Today, I am interviewing Nathan Lumbatis for his Daniel and the Triune Quest Blog Tour and Giveaway.
So sit and back and let Nathan give you the background about his book, Daniel and the Triune Quest. I reviewed it in September and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Want to win prizes? Look for the secret word in this post and follow the Rafflecopter Giveaway instructions at the end.
Now let's get into this interview.
Hi Nathan!
Want to win prizes? Look for the secret word in this post and follow the Rafflecopter Giveaway instructions at the end.
Now let's get into this interview.
Hi Nathan!
Tell us about the Sons and Daughters series, and Daniel and the Triune Quest.
Daniel and the Sun Sword is the first book in the series, which focuses on Daniel’s quest to find the first Weapon of Power (which, hopefully, obvious by the title, is the Sun Sword).
Daniel and the Triune Quest is book two and focuses on the quest for the second Weapon of Power—the Triune Shield. In that story, Daniel, and his adoptive brother, Ben, are transported to India where they have to fight Shakti, a malevolent goddess in service to the Enemy, for the shield.
Ooooo! What’s going to happen? Will they survive? Will they get the next Weapon? I guess you’ll have to read it to find out.
What inspired you to write the Sons and Daughters series?
I work a lot with children and teenagers who come out of broken homes, many of whom have been adopted or were in foster care at some point. One thing they all have in common was a hunger for identity—a place to belong to, a family heritage to call their own, a history they can be plugged into. Really, that’s a desire we all have, it just seemed emphasized in these children. And, ultimately, that need is fulfilled in salvation, in our adoption into God’s family. That need and fulfilment were the inspiration for Sons and Daughters.
How would you describe the Daniel and the Triune Quest in a text message?
I work a lot with children and teenagers who come out of broken homes, many of whom have been adopted or were in foster care at some point. One thing they all have in common was a hunger for identity—a place to belong to, a family heritage to call their own, a history they can be plugged into. Really, that’s a desire we all have, it just seemed emphasized in these children. And, ultimately, that need is fulfilled in salvation, in our adoption into God’s family. That need and fulfilment were the inspiration for Sons and Daughters.
How would you describe the Daniel and the Triune Quest in a text message?
That’s hard! Probably:
What was your favorite part of the whole book?
I’d have to say it’s when Daniel meets the Son face-to-face. I was able to really worship God through writing the description of Jesus and detailing his interaction with Daniel. Christian art can be very tame, and frankly boring when it comes to portraying God. But when we read about him in apocalyptic books in the Bible, he’s terrifying and awesome and exciting and powerful, and there are all sorts of displays of power around him: flashing light, dark clouds, lightning, thunder, fire, glowing eyes and body, etc. It’s more like what we would see in a superhero movie. I wanted to portray him as embodying that. And most of the time, people in the Bible fall flat on their face when they meet a divine being, so I wanted Daniel to experience that power. It was fun.
Do you identify with any one character in the book?
Yes: Ben. He comes from a good family and is struggling to make sense of a “not good” world. When I was a child, I was very sheltered (which I think is a good thing, by the way). So, when I was finally exposed to “bad” things in the world as a teenager, I remember the struggle to wrap my head around it pretty vividly. But I was equipped because I knew right from wrong, so I made it through alive.
So far, your books have focused on Peruvian and Indian Mythology. Why those?
Why? Because I’m fascinated by them. And I’m the writer, so I get to make the decisions. So there.
What other mythologies will your future books include?
The third book will take place in several places in Ireland, Wales, and England, so it’ll feature Celtic and Welsh mythology. The final book will be in the Middle-East and so will likely have Babylonian and Sumerian mythology as the backdrop.
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes, little Biblical references here and there. Since I love mythology, I also pepper a few obscure mythological elements from various cultures throughout the books.
~ The secret word for this post is: “and” ~
What books do you have planned next?
The third and fourth books in the Sons and Daughters series, of course. And then after that, I’ll be revisiting a book I began about 10 years ago but never got published. I may turn that one into a series of middle-grade chapter books, or a YA series. Not sure yet.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Usually, three months to outline it, and 7 months to a year to finish the book.
Where is your favorite place to write?
In front of my fireplace early in the morning. See?
How do you balance life and time for writing?
I’m a morning person, so I usually devote several early morning hours to writing each week. My work can be flexible too, so there are times I can squeeze an hour of writing in here and there during the day as well.
Why did you decide to become a writer?
I love stories, and I love telling stories. That’s about it! It’s just part of who I am, I guess. I started writing stories when I was around 14 or 15 and never stopped. It helped that I grew up in the middle of boondocks Alabama where we didn’t have internet or cable. Most of my time was spent running around in the woods, which is pretty good fuel for a kid’s imagination.
What is your favorite book?
Ooh! That’s hard. I have several: LOTR, The Prydain Chronicles, The Great Divorce, Perelandra, and The Merlin Trilogy (Mary Stewart).
Favorite fictional character?
Probably Gandalf or Merlin (from the aforementioned Merlin Trilogy). I just really like wizards, I guess.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Everyone always says, “Don’t give up! Keep writing!” when asked this question. And it’s true; that’s something all authors need to hear. But to this I would add the following: the publishing and marketing side of being a writer is hard and doesn’t come naturally to most authors. Don’t let the thought of that intimidate you or distract you from the most important part—focusing on telling a really good story. Just keep writing stories that you’re passionate about and all the other stuff will come in time.
Do you still believe in monsters?
Absolutely. There’s probably one behind you right now!
Do you Google yourself?
That’s a personal question. But yes. Usually to make sure there’s nothing weird about me written anywhere. I’m not sure what I would do if there was…maybe write a strongly worded letter.
Do you have any hobbies other than writing?
Yep. Running, archery, hiking, trailblazing through the woods, hanging out with my family.
If you are interested in purchasing a signed copy of Nathan’s books, or interested in finding out more about the Sons and Daughters series, please head over to his website at www.nathanlumbatis.com
If you are interested in purchasing a signed copy of Nathan’s books, or interested in finding out more about the Sons and Daughters series, please head over to his website at www.nathanlumbatis.com
Here are book trailers for Daniel and the Sun Sword and Daniel and the Triune Quest:
Amazon link for Daniel and the Sun Sword: Daniel and the Sun Sword
Amazon link for Daniel and the Triune Quest: Daniel and the Triune Quest
Barnes and Noble link to purchase both books:
You can follow Nathan on these social media platforms:
Facebook: Nathan Lumbatis Author
Twitter: Nathan Lumbatis
Instagram: nathan.lumbatis
Combine the secret words found in each participating blog, combine them into a complete sentence, then follow the Rafflecopter link below to enter the sentence as your answer.
Combine the secret words found in each participating blog, combine them into a complete sentence, then follow the Rafflecopter link below to enter the sentence as your answer.
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway:
First prize: Signed copies of Daniel and the Sun Sword and Daniel and the Triune Quest + Sons and Daughters Bookmarks
Second Prize: Signed copy of Daniel and the Sun Sword + Bookmark
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway:
Blog Tour Schedule:
About Nathan Lumbatis:
Nathan grew up in the woods of Alabama, where he spent his time exploring, hiking, and dreaming up stories. Now, as a child/adolescent therapist and author, he’s teaching kids and teens how to redeem their stories using Biblical principles. He still lives in Alabama, where you will find him with his wife and three kids every chance he gets.
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