My newest interview is with Stephen McClellan, who isn’t new to my blog. This is his third appearance on it and shares what’s going on in his life. He is an educator, husband, and author. He’s from Tennessee and has a love of family, football, and books. I’m sure I’ve missed something. He shares uplifting and positive posts on Instagram which the world needs more of.
He has a couple of exciting things going on in his life and he shares that with me in our latest interview. Learn more about him and his upcoming book, Demons Know My Name.
Introducing Stephen…
I keep up with you on IG and saw some excellent news for you as a writer and something personal, too. Congrats on you having an agent to represent you! Also, congrats on your soon to be a bundle of joy! How does it feel to have an agent now?
Thank you so much! We are over the moon!
You know, it’s obviously such an incredibly humbling (and surreal) moment to find out that you just came one step closer to what once was just a “pipe dream.” But once you take a second to breathe and gain perspective again, you realize it’s just that—one step. The journey isn’t over. So while I’m very excited and anticipating what the future could hold, I also realize there is still so much work to do. So I’m trying to stay focused and pray through the next step of actually finding a publisher who will take on the project.
What’s it like knowing that you and your lovely wife will be parents soon? By the way, he’s going to be so cute and precious.
That’s so sweet of you to say! It’s honestly a reality that is still sinking in. We have found that with each development—seeing ultrasounds, hearing the heartbeat for the first time, Megan starting to show—the entire journey becomes more real. We are just praying through each day that God will protect our baby boy through the pregnancy and prepare our hearts to be faithful with the responsibility of parenting him!
Was there a particular book or author who inspired you to become a writer?
I wouldn’t say there was a particular book that inspired me to write, but I grew in love with Stephen King’s writing in high school. I read From a Buick 8, and after that I was hooked. So he was definitely the author that got me into reading (which in turn impacted my writing as well).
What’s the process like to get an agent? Was it difficult and did you feel like giving up?
The entire process of querying is definitely intricate and tedious! For this project, I researched nearly 200 agencies (which equates to hundreds of agents) to see what genres they represented and who was open to submissions. I narrowed it down to roughly 40 agencies who accepted spiritual non-fiction.
Of those, 25 simply requested a one-page query letter, while the other 15 requested an entire proposal. Writing a proposal is an entire process in itself (mine ended up being over 40 pages). Needless to say, it was a massive relief to hear the good news that I was being represented!
Can you share a little about your first non-fiction book, Demons Know my Name?
Absolutely! Here is a back cover synopsis that I think summarizes the heart of the book:
In a world that is image-obsessed and popularity-driven, the term “Christian” has become more of a label to parade than a lifestyle to pursue. We live in a culture that loves to put “God 1st” in its social media bio but thinks of God last when making decisions every day. The intentions are there, but the actions are missing. And if we think it’s no big deal or that we’ve got the world fooled, here’s the harsh reality: even a demon knows a hypocrite when it sees one.
It’s not enough to look the part or say the right things or speak as if we know what we’re talking about. We can’t fool the enemy. The devil has trained his army to be smarter than that, to detect the ones who are a serious threat compared to the ones who can’t even lace up the straps of their spiritual boots. And the time has come to do something about it.
In a world where Christians are often more hypocritically minded than heavenly motivated, Demons Know My Name is a rally cry for teenagers to get real with their faith and embrace a lifestyle that is a serious threat to the enemy.
The days of lukewarm faith and one-foot-in-one-foot-out Christianity are over. The real battle is about to begin.
Will you join the fight?
Now, that book has my attention. You’re a multi-genre author who has explored themes of faith, love, hope and loss. You’ve written four so far. Do you have a favorite one that you’ve written?
I think the first book you write is always special, but my third book and second novel published, The Space Between Fire and Ashes, is the one that is probably my favorite so far. One of the main characters is based on the life of a student I once taught, and the book highlights themes of mental health and suicide ideation, which are both close to my heart.
Right, you’ve shared a lot about suicide ideation and mental health on your IG. We need more to talk about both. The next question is about failure. All of us have experienced failure, but it is necessary in our journey. Do you have a favorite and if so, why?
This is such a unique question! If I had to pick one failure, then it would be never being able to land an agent. But that in itself was a consequence of inexperience and many, many small failures. I started officially pursuing a writing career by submitting my first book to be published in 2013, and it took just over 10 years to accomplish the first significant step by signing with an agency. So all those small failures along the road to representation have made the journey that much more special.
Is there any show you’re binge watching now?
Honestly, I’m binge-watching the 90s cartoon –Hey Arnold! I’ve found that there is something therapeutic and nostalgic for me personally when I watch my favorite childhood TV shows, so right now I’m on that train!
Georgia Bulldogs or Tennessee Vols? I bet you’ll say Georgia.
Lol! Even though I grew up in Georgia, I married into a Tennessee family. So for the sake of my marriage, I have to say Tennessee! (I’m an Alabama fan though, so my heart will always be with the Tide!)
Are you currently working on something?
I have always been someone who has to focus on one project at a time. After I finished writing and querying Demons Know My Name, I began updating my website and restructuring my writing vision concerning the organizations I support financially. Now, I plan to spend the rest of the year tweaking a few things on my first three books to refine them a bit (and add new illustrations to my children’s book, The Bat and the Mule).
Is there any advice you would give to someone who is wants to pursue writing and becoming an author?
I think the most valuable piece of advice I could give would be to develop a vision beyond simply wanting to gain fame, money, or popularity from writing. We must live for significance over success. When we do that, it becomes our true north, the higher purpose we can continue to focus on and return to when disappointment and discouragement happens. One way we develop endurance is to have a reason to endure, and maintaining the right perspective and purpose behind the journey is key to enjoying the actual process of becoming an author.
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what message would you want to convey to millions? What would it say and why?
Wow, great question. I think it would simply say, “You are loved.” While basic, I believe that’s a message people need to hear repeatedly, every day.
I agree, we all need to hear that every day. Describe yourself in one word.
Intentional
Alright, this is one of my favorite parts of the chat. Tell me three fun facts about yourself.
I’ve had stitches eight times just on my face.
I lived and taught overseas in Indonesia for two years.
I have six tattoos.
I love ending the chat with a quote. Do you have a favorite quote or saying that has inspired and motivated you in your life that you can share with my readers?
I love the quote by C.T. Studd: “My prayer is that when I die, all of hell rejoices that I am out of the fight.”
Who are your biggest supporters?
I really have been blessed with such an amazing community. My wife, my immediate family, my friends, and my online writing community have all been incredibly supportive.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your child and for others who read your books?
I believe I was created to instill value in people, so I hope to leave a legacy that encourages people to find their passions, develop their potential, and pursue their purpose.
Thank you for reading my interview with Stephen. With his royalties from his books, he gives back to two non-profit organizations: Compassion First and Safe Haven Malawi.
Follow him on social media and check out his website where you can learn more about Stephen.