The first thing I would want to do is find the place where the disciples are meeting, because I’d hope to see the resurrected Christ. I would also want to learn everything I could about their experiences and Christ’s teachings from those who heard it firsthand.

  Having to do extensive research from multiple sources, because you want your presentation to be as Biblically and historically accurate as possible. You don’t want to misrepresent anything theologically or historically, and you want to remain in line with Scripture always.

I enjoy writing both, but I would say Biblical fiction is more challenging. If I get a detail wrong in an historical fiction book, it’s not as big a deal as getting something wrong in Biblical fiction. Also, in Biblical fiction, you sometimes get conflicting interpretations or translations, and as a writer, you have to decide which one to go with for your story. Finally, some people are critical of Biblical fiction as “adding to” the canon of Scripture, although I disagree. When I add characters or details to my stories that are extrabiblical, I do so to give depth to the story, but I am clear it is fiction, not truth. 

Hands down, Stephen is my favorite character. In fact, when Naomi and I discussed writing this book, I called dibs on Stephen before we even discussed the content of the books. His incredible faith has always inspired me.