J. Robert Kinney is an
award-winning author specializing in the suspense/thriller genre. He has
published four novels thus far, the last three of which make up The Volya
Series, and he draws on his educational background in psychology, forensic
science, political science, international relations, and terrorism studies to
inform his writing. I first met J. Robert Kinney through his mother, whom you
might remember as the guest in the last Conversations post here on An
Iris Awaits. A few years ago, he was gracious enough to sit down with me and
answer my many questions about the process of writing and publishing, and I
continue to look forward to each new book he releases. Recently, I asked him to
share about his personal writing journey and how his faith informs his work:
Olivia: How did you become interested in writing novels, and
what drew you to the suspense genre?
J. Robert Kinney: When I was younger, English was one of my least
favorite subjects in school. But a series of excellent teachers ultimately flipped
that on its head. They not only taught me the mechanics of the craft, but also showed
me how to enjoy writing. Looking back, those teachers were a blessing for which
I am immensely grateful.
That said, I think the core of storytelling was always there, cultivated
by parents who read to me early and often, and I devoured books by the stack
from the library. And as a very young child, I even used to take my toys and
have them act out stories, characters, and scenarios. So even if I wasn’t
writing them down, the instinct and interest in storytelling has been present
for a long time.
However, I finally did start taking it seriously and writing ideas down
in college. The suspense genre, I think, just came naturally. It was an escape
and a stress relief to create stories. And mystery or suspense were the stories
I liked reading, whether it was The Hardy Boys as a child, Robert Ludlum’s
Jason Bourne series, John Grisham, or many others. So when it came time to
write something, I just wrote a story I would like to read.
Olivia: What would you say is the most crucial element of a
good story?
J. Robert Kinney: Characters. People will read a book with a weaker
plot as long as they’re invested in the characters, but even the best of plots
flounder if you can’t convince the reader to care what happens to the people in
it. Characters need motivations that are logical and coherent, and traits that
feel real to the reader. They need to follow natural development arcs that
resonate. Ultimately, an author needs to construct characters who readers can
relate to, root for (or against), and watch as they develop and grow.
Olivia: How does being a Christian influence the way you
develop stories and/or your understanding of the concept of story itself?
J. Robert Kinney: This is an interesting question. My first instinct
was to argue that it doesn’t really affect story development but is rather an influence
on character development. But after mulling it over, I’m not sure that’s true.
I’m a big fan of C.S.
Lewis and his writings, both fiction and non-fiction, and the path to his
conversion to the faith hinges on this very idea of a Christian story. It was a
conversation he had with J.R.R. Tolkien and Hugo Dyson over the nature of a
myth; the two other men, both believing Christians, showed Lewis how the story
of Christ is a “true myth,” one that affects and moves us the same way as many
myths, but with one tremendous difference that this particular one actually
happened. This story was actually true.
That’s a long way of
saying that being a Christian does impact the way I develop a story because so
many of the themes I tackle are, at their core, the same ones that a life of
faith has me tackle, question, consider, wrestle with, and (hopefully) answer.
Ideas of sacrifice, forgiveness, heroism, courage, and even faith itself are
all ideas that my plots circle around. People who are brought to low points by
loss and/or life circumstances but find something beyond themselves that allows
them to persevere, learn, and grow.
Olivia: What do you hope readers take away from The Volya
Series?
J. Robert Kinney: When I look back at the trilogy, there are a few
themes that stand out as particularly central to the story, things that I hope
readers experience, think about, or absorb.
First is the
importance of family and friendships. Not necessarily blood family (though it
often is), but the connections we have, or create, with others is what makes us
human. Humanity wasn’t created to live in isolation, either physically or
emotionally. From the very beginning, God said it was not good for man to be
alone. We dwell and work in community, and whether it is parent/child or
sibling relationships, or simply connections with friends and coworkers, it is
relationships that define our own character and our lives.
Second is the idea of
second chances. People are inherently imperfect. More than that, we are deeply
flawed. Every one of us. We all make mistakes; we’ve said or done things that
we feel can’t be forgiven, things that we can’t overcome or make up for. But at
the heart of Christianity is the importance of forgiveness and healing from
hurt. Whether we’re struggling to forgive another for pain they’ve caused us, or
to forgive ourselves for things we’ve done, it’s important to realize that
redemption is possible.
And third, I hope
readers see themselves in the characters’ struggles and the ways they overcome
those challenges. I always tell people that I don’t necessarily view my books
as Christian fiction, but rather as books that simply include Christian
characters. And indeed, my main protagonist in the series, Franklin, is not a
believer. In fact, most of the characters are not. But Franklin is searching.
For something, even if he doesn’t really understand what it is he seeks yet.
And part of his story is that internal search and battle with the idea of
faith. He has people around him who believe, but he doesn’t understand and
constantly fights doubt. I think that is something that so many
people—believers or not—have undergone; it resonates with us to know that we
are not alone in those difficulties and doubts.
Olivia: Can you share any hints about what we might see from
J. Robert Kinney in the future?
J. Robert Kinney: Well, The Volya Series isn’t quite complete yet. I
still need to record and release the audiobook for At All Costs. So
that’s next on my to-do list. But I already have some ideas percolating for
more stories. I have one that is already in progress…it’s kind of a dueling
storylines concept, with a modern-day plotline alternating (and intertwining)
with one from decades before. But I also have some thoughts on prequel
spin-offs with two characters from The Volya Series as well.
Writing is a lifelong journey however, so I view my story as only just
beginning! The future is very much in flux, and I can’t wait to see what’s to
come.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this conversation with J. Robert Kinney and that it has helped you ponder the importance of good stories and how they can both reflect and shape our lives. You can learn more about J. Robert Kinney’s work and how to purchase his books at his website: https://jrobertkinney.com/ . Links to follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are also available on his website.
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