Friday, Aug 28, 2009

Q&A Episode #1: Tim Downs, author of "Ends of the Earth"

Download this episode (28 min)   
During this program, we bring to you an exclusive fan-submitted question and answer session with Tim Downs, author of ‘Ends of the Earth.’

Questions:

1. Vicki Giles | Salem OH – How many books do you plan for this series?

2. J. Russell Keith | Columbus OH - Do you see yourself becoming a part of an organization like the International Thriller Writers, Inc.

3. Erin Loraine | Little Rock, AR – How did you become such an expert on forensic entomology and how did you choose that line of work for Nick?

4. Gaston Mooney | Alexandria, VA & Craig Naegle | Casper, WY – Any chance of the bug man stories becoming movies?

5. Michelle Liga | Kingwood, WV – How does the real NC State feel about Nick being a professor there?

6. Jennifer Nickell | Granite City, IL – Where do you get your ideas for your book, who inspires you?

7. Margaret Brown – How has your experience in ministry helped you as a writer? And, what does your daily routine look like in order to get a novel written.

8. Patrick Meyers | Grand Rapids, MI –I suspect that if Nick Polchak was attractive, his humor would be seen as condescending and arrogant. Aside from the obvious similarities to Nick's features and his beloved bugs, do you find that you have more latitude for sarcasm because of his unattractiveness?

9. Cameron Van Zante | Mt. Vernon, IA -- What direction are you taking your writing after Bug Man?

10. Mark Buzzard | Lisbon, OH – Why don’t you put more Christian content in your books?

11. Bradley Curtwright | Manila, AR – Who are some of your favorite authors?

Posted by Profess Podcast at 12:01 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Tim Downs, author of "Ends of the Earth"

Download this episode (36 min)   
This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and independent recording artist Tim Downs. In our interview, Tim talks about his new book “Ends of the Earth,” how his main character Nick Polchak has grown through the years, the limits of writing in the Christian market, and the possibility of agricultural terrorism.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Tim Downs is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Indiana University. After graduation in 1976 he created a comic strip, Downstown, which was syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate until 1986. His cartooning has appeared in more than a hundred major newspapers worldwide. His first book, a work of non-fiction, was awarded the Gold Medallion Award in 2000, and his third novel, PlagueMaker, was awarded the Christy Award for best CBA suspense novel of 2007. Tim lives in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife Joy.

To find out more about Tim Downs check out www.timdowns.net

To follow Tim Downs on Twitter: @TimODowns

We’d like to thank Tim Downs for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Katie Bond of Thomas Nelson Publishers for setting up the interview for us and helping out with our Tim Downs Week content.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 1:00 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009

Profess Interview Series: John Cooper, lead singer of Skillet

Download this episode (19 min)   
This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and John Cooper, lead singer of Skillet. In our interview, John talks about the album “Awake,” working with a new producer, changes in the band’s sound throughout the years, and the story behind several of the albums tracks.

Listen up. Listen in.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: John Cooper has been the lead singer and bassist of the multiple Grammy-nominated Christian rock band Skillet since 1996.

When he started the band, he played electric guitar, keyboards, and sang lead vocals. John is classically trained on piano, and was also in marching band in high school and college playing trombone. Before starting Skillet, he spent 5 years playing in the band Seraph.

To find out more about Skillet check out www.myspace.com/skilletmusic

To follow Skillet on Twitter: @skilletmusic

We’d like to thank John Cooper for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Courtney Hyder with The M Collective for setting up the interview for us.

Music Clips:

“Hero”
“Don’t Wake Me”
“It’s Not Me It’s You”

Posted by Profess Podcast at 12:01 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Monday, Aug 24, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Booker T. Mattison, author of "Unsigned Hype"

Download this episode (54 min)   
This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and Booker T. Mattison, author of “Unsigned Hype.” In our interview, Booker talks about his book, the book’s planned film adaptation, his thoughts on hip-hop culture, and how he deals with artistic criticism.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Booker T. Mattison is an author and filmmaker who wrote the screenplay for and directed the film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston’s “The Gilded Six Bits,” which aired on Showtime. His films have been screened at the Smithsonian Institute, the Library of Congress, the Directors Guild of America, and Harvard University. Music videos that he has written and directed have aired on BET, MTV Europe, and the Gospel Music Channel.

Mattison’s first novel Unsigned Hype was published by Revell/Baker Publishing Group June 1st, 2009 and it is already in its second printing. His adult novel, Snitch, will follow in 2010.

Mattison has taught Literary Criticism at the College of New Rochelle and film production at Brooklyn College .

