with Robert Elmer

October 9, 2009

Hosted by: Anne McDonald

Dancing Word Publisher/Editor

Anne McDonald: I'll open up in prayer, go over protocol and then introduce tonight's guest. But before I do, we're short tonight on attendees because Barbara Warren's rain dance got out of hand, so there is flooding from Texas to Missouri as a result. She sends her regrets. Now onto the prayer…

Lord, thank You so much for laughter, friendship and adventures. Thanks you especially for ordering our days and guiding our steps. Please be with everyone who wanted to come tonight, but cannot. Bless them and keep them safe. Be with each of our participants tonight, and especially tonight's guest. Bless their socks off..

Let our conversation be a blessing to You and to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Protocol reminder: When the floor is open to questions, please raise your hands by typing ? for questions, ! for comments, and then wait to be called on in turn.. When you have finished typing please type ga so that we don't step on each other. ga = go ahead.

Anne McDonald: Tonight, I'd like to introduce one of my son's favorite authors. Please welcome Robert Elmer. Robert glad you could come.

* Annie leads the applause

Robert Elmer: glad to be here!

* Lukedamouse throws confetti

* Robert ducks.

Anne McDonald: Robert, could you give us a brief blurb about your latest YA series, Shadowside?

Robert Elmer: Yes! It's been very fun to do something different. Sci-fi with an allegorical twist. A 15-year-old girl on another planet has a very strange music teacher, who turns out to be the Christi-figure. There's all kinds of other-worldly adventures (space ships and all) BUT it's designed for people who don't like sci-fi.

Lukedamouse: It rocks!

Anne McDonald: Robert, where did you get the idea for the Shadowside series?

Robert Elmer: The underlying theme is the Gospel story, at least through books 1 and 2, then it goes to the book of Acts. But... I think maybe I watched too much Star Trek as a kid... So I wanted to do something different, but totally accessible. That was the key for me.

Limey: How do you cater to people who don't like sci-fi?

Robert Elmer: Normal characters that we can relate to. Oriannon, the main character, could be the girl next door. SHe just happens to ride around in space scooters and visits other planets. Characterization is the key. And before you know it, you're relating to her struggles and problems on a deeper level. At least that's my goal.

Lukedamouse: What is the most challenging thing about creating what is, in many respects, a new genre such as Shadowside is? How were you able to sell such a unique series to a publisher?

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Robert Elmer

Robert Elmer

Congratulations to

Jacqui for winning

an autographed copy of

Beyond Corista