Ask the Author: Gary L. Thomas
Answered Questions (7)
Gary L. Thomas
I couldn't possibly come up with a top three since the list is always shifting, but a few months ago, I wrote a blog article about some of the classics that have influenced me most. Here is the link, if you're interested in reading it: https://garythomas.com/2020/07/29/the...
Gary L. Thomas
Hi Andrea! Sacred Marriage actually just recently got translated into Polish. You can contact Lukasz Wrobel (lukasz@graal.com.pl) for details on this.
Gary L. Thomas
For the past several months, I've been collaborating with professional relationship therapist and author, Debra Fileta, trying to create the “go to” book for Christian couples who want to learn about and grow in their sexual relationship. Our aim is to write something that both husbands and wives can be enthusiastic about, and that both younger and older couples can learn from. Debra describes it this way: “This book is candid, practical, and rooted in God’s word. It’s filled with real-life stories, clinical solutions, and biblical truths that will challenge and change your view and perspective on sex.”
We have a working title, but not a “definitive” final title, so I’m withholding that for the moment, but the publication date is exactly a year from now: the fall of 2021.
We have a working title, but not a “definitive” final title, so I’m withholding that for the moment, but the publication date is exactly a year from now: the fall of 2021.
Gary L. Thomas
Aspiring and frustrated writers, I want to encourage you. I know (trust me, I know) how excruciating and heartbreaking it is to watch a book (or manuscript that isn’t even published) go unnoticed. You pour so much of yourself into it and you have such high hopes. Don’t give up. You never know. Make your writing an act of worship and the release of your book an act of surrender.
I told one first-time writer that I view a book like a Father’s Day present to my heavenly Father. It might be an ugly tie or an unfashionable belt, but He’ll still appreciate the effort and gesture. No effort on God’s behalf is ever wasted. Even if no one ever reads it, God still receives it with a smile. And sometimes, that old tie or belt gets pulled out of the back of a drawer or closet and is actually worn, making the child smile all day long, as I did all last week.
“The Lord humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.” 1 Samuel 2:7-8.
I told one first-time writer that I view a book like a Father’s Day present to my heavenly Father. It might be an ugly tie or an unfashionable belt, but He’ll still appreciate the effort and gesture. No effort on God’s behalf is ever wasted. Even if no one ever reads it, God still receives it with a smile. And sometimes, that old tie or belt gets pulled out of the back of a drawer or closet and is actually worn, making the child smile all day long, as I did all last week.
“The Lord humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.” 1 Samuel 2:7-8.
Gary L. Thomas
Writing! Getting to do what you love and actually make a living out of it makes me feel so spoiled. I could hardly imagine any other life.
Gary L. Thomas
I begin my day with a cup of homemade chai tea, reading from Scripture, something from one of the Christian classics, and then a contemporary book. I'm often praying during and between these readings. Sometimes, some idea that emerges is so compelling that I'm launched into writing before I'm done with all three readings, but most of the time, I'm just getting my spiritual batteries recharged.
That's on a daily basis. As far as on an ongoing basis, I think I'm inspired by being personally challenged by the truths I write about (my own struggles and receiving God's grace to go through them), and by walking with other people and couples through their lives. Being part of a church staff has changed my work significantly--I have a better understanding of real-life situations, struggles and issues that people are faced with. These, in turn, inspire me to want to reach others who might be struggling with the same issues.
I also get a lot of inspiration from running and from sleeping. There's something about both of these activities that seem to make me more attentive to God's voice. I don't know why--but sometimes, when I wake up, I can't wait to get to the keyboard. And while I'm running, I can't wait to get back to my desk.
That's on a daily basis. As far as on an ongoing basis, I think I'm inspired by being personally challenged by the truths I write about (my own struggles and receiving God's grace to go through them), and by walking with other people and couples through their lives. Being part of a church staff has changed my work significantly--I have a better understanding of real-life situations, struggles and issues that people are faced with. These, in turn, inspire me to want to reach others who might be struggling with the same issues.
I also get a lot of inspiration from running and from sleeping. There's something about both of these activities that seem to make me more attentive to God's voice. I don't know why--but sometimes, when I wake up, I can't wait to get to the keyboard. And while I'm running, I can't wait to get back to my desk.
Gary L. Thomas
In all honesty, writer's block is something I've never had or experienced. When you have something you're excited to write about, the process takes care of itself.
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