Author Stephanie Landsem joins us today to talk about the inspiration behind her brand new novel, The Tomb: A Novel of Martha.
Doesn’t the cover of this book just draw you right into its pages? I love it.
Be sure to click the link below for details about entering Stephanie’s blog tour giveaway.
Story Spark: The Tomb: A Novel of Martha
by Stephanie Landsem
I love the Gospel of John and each book in The Living Water series focuses on a personal encounters Jesus had with in individual in that gospel. The Well centers on Jesus meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well and The Thief begins as Jesus heals the man born blind in Jerusalem. I knew when I began The Living Water Series that I wanted the last book to focus on the most amazing encounter of all: the raising of Lazarus.
I’ve always been drawn to Martha – I felt for her when she was rebuked by Jesus because she was ‘worried about many things’. Haven’t we all had our worries and doubts crowd our thoughts and take over our actions so that we can’t see God working in our lives? I know that I’m not the only one who can relate to Martha.
Mary, of course, is the one that Jesus tells us to emulate but I wanted to know more about her. What was her life like? Why was she so eager to sit at Jesus feet and to anoint him with oil? I wondered about her relationship with Martha and wanted to write a story that told both the good and bad of having such opposite sisters.
And who wouldn’t want to know more about Lazarus? He was an intimate friend of Jesus. In The Tomb, I was able to show him as a young man, just reaching adulthood and ready to follow Jesus. How did Lazarus feel when Jesus – his friend and the only one who could save him – didn’t come to heal him? And finally, what was it like to come back from the dead and find Jesus and his family waiting for him?
This story of three siblings, their family and faith was so full and rich, the hard part was deciding which ideas to focus on and how to present this amazing family to my readers.
Meet Stephanie
Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she’s explored ancient ruins, medieval castles, and majestic cathedrals around the world. Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, and three fat cats. When she’s not writing, she’s feeding the ravenous horde, avoiding housework, and dreaming about her next adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.
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To Enter the Blog Tour Giveaway, Click Here.
Thanks for having me on your blog, Johnnie, and for sharing The Tomb, A Novel of Martha, with your readers.
It’s a joy to have you here, Stephanie. The Mary/Martha/Lazarus story is so familiar, especially the conflict between the sisters. But I had never considered what Lazarus must have thought about Jesus’ late arrival. I have always wondered, though, whether he wanted to return. Thanks for sharing your story.
I LOVE Biblical fiction! I can’t wait to read The Tomb.
Hi, Caryl. I’m with you–I’m intrigued by Stephanie’s post and definitely will add The Tomb to my book pile.
Thank you for sharing this story spark! I look forward to reading THE TOMB!!
Hi, Britney. Thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed Stephanie’s post. (Me, too, when it comes to reading The Tomb.)
I am very anxious to read this story. Thanks for the opportunity.
Connie
Hi, Connie. I’m so glad you stopped by. Thanks!
The Tomb sounds so interesting. It has all the questions I’ve wondered about.
I think it does, too, Pat. Definitely going on my Kindle!