Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Francis Chapman
Book Title: Book of Yeshua
Released: 9/26/20
Genre: Historical Fiction/Conspiracy Thriller
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Book of Yeshua”?
Chapman: I was having a discussion with my partner about the story presented in the New Testament, and we were both struggling to come up with a genuine reason as to why the execution of God's only son should prove to be humanity's redemption. So I started thinking about an alternative story, and the plot of Book of Yeshua grew from there!
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process, or your book?
Chapman: First and foremost, because some people have taken exception to what I have written, I would like people to know that Book of Yeshua is a fictional thriller, designed to entertain, and, as a secondary consideration, make people think. It is not a claim to theological knowledge, or accuracy. I have no better notion of what actually happened in the middle east two millennia ago than anyone else. My research was certainly extensive, but it did not offer definitive answers, nor do I pretend to.
If "Book of Yeshua" were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Chapman: This isn't the easiest question to answer in the world because the same characters have different incarnations, with different physical appearances. As such, I have gone with actors who I would believe capture the essence of the characters, and have disregarded factors related to their physical appearance.
Elliot - Ezra Miller
Yeshua - Keanu Reeves
Pontius Pilate - Tom Hanks
Tavarius - Gary Oldman
Symeon - Tobias Menzies
What is your favorite book?
Chapman: I'm afraid I got it down to three, and wasn't able to narrow it down any further. A Confederacy of Dunces is the funniest book I have ever read. R Scott Bakker's The Prince of Nothing is breathtaking in its ambition and execution, and the world-building and character depth are both extraordinary. Finally Stephen King's The Dark Tower series features the best plotting I have ever read.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Chapman: One thing that I was told, and have found to be absolutely true, is that every author who is successful is doing at least one thing really well. So whenever you see a book that's selling well, even if it's not to your taste, try and identify what it is that the author is doing well, and see if you can't incorporate some aspect of that into your writing or marketing.
What are you working on next?
Chapman: I'm currently working on the sequel to Book of Yeshua, Book of Souls, which will be released in Spring of 2021!
Find out more about the author here: www.francis-chapman.com
Twitter @thefranchapman
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