Pieces of Light is the thrilling conclusion of Julie Cave’s Dinah Harris Mystery Trilogy.
WHAT LED YOU TO WRITE PIECES OF LIGHT?
I feel very passionately about the two major topics of the book – domestic violence and the disintegration of religious freedom for Christians in Western culture. With regard to domestic violence, which is on the increase within our culture, I wanted to discuss the ongoing impact it has on families even once the violence stops, and how it can damage children. With regard to religious freedom, I am particularly interested in how the concept of separation of church and state is now being interpreted almost completely the opposite to how the founding fathers intended, and what this means for Christians. Woven into these two themes is a reminder that Christianity, when following Christ’s example, is full of mercy, compassion and redemption. All this in what I hope is an exciting and thrilling mystery! It is important to me to include important topics into my books within the context of great fiction.
STARTING OUT, WHO WERE THE AUTHORS WHO INSPIRED YOU? WHO INSPIRES YOU NOW?
As a child I loved the C.S. Lewis Narnia series, and as I grew older and read more widely of Lewis’ work, I was particularly inspired by his ability to weave challenging and complex topics into books that were easy for the average person to read. Being a fiction lover, I then began to wonder if I could do the same within the medium of fiction. After all, being a fiction reader shouldn’t exclude one from learning about the issues that impact Christian culture today. I still re-read C.S. Lewis all the time and it never fails to inspire me!
HOW DOES YOUR FAITH INFLUENCE YOUR WRITING?
My faith is the biggest influence in my writing. I feel so strongly about reaching as many people as I can with the message of the Gospel, a message contained in every one of my books. I’m also passionate about giving a reasoned defence of my faith in a world that too often writes off Christians as being crazy or dumb. That’s why I tackle controversial subjects like atheism, humanism, morality, and the origins of life. There are answers to life’s big questions, and I hope I provide a medium to share those answers with Christians and non-Christians alike.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN YOU WANTED TO BE AN AUTHOR?
Ever since I could pick up a pencil and write! I never thought it would more than a hobby though, until I actually saw my first book become published. Then it began to dawn on me that perhaps this was God’s purpose for my life – much more than a hobby. I’ll keep doing it until God decides it’s enough – which is to say, hopefully I’ll keep writing until this life is over!
WHAT DO YO MOST HOPE THAT READERS GET FROM READING YOUR WORK?
For Christians, I hope that they are both challenged and entertained by my books, and that they give the books to as many non-Christians as they can! I hope they enjoy the topics that I’ve written about and are moved to stand up for what is right. For non-Christians, I hope that God stirs their hearts to want to learn more. I hope that my books give some answers to their questions and that they can see that Christianity can be embraced by even the most logical, rational of people. I hope that when people are finished reading my books that they can’t stop thinking about them, that they have been touched emotionally or intellectually in some way. Mostly I just hope that my books glorify the great God I serve.