He received his Master of Fine Arts in film from New York University and his Bachelor of Science in mass communication from Norfolk State University .

He lives in New York with his wife and four children.

We’d like to thank Booker T. Mattison for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Claudia Marsh with Revell Publishing for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 12:01 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Christian hip-hop artist Thi'sl

Download this episode (44 min)   
This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and Christian rapper Thi’sl. In our interview, Thi’sl talks about his new album “Chronicles of an X-Hustler,” hitting #1 on the iTunes hip-hop chart, growing up in St. Louis and how that influences his ministry, and the story behind several of the album’s tracks.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: What defines a true artist? Talent is something you’re born with and Travis Tyler, who we now know as Thi’sl was born with talent, true God giving talent.

Thi’sl born in the (dirty dirty) other words down south, sprung forth like a well in Greenwood, Mississippi. Later to move to St. Louis, (three one FO) where he experienced many hardships of life that gave him this life changing testimony and street style of heartfelt rap. At an early age Thi’sl was hands on in music recording his first demo at fourteen on a tape recorder and a home system, and I quote, “he’s been rhyming every since.” By the age of sixteen Thi’sl was in the studio recording his first “real” demo. (A freestyle song) Around that time the streets had become his playground, so his rhymes reflected the things that brought joy and pain from the lifestyle he lived and saw everyday. Having the similar story of many inner city youth, mother on drugs, father gone, friends selling drugs, so that’s how he lived.

When Thi’sl’s life long friend and cousin ‘Tank’ was murdered by one of his close associates, it rocked him and sent him to his knees. Already believing God was real it made Thiz ask God questions, mainly, Why? And God being who He is, He sent answers and along with answers he sent conviction to change and physical help through the church. A local congregation came out to evangelize in Thiz hood and that night he saw his first glance of what he would be doing when he meet his now friend and fellow Christian rapper/ co laborer, Flame. The events that would conspire over the next year lead Thiz to give up his secular career and commit his life to the Ministry of the Gospel. Sitting down upon conversion to study the word of God for the next year and a half and then standing to ministry through God’s grace. Since then Thi’sl Has committed his time, gifts and talents to ministering the Gospel to the lost as well as to edify the Church. Rapping and rep’n Jesus at Churches, High Schools, Prisons Colleges and outside events.

To find out more about Thi’sl check out www.myspace.com/thisl

To follow Thi’sl on Twitter: @Thisl

We’d like to Thi’sl for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Melody Foat of the Melissa Foat Agency for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 12:01 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Sunday, Aug 16, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Eric Wilson, author of "Haunt of Jackals"

Download this episode (46 min)   
This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and Eric Wilson, author of “Haunt of Jackals.” In our interview, Eric talks about his book, writing about vampires in the current book market, his thoughts on the Christian publishing world, and what the future might hold for him.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: From an early age, Eric wanted to be a writer. Although he was born in California and raised in Oregon, his more enduring memories start in Europe where my parents took Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. Life was an adventure, full of exotic cultures and peoples.

Back in the States, Eric went through junior high and high school. He loved soccer, basketball, chess ...oh, yes, and girls. It took a few years to learn how to talk to them, but they interested him from a distance.

After high school, Eric traveled in eastern Europe and China. He returned to his parents’ crumbling marriage before moving to LA to begin college. During his junior year, a childhood friend showed up as a freshman. Within months she and Eric were married, and they’re now in their eighteenth year, with two daughters to keep them on their toes. They make no claims to perfection ( their kids could give you details), but they refuse to stop fighting for their family...and for their faith in Jesus, who is bigger than their self-centeredness.

To find out more about “Haunt of Jackals” check out www.jerusalemsundead.com

To find out more about Eric himself check out www.wilsonwriter.com

We’d like to Eric Wilson for answering some of our burning questions.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 12:01 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Thursday, Aug 13, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Andre Butler, author of "Not In My House"

Download this episode (23 min)   
This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and Andre Butler, author of “Not In My House.” In our interview, Andre talks about his book, changing the way we use our money, his thoughts on “rich Christians in an age of hunger,” and preaching to a new generation.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Pastor Andre Butler is the Founder and President of Andre Butler Ministries; an outreach established with the mission to help equip others to walk in the future God has for them. Armed with a call to reach this generation for Jesus, he introduces individuals to the tools they need to win the world around them while living a bright future that is prosperous and overflowing.

An avid reader and author, Pastor Andre has penned several books including, The Single Saint, Living Life to the Full and Winning the War Within. In his spare time, Pastor Andre can be found playing an aggressive game of basketball on the court or watching his favorite team from the stands.

