Interview with Chip Tudor & a Giveaway
This week I’m introducing you to new-to-me author, Chip Tudor. Chip writes non-fiction, as well as Christian detective novels, and is giving away a paperback of his most recent fiction book, Finding Grace.
After reading the post, be sure to scroll all the way down to the comments section and leave a comment by June 17 for a chance to win the giveaway!
Welcome to my blog, Chip! Let’s start out with you sharing how and when you started writing.
I was a single adult in my 20’s and a young pastor on church staff when I started writing for magazines. Several of my children’s fiction stories and a few inspirational articles were published in Christian magazines, which encouraged me to continue.
Fast forward several years when I was married, had two young children, and lost my church staff position. I used my creative writing samples to gain paid work as a freelance copywriter to earn income. From there I began writing books.
Goes to show how God uses circumstances to steer us toward His next steps for us. What does a typical day in your writing life look like?
I begin early in the morning with a cup of coffee, reading God’s Word, praying, and writing thoughts into a journal. Many ideas for blog articles and books originate from that journal. I then go to the gym for a workout and begin writing after breakfast when I get home. This structured approach keeps me both inspired and disciplined in writing.
Sounds similar to how I start each day, minus the coffee. What genre do you write and what inspired you to write that particular genre?
I was an avid mystery reader growing up. So, my desire to write mystery and detective novels reflects that. My favorite novels are the Spencer detective series written by Robert B. Parker. He writes from a secular perspective I don’t share or always appreciate. But I admire his wit and crisp dialogue.
In a lot of ways, Jack Sterling, the main character in my books, is similar to Spencer. And my writing style imitates Parker’s. The difference is that Jack Sterling reflects the moral character and integrity of a man of God.
Speaking of integrity and God, how do you incorporate Christ and hope into your writing?
I strive to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage Christ-followers in their faith. So, I currently publish a weekly, inspirational blog (www.chiptudor.com/blog) that is rooted in scripture.
In my first detective novel, Soul Pursuit, the main character, Jack Sterling, starts out in the book as a non-believer. The plot weaves two story lines together. First, Jack’s detective assignment to locate and apprehend a wanted fugitive. And second, his spiritual journey toward faith in Jesus Christ.
In my sequel, Finding Grace, Jack is a new believer learning to live out his faith as he looks for a college student gone missing.
I always enjoy a definitive spiritual arc in the novels I read, so I appreciate your approach. What is the setting of your current novel? Is it a real location or fictional? Tell us about it.
The setting for both Soul Pursuit and Finding Grace is Dayton, Ohio. Some of the locations are real, like the University of Dayton and the downtown area. Some are fictional but based on real locations. I actually drove around the city scoping out the different areas to include. And they are reflected in book descriptions.
It’s nice when you can physically visit the locations depicted in your books. How do you tackle other types of research for your novels?
I conducted both online research and used the library to gather information about Navy Seals, Dessert Storm, and the Iraq war. I also interviewed a Dayton city police detective, a University of Dayton police officer, and a woman who works to rescue young women from the sex trade.
I learned that both drug and sex trafficking thrive in Dayton, Ohio because it sits at the intersection of I-70 and I-75. Two major highways that go North/South and East/West across the country. In fact, a few years ago, Dayton led the country in fentanyl overdose deaths.
Those facts are sobering and, sadly, we’re hearing more and more about such travesties these days. Is Finding Grace inspired by true events or personal history?
There are both characters and events in Finding Grace inspired by real life. For example, a friend of mine has a daughter who became ensnared in a religious cult like the fictional one in the book. And a University of Dayton police officer said he regularly observes students whose lives morally spiral downward like described in the book.
Stories based on true life situations are my jam! What is one of your favorite quotes from Finding Grace?
Probably the most challenging and enjoyable scene to write was a conversation between Jack and an agnostic, U.D. professor. They discuss Christianity versus science and debate on whether truth is absolute or relative. The professor clearly thinks he is intellectually superior. But I like the way Jack ends the conversation. “Which means we both exercise faith. I’m just honest about it.”
Great quote! Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I bask in good reviews and squirm under bad ones. But realize bad ones can still be constructive for improving as a writer. However, I had a bad review of Soul Pursuit that was especially hurtful, because it suggested an impure motivation that questioned my Christian character on a particular scene. And the worst part? I couldn’t explain or defend myself.
However, it taught me to carefully examine scenes for possible misunderstandings. And the importance of working with a Christian editor who encourages and provides an objective perspective.
I applaud your attitude. We can always learn something from pushback if we’re willing to die to our pride and consider a different perspective, right? What’s next from you?
I served for 28 years in church ministry. The two churches that comprised my longest years of service both terminated my employment for different reasons. Neither involved any moral transgression of my character or integrity as a man of God. But both were painful and difficult transitions. So, I’ve started working on a book titled Repurposed by God. It covers the journey of healing and finding new purpose as a Christ-follower.
Here again, God is using difficult circumstances for good. Thanks again for being on my blog this week, Chip. I pray the Lord will bless you in your writing endeavors and continue guiding you forward as you seek His direction.
