Book Giveaway:
Ian is offering to one randomly chosen commenter either a print or e-version edition of his novel ANGELGUARD. The winner will be announced here on Friday, September 27th, between 5-6 PM EST. For convenience, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!
An Author Interview A Character by Ian Acheson
Author's Note: If you’re not familiar with Jack Haines, his story can be found in ANGELGUARD, the first novel in the Chronicles of the Angelguard.
ANGELGUARD reveals the
timeless supernatural war that continues unabated and it’s intersection with
our physical world. In bringing the warring angels and demons to the forefront
of a rollicking tale that crosses the globe, it highlights the ferocity of this
conflict. The physical story focuses on three survivors of separate acts of
terrorism that occur within weeks of each other.
The power of prayer in
engaging heaven is a second prominent theme of the novel.
Ian
Acheson had the opportunity to sit down with Jack Haines, the hero of
Angelguard. In a long wide-ranging interview that covered various topics
including Jack’s faith, dealing with grief and the loss of loved ones, to his
passion for ball sports and a hidden talent, Ian was able to share an excerpt of
the exchange with us on Everyone’s Story.
Thanks
Jack for your time today. Perhaps fill us in with what occupies most of your
days.
Ian, it’s my pleasure. I
spend most of my weeks during the academic year teaching organisational design,
leadership and entrepreneurship to students at the Australian Graduate School
of Management and University of NSW. I also run my own consultancy business
where I share my learning’s as a student of business with a small number of
global clients.
And
what about when you’re not working?
Running around being
exhausted by two daughters, two-year-old twins. As a single dad it can be a lot
of work. I’m blessed that my dear mum, Louise, moved into my home after Sarah,
my wife, passed away last year. Mum cares for the girls while I’m working. I’m
fortunate that I’m able to do a lot of preparation work at home so I can be
within earshot of the family on most days.
Last
year was a traumatic time for you. Are you able to share a little about how
this impacted your walk with the Lord?
As you can imagine it was
really tough at first. We were living the life, busy work and enjoying being a
family of six, and part of a wonderfully caring church community. Then bang,
tragedy struck, that family was halved and all of a sudden I felt terribly
alone having to care for my two little ones. It was a real test of my faith. At
first, I blamed God, but through His gentle reassuring touch He ministered to
my broken heart. It’s still healing but what I’ve come to appreciate is that
God wants us to depend on Him. Not just for the biiig things in life, but the
everyday. So each day when I rise I seek Him out and ask for His help in
everything I’m doing that day: caring for Gracey and Catie, teaching my
students, being a son, friend and brother.
You
confronted real evil last year on a few occasions. What was that like?
Fortunately, I can now only
remember the joy I felt when we were together on the train heading towards
Circular Quay. What happened after we crashed has now become a blur, until I
woke in the hospital to be told Sarah and my two eldest had perished at the hands
of a terrorist. Those first moments on hearing that news I expect I’ll never
forget even though I was on heavy painkillers.
We’re all familiar with the
Bible verses that tell us about what Satan and his workers are all about. John
10:10, “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;” well I’ve seen the
results of his handiwork firsthand. All the atrocities that occur in this world
should remind us that evil does exist and as far as the enemy is concerned it’s
a full-bloodied assault for our souls.
But the second half of that
verse tells us we have the ultimate warrior on our side: Jesus. He has come
that we may have life and have it to the full.
Even though there’s still
sadness, I know God’s in charge, He’s crazy about me and as I mentioned before
I’m learning to give over more of myself to Him. My prayer life has become such
an important part of my day. Even days’ that are incredibly busy I make sure I
give time to be in His presence and thank Him for all that He has blessed me
with.
From Elaine:
Jack, I'm
truly sorry you experienced the events that no man should. I applaud how, by
seeking God, you've risen from the quicksand of despair. Do you have any
suggestions for my viewers to take in seeking out the Lord for help? For
instance, when I'm in need of not only talking with God but also hearing what
He has to say, I go on long walks, cleansing my mind and heart with prayer and
then listening for what He may say or show me. Also, God has an interesting way
of working out my woes--He often leads me to others who are experiencing
similar circumstances and we end up supporting each other. How about you, Jack?
