Is there a story behind The Diaries of Pontius Pilate ?
The story behind The Diaries of Pontius Pilate is it always makes sense to follow God sooner rather than later. For the first few years I was writing secular thrillers (after one non-fiction book). In the back of my mind, I suspected the Lord wanted me writing fiction with an explicit Christian message and I just didn’t want to. After a few years in the wilderness, I got the message, wrote “Diaries” and that’s when things started to happen.
What started you on your writing journey?
The terror attack on 911. Everyone was running around, wondering “why do they hate us,” “what did we do?” as though the whole thing just came out of the blue. That started my writing journey and was the topic of my first book.
What distracts you from writing the easiest?
My day job. I practice law and write a bi-weekly opinion column. My clients and editor count on me to give them my best. When in doubt, writing takes a back seat.
What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
Thrillers, with Dean Koontz type horror a close second.
Which character in your new release most interested you while you wrote? Why?
Pontius Pilate–although he’s only a peripheral character. I was always struck by the lengths he went to “rescue” Christ. He had no good reason to do so. An individual life, especially from a conquered people, was not considered valuable then in the way it is today. Despite that fact, Pilate went to some trouble to save the life of a “nobody,” risking his own position in the process.
If you were a style of music, what style would you be?
Rock and Roll.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
That’d be telling.
What is your strangest habit?
Chewing the inside of my lip when I’m thinking.
What is your favorite season of the year?
Fall – I’ve been around the world, but there’s no place better to be in the Fall than Western Pennsylvania.
What is a favorite memory from your childhood?
Any and every Christmas day right up to when I left for the Army.
Are there things you put off doing because you dread them?
Answering personal questions.
What's your favorite meal with family and friends?
Stuffed Chicken (stuffing in the bird, no bread crumb casseroles, please) with mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and hot rolls.
Are there spiritual themes you like to write about? Christians acting as salt and light in a fallen world.
Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to you.
John 3:16. It’s been my favorite verse since childhood and though others were important in different seasons of life, that’s the one that stands the test of time.
Buy his book at:
Website:
http://josephmaxlewis.com/
For Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6467151.Joseph_Max_Lewis
For Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joseph-Max-Lewis/390366621022306
About Max:
Joseph Max Lewis served as a member of an Operational Detachment in the U.S. Army's Seventh Special Forces Group, the storied Green Berets. During his service Lewis received antiterrorist training and his detachment was tasked to "Special Projects." Afterward, he served as an instructor at the Special Forces Qualification Course. Lewis attended the Pennsylvania State University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the University of Tel Aviv in Israel, and the University of Pittsburgh, receiving degrees in International Politics and Law while being certified in Middle East Studies.
After living and studying abroad, first in the Middle East and then Southeast Asia, Lewis returned home to practice law. He’s a columnist in the New Bethlehem Leader-Vindicator and currently lives, writes, and practices law in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Max is giving away a copy of Diaries of Pontius Pilate. The giveaway is only available to U.S. addresses. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment along with your email address. You can enter the book giveaway twice--once on each spotlight post.
Happy holiday Reading!
Caroline Brown