LORILYN INTERVIEWS SERAFIM GASCOIGNE About His New Book “Roman Carnival”

Lorilyn: Today I would like to introduce a fascinating author who writes books for young adults. Meet Serafim Gascoigne as he talks about his life and the launch of his new book, Roman Carnival.

I recently listened to an interview by you where you talked about your varied background which helps you to create memorable stories for Young Adults. Can you share some of that with us today?

Serafim: I have been a professional musician, an army medic, an intelligence analyst, teacher, and computer training consultant on three continents, and finally a pastor/priest here in the U.S.

I worked for British Intelligence in Berlin during the Cold War. This gave me exposure to the Russian language and Christians who had taken refuge in the West, but who nonetheless went through very difficult times when the Soviet army took Berlin. Their stories, in many instances miraculous, set the scene for my future writing. When Russia became open once more, I traveled to Siberia and other places in Russia.

Later, I taught in an inner-city school where seventy percent of the students were from the West Indies. I lived in Ladbroke Square, the location of  Roman Carnival, a few doors away from the Home Secretary and the film star, Kenneth Moore, and John Cleese of Monty Python fame. I used to see them shopping from time to time.

Lorilyn: I am always interested in whether fiction authors write by the “seat of their pants” or if they outline and develop the plot and then write. How do you come up with your fascinating storylines?

Serafim: I develop my characters first and then find a story for them. I usually work out a draft outline which I never stick to! The stories seem to write themselves. I enjoy researching the background and looking for unusual details. Did you know that the Romans worshipped the wrong god or that Nero did not play the fiddle (or mandolin) while Rome was burning?

I found some interesting menus such as dormice dipped in honey. Lots of facts that I hope will capture the interest of young readers.

Lorilyn: Which leads to my next question: Tell us a little bit about your new novel Roman Carnival.

Serafim: The discovery of an ancient Temple of Mithras causes great excitement among the residents of Ladbroke Square, London.  At the suggestion of the curator of the British Museum, the residents decide to hold a Roman Carnival, complete with fancy dress, refreshments, tours, and speeches.  However, unknown to the large crowd gathered for the Carnival, there are “ravens,” Roman assassins from 65 AD.

Intent on invading 20th century London, the Romans, members of the cult of Mithras, are thwarted in their attempt by two schoolboys, Anthony Archer and Hector Carter. As the drama unfolds, Hector is mistaken for a runaway boy soldier, while Anthony is thought to be Artemius, a high-ranking member of the cult of Mithras.

Mistaken identity or not, these boys begin to play a vital role in defeating the cosmic forces that have entered their time and reality through the Temple of Mithras.  A mysterious figure, the watcher Nikomedes, confirms that this is their destiny; it is part of their ancestral breath. Only Anthony and Hector are capable of sealing the conduit between past and present. How are they to do this? Nikomedes says that they will know what to do when the time comes.    

Unlikely heroes in a battle with cosmic evil, the boys work as a duo, displaying common sense and courage in the face of many unexpected dangers.  Their only weapons against this invasion are their simplicity, honesty, and their ancestral link to the past.  Hector's good and easy-going nature, loyalty to a friend, and courage play an important role in the drama. Anthony is not particularly courageous but together with Hector, he shines as a natural leader in times of danger.

This is a fast-paced historical/fantasy, combining Cockney humor and suspense.

Lorilyn: With your background, you could write for any genera. Why did you choose to write Young Adult books?

Serafim: I enjoy reading children’s literature and simply enjoy writing for young readers. I believe that it is important to communicate Christian values through fantasy and for teens through the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit. Roman Carnival is written for a secular audience but the underlying theme is Christian.

I am concerned that many authors of fantasy dwell on masochistic, sadistic, and psychotic role models. Roman Carnival is no moralistic tale, but a scary, fast-paced, time-shift adventure. It's not for the timid.

The underlying metaphysic is that we inherit not only the physical characteristics of our parents but a part of their spirit too. This is a surprise element in the story.

Lorilyn: Thank you, Serafim Gascoigne, for sharing with us your passion for writing for Young Adults. I can’t wait to get a copy of ROMAN CARNIVAL for my 12-year-old daughter who loves Christian fantasy.

To purchase Carnival from Amazon, click here.

