I wanted to like audiobooks. I really did. I’d put one on in the car with the best of intentions- only to find my thoughts drifting elsewhere. Time and again, I’d realize I’d zoned out, the book having faded into background noise minutes earlier.
That changed during a three-and-a-half-hour ride home from my sister’s house in New Hampshire. My wife, Tiff, and I decided to try listening to an audiobook together. It was Christian Fiction – some sort of murder/mystery type book. We got hooked and listened for most of the ride home between the kids’ chorus of “How many more minutes ‘til we’re home?” and “I really have to go to the bathroom.”
We found ourselves wanting to continue the story. So, whenever we had a few spare minutes—usually after putting our four kids to bed—we’d listen together. It became a fun, cool hobby for us to do together.
Then something really fascinating happened. We realized that, though we were listening to the same story, we were consuming it in dramatically different fashion. Tiff was dialed in—analyzing motives, piecing together clues, and forming theories. Me? I was just enjoying the ride. When she asked me who I thought had committed the murder, my honest answer was “I don’t know.” No theories. No guesses. I joked, “You know if we keep listening, they’ll tell us exactly who did it, right?”
Meanwhile, Tiff laid out her predictions, pointing out “breadcrumbs” the author had left along the way. And—of course—she was right about basically everything.
That’s when I thought: Challenge accepted. I decided to write her a short story—maybe 1,000 words—with a twist that would both surprise and delight her.
And I did.
I think most people who know me would call me a storyteller, but I never saw myself writing fiction. I knew enough to realize I’d need to do some research, so I dove into podcasts and books about crafting short stories. Two weeks later, I had something ready. I read it aloud to Tiff—and she loved it.
Encouraged, I shared the story with a few friends from church. To my surprise, a couple said it brought them to happy tears. I later shared it with my email subscribers and on social media.
That’s when I started hearing: “We loved the story… so what happens next?”
Around this time, Tiff and I were still enjoying audiobooks together. I couldn’t help but notice the contrast between those and the essays I’d written for classes toward my Master’s in Apologetics at Liberty University—papers that sat gathering dust on Tiff’s nightstand. While she might skim them, they weren’t exactly her leisure reading.
(A quick note: apologetics isn’t about apologizing for Christianity! It comes from the Greek word apologia, meaning “a rational defense.” It’s all about the evidence that Christianity is true.)
Then the pieces started falling into place. There are countless believers who would benefit from learning how to defend their faith—but many have no desire to wade through dense, academic non-fiction.
But they love novels.
That thought took me back to an Instagram poll I’d conducted, asking my followers: “Other than the Bible, what book do you most recommend to other Christians?” Over 1,200 people responded in just three days. Here were the top ten:
10. This Present Darkness by Frank E. Peretti
9. (Tie) Tactics by Greg Koukl and Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas
8. More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell
7. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
6. Confessions by Augustine
5. The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
4. The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
3. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
2. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
1. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
The top two stood out. They were, far and away, the most recommended. As I reflected on it, it hit me: both were apologetics books- one fiction and one non-fiction. I thought, “Of course a Christ-follower could use both formats to communicate truth. Jesus did, too!” Jesus taught people using parables on the assumption that what is true in one realm (the natural) was also true in another realm (the spiritual).
The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I realized I could use storytelling to convey the same life-changing evidence for Christianity that I explore in my non-fiction work.
As the idea took root in my mind and my heart, I studied how to structure a novel. The initial short story became Chapter One of what would eventually be a 50,000+ word journey.
There’s a principle in Christian writing known as “Finding Your Timothy,” based on Paul’s letters to Timothy. Paul wrote to one person, yet billions have been blessed by his words (of course, having the Holy Spirit as your co-author doesn’t hurt!). The idea is simple: if you can thrill your target reader—your Timothy—you can resonate with many.
Well – I knew exactly who my Timothy was. Every week I would deliver her chapters of the book as if they were new episodes for her to enjoy. Her reactions, feedback, and excitement helped guide me in crafting the story.
I had read all 10 of the most-recommended Christian books and drew inspiration from each. I understood what kinds of stories believers love—and I knew I was crafting something my Timothy would adore.
It’s been a journey, for sure. One which I cannot wait to take the next step in on Tuesday 2/25 when the book formally launches.
The rest, as they say, is history.
And now, that history leads us here—to the launch of Dear Judas on Tuesday, February 25.
Tiff loves the final product. It’s unapologetically written from a biblical worldview—so much so that the cover states outright: A Christian Novel.
I’ve sent advanced reader copies to Christians from all different backgrounds. The reactions have been breathtaking. Much of the feedback has come in the form of personal messages, but my readers are now posting their thoughts HERE at Goodreads. (I’d love for you to check them out and add Dear Judas to your TBR list!)
You can read a brief synopsis on my website HERE.
And stay tuned—launch week will feature special pricing on both the eBook and paperback, along with free bonus content for everyone who purchases during that first week. (Did someone say audiobook?)
Ultimately, my goal for Dear Judas is the same as everything in my ministry: to glorify God, advance His Kingdom, and help depopulate hell. I pray it’s an entertaining, thought-provoking, and uplifting read for you.
–James
Want to share this?
If you’d like to spread the word, feel free to forward the blog post version of this email or share the link directly. Every share helps build excitement leading up to launch day—thank you!