Steven James is a full-time speaker and the critically acclaimed author of more than twenty books. One of the nation's most innovative storytellers, Steven has spoken more than 1,500 times throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Now harnessing his ability to build suspense with his vivid imagination and evocative writing, Steven launched his first series of high-octane thrillers, the Bowers Files, with The Pawn. When not speaking or writing, Steven spends time with his wife and kids in the hills of Eastern Tennessee.

Favorite Verse: Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

 Our Interview with Steven James

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Zephaniah 3:17 has always been a powerful verse for me: “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.” Just the idea that God breaks into song when he thinks of me is one of the most humbling and encouraging teachings I’ve ever heard.

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

After graduating from college I worked at a Christian camp for about four years, then pursued a master’s degree in storytelling. Since finishing that degree in 1997 I’ve been writing and speaking for a living. When I’m not doing either of the two, I love rock climbing, playing disc golf, eating chicken fajitas and watching science fiction movies. (Although not necessarily all at the same time.)

How did you get started as a Christian fiction writer?

Having written numerous nonfiction books I felt called to write bigger stories. I’d always been a fan of movies and novels with a twist, so I tried my hand at a novel and loved the process. My publisher offered me a three book deal and I’ve been hooked on fiction ever since.

How did you come up with the concept for The Bishop? Did you plan this series out completely or have you taken your ideas book by book?

Well first, I always write my novels from a question rather than an answer. The question that drove this novel was “What makes humans different from animals?” (After studying scripture I discovered that the answer isn’t as simple as I thought it would be.) Then, I combined that question with a political conspiracy, a pair of ruthless killers, and a series of plot twists that tied together mysteries from my previous three books.

 
I wish I could say that I had everything planned from the beginning, but I tend to write organically, shaping scenes as I work on the story. So, I end up just as surprised as the readers about the direction each of my novels take.

What is significant about The Bishop?
 
Hmm… I’m not sure I can give that away. I will say that it is a lot more important than a simple chess piece. You’ll find out about five pages from the end. (But no peeking ahead!)

Is any part of The Bishop factual?

All of my stories tie fact and fiction together. In this case, the geospatial investigative techniques, the metacognition and precognition research referred to, and the ethical and scientific implications are true and based on the most current research available. Some of it is chilling and right on the horizon. Hopefully, this book will help readers thinking critically about the medical frontiers that lay before us.

What is the most interesting tidbit that you learned while writing The Bishop?

That male gorillas avoid looking into mirrors because they don’t like making direct eye-contact. And yes, that actually does have something to do with the plot.

What other projects do you have on the horizon?

I’ve already started on The Queen, my fifth Patrick Bowers novel. I’m also toying with the idea of a new series, but that’s all top secret for the moment. Let’s see if I can finish The Queen by my deadline, and then we’ll connect again and I can clue you in on my next novel.

What are some of the challenges you face as an author?

As I mentioned earlier I’m a very organic writer, so I am often outlining scenes and then discarding them as the story moves in a direction I hadn’t anticipated. That’s always difficult to me, but in the end a lot more satisfying than simply outlining the whole book and then working backward to fill in the blanks and punch out the story.

Who was the person who most influenced you in your writing journey?

Years ago, an editor from a youth magazine to which I’d contributed several stories told me I was a writer. I said, “No, no, no. I’m just—” He cut me off. “You’re a writer,” he said. And from then on, I began to think of myself as a writer. It altered the entire trajectory of my life.

What message would you like your readers to take from The The Bishop?

I try not to let my stories drift too much into becoming lessons, but I really hope readers will reflect on the uniqueness of humanity, the paradox of good and evil as it exists in our world and in our hearts, and the only solution to our problem—God’s intervention and grace.
 

What is your goal or mission as a writer?

To speak the truth in a way that moves people to the place where they can encounter God. Through fictional stories I want to open my readers up to the big moral questions that matter most and show them that the only hope we have comes from outside ourselves.

What do you do to get away from it all?

Great question! I slip off to the mountains or the disc golf course. Usually, I come back not only refreshed, but full of new ideas to throw down onto the page.