In the spring of 1989 I walked across the stage at Syracuse University to receive a diploma for my BFA degree in film drama. It had been a difficult, but eye-opening journey to get that piece of parchment. I especially cherish the memories of the semester I spent at Tel Aviv University during my junior year. It was during those months that I fell in love with the land I would eventually come to call my home, along with my wife and sons.

My studies at SU taught me both script writing and filmmaking. Both of these are skills that I’ve been able to employ in my novel writing—helping me to keep the visuals strong and the action fast-paced. While I am so blessed to be able to pursue my writing passion, I must admit that I miss the bustle and intensity of being out on location making a short film. It was an adrenaline rush trying to time the lighting just right, finding the ideal camera angles, coaching the actors in their blocking and their lines, and troubleshooting the inevitable problems that seemed intent on sabotaging the whole process.

Because our equipment belonged to the school and was in constant use, that was where a majority of our problems originated. A boom mic could stop transmitting sound, a fill light might not turn on, or a portable video cassette recorder would go on the fritz (remember this was in the 1980s, long before everything went digital). When the equipment went down and the panic went up, we had a standard operating protocol that said we start with the basic stuff first. The reason for starting small and working our way up is that all of us had experienced at least once that frustrating feeling of taking apart a microphone or dismantling a video deck only to find that the real culprit was that someone had forgotten to plug in the power cord. No power, no film. It doesn’t matter how great the script or how proficient the actors—without electricity the movie is not getting made.

As I approach my writing, I always begin by making sure I’m connected to my power source. If I’m not plugged in, then the book is not getting written. This doesn’t mean that I look under my desk to ensure the black cord running from my computer is inserted into the wall socket. I’m talking about something more powerful—a power source that is much higher. Before I type a single word into my computer, I stop and I pray. I ask the Lord for the story line. I ask him for creativity. I ask God to give me insight into the world situation and then to infuse me with his Spirit. I know it is only through him that the words I am about to write will be elevated. Elevated to what, you may ask? To a book that makes a difference.

I love telling stories, but for me telling a good story is not enough. Storytelling is not an end; it is a means to an end. What is the end? Simply it is God. Whether readers of my books are caught up in the wild and dangerous exploits of Marcus Ryker or J. B. Collins or David Shirazi, my prayer is that in the midst of the action these readers will discover the real Jesus. I want them to witness examples of lives lived with the joy, purpose, and peace that come from pursuing a passionate relationship with the Creator God. My greatest desire is that through reading one of my novels, someone who is looking for hope will give their life to Jesus Christ. That’s when I know that I’ve truly done my job. I recognize that this will only happen if each day through prayer I plug myself into my power source. Then I can be sure that he will be leading the writing process, and all I do will be to his glory.

—Joel