This year’s Frasier Contest has come to a close. Congratulations to the Semi-Finalists, and our Grand Winner! In order to have the Frasier each year, we introduce the Judges on our blog. Its our way of giving back a little bit to the published authors who help us help YOU! So lets meet one of the Judges that made it all possible: James L. Rubart, with his new book Memory’s Door!
Q: Jim, would you give us a little blurb about your the story?
A: The prophecy brought them together. But the Wolf has risen, and now their greatest battle begins.
The four members of Warriors Riding have learned to wage war in the supernatural, to send their spirits inside people’s souls, to battle demonic forces, and to bring deep healing to those around them.
But their leader Reece is struggling with the loss of his sight. Brandon is being stalked at his concerts by a man in the shadows. Dana’s career is threatening to bury her. And Marcus questions his sanity as he seems to be slipping in and out of alternate realities.
And now the second part of the prophecy has come true. The Wolf is hunting them and has set his trap. He circles, feeding on his supernatural hate of all they stand for. And he won’t stop until he brings utter destruction to their bodies . . . and their souls.
Q: What do you want readers to learn/take away from this story.
A: This is a deeply personal story that came out of time of spiritual and personal crisis and having to face some of my deepest regrets. Writing the novel was incredibly freeing and in some ways is an expression of my journals and the struggles I went through while writing it, coming out in published form. Regrets are devastating because they not only keep us locked in the past, they keep us from living fully in the present and the future. So, not surprisingly, my wish is Memory’s Door can be a part of readers getting free of their own deep regrets. There’s another major theme in the novel, but saying anything about it would be a bit of a spoiler. Sorry.
Q: What was your favorite scene?
A: There’s a scene where Marcus Amber (a physics professor at the University of Washington and one of the members of the Warriors Riding) has to confront his daughter’s boyfriend—because all is not as it seems. It’s a rollercoaster ride that is probably one of the most intense scenes I’ve ever written.
Q: What is one piece of writing advice you could give to the MBT Audience?
A: Buy a good pair of running shoes. Put them on. Sprint in the opposite direction as fast as you can. To get serious, think about the story of the woman who came up to one of the world’s most famous violinists after a concert and praised him lavishly. She ended her comments by saying, “You’re so wonderful. I’d give my life to be able to play like you.” He responded by saying, “I did.”
Most people who want to write a book don’t want to pay the price. But if I sense they’re willing, I tell them to start reading excellent writing blogs like Rachelle Gardner’s, to go to writing conferences, to buy books on the craft and study them with the same intensity as if they were training to become a brain surgeon. That’s the kind of focus and dedication it takes.
Q: What are people saying about your Memory’s Door?
A: “I can’t really explain how much I love this series. It is so full of life, hope, peace, but also has the darker side that will make you think that life isn’t about what we do every day it’s about the spiritual world. If you never read any other books this year, read the Well Spring Novels by James L. Rubart.” Trinity Rose
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James L. Rubart is the best-selling and Christy award winning author of ROOMS, BOOK OF DAYS, THE CHAIR, SOUL’S GATE, and MEMORY’S DOOR. During the day he runs Barefoot Marketing which helps businesses and authors make more coin of the realm. In his free time he dirt bikes, hikes, golfs, takes photos, and occasionally does sleight of hand. No, he doesn’t sleep much. He lives with his amazing wife and two sons in the Pacific Northwest and still thinks he’s young enough to water ski like a madman. More at http://jameslrubart.com/ on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLRubart and on Twitter: @jameslrubart