Elaine, thank you for your kindness and for
allowing me to share a little with you and your readers. Your question is a
tough one as I feel far from adequate in being able to answer it well. I do
struggle with hearing His voice but what I found worked well for me was crying
out to Him with how I was feeling. Knowing that He was always present listening
was some comfort. I take great solace from the Psalms especially those of
David. Take 63:8 - "My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds
me." At my lowest moments I would just repeat a verse like that over and
over. What I found was the gloom over my heart and mind would dissipate
somewhat allowing me to receive the Lord's still voice. I came to recognise
that He's always hanging onto me, and I'm the one that lets go when I choose to
deal with the grief on my own.
I've also discovered the importance of gratitude.
By simply thanking God for His many blessings, whether it was the magnificent
sunrise or my daughter's sweet gurgle as she sleeps, my heart would open and
then I'd be able to receive His peace.
I hope that helps to
answer your question. Keep hanging on to Him.
Check out Ian's awesome book trailer:
Ian's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
Author Ian Acheson on Everyone’s Story: Imagine God’s army of angels battling evil. (Tweet This)
Ian Acheson’s character tells of a full-bloodied assault for our souls. Can you relate? (Tweet This)
#BookGiveaway of ANGELGUARD by Ian Acheson, a story of warring angels and demons. (Tweet This)
Author Ian Acheson on Everyone’s Story: Imagine God’s army of angels battling evil. (Tweet This)
Ian Acheson’s character tells of a full-bloodied assault for our souls. Can you relate? (Tweet This)
#BookGiveaway of ANGELGUARD by Ian Acheson, a story of warring angels and demons. (Tweet This)
Ian’s debut novel, Angelguard, was released a few months ago in the US, Canada, UK and
Australia. It’s been 10 years in the making and he’s very pleased it’s made the
light of day.
When Ian’s
not writing he’s a professional strategy consultant having been in the
Corporate world for the past 25 years. He brings some of this experience into
his stories. He’s lived in Sydney, Australia, all of his life. Ian shares life
with his wife, Fiona and they try to keep up with two almost-twenty something
young men who give them much joy and you know what else if you’re a parent.
Connect With Ian:
WebsiteGoodreads
Ian's first guest appearance on Everyone's Story--here
A Note From Elaine:
In following professionals' advice, I've started an Author's Page on Facebook. I'd love for you to Like it at : https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineStock
Thanks ♥
Great interview with Jack! Greatly intrigued by Angel Guard. Would love to win a copy of the book. pat at ptbradley dot com
ReplyDeleteI love when you visit Pat. Angelguard was a great read!
DeleteThanks Patricia. Jack's an intriguing bloke.
DeleteIan, I gotta say, I found your cover quite intriguing! And wow, ten years? That's a lot of perseverance and patience. I loved the trailer! So creative!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Jennifer. My 20 year old son and best mate did the trailer. I was so proud of them.
DeleteNice to see you, Jennifer ♡
DeleteIan--you son and friend did an excellent job on the trailer!
Fun interview with Jack. What a blessing to read that he first blamed God and then turned to God in prayer and scripture! In times of trouble and loss, after some minor (or major ranting) prayer and praying God's promises are the only solace for my grief. I hope to read Angelguard soon! Lisa@lisabelcastro.com
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Lisa. We have an amazing God who loves us so much that whenever we may fail to seek Him first it doesn't matter--He's there with powerful arms wide open to receive us.
DeleteThanks Lisa. Increasingly I'm finding prayer and scripture is the only answer. The Father is so desperate for us to have an intimate relationship with Him that when we spend quality time with Him, healing of our pain can occur.
DeleteGreat interview, and really good to hear more about you, Jack!! Your faith in God is inspiring and encouraging. Shows we don't have to be negatively affected by extreme circumstances we are placed in!
