Last year I introduced you to M.D. House and his Barabbas series. M.D. is back again, this time with the final installment in the Barabbas Trilogy — The Barabbas Legacy. From the moment I started reading the Barabbas Series, I was drawn into early church history. The world and the people came alive to me in amazing ways. Beautifully written, these stories stayed on my mind and heart long after I closed the books.

I really love these books, and hope you’ll push them to the top of your TBR pile!

Be sure to scroll below to see one of five copies of The Barabbas Legacy paperback and one of two audio copies!

The Writer’s Desk with M.D. House

M.D. House is the author of The Barabbas Legacy, as well as the first two books in the series, I Was Called Barabbas and Pillars of Barabbas. He also wrote the science-fiction novel, Patriot Star, with a sequel coming in 2022.

Before beginning his second career as a writer, he worked for twenty-five years in the world of corporate finance, strategic planning, and business development. Now, he lives in the mountains of Northern Utah with his wife, where he spends his time writing and enjoying his children and grandchildren. Connect with M.D. House on his website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Bookbub, Goodreads, and LinkedIn.

Q&A with M.D. House

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

MDH: I’m terrible at video games.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for The Barabbas Legacy?

MDH: Interesting question. I originally intended to write just science fiction and fantasy (clean, with strong religious and moral themes), but a few years ago the story of Barabbas grabbed hold of me—and wouldn’t let go. I figured one book would be enough, but by the time I finished Book 1, Book 2 was already half-formed. The same thing happened from Book 2 to Book 3. The story feels complete with the trilogy, though it’s open to some spin-offs.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

MDH: I really enjoy 25-minute power naps in the early afternoon now, usually after I work out. Helps me keep going, sometimes late into the evening. I’m also a grandfather, so that might be part of the affinity for napping. 🙂

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

MDH: Set daily goals for what you want to accomplish, specific to certain projects, and do your best to achieve those goals until you reach major milestones. It keeps you progressing, and meeting those goals is both motivating and inspiring. Also, forgive yourself if things come up and there are days you can’t hit those goals. Just saddle up the next day.

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

MDH: It varies. Whatever things struck my fancy at the grocery store the prior week, for the most part. I’ve been trying to make the snacks healthier, but I’m not always successful at that. I don’t drink sodas anymore, so it’s mainly water, with the occasional smoothie or Bai coconut thrown in. Oh, and chocolate. Plus, chocolate.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

MDH: After doing so much writing over the years, including for my various employers (I’m fastidious with emails, by the way, because they’re such an important form of communication now, and I’ve sent tens of thousands of them), I rarely experience writer’s block. As long as I have some direction in mind, the words usually flow. When they don’t, prayer and the scriptures always help. Not sometimes. Always.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

MDH: I definitely do some editing on the first draft, but I try not to get too bogged down, so as not to impede the flow of ideas. Lots of editing happens after Draft 1, of course, including at least one set of extra eyes.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

MDH: I think it’s not visualizing scenes well enough. I’m constantly trying to improve at that. It’s not just dialogue, but actions, reactions, nuances, etc. that match the characters and are logical/believable.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

MDH: Hone your talent and don’t give up. Writing persuasively and impactfully is a skill that must be developed like any other skill, and you can’t just practice once in a while and expect to be really good. (I’ve learned it doesn’t work with basketball, either.)

TG: What is coming up next for you?

MDH: Too much, probably, but it will be a fun challenge. I still do some part-time work in my first career, and I have three writing projects going at the moment. I’m about to add a fourth, and maybe a fifth. Some people are really good at handling multiple projects like that (witness Brandon Sanderson), but I’m still learning.

Watch my interview with M.D. House on The Barabbas Legacy

Enter for a chance to win one in five paperback copies or one in two audiobook copies of The Barabbas Legacy.*

*Due to shipping costs, the giveaway for the physical copy is open to US mailing addresses only.

More about The Barabbas Legacy

In this poignant capstone to the trilogy, the man called Barabbas—infamous former thief, murderer and prisoner turned Christian—and his wife Chanah continue their mission of spreading the gospel across the known world as cauldrons of political and military chaos boil across the Roman Empire. Nero is increasingly erratic, and it’s only a matter of time before the sharp knives of imperial politics finish him off. Various successors vie for position. Who will strike first, and who will come out on top?

Meanwhile, the rebellion in Judea has intensified, the Jewish zealots exerting great influence over the minds of the people. General Vespasian and his son Titus aim to put a permanent end to the insurrection. How many lives will ultimately be sacrificed on the great altar of Jerusalem? Can the Jewish nation survive the fulfillment of Jesus’s prophecy? What will become of the Jewish Christians and the apostles and sisters who lead them? And where will Barabbas and his family find lasting peace?

Purchase a copy of The Barabbas Legacy: Amazon

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