Mind Flights Magazine: a defender of the Christian short story

I want to start with two marvelously speculative ideas.

Idea 1:
Many Christian speculative fiction authors have passed through the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog tour. And there are many other quality Christian spec authors published by top Christian publishers. Why not send them a friendly email alerting them to a new anthology being put together. Take the magazine Mind Flights for instance: they are a reputable magazine (having a long established history as both DKA and TSR) and they could garner the enthusiasm. Speculative fiction authors tend to love short stories, why not get these established authors to put together an anthology. Afterall, someone, sometime, needs to put out a big antho of Christian spec fiction that can match the secular quality. The talent is out there, now someone needs to take that first step (or "giant leap")

Idea 2:
What if magazines such as Mind Flights, Residential aliens, Ray Gun Revival, The Christian Sci-fi Journal, Wayfarers Journal, and Third Order got together and put out an anthology of their best works? Sounds interesting to me.

The dillemma...

Sadly, if one walks into their local Christian bookstore, or even secular mega store like Barnes and Noble, and searches for Christian short story collections, one will find very little if anything in that category. Why? Where are the short story collections by Christian authors? Or where are the short story anthologies with themes like "Faith and Science Fiction," or "Deeper Magic". My friends, they are coming...

Mind Flights is a Christian Magazine of fantasy and science fiction. They alongside other Christian fiction magazines, are paving new roads for Christ-reflected short fiction. Not preachy, but still a reflection of the truth and light.

Examples of this are of course in the writings of Lewis and Tolkien, but there are others, Walter M. Miller and Cordwainer Smith (Paul Lineberger) come to mind. These authors published short stories. However, modern day examples of popular Christian authors writing short stories are scarce. I know of none.

Mind Flights Magazine, and other Christian fiction magazines are tenaciously changing the landscape. An underground revolution is being stirred to life. Already there are anthologies that are popping up. Lyn Perry's "Residential Aliens ezine" put out a silly fantasy anthology titled "Strange Worlds of Lunacy". And Relief Journal put out a fun weird fiction anthology as well.

As this underground movement builds, these magazines will be able to afford to pay their authors higher and higher rates, allowing the talent pool to expand. As Christian fiction magazines grow, so will the quality of their stories. But the momentum needs to continue. It's time to get innovative and join forces.

Please check out Mind Flights, our featured magazine this month.

And please check out other CSFF blog tour sites

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Jackie Castle
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Kameron M. Franklin
Beth Goddard
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Terri Main
Margaret
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Pamela Morrisson
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Rachelle Sperling
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Linda Wichman
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

CSFF Blog Tour: The Begotten

List T. Bergren's, The Begotten, is book one in a trilogy called The Gifted Series.

Bergren's novel received a starred review from Booklist. Reviewer John Mort said this of The Begotten:

"Bergren's thriller is set in Italy during the paranoid days of the Inquisition, when Christianity teeters on the edge of oblivion. A long-lost letter from St. Paul surfaces, predicting the rise of a group called the Gifted. Father Piero, a Dominican priest, finds the first of these, a proto-feminist with healing powers, Lady Daria D'Angelo. A knight whom she heals, Gianni de Capezzan, and a mute ex-slave, Hasani, round out the core members, who rapidly gain followers even as they flee the Sorcerer, the fearsome, magical emissary of Satan. Suspenseful and exquisitely detailed, Bergren's first entry in a trilogy will not only thrill evangelical readers but also engage anyone loving adventure and an unnerving battle between good and evil."

Gathering perspectives from several reviewers, I've gotten a clear sense that this novel is not your typical thriller, but a supernatural adventure in a world that is akin to our own, but not wholly ours. Publisher's weekly said to, "Disregard Da Vinci Code comparisons and think Lord of the Rings, but without Hobbits and the allegorical trappings."

Lord of the Rings + Historical Supernatural Thriller = ???

I really, really don't know what the above equation equals, but it sure does pique my interest!!

After reading the book from cover to cover in one night, here's what the editor of FocusOnFiction.net, Kelli Standish said of The Begotten:

"Begren's skill as a writer has SKYROCKETED since she took a break from writing in 2002...In movie form, The Begotten is a cross between The DaVinci Code, Luther, The Fantastic Four, and Lord of the Rings. In book form, it combines the historical detail and noble characters of a Linda Chaikin novel, the darkness and suspense of Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo, the spiritual warfare of Frank Peretti's This Present Darkness, and the miracles of the book of Acts."

In conclusion, today Monday, April 21st, after work, I'm going to pick up a copy of Bergren's book. I guess I finally figured out what that above equation equals out to...

Lord of the Rings + Historical Supernatural Thriller = my buying this book!


Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Jackie Castle
Karri Compton
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
Karina Fabian
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Michael Greene
Michael Heald
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Terri Main
Margaret
Melissa Meeks
Pamela Morrisson
John W. Otte
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

CSFF Blog Tour: Andrew Peterson

Andrew Peterson's YA fantasy novel, "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness," hit the bookstores this month.

After checking out all the buzz on this book, I'm really beginning to regret not requesting an advanced copy!

After perusing the authors website, and reading several book reviews, I've gotten a sense that Andrew Peterson has a fun, rambunctious sense of humor. Just take some of these names of creatures in the book:

Cave blats, fangs, horned hounds, quill diggles, thwaps, and the unforgettable...toothy cows...

I think Monty Python could use some of those characters.

But besides the humor, reviewers are raving about the authors writing skill, and excellent plotting. And the praise isn't limited to those within the Christian circle, check out Fantasy Book Critic.

Andrew Peterson's website is another great place to look around

And be sure to check out these other CSFF blog tour member sites for lots more on this book!

Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Green
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Pamela Morrisson
John W. Otte
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Cheryl Russel
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

My first novel...a delay

My first novel, "When the Sky Fell," co-written with Mike Lynch was scheduled to be released this month by Silver Leaf Books, but is being pushed back a year to February 2009.

To wait another year is hard, but God is in control, and I'm joyful despite the delay.

Mike Lynch and I haven't been idle, we've got a sequel to "When the Sky Fell," already finished, and a third novel with the working title, "Midnight Over Midian."

Our fourth novel, is in the pre-planning stages.

And besides novels, Mike and I have some short stories in the works.

That's the update! Thanks for stopping by.

CSFF Blog Tour: Chris Walley's The Shadow and Night

Though I haven't read Chris Walley's book yet, I'd really like to, and here's why:

Chris Walley's The Shadow and Night was praised by reviewer Patricia Cummings, who said of the story:

"...it’s "Star Wars" the way it should have been written..."

The story is set in the year 13851 in a world that has never experienced evil. So let's break that information down.... We have a scientific, technologically based Garden of Eden society. There is no sin, and the inhabitants have a spiritual relationship with God.

So maybe you're saying to yourself. That's a pretty rad concept but...how's that make for an interesting story? Where's the conflict?

Conflict enter stage left: A horde of evil ape-like creatures and giant bugs threaten to destroy their paradisical planet! And even worse, they're not only battling evil apes and cockroaches, they're fighting against a spreading evil that threatens to corrupt their very minds. The dark side makes a full frontal assault, no rules, no mercy.

Christian Star Wars anyone?

Yes, please!

Check out Chris Walley's website or his web blog.

And check out more CSFF Blog tour sites!

Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Rebecca Grabill
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Heather R. Hunt
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

CSFF Blog Tour: Auralia’s Colors

If you like rich fantasy with lavish well-crafted descriptions, then Auralia's Colors, by Jeffrey Overstreet is a book you'll definitely want to pick up.

If I've piqued your interest, hop over to the author's website. He has the first chapter available in PDF format. I read it, and I found myself immediately drawn in to the world of Auralia's Colors, and wanting more.

Below is a quote from the author:

I write fantasy because it draws me into an elemental world of nature—forests, mountains, rivers, fire, secret tunnels, and amazing creatures. I’ve grown up in the big city, and I longed for those rare vacations to the Oregon Coast where I could see nature with all of its raw power and awe-inspiring beauty. I believe that creation “declares the glory of God,” and that the natural world “pours forth speech” (to borrow some words from the Psalmist). I feel closest to God, and open to learning about him, when I’m close to nature. Fantasy takes me there.
-Jeffrey Overstreet, in an interview at Zyphe

For those of us readers who've found themselves drawn, with unquenchable appetites into worlds of fantasy, Jeffrey Overstreet strikes at the core of our desire. Wonder, beauty, a sense of amazement, a hunger for the majestic, a longing to transcend modern life, with its man-made beauty which is indeed the most ugliest blot of all. How ridiculous--how atrocious--our modern buildings look, even compared to a barren tundra. Are you the type of person who looks out your bedroom window, at all the houses and buildings, and imagine what it would be like if they would all disappear. (I'm speaking aesthetically, we wouldn't want to erase precious souls whom God loves of course! Whom he wants to make beautiful, in Christ!)

As Jeffrey said above, "Creation 'declares the glory of God."

Consider this verse:
The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."
Romans 8: 19-22

When Christ returns, we have much to look forward to...I can hardly wait!


Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Heather R. Hunt
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Cheryl Russel
Ashley Rutherford
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise