Topic: Author Interview
I've had the wonderful pleasure of getting to know the Marvin Wilson, a good friend and even better writer. He stopped in to talk with us and I'd like to share our conversation. Don't forget to leave a comment for Marvin for a chance at some great prizes!!
1. I know Owen Fiddler is a book but...who is Owen Fiddler? Can you give us some insight into what makes him who he is?
Owen Fiddler is a composite of all of us. He represents those aspects we abhor in others but often fail to recognize within ourselves. He is an anthropomorphic principle, a concentrated synthesis of the ugly, selfish, irresponsible side of the human condition. Everyone can relate to Owen Fiddler in one way or another if we are but honest with ourselves. The extent to which you have the Owen Fiddler in you is the direct measure and barometer of your spiritual depravity.
2. One line that really captured my attention in Owen Fiddler was "She was no longer a ‘she' an ‘it' or any ‘thing.' Simultaneously, the no-‘thing' that was once ‘her' became everything and nothing at once ... pure consciousness." This line reminded me so much of something Richard Bach would write. Would you say Bach has had any influence on you either as a writer or in a spiritual sense?
Well, you happen to be talking about my favorite author now, so, absolutely yes, Bach is a major influence on my writing. We always consider those with which we agree to be "wise," but his way of explaining the principles of oneness and divine interconnectedness within the telling of an extremely entertaining tale really speaks to me. I think he's a genius. If I can ever attain to being half the writer he is, I'll go to the grave happy.
3. This book has a deep spiritual undertone, sometimes not readily seen by a casual reader. Owen sways between running from and embracing his spiritual self. Do you think that is how most of us go through life?
Yes, I do. And I'm glad you mentioned the "undertone" nature of the spiritual messages in Owen Fiddler. That tells me I accomplished one of my goals with it, to make it a fun, entertaining read without being too "preachy" and turning off the casual readers. But for those who like to look deeper, there are spiritual messages SCREAMING between the lines. I think the best way I've read it put was in a review written by a good friend and colleague, Philip Harris:
"Owen Fiddler, like many, is caught between worlds. On the one hand, the "small voice" within has been stifled by Owen's refusal to take charge of his life and responsibility for his reality. And yet, the voice, the Word, continues to call. On the other hand, Owen has been pulled by the trials and tribulations of life into a world of illusion and despair. What Owen discovers is that, like most of us, these trials and tribulations are of our own making."
4. I read so many messages into Owen Fiddler. What I'd really like to know is what message or messages did you try to convey with this book?
What goes around comes around. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Protect the weak and help the less fortunate. Do good to those that harm you. Love your enemies. Nothing new in my messages - Jesus said it all more than two thousand years ago. Not many people read the Bible anymore, so I'm just trying to do my part to get the altruistic love of Christ out there, doing my little bit to promote JC's timeless truths. And again, I try my best to do it in such a way that anyone will enjoy it as just being a darn good book, no matter what faith or no-faith you have. People who subscribe to "The Secret" and the ever-growing-in-modern-popularity-yet-has been-around-since-the-dawn-of-creation Law of Attraction will find it an agreeable read. I would think true followers of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, the Sikhs, Baha'i's, Zoroastrians, even agnostics and atheists alike can read Owen Fiddler and agree to the messages. All the great prophets and avatars, even exemplary mortal philanthropists have instructed humankind with the same principles on how we should treat each other as brothers and sisters in one spirit.
5. Marvin, is there anything in particular you would like to tell readers about Owen Fiddler?
Don't be like him.
6. Where can people find Owen Fiddler?
The Ebook is out right now, selling on http://www.mobipocket.com/ and http://www.ebooksonthe.net/ for only $5.50. By the end of January, it should also be offered on http://www.fictionwise.com/ and it will be a Kindle Book on Amazon. The trade paperback version I expect out by mid-year. It will be available on Amazon and if not on the shelf at your local bookstore yet, you will be able to order a copy from just about anywhere. Print copies I estimate will cost in the $14 to $16 range.
7. I'd like to veer away from your writing for a minute, if you don't mind. Your artistic talent and spirituality show themselves in your music. Would you like to take a minute to tell us about the CD you and your band have out?
Sure. The Average Praise Band is a group of professional musicians from my church who pool their talents for praise and worship services. We also give occasional concerts as fundraisers for the church and its many community outreach programs. The APB doesn't "perform" for its audiences. Rather, it creates an interactive environment through the universal language of music to assist people in getting beyond their selves and into the presence of God. It's powerful ... and loud. Like a spirit filled rock concert. The CD we sell as a fundraiser as well. It's a collection of some of the original songs I've written as well as one bluesy remake of the old traditional hymn, "Precious Lord." The CD is titled, RHYTHM & TRUTHS (We'll Praise the Hell out of You!)
8. Any final words for our readers, Marvin?
I love hearing from people, love meeting new people and developing friendships. One of the joys of having immersed myself into the world of writing is the quality of people I have met and formed relationships with, yourself included. The writers, the readers, the editors, publishers and agents, people who love books are usually very interesting, thoughtful, intelligent, caring and multi-faceted folks. So to all of your readers, please feel free to contact me! Read one or more of my books, visit my websites, and shoot me an e-mail - let's talk ... I appreciate feedback and enjoy healthy dialogue about things that matter in this crazy experience we call life on earth.
Joyce, as always, it's been a real pleasure. Your questions were engaging, they pulled some stuff out of me I might not have thought to say if not asked. My best to you and your readers in this new year! To anyone who would like to contact me, here are my sites:
Book websites: http://www.owenfiddler.com/ and http://www.rockofallages.com/
MySpace at: www.myspace.com/Paize_Fiddler
Blog at: http://inspiritandtruths.blogspot.com/
e-mail: marvwilson2010@gmail.com
