Sunday, November 02, 2008

Interview with Author, Victor McGlothin


First up is Victor McGlothin. Victor is the author of nine novels and a two novella collaborations. His latest release, Sinful Too was released on Oct. 31 with Hachette Book Group. He resides near Dallas, Tx with his wife and two sons.

Welcome to Urban Christian Fiction, Victor. I visited your website and you have a very interesting bio. You entered college and almost lost an athletic scholarship because you were not prepared academically, but then went on to complete a Masters degree. Share a little of about this.

VM: When I entered college ill-prepared and reading on a 6th grade level, I quickly learned that doing it and getting it done were two different things entirely. I’m fortunate to have faced that mountain of adversity because it forced me to reach much farther than my grasp. After teaching myself to read and comprehend better, my education was secured. I’ve been a lover of the written word every since.

Tell us a little about your current novel, Sinful Too.
VM: “Sinful Too” is a wickedly charming story about a woman who decides to take another woman’s man and her role as First Lady of Dallas’ biggest Mega church. It takes the reader through the measures associated with manipulating a man via intrigue and intellect then driving him crazy enough to risk his marriage and his responsibilities to the church. Dior is an especially talented deviant and she’s very proud of it. She can get any man but really enjoys the challenge to stealing the rich ones.



What would you like readers to take way from this story?
VM:
This story explains in vivid detail what the temptress and her prey are going through from the outset to the very end, including every juicy step in between. Men who think a sordid affair could never happen to them should read this novel then think again. Women will get a great look at a potential threat to their own relationship. That alone is well worth the price of purchase. There’s a good reason bad girls finish first, unless kept in check.

Share your journey to publication.
VM: I started writing as a hobby then had other ideas once I finished the manuscript 16 months later. The book sold a few thousand copies literally from the trunk of my car. My second novel was picked up by a major publisher after selling 4,000 copies. I’ve been blessed to have an outstanding editor for my last seven books. Now, I’m working hard on movie projects. Don’t laugh… sweat equity has gotten me this far and I ain’t even tired yet.

You’ve been classified by many as a Christian Fiction author. Do you believe this genre captures the audience you want to read your stories?
VM:
Actually, only three of my eleven titles deal with Christian or Inspirational Fiction. “Down on My Knees”, “Sinful” and “Sinful Too” delve deep into the lives of Christians who become at odds with themselves, lovers, family members, and sometimes church leaders as well.

I love your brand, The Write Brother and you have an advice column on your blog. Very original. Tell us how that got started and why you feel you are the “right” brother to give your readers advice.
VM:
Years ago, I was at a book signing with a club in Dallas. Because of a situation I’d written about in the novel they selected, some of the sistahs starting needling me for more insight from a male’s perspective. Afterwards, someone suggested I make my opinions available for others who might be dealing with similar issues. Victor Said… was born out of necessity I guess. Kinda cool huh? Now, I answer submissions on my website every Friday.

I asked Victor to get personal and he shared the answers to the following questions:

Favorite time of year and why:
Fall – because it’s a welcomed change after long scorching Texas summers.

Favorite scripture: Hebrews 11:1 ‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.’ Without the proper measure of faith, defeat is nearly certain in every aspect of life.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Egypt, I’ve always had a thing for Pyramids.

If you could spend an hour with any person, living or deceased, who would it be and why? Jesus. There’s so much I want to ask Him about the struggles he faced as a man. Guess I’ll have to wait until He has a spare minute in Heaven.

If you were going to a deserted island and could only take one novel, that you didn’t write, what would it be and why? Walter Mosley’s “Little Yellow Dog.” It’s set in the late 1940’s, my most favorite time in history. After the soldiers came home from World War II, Black servicemen shared what they saw oversees and how they were treated much better abroad. It caused a rise in their consciousness and inspired a higher standard of living back home.

Victor, you’ve been very successful, any advice for aspiring writers?
VM:
Work hard at honing your craft, read lots of other authors and keep pushing until something pops.

Victor, thanks so much for visiting Urban Christian Fiction. You may visit Victor at his website http://www.victormcglothin.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/thewritebrother

Make sure to stop by, sign his guest book and check out the advice column. Oh and please pick up a copy or two of Sinful Too. Remember books make great Christmas gifts.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great interview. Sounds like a good read.

Wanda B. Campbell

Anonymous said...

Rhonda I'm disappointed that you would classify Mr. McGlothin as a CF author. I've read a few of his titles and I wouldn't call him a christian author.

rhonda mcknight said...

Hello Anonymous,

Mr. Glothin is clear in his interview that only three of his titles are inspirational/CF. Sinful Too, the book we are featuring is a CF title.

CF is a broad genre that only has specific guidelines as outlined by the individual publishers. I don't think it's for any of us to say what Christian Fiction absolutely is or absolutely is not. When we do this we begin to sound like people who divide the Christian church. Which denomination is the holiest and like discussions. That is why I make some of my choices for selections based on the reputation of the publishing house and the imprint. Mr. McGlothin's publisher, Grand Central Publishing is releasing Christian world view inspirational titles.

On the note regarding whether or not he is a Christian author, none of us know who loves the Lord, but the Lord himself. If you're implying that he's not a Christian author because he previously chose to write mainstream fiction, I have to say I'm disappointed you're taking such a harsh position. I personally don't feel that because an author is Christian they are limited to CF writing. That's like saying a Christian painter should only paint crosses or churches. I believe each person has to resolve to write what they feel in their hearts. Another point that I'd like you to consider is that some authors reach a level in their Christian walks where what they write changes. Should we then exclude them "our" CF world because of where they came from? I don't think so.

I chose to feature Mr. McGlothin because his current title and any additional titles he has with his current publisher meet the criteria for CF.

I appreciate your comment and hope others share their thoughts on the topic as well.

Many Blessings,

Rhonda

Anonymous said...

It sounds like anonymous has a heaven and hell to put people in. Kind of judgemental to decide whether or not he's a christian or not.

I just finished Sinful 2. It's a review title for me and it's definitely a christian book.

Glad to see a man. Keep up the good work.

Kim Hutchinson

Cecelia Dowdy said...

Rhonda, I enjoyed the interview! Thanks for sharing it with us!