Friday, February 8, 2013

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:

29 comments:

  1. Your story to publication is very heartening, Ian. Thank you for sharing it. As for Angelguard,I was wondering how you define Salvation. I'm curious. Sara

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    1. It is always a pleasure seeing you here, Sara. And oh my--an international viewer visiting with an international guest. I love it!

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    2. Thanks Sara for your encouragement. Regarding your point about salvation, I don't really want to give away too much of the story, but my reference to it is that God has to do it, as Jesus says in John: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." We're actually spiritually blind until God interrupts. Even though in my experience, most people are saved via a human inviting someone to say a prayer, eg, an alter call, it's God who gets the person being saved out of their chair. Paul also talks about in 1 Corinthians 2: "The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God; neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned." I hope that helps clarify, Sara. Let me know if it doesn't.

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  2. It's time.
    Those two words chilled me, shivers and goosebumps. I'm sold.
    I love books like this. Nice video.
    Diana

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    1. Diana, I love your visits :) And I agree with you about those words.

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    2. Thanks Diana. You may be interested to read more about what inspired those 2 words, here on my blog: http://ianacheson.com/about-me/

      All the best.

      Ian

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  3. Love it when God speaks. And He is a God of few words. He does not pontificate. I look forward to reading your novel. I spent almost thirty years in the occult and know that there is a demonic world out there, but fortunately, our God is VICTOR and He wins (I read the end of the book :) ). I'm curious to see how you handle this battle between good and evil.
    Heather

    HM at HVC dot RR dot COM

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    1. Heather, so happy to see you again. Your comment reminded me that as a child of about 10 or so I once told an adult that I didn't believe in the devil. Now I know better. All one has to do to see how easily people get ensnared in evil's trap is to watch the evening news and get caught up on who killed who and how violently. It's a very scary world out there and I am so grateful I have God on my side.

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    2. Hi Heather. Wow, you must have a great story. Praise the Lord in grabbing you out of that darkness. I love how God pursues us. Most days I sit in wonder of His ongoing pursuit of me.

      Thanks for sharing a snippet of your story.

      Ian

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  4. I so agree Satan is a living entity. And he is never happier than when destroying Christians. Look forward to this book and would love to win it. Loved Peretti's Darkness series. And thank you for sharing your publication journey.

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    1. Welcome back, Pat. Here's an awful visual: two demons fist-bumping each other when a Christian falls. Too scary!

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    2. Thanks Patricia. I believe it's why we need to be very conscious of sin in our lives, cause it opens the door to the enemy. The sequel to Angelguard deals a lot more with this aspect.

      Best wishes

      Ian

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  5. I truly love that Peretti inspired you--he has me, as well. I enjoy working those spiritual, supernatural truths into my writing, and I agree--Christians often try to pretend Satan doesn't really do much. I noticed your book and would LOVE to win a copy. Heading over to find your blog/twitter, etc. as well. All the best, from another writer who's been waiting awhile to get published! (five years now)

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    1. Thanks for the return visit, Heather. Here's hoping the two of us will be published sooner than later.. I can't wait to read your novels. Like how I said novels, in plural?

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    2. Hi Heather, keep at it. But don't be frightened of putting your story away for a season. And keep pressing into the Lord. He'll guide you.

      I look forward to reading your published story.

      Best

      Ian

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  6. Awesome that you stuck with it for so long
    Proves what one can do when their will is strong
    Now the characters can see the light of day
    Published for all on display
    And yeah good vs evil is grand
    Enjoy that fight, fictional of course haha, in my land

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    1. You've made me smile again, Pat, with your visit. Hope our Northeaster storm hasn't charged into your land!

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  8. FABULOUS trailer! I'm looking forward to reading your book. Will it be on Kindle?

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    1. Welcome, Susan, to Everyone's Story. Hope to see you again.

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    2. Hi Susan, great you popped across to Elaine's blog. Yes, my publisher has indicated Angelguard will be released on Kindle & other ebook formats when it releases in the UK in late March. I'll make sure I let you know when it arrives.

      Dan, my 20 year old son asked to do the trailer. He's a muso and so he did the music & one of his best mates is a graphic designer did the video. I'm so proud of them. It was a first for all 3 of us.

      All the best

      Ian

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  9. Congratulations, Ian! I'm looking forward to reading Angelguard and having you visit us at ICFW's blog. Great interview, Elaine and Ian. BTW, love the trailer.

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    1. A fond hello, Sandra. Thanks for your returning visit. I agree--Ian's trailer is great.

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    2. Thanks Sandra. I can't wait to visit ICFW. I'll be seeing you soon.

      And thanks so much for introducing me to Elaine.

      I hope you haven't been completely snowed in.

      Best,

      Ian

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  10. I've only recently heard of you here in Australia, Ian, and do congratulate you on your perseverance that has led to your success. I too was impacted all those years ago by some of the books you've mentioned above and look forward to your book being released here in Australia!

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    1. How funny is that Mary that two Aussies meet on an overseas blog. The wonders of the net, I guess. Thank you for your encouraging words.

      I've recently joined both the CWD and ICFW blog writing teams too.

      Angelguard will be released in Australia in May.

      Best wishes

      Ian

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    2. A warm welcome to you, Mary. I'm honored by your visit. Hope to see you again.

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  11. Another week has wrapped up here on Everyone's Story. Ian, it has been my pleasure to host you this week and to introduce you to many viewers. I'm sure you will have a few new fans. Thanks for being a wonderful guest, and for coping so well with the time differences between our two countries. May God continue to bless you and your writing. And thanks for the awesome GiveAway of your novel ANGELGUARD, which I'm reading presently and am enjoying. It's totally riveting. And the winner of ANGELGUARD is...

    Heather. Congratulations, Heather! Both Ian and I will contact you, Heather, in personal emails to make arrangements to get the novel to you. Happy reading!

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