Pastor Andre has an unrelenting compassion for young adults who are going through adversities, peer pressure or the compelling need to be accepted by the mainstream media. He has developed and expedited programming to advocate for young adults to become spiritually mature and actively fulfill God’s purpose and mission for their lives.

Pastor Andre resides in the Atlanta area with his wife, Minister Tiffany Butler, and their three beautiful daughters - Alexis Nicole, Angela Marie, and April Mariah.

To find out more about Pastor Andre’s book check out www.notinmyhousebook.com

To find out more about Pastor Andre himself check out www.andrebutler.tv

To follow Andre Butler on Twitter (Handle: AndreButler)

We’d like to thank Andre Butler for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you Dahlia Bell for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 12:01 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Independent recording artist Jordan Critz

Download this episode (42 min)   
This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and recording artist, Jordan Critz. In our interview, Jordan talks about his newest release the “Jordan Critz EP,” how he got started in pop music, his thoughts on the television show ‘Lost,’ the remixing of his popular song “Cold Sunshine,” and the story behind several of the album’s new songs.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Breaking the stereotypes of classically trained musicians hopping on the “pop” train, Jordan Critz, of Fort Worth, TX, effectively takes the leap from Debussy and Mozart to the pop/rock scene – without one pause.

With a blended sound of Bono, Bruce Hornsby and the Counting Crows, Critz brings a fresh sound of post-90s vintage guitars, rock piano and lyrics that bridge the gap of human pain and spiritual wonder.

Critz was classically trained on the piano and classical guitar at a very young age..Because of this, he is just at home on a piano as he is on the guitar, Celtic whistles and other various instruments. It was his love and unorthodox approach to music that fueled his early start. By the age of 7, he could be found improvising and creating compositions of his own.

Critz composed the soundtrack for a documentary film that won 3 Telly Awards, www.tellyawards.com and also composed an Irish Celtic soundtrack that is available on iTunes and many other music stores. He’s composed music for Porsche, Mini Cooper, CBS, Care Now and many other corporate ads.

When he’s not in the studio working on his own projects, Critz works as a producer for many up and coming artists and bands from around the country. He’s the owner of Third Orbit Studios in Dallas, TX.

To find out more about Jordan Critz check out www.jordancritz.com or myspace.com/jordancritz

To follow Jordan Critz on Twitter (Handle: JordanCritz)

We’d like to Jordan Critz for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you Leann Callaway for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 12:01 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Shane Hipps, author of "Flickering Pixels"

Download this episode (50 min)   
This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and Shane Hipps, author of “Flickering Pixels: How Technology Shapes Your Faith.” In our interview, Shane talks about his book, his thoughts on the “emerging vs. Reformed” debate, anemic intimacy and reconciliation in the digital age, and his fake Twitter account.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Shane Hipps is pastor of Trinity Mennonite Church, a growing, urban, Anabaptist congregation. Prior to accepting his call as a pastor, Shane was a strategic planner in advertising where he gained experience in understanding media and culture. Much of his time was spent working on the multimillion-dollar communications strategy for Porsche Cars North America.

Several years into his career, he had a "Damascus" experience in which he realized he was spending his life working diligently to perpetuate consumer culture and promote values that ran counter to his most deeply held beliefs. So he left advertising to pursue his long held interest in spirituality and theology.

He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and in 2004 accepted a call to serve as Lead Pastor at Trinity. Shane is a dynamic communicator, author, and sought after speaker. He lives with his family in Phoenix, Arizona.

To find out more about Shane Hipps check out www.shanehipps.com.

To follow (fake) Shane on Twitter (Handle: ShaneHipps)

We’d like to Shane Hipps for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Jessica Secord with Zondervan Publishers for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 12:01 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Monday, Aug 10, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Brad Meltzer, author of "The Book of Lies"

Download this episode (14 min)   
This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and New York Times bestselling author, Brad Meltzer. In our interview, Brad talks about his newest title "The Book of Lies," his love for Superman, working closely with the Siegel family, writing the next story arc of Joss Whedon’s 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' comic book, and his thoughts on whether his seminal work "Identity Crisis" will ever get made into a movie.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Brad Meltzer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Fate, as well as the bestsellers The Tenth Justice, Dead Even, The First Counsel, The Millionaires and The Zero Game. He is also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby - and is the number one selling author of the critically acclaimed comic books, Identity Crisis and Justice League of America, for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award. His newest thriller, The Book of Lies, was just released in paperback.

To find out more about Brad Meltzer check out www.bradmeltzer.com.

We’d like to Brad Meltzer for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Miriam Parker with Hatchette Book Group for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 12:01 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT