About The Road Show: Background Information and FAQs
When I tell my friends, or even casual acquaintances, that I’m going to have a book published, the immediate and natural question is: “What’s it about?” Then more questions follow: “Why did you write it?” and “How did you get the idea” and so on.
At that point, words inevitably fail me and I stand there hemming and hawing like a twelve year old boy asking someone to dance for the first time.
So, I decided to answer all the questions I get in writing. That way I can tweak, edit, revise and rewrite until I feel like I’m saying something intelligible (not intelligent, mind you—there is a difference).
So, in the interests of not stammering like a fool, and for the convenience of everyone involved, I have summarized all of the frequently asked questions, along with my answers here. You can read the whole document, or you can click on whichever question interests you most.
If you'd like to ask a question and make it a FAQ, click here.
What is The Road Show about?
Is this book only for Mormons?
Why did you write this book?
How did you get the idea for The Road Show?
Are the characters based on real people?
What is The Road Show about?
The Road Show is the story of five broken souls—contemporary members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)—each struggling with a spiritual or emotional challenge: pornography addiction, postpartum depression, health problems, loneliness, feeling excluded, and spiritual numbness. Note: because this story is about Mormons, some of the terms may be unfamiliar to those from other backgrounds. For anyone interested, I've prepared a glossary here (it's still a work in progress, though).
For various reasons, they all end up participating in their ward’s road show. Most of them do this against their will, and it is not something they are looking forward to.
The conflicts, internal and external, that arise from their reluctant participation drive the plot forward, and their participation leads them to ultimate healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The narrative of the story catches these five people at their lowest points and follows them into the beginning stages of being healed.
Given the nature of some of the issues in the book, I want to emphasize this isn’t a self-help book or a sermon—it’s a story about people. And it’s not all serious and solemn and depressing. A few of the endorsements have noted that the book is hopeful and even funny, and I’m glad they thought so. I thought it was when I wrote it. In fact, I wrote most of this book late at night in bed. Often, I’d be typing on my laptop, giggling to myself while my poor wife tried to sleep. Especially when I was writing about just how bad some of the road show ideas were, or the interactions between some of the members of the ward
Is this book only for Mormons?
No. It's not. In fact, I've had some friends who are not Mormons read and like it. The story is about Mormons and so, consequently, some of the cultural and religious assumptions are uniquely Mormon. I'd compare it to the books I read by Chaim Potok, like The Chosen, for example. It's about Orthodox Jews, but that doesn't mean only Orthodox Jews can read it.
The book is informed by a faith in Jesus Christ, but, like the Bible, you could read it for religious reasons, or you could read it as literature or out of curiosity.
Like other groups with a shared culture, Mormons do use of a lot of terms and jargon that might not be familiar. So, I've prepared a short glossary to explain some of those terms, beliefs, and practices. You can get it here.
Why did you write this book?
Mostly because I had a story I wanted to tell and characters I wanted to write about. Essentially, I had a movie in my mind that I wanted to get on paper.
However, the book is informed by my experience as a bishop. In that calling, I have seen people who carried terrible burdens healed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. So, while this story is fictional, I believe it is possible. Everything in the book is based on analogous experiences I have seen in real life: sick people made well, pornography addictions overcome, bitter people softened, and burned-out spirits rekindled through the Atonement. And, I have seen this happen as regular people quietly participated in what were apparently trivial, routine programs of the Church--like road shows.
The thematic foundation for the book is found in Isaiah 61: 1-3. Verse 1 is the verse that the Savior read on the synagogue on the day he began his public ministry, and the whole thing is a beautiful explication of what the Messiah and His Atonement can do.
I wanted to be realistic, but I also wanted to be optimistic. I have tried to write about the problems the characters face realistically. One of the things I'm happiest about is that an LDS counselor who works with depression and pornography addiction read the manuscript and felt that the portrayals were very realistic (in fact, she worked out a deal with my publisher to furnish the manuscript to her patients.) At the same time, I have tried to be restrained in describing the struggles, especially with pornography and depression. I’ve tried to show people struggling with these issues without slapping the reader in the face or wallowing in ugliness--and I've tried to show that there is always hope.
But mostly I wanted to tell a story about characters I was interested in and felt deeply about.
The prologue of the book introduces the characters and the problems they are struggling with.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read it here.
How did you get the idea for The Road Show?
The idea for The Road Show occurred to me about seven years ago on the steps to the stage in the Franklin TN stake center, about five minutes before it was our ward's turn to perform. I had been called to be the director on short notice (and yes, I was not exactly thrilled at the calling. And yes, Scott's response in the book might possibly have a basis in reality).
Growing up in the West, road shows were big productions for the youth, with maybe a quick cameo by the bishopric if they were really cool. Our ward in TN only had three youth, so most of the parts went to adults. This had allowed me to do a more serious road show, and I had tried to make it meaningful, both dramatically and spiritually. It was, however, very different than the one in the book.
While I was chatting with some of the cast members, a series of what "what if" questions flashed through my mind, and these "what ifs" connected to some other "what ifs" I had thought about earlier: "What if...the leading man was reluctantly participating?" What if the leading lady had postpartum depression?" "What if the director had a secret problem of some kind?" "What if....."
I don't know about how other creative folks work, but I live for these "what ifs." They are incredibly exciting moments and they start my mind--and my spirit--on fire as I begin to play with them.
I started answering the questions, and asking more questions, and the rough outline appeared in my brain.
A few months later, my mom decided to have a family talent show--but the rule was that this was to be a non-traditional talent show--no singing or playing the piano. While I was thinking about what to do, the prologue for the book, which I am very fond of, materialized in my mind. I started typing furiously and wrote a rough draft. Then, the final chapter came very, very clearly. It just appeared in my mind and heart--I could barely type fast enough. It was really, really cool.
Once I had the beginning and end, I just had to come up with the middle. That was the hard part, and it took me five years to do it, but that's another story.
Are the characters based on real people?
I should emphasize that this book is definitely and entirely a work of fiction. While certain situations were suggested because of my real-life experiences, the characters and their struggles are not attempts to recreate anyone specifically.
For example, the leading role in our road show was played by the elder's quorum president. However, unlike the character in the book, he was one of the kindest, warmest men, and the most dedicated elder's quorum president I have ever known.
Likewise, while the leading lady was married to a law student, she was a cheerful and happy woman who certainly did not show any signs of post-partum depression. And while she had a lovely voice, she had not been a Young Ambassador at BYU.
Scott, the character who directs the road show and struggles with pornography is drawn from experiences I have had as a bishop counseling people who have struggled with this terrible problem. But he is not a real person, nor is he based specifically on any one person. However, in writing about his experiences, I did draw on what people have described to me in order to create what I hope is an accurate portrait of someone working to overcome an addiction. I would never use something that someone confidentially told their bishop as fodder for a story.
For me, one of the greatest joys of writing is that I start with characters in my head. As I write, though, those characters start to take on a lives and personalities of their own--they evolve very quickly. I know that is a bit of a cliche and it may sound ridiculous to some people, but in my case, it's absolutely true. So, while I might start out basing a character on someone I know, that only lasts for a few pages. The more I write, the more independent the characters become. So, Ed, for example, was modelled in appearance on someone I knew on my mission. However, he very quickly evolved into his own unique person. The same thing happened with Sister Cartwright, Brother Flortentine, and Dr. McKay.
Ironically, Sister MacDougal is one of the characters I am most attached to and have always imagined the most vividly, and she is completely made-up. She is not based in any way on anyone I have known. However, her experience being healed is based on a very real, very powerful experience.
At that point, words inevitably fail me and I stand there hemming and hawing like a twelve year old boy asking someone to dance for the first time.
So, I decided to answer all the questions I get in writing. That way I can tweak, edit, revise and rewrite until I feel like I’m saying something intelligible (not intelligent, mind you—there is a difference).
So, in the interests of not stammering like a fool, and for the convenience of everyone involved, I have summarized all of the frequently asked questions, along with my answers here. You can read the whole document, or you can click on whichever question interests you most.
If you'd like to ask a question and make it a FAQ, click here.
What is The Road Show about?
Is this book only for Mormons?
Why did you write this book?
How did you get the idea for The Road Show?
Are the characters based on real people?
What is The Road Show about?
The Road Show is the story of five broken souls—contemporary members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)—each struggling with a spiritual or emotional challenge: pornography addiction, postpartum depression, health problems, loneliness, feeling excluded, and spiritual numbness. Note: because this story is about Mormons, some of the terms may be unfamiliar to those from other backgrounds. For anyone interested, I've prepared a glossary here (it's still a work in progress, though).
For various reasons, they all end up participating in their ward’s road show. Most of them do this against their will, and it is not something they are looking forward to.
The conflicts, internal and external, that arise from their reluctant participation drive the plot forward, and their participation leads them to ultimate healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The narrative of the story catches these five people at their lowest points and follows them into the beginning stages of being healed.
Given the nature of some of the issues in the book, I want to emphasize this isn’t a self-help book or a sermon—it’s a story about people. And it’s not all serious and solemn and depressing. A few of the endorsements have noted that the book is hopeful and even funny, and I’m glad they thought so. I thought it was when I wrote it. In fact, I wrote most of this book late at night in bed. Often, I’d be typing on my laptop, giggling to myself while my poor wife tried to sleep. Especially when I was writing about just how bad some of the road show ideas were, or the interactions between some of the members of the ward
Is this book only for Mormons?
No. It's not. In fact, I've had some friends who are not Mormons read and like it. The story is about Mormons and so, consequently, some of the cultural and religious assumptions are uniquely Mormon. I'd compare it to the books I read by Chaim Potok, like The Chosen, for example. It's about Orthodox Jews, but that doesn't mean only Orthodox Jews can read it.
The book is informed by a faith in Jesus Christ, but, like the Bible, you could read it for religious reasons, or you could read it as literature or out of curiosity.
Like other groups with a shared culture, Mormons do use of a lot of terms and jargon that might not be familiar. So, I've prepared a short glossary to explain some of those terms, beliefs, and practices. You can get it here.
Why did you write this book?
Mostly because I had a story I wanted to tell and characters I wanted to write about. Essentially, I had a movie in my mind that I wanted to get on paper.
However, the book is informed by my experience as a bishop. In that calling, I have seen people who carried terrible burdens healed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. So, while this story is fictional, I believe it is possible. Everything in the book is based on analogous experiences I have seen in real life: sick people made well, pornography addictions overcome, bitter people softened, and burned-out spirits rekindled through the Atonement. And, I have seen this happen as regular people quietly participated in what were apparently trivial, routine programs of the Church--like road shows.
The thematic foundation for the book is found in Isaiah 61: 1-3. Verse 1 is the verse that the Savior read on the synagogue on the day he began his public ministry, and the whole thing is a beautiful explication of what the Messiah and His Atonement can do.
I wanted to be realistic, but I also wanted to be optimistic. I have tried to write about the problems the characters face realistically. One of the things I'm happiest about is that an LDS counselor who works with depression and pornography addiction read the manuscript and felt that the portrayals were very realistic (in fact, she worked out a deal with my publisher to furnish the manuscript to her patients.) At the same time, I have tried to be restrained in describing the struggles, especially with pornography and depression. I’ve tried to show people struggling with these issues without slapping the reader in the face or wallowing in ugliness--and I've tried to show that there is always hope.
But mostly I wanted to tell a story about characters I was interested in and felt deeply about.
The prologue of the book introduces the characters and the problems they are struggling with.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read it here.
How did you get the idea for The Road Show?
The idea for The Road Show occurred to me about seven years ago on the steps to the stage in the Franklin TN stake center, about five minutes before it was our ward's turn to perform. I had been called to be the director on short notice (and yes, I was not exactly thrilled at the calling. And yes, Scott's response in the book might possibly have a basis in reality).
Growing up in the West, road shows were big productions for the youth, with maybe a quick cameo by the bishopric if they were really cool. Our ward in TN only had three youth, so most of the parts went to adults. This had allowed me to do a more serious road show, and I had tried to make it meaningful, both dramatically and spiritually. It was, however, very different than the one in the book.
While I was chatting with some of the cast members, a series of what "what if" questions flashed through my mind, and these "what ifs" connected to some other "what ifs" I had thought about earlier: "What if...the leading man was reluctantly participating?" What if the leading lady had postpartum depression?" "What if the director had a secret problem of some kind?" "What if....."
I don't know about how other creative folks work, but I live for these "what ifs." They are incredibly exciting moments and they start my mind--and my spirit--on fire as I begin to play with them.
I started answering the questions, and asking more questions, and the rough outline appeared in my brain.
A few months later, my mom decided to have a family talent show--but the rule was that this was to be a non-traditional talent show--no singing or playing the piano. While I was thinking about what to do, the prologue for the book, which I am very fond of, materialized in my mind. I started typing furiously and wrote a rough draft. Then, the final chapter came very, very clearly. It just appeared in my mind and heart--I could barely type fast enough. It was really, really cool.
Once I had the beginning and end, I just had to come up with the middle. That was the hard part, and it took me five years to do it, but that's another story.
Are the characters based on real people?
I should emphasize that this book is definitely and entirely a work of fiction. While certain situations were suggested because of my real-life experiences, the characters and their struggles are not attempts to recreate anyone specifically.
For example, the leading role in our road show was played by the elder's quorum president. However, unlike the character in the book, he was one of the kindest, warmest men, and the most dedicated elder's quorum president I have ever known.
Likewise, while the leading lady was married to a law student, she was a cheerful and happy woman who certainly did not show any signs of post-partum depression. And while she had a lovely voice, she had not been a Young Ambassador at BYU.
Scott, the character who directs the road show and struggles with pornography is drawn from experiences I have had as a bishop counseling people who have struggled with this terrible problem. But he is not a real person, nor is he based specifically on any one person. However, in writing about his experiences, I did draw on what people have described to me in order to create what I hope is an accurate portrait of someone working to overcome an addiction. I would never use something that someone confidentially told their bishop as fodder for a story.
For me, one of the greatest joys of writing is that I start with characters in my head. As I write, though, those characters start to take on a lives and personalities of their own--they evolve very quickly. I know that is a bit of a cliche and it may sound ridiculous to some people, but in my case, it's absolutely true. So, while I might start out basing a character on someone I know, that only lasts for a few pages. The more I write, the more independent the characters become. So, Ed, for example, was modelled in appearance on someone I knew on my mission. However, he very quickly evolved into his own unique person. The same thing happened with Sister Cartwright, Brother Flortentine, and Dr. McKay.
Ironically, Sister MacDougal is one of the characters I am most attached to and have always imagined the most vividly, and she is completely made-up. She is not based in any way on anyone I have known. However, her experience being healed is based on a very real, very powerful experience.
