1-3

Oh sing to the LORD a new song;sing to the LORD, all the earth!Sing to the LORD, bless his name;tell of his salvation from day to day.Declare his glory among the nations,his marvelous works among all the peoples!

Who are some of your favorite Christian authors, and how have they influenced your work?

Lew Wallace, Jerry Jenkins, Francine Rivers, Charles Swindoll among so many others. 

These writers represent the ideal. They all tell great, captivating stories, stories which present the Truth. But the Truth is an integral part of the weave, natural, not contrived, while the main focus is on telling a great story. 

The Truth comes out because it’s part of who those writers are. Because, as Allen Arnold says, they’re co-creating with God. 

Not something they’re trying to preach about. Not forced.

If you could collaborate with any Christian author, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

Jerry Jenkins. 

In part because of everything I just said, in part because I’ve learned so much about craft from him, and in part because his Left Behind and Babylon Rising books were among the few Christian adventures- stories that could resonate with a man’s heart- that I found as a new believer. And I still love going back to them today.

What’s your favorite scene or moment in the book, and why does it hold special meaning for you?

My debut novel, Fragments, includes a scene in which Father Curtis, priest of the false and tyrannical religion, the Order, rejects his false religion and seeks the true God of creation.

In the process, he experiences an epiphany, a powerful awareness of the presence and love of God. Of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The scene is my best attempt to represent something I experienced early in my own faith journey, casting about in the darkness, seeking a God of whom I knew nothing, but for whom my soul ached.

Are there any surprising lessons or revelations you discovered about yourself or your faith through the writing process?

God is constantly working on me through my own writings, showing me things about myself and my own relationships. Providing greater clarity, showing me where I might more closely follow Him.

How do you incorporate prayer or spiritual reflection into your writing routine?

My daily Bible readings often inspire story ideas. 

My stories contain a thread of the supernatural, of the unseen world. Of the miraculous- all of which are based on real events drawn from the Bible.

As I write, it’s my constant prayer that my writing is obedient to His purpose for it. That it reflects Him. Honors Him. Advances His kingdom. 

And I think all writing, if done correctly, if done as a collaborative process with the Holy Spirit, is, at it’s core- spiritual reflection.

What do you enjoy most about connecting with readers, and what feedback has resonated deeply with you?

Hearing that my stories have thrilled the soul of another is like giving a fantastic gift- and watching the joy on the recipient’s face as they open it. Proving in a vibrant, soul-deep way that it really is more blessed to give than receive.

Have you seen your book make an impact in someone’s life, and can you share that experience?

In several instances, parents and grandparents have read my book, then given it to their own wayward children, to later report that my story has touched the heart of those wayward souls. I’m so hopeful the books will have that kind of impact, in a massive way.

Other believers have told me they’ve been thirsty for these kinds of stories, and that the books have re-invigorated their own faith.

But in the end, outcomes belong to God. The book will be used for the purposes He intends.

What’s one thing you wish readers knew about the process of writing Christian fiction?

Most readers, who are not also writers, don’t have a real appreciation for how many thousands of hours go into a novel. I so value and respect that investment that other writers have put into their work, that do all I can to support them in it.

I hope more readers begin to understand the sacrifice their favorite author makes to bring their stories into the world, and that Christian readers will vigorously support Christian creatives.

How do you celebrate the completion of a book, and what does that milestone mean to you?

When a book is complete- I get to experience the thrill of beginning the next project. Writing is such FUN!

But when you are working on a project, it’s easy to begin believing those voices in the dark. The ones that whisper in your ear, “You’re an imposter. This book is no good. You should give up.”

But when the project is complete, especially when I get to listen to the audiobook (as narrated by my favorite narrator of all time- Stefan Rudnicki), and I’m able to enjoy what my labors have produced- as assisted by Him, with the talents loaned to me by Him- and I realize that I love the story? Can believe that others will enjoy it, too? 

That’s a great feeling. A great celebration.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting out?

First- seek God. Create what He would have you create. Ask Him to come alongside you and walk as partner in your labors. He does have a purpose for the talents He has given you.

Second- study craft, and find a trusted mentor who can help you improve. A professional who knows the craft, like a good editor. 

This will cost you money, but your vocation is worth the investment. 

Lastly, before you go…Can you talk about any upcoming projects or books you’re working on?

Sure!

Inheritance, the second book in The Seekers Series, releases May 13. The third book in the series releases this coming November.

Fugitive, a prequel to the series is a fun little story that introduces the world and some of the characters, and is available now in both ebook and audiobook formats- FREE at my website jawebbauthor.com. 

Now for his book, Fragments.

The world ended—but its masters remained.

The year is 2158. Civilization has collapsed, but from the ashes, the Order has emerged, not as a savior, but as the unseen power that has ruled all along. Once a subtle force lurking in the background of human history, the cataclysm has unveiled the Order’s dominion in full—an unchallenged, one-world religion that bends all to its will. Truth is a relic. Dissent is a death sentence.

For Father Curtis, a priest of the Order of the Eternal, devotion has long been his refuge. Hidden away in his quiet parish, he has been content to believe the world is as the Order proclaims—until he is branded a heretic and forced to flee for his life. On the run, he begins to uncover a terrifying reality: the faith he upheld was never about salvation—it was about control. The Order does not serve humanity. It enslaves it.

Now, as whispers of rebellion stir, Curtis must decide: will he cling to the lies that once gave him peace, or risk everything to pursue a truth that could shatter the Order’s dominion forever?

And J. A. Webb has teased us with a snippet from book 2, Inheritance:

If only those stalking him would delay their assault until sunup.

“One more day. Please one more day.” Hilkiah whispered the automatic prayer as he hiked, exhausted and sweaty, through this bone-white desert, continually moving inland toward the Great Salt Sea. He was far too old for this mission. But he had accepted the hardship, had insisted, in fact, knowing the necessity if his son were to escape in the opposite direction.

How long could he feign ignorance of the shadows moving on his back trail? How long could he convince them his behavior was consistent with his cover story, a desert sabbatical?

And how long before his body, or his nerve, would fail him?

Jaw set, he exorcised such thoughts. They would only weaken him. Could only dilute his already faltering resolve. So, he soldiered on, back aching and legs worse. But most troubling was his flagging strength.

“Only one more day.” He staggered up the dusty rise. “You must endure. Jeremiah needs but one more day.”

Late in the afternoon, he arrived at the intended camp and collapsed at the lip of the cave overlooking his back trail’s rocky downhill slope.

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a paperback copy!

(Giveaway runs for two weeks. Winner will be contacted by author.)