Sunday, June 19, 2011

THE CONSTANTINE CODEX - Paul L Maier - Free Book

I read A Skeleton in God's Closet when it first came out, so I knew I wanted to feature this author and book on my blog as soon as I heard about its release. Welcome, Paul.

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. 
I don’t intentionally get autobiographical in my novels, but there’s no question but that the protagonist in the Skeleton series reflects my own attitudes and values.  Some have said that I’m the Jonathan Weber figure in those novels, but my reply is always, “No, I’m not that good.”

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I accidentally wandered across the Israeli-Syrian border at the Sea of Galilee, and was arrested, put before a makeshift firing-squad, but survived by the grace of God and the command of a uniformed Syrian officer.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I really never set out to be a writer, but I knew that I had to record the life story of my famous father, Dr. Walter A. Maier, who founded “The Lutheran Hour” radio program.  And my writing career took off from there.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
History and historical fiction are my favorites, with a thriller thrown in from time to time.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
Sometimes I simply have to tune that world out, which may account for the fact that, a times, as many as 350 e-mails get backed up in my internet queue.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
Simply by what sounds naturally in the context.  When it comes to Popes, however, I simply looked in the World Almanac to see what papal names hadn’t been used.  And that’s how I invented a pope named Benedict XVI for my Skeleton series back in 1994 – years before the present pope actually took that name.  I have quite a few e-mails addressed to “Paul the Prophet!” 

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Establishing an exact date for Jesus’ Crucifixion – April 3, A.D. 33 – and uncovering the Roman politics behind the crucifixion.

What is your favorite food?
French onion soup.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
How to end a novel most appropriately, rather than drawing it out. – I overcome that with a bit of editorial self-discipline.

Tell us about the featured book?
 In the Skeleton series I deal with the greatest possible challenges that could affect Christianity.  But in the third volume, The Constantine Codex, I cover instead a rare manuscript discovery that would be of tremendous benefit to the church. The challenge of Islam, however, is a major sub-plot in the novel.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
My e-mail address is:   maier@wmich.edu


Thank you, Paul, for spending this time with us.



Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for the post, Lena and Paul. This sounds interesting. i'd like to give it a try.

Sarah said...

Would love to read!

Sarah H.
Oklahoma

Charlotte Kay said...

Thanks for the chance to win this book!
Another new author for me!!!!!

Many Blessings and Smiles:)
Charlotte Kay
charlovesmark at gmail dot com

Marion G./OH said...

He is a new author to me also, but I would love to read this book.

Ms. Greer

Unknown said...

Sounds like an interesting read.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Kari in Oregon

Coolestmommy said...

The Islam subplot sounds wonderful. And--I LOVE French Onion Soup, too. You're making me hungry!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dto com
NE

Kristie said...

So interesting that you made an exact date for the crucifixion of Jesus. The firing squad story made me chuckle. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Mark said...

sounds like a good read, I'd like to win it. Ohio here

A J Hawke said...

The Constantine Codex sounds intriguing. Interesting 'what if'.

Thanks for the opportunity to win a giveaway.

A J Hawke
Texas