Comment on Chip Tudor’s author interview by 6/17 for a chance to win a paperback of his novel, Finding Grace! #giveaway #ChristianFiction
TweetJoin the conversation. Do you enjoy reading suspense/mystery stories? What about stories based on true events? What aspect of Chip’s interview most intrigues you? What questions or comments do you have for Chip?
Be sure to scroll to the comments section below and drop a comment by June 17 for a chance to win a paperback of Chip’s novel, Finding Grace!
Finding Grace by Chip Tudor
Click the book cover for purchase link
Jack is hired to find Grace Miller, a freshman at the University of Dayton who is missing. Her trail follows a descending path of degradation. And Jack, a new Christ-follower, must investigate with his faith intact. Can he find Grace and if so, in what condition? Will he maintain his Christian integrity as he navigates a labyrinth of immorality? And finally, will he ultimately discover the meaning of experiencing freedom through God’s grace?
In a second storyline that began in Soul Pursuit, Jack seeks to expose Paxco, LLC, a company buying all the property in his neighborhood. Who owns it and what are they up to? The answer poses a greater threat than to just his neighborhood.
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger, and professional freelance copywriter. He’s published two fiction detective novels, three non-fiction books on Church ministry and Christian life, and one Bible Study on the book of Philippians.
A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, Chip also served as a church pastor with a focus in adult ministry for 28 years. And during gaps between church ministry positions, worked as a professional freelance copywriter for a variety of Advertising and Marketing/Communication clients.
Chip strives to proclaim the gospel, encourage readers through Bible-based truth, and offer spiritual insight with a sense of humor.
Connect with Chip: Website / Blog / Amazon / Goodreads / LinkedIn
Please share Chip’s interview on social media to help spread the word about his books!
If you missed Laura Thomas’s spotlight on The Final Word last week, FIND IT HERE.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
28 Comments
Janet D
Thank you for introducing us to this new author. I haven’t read any of his books but I will now!
Kathy Bailey
This is interesting, Chip. I’m an avid mystery and suspense reader, too. It’s a great genre, especially when you have a spiritual thread too.
I like the idea of being “repurposed.” We don’t always know why things happen.
Best wishes on your writing career.
Chip Tudor
Thank you, Kathy.
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for your comment, Kathy!
Teresa A Moyer
Love a good mystery and loved getting to know about another new to me author.
Chip Tudor
Thanks, Teresa.
Deena Adams
Same here, Teresa!
SARAH TAYLOR
Thank You for sharing Love meeting New Authors to me on your post This book sounds so interesting Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Chip Tudor
Thanks, Sarah.
Deena Adams
Best of luck in the giveaway, Sarah!
Jeanette Davis
Thank you for this interview and the opportunity to win a copy of your book. I love mysteries as well (either based on real life or not…). I do prefer Christian fiction as there is a true difference even if the secular fictions are ‘clean’ (for lack of a better word), just love seeing the character’s put trust in the Lord, pray and read the Bible… As has been stated over and over again, this is such a heart wrenching subject.
Chip Tudor
Thanks, Jeanette. I tried to integrate faith in a natural, unforced manner in both of my Jack Sterling novels. The first book, Soul Pursuit, was a spiritual journey of Jack going from an unbeliever to a believer. Finding Grace was a bit more challenging because Jack is now a new believer, but has to live out his Christian faith in an immoral setting.
Deena Adams
I totally agree with you, Jeanette. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Chip Tudor
I so appreciate the opportunity to be a guest author on this blog. Thank you Deena for your willingness to give Christian authors a platform to showcase their books.
Deena Adams
It’s my pleasure, Chip! So glad to have you here.
Patty Johnson
The book sounds interesting will always have people’s thoughts in what we do but Chris writes for the lord he gives us trials and sees us through them would be a book o would like to read
Deena Adams
Thanks for your comment, Patty!
Chip Tudor
Thanks, Patty.
Vickie
This book sounds so good. It’s sad what is going on regarding sex trafficking. There have been some arrests in my town, which really opened my eyes. It would be so hard to work in a field that involves having to deal with sex traffickers, but so rewarding when the girls (and boys) are rescued. I’m interested to read how faith helps Jack get through this.
Deena Adams
It is a sad situation, Vickie. It must break God’s heart to see the atrocities going on in this area, as well as other sinful actions that abound. Sadly, it seems that sex trafficking is everywhere, no place untouched. May God have mercy!
Kelly VanDemark
I love reading suspense and mysteries, including those based on true events. I somewhat recently learned that human trafficking is big in the city I grew up. It’s so heartbreaking these things exist.
Deena Adams
Totally heartbreaking, Kelly. Thanks for engaging on the blog.
Penny McGinnis
What a difficult subject to write about and a much needed one. I live in Ohio and it saddens my heart that this is taking place in Dayton. I hope the story brings light to this travesty.
Deena Adams
I agree, Penny. May God use Chip’s book to bring light to a very dark and disturbing subject.
Traci Winget
Love being introduced to new authors. His work sounds intriguing, and anything that points us to God is necessary! I look forward to reading his work.
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for your comment, Traci! I appreciate your engagement on the blog.
Diana Hardt
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Deena Adams
It’s my pleasure, Diana! I hope you get a chance to read it.