This week’s author interview is with Kevin Halloran. He is the author of When Prayer Is a Struggle: A Practical Guide for Overcoming Obstacles in Prayer.

• Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve lived in Chicagoland most of my life. That’s where I grew up, met my wife Jazlynn, and where I live now with my wife and daughter. I’ve traveled to Latin America for ministry about a dozen times and have a heart to see the church in that region of the world strengthened and built up. I especially have a heart for Ecuador, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. I’m also excited for the probable release of my book in Spanish.

• What inspired you to write this book, about this topic?

I wrote When Prayer Is a Struggle in large part for myself. About ten years ago, I realized that I complained too often about how prayer was hard. I also realized that I didn’t do much about it. One time as I complained, God stopped me in my tracks and reminded me what such an attitude said about Him and His gospel. I repented then and told the Lord I was going to do whatever I could do to grow, and that I wanted to help others overcome their obstacles as well. One of the most encouraging things I’ve learned in this process is that if we have a growing faith and love for the Lord, learning a few simple practical tools can help us overcome most of our struggles and pray more faithfully. That’s why I wrote this book. 

• Do you have a favorite quote? What is it and why?

It’s hard to narrow down a favorite, but one quote that I love and use often (including in a footnote of my book) is this one by J.I. Packer:

“Christian fellowship . . . is not an end in itself. Fellowship between Christians is for the sake of fellowship with God.”

I love it because it reminds me of the link between knowing God and live together as the church, the body of Christ. Yes, sometimes life in the church has its challenges, but it has the best possible goal.

• What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write as much as you can, get as much feedback from wise and gifted writers/editors as you can, and simply put in the work. It helps to know the goals you’re going after and to make a plan to achieve those goals. If you want to write a book, learn about the publishing process and break the project into pieces. Play the long game, and be faithful over the long-term.

Also, don’t let people tell you you’re too young to write. Robert Murray M’Cheyne died in 1843 at the age of 29, and his writings continue to influence many today. If you have a message burning inside of you that you’d like the world to know, do your best to get it out! You don’t want to die before you can bless people with it. You want to give your work as much time in the wild to bring as much blessing to the world as possible. But conversely, don’t rush the process without need.

• The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia?

I’m so thankful for both. But if I had to pick one, I’d choose Narnia for a couple of reasons. The first reason is nostalgia. I never got into LOTR as a kid but loved the idea of a magic wardrobe as soon as I heard about it. (I admit I didn’t read the books as a kid, rather my parents would check out VHS copies of the old BBC version of Narnia from the church library!) Another reason I’m more of a Narnia guy may seem petty to some, but it is the length of the books. I can get through a Narnia book much quicker than the longer LOTR books. I don’t have as much time to read as I would like and I value finishing fiction books!

• Tea or coffee?

Coffee. Strong and black.

• Do you have a favorite band to listen to? Or a favorite music genre?

I have a unique mix of musical interests and enjoy most genres. When my wife and I were dating, one of the ways we knew we were perfect for each other was realizing that we both liked Christian rap, Spanish worship music from the 80s/90s, and Juan Luis Guerra (a popular mainstream Latin artist who has some Christian songs). We both thought we were the only ones in the world with the same taste! I also enjoy Christian music from decades past like Keith Green and Petra.

• How can readers discover more about you and your work?

• Website: www.kevinhalloran.net
• Twitter: @kp_halloran
• Facebook Page: facebook.com/kphalloran

NOW AVAILABLE — When Prayer Is a Struggle

Amazon: $13.99

Christianbook: $11.49

CVBBS: $9.50

P&R Publishing: $10.50

PCA Bookstore: $10.91

WTSBooks: $10.68

Kindle: $9.99

Also available as an audiobook!

This week’s author interview is with Jenilyn Swett. She is the author of the new book, Singleness: Living Faithfully (31-Day Devotionals for Life series).

• When did you first want to write a book?

It may have actually been during childhood (I at least wanted to be published as a journalist!), but the first time I gave any real thought to writing a book was about ten years ago.

• Have you always enjoyed writing?

I have. I loved writing when I was a kid, and was given many opportunities to explore and practice different forms of writing (correspondence, poetry, research, journalism, essays, etc.). In my first year or two of college, one of my favorite professors put a note in the margin of one of my papers: “You write well. What will you do with that?” That was the first time I began to realize that perhaps this thing I enjoyed could serve a greater purpose.

• What inspired you to write this book, about this topic? 

I’ve always wanted to be married, and grew up with the expectation that marriage was the natural trajectory of my life. But as the years went on and marriage didn’t happen, I started to ask more questions about singleness. How do I live as a single adult? How do I relate to others who are married? What do I do with my longings, desires, and disappointments? It was hard to find answers to these questions. My pastors, professors, and ministry leaders hadn’t experienced extended singleness. There were few solid resources on the topic of singleness. As I began answering some of my own questions “out loud” for others to read, I realized how much of a hunger there was for thoughtful, biblical writing on singleness. That’s when I began to think and pray about writing a book on singleness. I didn’t initially expect that book to be a devotional, but I’ve been so grateful for the opportunity to write Singleness: Living Faithfully for the 31 Days series! This is a devotional I wish I’d had at 20, and 30, and am thrilled to have published at (almost) 40.

• Do you have a specific spot where you enjoy writing most?

Before the pandemic, I spent a lot of time writing at two different coffee shops that had high-top bar seating along a window. I loved being able to enjoy the energy of a coffee shop while also being able to stare out the window when my eyes and brain needed a break. One of these coffee shops closed during the pandemic, and one lost its window seating when it relocated, so now that writing in coffee shops is possible again, I’m on the hunt for a new spot! The majority of this book was written at a desk in the corner of my bedroom.

• Do you have a favorite quote? What is it and why?

For several years now, my e-mail signature has included this quotation from Madeleine L’Engle’s book Walking on Water: 

“… the purpose of the work, be it story or music or painting, is to further the coming of the Kingdom, to make us aware of our status as children of God, and to turn our feet toward home.” 

I’ve embraced these words as something as a mission statement for both my writing and the way I seek to live my life.

• What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I still feel like an “aspiring writer” myself! My advice is to keep writing and to keep reading. Pay attention to what resonates with you as you read others’ work. Write well and artfully when you have the opportunity (even if it’s just in an e-mail or thank-you note), but also take time to just dump words on the page sometimes without overthinking.

• Favorite food?

I love anything eaten in the company of good friends! I especially enjoy anything that involves either bread, cheese, gochugaru, brown butter, roasted veggies, or noodles.

• The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia? Why?

The Chronicles of Narnia, because I’ve never been able to make it through The Lord of the Rings (I know, I’m a terrible Presbyterian! I share this because I’m guessing there are others out there who can relate).  

• Tea or coffee?

Coffee! I take it black, which is something I never expected I’d do.

• What famous person (living or dead) would you like to meet and why?

I’d love to meet Terry Gross, who hosts NPR’s Fresh Air. She has had conversations with so many fascinating people over the years, and I’d love to get to know her and experience what a conversation with her would be like! 

• Favorite sport to watch? Why? Favorite sport’s team?

My extended family is from Wisconsin, so thanks to their influence I love watching and cheering for the Green Bay Packers.

• How can readers discover more about you and your work?

• Blog: carefullychosen.wordpress.com

Now Available — Singleness: Living Faithfully

Amazon: $9.99

Christianbook: $8.49

P&R Publishing: $7.50

Reformation Heritage Books: $6.50

WTSBooks: $7.63