Ray Blackston

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Ray Blackston
Born
Georgetown, South Carolina
Occupation Novelist
Nationality American
Writing period 2003 - present
Genres Christian
Influences
Official website

Ray Blackston is an award-winning[2] Christian novelist. He quit his stock-broking business in 2000[1] and started writing Christian fiction. He has written five novels; the first three were part of a series which started with his debut, Flabbergasted (2003). His latest novel is Par for the Course, published in 2008.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Blackston was born in Georgetown, South Carolina. He did his schooling in Texarkana, Texas and obtained a BS degree in Finance and Economics from the University of South Carolina.[3] Blackston worked as a stockbroker for two years and a financial consultant for several firms such as AT&T, Allie Signal, and General Electric.[3] He then left his job in the corporate world and started writing[4] his first novel, Flabbergasted. After initial rejection of the manuscript,[1] the novel was published in May 2003 by the Baker Book Group.[5] The book was well-received by critics and readers alike,[citation needed] though some criticized the book for its excessive use of a particular style.[6] The book was written as a beach novel for young believers. The design of the cover has attracted praise for its different-looking, fresh feel.[citation needed] The cover is illustrated with the lime green car, which is featured in the novel as being owned by Darcy, a supporting character to the book's protaganist. Flabbergasted was one of three finalists for the Christy Award for best first novel[7] (2004) and was selected by the Dallas Morning News as the Inspirational Novel of the Year in 2003.[1]

The cover of Flabbergasted received acclaim for its "fresh" design.[citation needed]
The cover of Flabbergasted received acclaim for its "fresh" design.[citation needed]

After Flabbergasted, Blackston wrote two more novels, A Delirious Summer (2004) and Lost in Rooville (2005). Both utilized the characters from Flabbergasted. After Lost in Rooville was published, Blackston chose the Time Warner Book Group (now called Hachette Book Group USA) to publish his next novel from amongst several publishers who showed interest in publishing his books.[5] His first novel which did not utilize characters from Flabbergasted, A Pagan's Nightmare, was then published on October 25, 2006. Blackston has described A Pagan's Nightmare as[5]

“ the last few pagans on earth, running desperately from legalistic zealots who hope to capture and "convert" them ”

Blackston wrote his next novel, Par for the Course, [8] which was released on 2008-02-12.[9] Like his first three novels, the action in Par for the Course takes place in South Carolina.

Blackston also serves on the Missions committee of his own church. He has traveled to Ecuador during a summer missions program.[4]

[edit] Novels

[edit] Influences

The author has been known to list the following works as his favorites, which also influenced his writings:[1][3]

He also states that Flabbergasted is amongst his list of favorite books.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Gina (2006-11-14). Novel Journey: Author Interview ~ Ray Blackston. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
  2. ^ CA Staff (2003-09-03). Christian Activities Staff on Flabbergasted. Retrieved on 2007-11-23.
  3. ^ a b c Ray Blackston Biography. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
  4. ^ a b FaithfulReader.com - Ray's Biography and Interview (2003-11-10). Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
  5. ^ a b c RayBlackston.com - Interview with Ray (August 2006). Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
  6. ^ Noel Lloyd (2003-05-03). Phantom Tollbooth: Flabbergasted review. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
  7. ^ Jana Riess (2005-03-28). Lighten Up: CBA editors talk about funny faith fiction. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
  8. ^ ChristianBook.com - Ray Blackston Christian Fiction. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
  9. ^ Ray Blackston's website. Retrieved on 2008-02-28.

[edit] External links