PHOTO: Mark Castleberry masterfully combines imaginative storytelling with faith-based values, creating evocative, impactful tales that inspire and resonate with readers worldwide.
Stories Inspired by Faith and Timeless Tales
Mark Castleberry shares his passion for crafting vivid worlds with Christian influences, his self-publishing journey, and advice for aspiring authors inspired by faith, creativity, and timeless literary legacies.
Mark Castleberry stands as a beacon of creativity and faith, blending the extraordinary worlds of science fiction and fantasy with deep-rooted Christian morals and values. A lifelong lover of these genres, Mark’s passion for storytelling is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days on a tranquil lake in Alabama to his current home in Missouri, his journey as a writer has been one of perseverance and imagination. As a devoted self-published author, he has brought to life vivid, fast-paced tales that reflect his unwavering faith, creating narratives that resonate deeply with readers.
Mark’s works, crafted with an evident love for his craft, echo the timeless inspiration of authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Notable characters like Aeron, inspired by biblical figures, and imaginative worlds meticulously built from his creative mind, showcase his dedication to telling meaningful stories. His forthcoming science fiction title, The Moons of Morag, promises to be another thrilling addition to his repertoire, influenced by the golden age of radio storytelling that he celebrates through his Strangers and Pilgrims Podcast.
A true testament to determination and faith-driven creativity, Mark’s devotion to integrating Christian values into his writing serves as an encouragement to aspiring authors. In a world often void of such depth, his commitment to creating stories that inspire and uplift is a rare treasure. It is a privilege to showcase this talented, passionate storyteller in the upcoming issue of Reader’s House magazine.
What inspired you to blend Christian morals and values with science fiction and fantasy in your stories?
There are many books that do the same thing. J.R.R. Tolkien uses Christian morals and values in his Lord of the Rings books; and C.S. Lewis in his Narnia Chronicles and Space Trilogy. But I am a fan of both of these genres, and I do not believe one needs to have foul language or filthy scenes to create a good story.
How do you approach creating such vivid and imaginative worlds in your books?
Simply I just think about it. I don’t believe there is an approach to creating. I just think, wrote and it comes out. I also create maps to use in certain stories I write, in order to keep things straight and in order.
What challenges did you face when transitioning from writing for yourself to self-publishing your works?
The biggest challenge I had was learning the different ways to self-publish, which I am still learning new ways and best ways to do so. But for me, that is a part of the creation process.
Can you share your process for developing characters like Aeron and making them relatable to readers?
Aeron was created from the man of Daniel in the Bible. I also act out scenes in my mind as I write them to make them sound realistic. I also create an outline and list my characters before I start writing. My research is done throughout the writing process.
How has running the Strangers and Pilgrims Podcast influenced your writing or storytelling style?
My podcast is merely a collection of old time radio shows and many audio dramatizations. I have a science fiction book coming out soon, called The Moons Of Morag, which is heavily influenced by audio programs such as Journey Into Space and Space Patrol, and even X Minus One. I enjoy the storytelling of the old radio programs, and I do incorporate them into my books. It seems that morals and values were much stronger back then, than they are today.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to incorporate their faith into their writing?
Do it. As a Christian, I lean toward the inspiration of Jesus Christ, for He is the creator of all things. This is why I will always put in the Roman’s Road into my author’s notes in the back of my book. If you read the Bible, you will understand more of my books, and the story becomes better.
What words of encouragement or inspiration would you offer to other authors striving to create meaningful and impactful stories?
Keep writing and write what you enjoy. Make sure it means something to you, and do not worry about what others think.
