Ian Acheson: An Author's and Character's Take On Spiritual Warfare

Everyone's Story warmly welcomes author Ian Acheson. It was a pleasure to introduce Ian here earlier this year (see below for February link) as a debut author and equally great to have him back. Even more, peeking at his website, he's working on the 2nd book of the ANGELGUARD Chronicles, so fans of supernatural fiction with the battle between God's army of angels vs. demons, as well as the gripping theme of engaging heaven's army on one's behalf (imagine!), start getting excited now for Ian's next great read! Check out Ian's Giveaway of his present novel, ANGELGUARD, his amazing book trailer, and his interview with Jack, a character from the novel. Ian is looking forward to hearing from you.

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's Bio:

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:

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

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 ♥

Ian Acheson: An Author Prompted By God-Moments

Everyone's Story welcomes debut author Ian Acheson. I've had the pleasure of getting to know Ian, who is from Australia, when he inquired about guest appearing on this blog. I'm glad we connected. If you take a look on Ian's website you will discover that you cannot separate this author from his faith, which shows in how he reaches out to others in kindness and warmth. Please take a moment to view his exciting book trailer and to read his interview. Ian is offering a Giveaway of ANGELGUARD--see below. He's also looking forward to chatting with you, so do leave a comment for him. Due to the huge time difference between Australia and the US, and other countries, please remember to check back for his reply. 

Book Giveaway Opportunity:
Ian is offering one copy of his novel, ANGELGUARD, to one randomly chosen commenter who expresses interest in reading this awesome novel. The winner will be announced between 5-6 PM EST next Friday, February 15th. For ease of contact, please include your email within the comment. Thanks!

A Few Questions for Ian:

Your debut novel, Angelguard, comes out this month. Tell us a little about 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, I wanted to highlight the ferocity of this conflict. The physical story focuses on three survivors of separate acts of terrorism that occur within weeks of each other. 

I noticed the tag line for Angelguard is “Not all the Spirits are Good.” I take it there’s a certain element of darkness to the story. What made you write such a story?

Angelguard has plenty of light in it. I’ve been a Christian now for over 30 years and one of the things that’s always fascinated me is that in Christian circles we don’t talk much about evil. In saying that, I’m not suggesting we over-emphasise it, but it’s interesting the key voices of the New Testament talk quite a lot about the enemy. James says “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) So there are two actions here: submission and resistance.  We emphasise the former but say little about the latter.

I read recently some research the Barna Group did in 2009 that 59% of Christian adults interviewed believed Satan to be a symbol of evil but not a living entity. In writing Angelguard one of my key purposes was simply to highlight the spiritual battle that is going on around us. We as Christians don’t need to be frightened of it, as we have the power and authority over it as a result of Jesus death. But we should be aware of it.

There are two other key messages I hope readers will take from the novel. Firstly, prayer is powerful by engaging heaven into action. Secondly, salvation is a great supernatural act we experience as humans. Often in Christian circles we emphasize healings, prophecies and such, which are all fantastic but sometimes forget that salvation is miraculous too.

What were some of your key influences in writing Angelguard?

All my life I’ve loved stories of good and evil. I think we all do. Super heroes, (yes, I’m loving the re-generation of these movies in recent times) to Tolkien, CS Lewis, Ted Dekker and on. Frank Peretti’s  “Darkness” books had a big impact on me 20 or so years ago when they came out. Other than Lewis’ work they were the first Christian novels I’d read that provided a visual picture of this spiritual battle.

You've noted on your website that it’s taken a few years to get Angelguard published. What kept you going for so long?

Yes, it’s been over ten years now since I wrote those first two words: “It’s time”. Two things have really kept me going. The many “readers” from various publishing houses who reviewed the early drafts were always very encouraging. “It’s good, but…” Perhaps in my naïve way I took that to mean the story had legs.

Even though I put the story away for four or five years, I still believed one day these characters I’d created would see the light of day. I’m generally an optimist, so that also helped me. Through a series of events, it was clear God wanted me to pick up this story again. Like you Elaine, I’m not a believer in coincidences. These series of “God-moments” that I outline in a series of posts on my blog nudged me to work on it again. The key for me was that God highlighted Angelguard was His story and He had invited me to write it. Which is kinda cool, especially knowing we have the Creator of the universe as our Executive Editor. 

Author’s Bio:

Ian’s debut novel, Angelguard, is due out in February 2013 in the US and Canada, March in the UK and May in Australia. It’s been 10 years in the making and he’s very pleased it’s made the light of day.

Ian reads a lot, and a lot, and a lot more. He’s been telling and writing stories for most of his life since early childhood.

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.

You can visit with Ian at:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads