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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Welcome James L. Rubart and The Chair

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James (Jim) L. Rubart is a husband, dad, author, and speaker—in that order. He’s the best-selling author of ROOMS, BOOK OF DAYS, and THE CHAIR. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. During the day he runs Barefoot Marketing which helps businesses and authors make more coin of the realm. In his free time he dirt bikes, backpacks, golfs, takes photos, and does the occasional sleight of hand. No, he doesn’t sleep much. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his amazing wife and teenage sons and still thinks he’s young enough to water ski like a madman. More at www.jameslrubart.com.

THE CHAIR
by James L. Rubart
Published by B&H Fiction

ABOUT THE BOOK

What if a chair has survived from the time of Christ— not just any first century chair, but one Jesus crafted. And what if this chair has healing powers? If such an artifact were offered to you, would you believe it? Would you accept it? Because owning that chair not only opens up the chance for physical, emotional and relationship healing, it also throws wide the door to danger. Because inevitably others would seek the power of this supernatural object and stop at nothing to get it.

Readers, buy your copy of The Chair today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Frequent Questions About This Insane Occupation

Being a novelist garners a fair amount of questions—many of which repeat. Often. Here are three, and my commentary on them:

"What's it like being the wife of a famous novelist?" (Directed to my wife.)

I understand why people ask it. They have a smile on their face when they do, in affect acknowledging my success, but this is somewhat of an unanswerable question.

There are three possible answers: "It's unbearable. His ego is now the size of Manhattan," "He's much nicer now than he was before," or "It's the same." The last answer is the honest answer, and the most boring.

The reality is the majority of the time I don't even think about the fact I've achieved a small bit of success in publishing. It still surprises me when I show up on a blog or a Web site or magazine.

The point isn't me anyway. If we've chosen to follow Jesus the point is making him famous, not me.

"What did you do before you became a novelist?"

Many people think once you start publishing novels you have to buy a fleet of dump trucks to haul all the money to your home. Nope. Sorry to burst any bubbles, but the money ain't quite that big. Two to three percent of novelists make a full-time living writing books. (When the average book sells 5,000 copies and most royalty rates are .80 cents per book it's easy to see why.) So the answer is, "the same thing I did before." Do I dream of writing full-time. Absolutely. I believe most novelists do. Check in with me in a year—or five. I'd love to tell you I'm one of the three percent.

"Your novel(s) would be so great as movies! When are they going to start making them?"

Since a fraction of a fraction of novels are made into movies, the blunt answer would be, "I have no idea, but the realistic answer is never," but that's seems pessimistic, so instead I thank the person (it does make me feel good when people say that) and talk about how cool it would be if one of my books make it to the big screen.

And I'm a glass-half-full kind of guy, so I believe it's going to happen. In fact I'm talking to a Hollywood Producer/Director right now, which begs the question, if it did happen, when would it come out? Most movies take about ten years from deal to screen, so I'm not holding my breath. But yes, it's still fun to dream about! (And yes, you can all be extras if it happens.)

* * * * *

Thank you, Jim, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: What question do you like to ask novelists? Or what's the funniest answer a novelist has given you to one of your questions?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of the book featured above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

10 comments:

Jan Cline said...

I loved the book very much and encourage everyone to read it. The funniest answer I ever got was "yes." That was from Jim when I asked him to keynote at my conference. It was funny because I totally expected him to say no to this crazy lady trying to put together a writer's conference. My question to him today would be which of your books was the most fun to write?
Jan Cline
jancline(at)ymail(dot)com

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

I love to ask, "How many novels did you write before you sold your first book." Jim, you are just hilarious!

michelle[at]michellesutton[dot]net

Beth Steury said...

I always wonder where all the marvelous ideas come from--what sparked this particular idea for the novelist.

I saw you at the conference and told my daughter when I got home that we HAVE to read your books!

Jennifer said...

I like to ask...How did you keep from giving up while waiting to sell your first novel?

Can't wait to read the chair...

James L. Rubart said...

Jan, probably ROOMS simply because there was no deadline! I didn't have to think about word count and getting it finished by a certain date. And it's the book of my heart.

Love ya, Michelle! ROOMS was the first novel I attempted, so I don't have any sitting in a drawer.

Beth, I got the idea for THE CHAIR from an article that said some of the plows Jesus made lasted until the 2nd century. I thought, "What if He made something that lasted until today?" Hope you and your daughter enjoy my books! :)

Jennifer, my amazing wife, Darci is the one that kept me from giving up. Without here I wouldn't be typing this sentence.

Thanks for the support, all!

Jim

Debbie Archer said...

Hi Jim,
LOVED your improv at the Pizza Party. You are born to make people chuckle, think, ponder and praise!

Here's my question. In your opinion which part of the chair is the most important? The seat, the back, the arms, the legs ... and just 'cause I'm nosy ... why?

Fingers crossed for the drawing and thanks for your infectious smile and your generosity!

Debbie Archer said...

Woops. Forgot my email addy just in case. =)
It's debbied_archer@hotmail.com

New Christian Books said...

I loved this book. It's a fast-paced suspense novel, but at the heart of it, the story is really about healing--both inner and outer. It was a great blend of suspense, action and a story of someone whose life and heart is unexpectedly transformed. It really made me wonder about the power of religious relics! I already have a copy so you don't have to enter me in the drawing! And check out this cool story on storify.com about The Chair: http://sfy.co/IQ5

Rachel Christine said...

With all of your hobbies, Jim, how do you find time to write? Do you get all your ideas from weird dreams at night to save waking time?
Rachel rkulp000@centurytel.net

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

I've been horrible at returning to post the winners selected. But having 2 little ones under the age of 3 takes its toll on my free time...and my brain. :)

Here is the winner for this drawing:

Rachel Christine

Congratulations! I'll go now to post the winners of the other drawings up through current. Thanks for your patience.