5 Questions for Tom Pawlik

Today Tom Pawlik, the author of Vanish, has agreed to answer a few of my questions.

Chawna: Thanks for taking the time to do this. I know authors are busy people, and answering interview questions can consume quite a bit of time.

I would consider Vanish a dark book, in a way that many readers will shy away from it. What makes it worth the reader's while-and risk-to plunge with you into that darkness?

Tom: Vanish does deal with some dark themes and is certainly not for everyone. Those who want to read about bonnets and buggies should probably stay away. There are plenty of authors churning historical romances out by the truckload. I think readers who are interested in speculative fiction won't be put off by a dark-themed story like this--rather they are probably expecting it. My goal isn't to shy away from the darkness but face it straight on in order to show that God has, does and always will overcome evil. The reader will be taken to some disturbing places but the story's underlying message is one of encouragement, which is what will make it worth their while.

C: I found the ending of Vanish very hard to cope with personally. Why did you choose to end this book here?

T: I assume you're referring to the last chapter. 2 basic reasons: 1.) I wanted to leave the reader a little unsettled and hopefully keep the story lingering in their minds, driving the point home: redeem the time, make the most of every opportunity. And 2.) I wanted to leave the door open for the sequel, which was released this month.

C: Stories often impact the author as well as the reader. How has writing Vanish affected you?

T: Writing the story helped me focus on keeping my priorities straight. Not to sacrifice time with my wife and children for my career.

C: If you could recommend one other book for your readers beside the Bible and your own work, what would it be and why?


T: There are so many great works by great authors, that's a hard question to answer. But I'm a big fan of C.S. Lewis and so might be predisposed to recommend Mere Christianity.

C: What is one question you wished you had been asked but never have been, and what is the answer?

T: What is the best part of becoming a published author? Hearing from readers. It's such a great encouragement to get emails from readers. Especially those who write to tell me how the book made an impact on them in some positive way.

C: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

T: I always like to put in a plug for the Christian Writers Guild. It's a great ministry for aspiring Christian writers and I highly recommend it.


C: I've taken the apprenticeship level course as well, and it is a good, solid program for beginners. I've heard nothing but good about the other course and the related conference as well.

Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions! It's always a privilege to talk to another author.