CREATIVE WRITING INSIGHTS: “Be Perfect,” by Lorilyn Roberts: Based on Ken Kuhlken’s Book “Writing and the Spirit”

The context here of “be perfect” should be considered active, not passive. We can never be perfect in the passive sense, but with God’s help, we look forward to what we can become. We can try to write the perfect story, the perfect book, the perfect whatever, knowing humanly-speaking we won’t achieve it, but also knowing we are a work in progress. If we walk with God, the more we learn about Him, the greater the possibility of achieving perfection.


I believe some saints of the arts have come close. I think about the perfection of Handel’s Messiah and Pachelbel’s Canon. When I was in Italy I visited The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. I stared at the painting for about thirty minutes all alone (a gift in itself) admiring its beauty. Even in its compromised condition, the artwork was perfect for me. The amazing masterpiece brought me into a sweet communion with God which I had not experienced for a long time.

As far as the art of writing, we have the greatest story ever told in the Bible. While there may be copying mistakes, do we really see them? I get so “in the spirit” with the beauty that comes close to perfection that I forget it was written by imperfect human beings.

Why would God not continue to dole out creativity like that today? I believe He does. We don’t strive, but we do give God our all, knowing that when we create, we become most like Him, the Creator. As a child of God, we know He seeks to give us more than we could ever ask. When we think of art and developing the talents He’s given us, we can come close to perfection.

Otherwise, why would demons waste so much time destroying creative minds? Look around and see the beauty; it is all around us—in nature, in museums, in music, and in books. God’s creative spirit indwells and woos us to believe in miracles, redemption, love, and hope in art. The world needs us and God blesses us with our creativity for His good pleasure.

JOHN 3:16 MARKETING NETWORK GUEST POST: Lorilyn Roberts Interviews Elaine Cooper About Her New Book “The Road to Dear Run”

I want to introduce a delightful author whom I met on Facebook, Elaine Cooper. She came to my aid when someone stole my identity on the social networking site before she even knew me. She later joined the John 3:16 Marketing Network and has been a tremendous encourager to me as well as many others. She has a servant's heart in so many ways and a beautiful style of writing.

With great joy, I share this short interview with Elaine Cooper in anticipation of the launch of her new book, The Road to Deer Run, on Tuesday at Amazon.

Lorilyn: When did you develop your love of writing?

Elaine: I have loved writing since I was very young. My father encouraged me to write a story about my lost hamster when I was 11 and I have been hooked on creating stories ever since. My skills were honed in the 1980s when I did freelancing for two local newspapers. Talk about fast deadlines! But I loved writing at home so I could be there for my children.

I took a hiatus from the keyboard when I felt led to go to nursing school and become a Registered Nurse. This was definitely a God-inspired decision as several years after I graduated, my own daughter was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. At that time, I took a leave from my nursing job because Bethany needed care 24 hours a day. I resumed freelance writing, but this time for a magazine writing health-related topics. I occasionally toyed with the idea of writing a book.

Lorilyn: Tell us about your new book The Road to Deer Run; what it’s about and how you came to write it.

Elaine: It was the fourth anniversary of Bethany passing away when the idea for The Road to Deer Run was birthed. It was such a strong sense of knowing in my heart that this was what I was going to write but it’s difficult to describe. I just knew.

The Road to Deer Run is set in 1777 in the midst of the American Revolution. The story does not take place on the battlefield but rather in a small village in western Massachusetts where the residents are deeply affected by the war. The plot involves the discovery of a wounded British soldier by a young American farmwoman. He is dying and she is terrified. How will she handle the situation when her heart hates the Redcoats, while at the same time is filled with compassion for a dying soldier?

The ensuing days and weeks challenge everyone’s faith and fortitude, as well as their ability to forgive. Slowly, hearts and souls begin to heal. And in the midst of the hatred and discord, seeds of love take root among the weeds of bitterness. The Road to Deer Run is inspired by my own ancestors from the era of the American Revolution

Lorilyn: If you wanted to share one thing with the world that speaks to your passion, what would you say?

Elaine: My passion is to help others who are truly in need. My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 31:8-9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

When you look at the world in need, it can be overwhelming. But I truly believe that, while no one person can meet everyone’s needs, God places opportunities in our path where we can make a difference in some way to help others. It may be as small as buying a meal for someone or it may be a much larger mission. But whatever that mission is, God will reveal it to us so that we will be useful vessels to come to the aid and defense of the poor and needy. We just need to be willing conduits of His love.

To read more about The Road to Deer Run, visit   http://amzn.to/gnPwoF