ReplyDeleteHello, Peter, and welcome to Everyone's Story. I agree--Jack's words are a true testimony of our extraordinary God.
DeleteHope to see you again!
Thanks Pete for popping over to Everyone's Story. Elaine has an author over every Friday and I'd encourage you to get on her mailing list. You never know who she might interview.
DeleteI'm smiling on this one, Ian. Though I'm blessedly booking into June of next year already (wow! Praise God!!) I don't announce who will be the guest next week, but I do enjoy hosting varied guests with a wide range of topics. My bottom line: to uplift each other's hearts because the rest of the world is too quick to rip it apart.
DeleteGreat interview and incredible testimony to God's comfort and strengthening Ian.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how ambivelant we can become to the unseen spiritual battle that goes on. But if Paul recommends we put on the full armor of God, then apparently it isn't a pillow fight that is raging.
mimittsatcomcastdotnet
I appreciate your visit, John. Yeah--I guess what's been brewing all these years is far, far from a pillow fight!
DeleteHope to see you again.
Great insight, John. It's that ambivalence that prompted me to write Angelguard.
DeleteNice to see you here, Susan. I'm sure Ian will appreciate your comment :) Because of the time difference (it's about 4 AM in Australia now) do check back later on for his reply.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your next visit!
Hi Elaine & Ian -
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your novel, Ian. I read Angelguard and enjoyed it very much. It was hard to put down.
Don't enter me in the contest since I already have a copy. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Nice to see you again, Susan. I'm sure when Ian reads your lovely words he'll be smiling.
DeleteThanks Susan, that's lovely feedback. I'm so pleased you enjoyed Angelguard. Blessings to you too.
DeleteThanks Susie. I missed seeing you at ACFW. Our mutual Canadian friend mentioned you had some very positive appointments. I hope your submissions receive favourable responses in the near future.
ReplyDeleteHi Ian. Enjoyed the interview. Love books about spiritual warfare.
ReplyDeleteOur former pastor now does a blog talk radio show and the subject over the next few weeks is angels and demons. Maybe a giveaway of your book could be arranged from the show.
Elaine, I enjoy coming to your site because you always host great interviews.
In the meantime, I'd love to win a copy! Here's my email addy:
patti.shene@gmail.com
Oh, Patti, welcome back and thanks so much for the encouraging words ♡ You truly have just made my day, not only in hearing that you enjoy the blog but seeing this awesome connection that you're offering my guest, Ian. Wow! Interesting how He links us all together, right?
DeleteBlessings.
Hi Patti, thanks so much for the kind thoughts. I'll email you separately to chat about how to progress your suggestion.
DeleteAnd I wholeheartedly agree that Elaine hosts some great interviews. I always look forward to opening my email on a Saturday morning to see who she has on the blog.
Blessings,
Ian, thanks for the kind words and for the visual of someone on the other side of the world reading my blog!
DeleteLooking forward to Angelguard. Sounds suspenseful!!
ReplyDeleteGlad for your visit, Anonymous. Angelguard was definitely an intriguing read!
DeleteHope to see you again.
Great interview, Elaine! Angelguard sounds like an awesome read, and yes, I do believe and pray for divine intervention on a daily basis. Ian, you are a testament to perseverance and faith. May God bless all you do in His Name. In Christ,
ReplyDeleteSweet and strong words, Renee. I appreciate the visit.
DeleteRenee, that is so lovely. Thank you. And may the Lord bless all you do.
ReplyDeleteHeartfelt thanks, Ian, for guesting a 2nd time on Everyone's Story. You've outdone your original segment that aired the week beginning February 8th--bravo for you! And thanks for the Giveaway novel that many have expressed an eagerness to read. The winner is...
ReplyDeleteLisa. Congratulations, Lisa! Both Ian & I will contact you directly in emails.
Blessings to all.
My pleasure, Elaine. Thank you for allowing Jack & I to appear on Everyone's Story. We're both humbled and honoured.
DeleteCongratulations Lisa. I hope you will enjoy reading first hand Jack's global adventures. I'll be in touch.