Randall Hroziencik has been with Paley, Whatley, & Greenleaf Press since 2017.
*Author Interview*
Q1: Why do you write?
I write first and foremost because I’m a lay teacher in the church, and writing supplements my speaking ministry tremendously, especially on certain topics that tend to be more theological in nature. Since the focus of my teaching in the church is in the area of apologetics – which, by the way, I’ve found to be an area of Christian study that many are not well-read in – I find that my written material is a great way to clarify some of the tougher topics.
Additionally, there is always a creative element in writing – even in the instructive, non-fiction type of writing that I engage in – and I love to exercise that creativity. God has gifted us with the ability to be creative, and for me this is expressed through my ability to write.
Q2: How would you describe your writing method?
My writing method is very basic, as my purpose in writing is not so much to entertain as it is to instruct. Nevertheless, since I’m primarily writing about topics of great significance – origins, morality, eternal destiny, meaning and purpose in life, and so forth – I do try very hard to dress up the information I’m presenting in such a way that it reads more like a novel than a fact sheet. When writing about the big questions of life, one should never present the information in a “cold, hard facts” manner. That type of writing style doesn’t elicit much of a meaningful response among readers.
Q3: How would you respond to the question, “Is there Christian art, or artists who are Christians?
I would say both. For me, there is such a thing as distinctly Christian art, be it revealed in paintings, sculpture, music, or literature. On the other hand, there are artists who are clearly Christian, and most often their art will reflect their worldview – but not necessarily always. For instance, I know some Christians who absolutely love science fiction, which isn’t exactly Christian in nature. Nonetheless, they may reflect their love of science fiction through their art. The difference between them and a thoroughly secular science fiction enthusiast will lie in how they convey certain themes through their art. An atheist would have no problem promoting a nihilistic philosophy through his or her art, while a Christian will avoid that ideology at all costs, instead promoting theistic creation and God’s benevolence toward humanity.
Q4: Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring authors?
If I can write a book, then so can you! I’ve been a bookstore junkie for years – although brick-and-mortar stores are becoming harder and harder to find – and over the years spent browsing through books I’ve always thought to myself that I could write a book as well. However, writing a book shouldn’t be just about writing a book, in order to say that you accomplished it as a goal to be checked off of a bucket list. You really need to have something meaningful to offer the world.
Q5: Which of your creations has brought you the most joy?
Worldviews in Collision: The Reasons for One Man’s Journey from Skepticism to Christ is my only book (at least so far), so this is a pretty easy question! I’ve truly enjoyed writing it.
Q6: Which of your creations has brought you the most heartache?
I would say that there was no real heartache involved in putting my book together, just a few frustrations near the end of it, as I was trying to tie up a few loose ends. Nothing to get excited about, though. It was a great experience.
Q7: Is there anything else you would like to say?
I have the utmost admiration and respect for Tony Horvath and Athanatos Christian Ministries, and am excited to see how this ministry is advancing God’s kingdom in so many ways.