H. Schussman's Interview With Robert F. Schut

Bob Schut

Heidi:

First, Bob, tell us a little about yourself.

Bob:

I originally moved from New Jersey to San Diego and eventually landed in El Dorado Hills, a small community next to Folsom, CA. I will be 70 this year, so it’s never too late to begin a new career as long as heavy lifting isn’t a requirement.

Heidi:

What genre do you write?

Bob:

My published work is in Christian Biblical Studies. My audience, however, is not the academic world, but the average church-goer who would like to look a little deeper into the teachings of Jesus without wading through pages of footnotes. I only use those when I refer to someone else’s work or when it’s absolutely necessary to further explain the passage. I am more interested in the inspirational side of Jesus’ teachings rather than the intellectual.

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

Bob:

I began writing seriously when I started teaching the Bible at my church. I could not find any Bible study materials that were appropriate for a class of people who seriously wanted to know more about the Bible. Most of the studies I found left many of the difficult questions unanswered, if they even addressed them at all. I wanted something that confronted the difficult and controversial questions head-on. Since none were available, I began to write my own.

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Bob:

At this point I am still finishing up the loose ends of my current book. Since this is my first published book, every step is a learning experience. Although I am not actually working on a new book, I constantly have seeds of ideas that I write down hoping that soon they will reveal a pattern that can be molded into one cohesive book. I would really like to produce a book that would encourage people to see their faith, not as a composite of independent, isolated ideas and events, but more as a unified whole integrating all their ideas and experiences.

Heidi:

Where do you write? Describe your workspace?

Bob:

I have a nice office in my home next to a window that overlooks the foothills of the Sierras. Since I’m now retired I try to spend as much time as I can writing, but much of that time is spent developing Bible studies for my class at church. I must point out that I do have to share my desk with my cat, Willy—I have little choice in the matter.

 

Heidi:

Who are your all-time favorite author?

Bob:

I have some favorite authors, but they each offer me a different perspective and I like them for very different reasons. For instance, I love reading Soren Kierkegaard. He is by far my favorite philosopher. He stands head and shoulders above all the others; although he is a little challenging to say the least. I also enjoy the works of F.F. Bruce as a Greek theologian as well as Gordon Fee. I have to also mention Craig Blomberg, Richard Bauckham, and finally N.T. Wright. Reading these great authors has taught me how to be a better writer.

Heidi:

Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it? Do you think there was a key phrase or idea in your query letter?

Bob:

My publisher did not actually ask for a query letter, but for a sample chapter from the book. By the time I decided to have it published the book was almost complete. What I did find difficult was picking out one chapter that would best exemplify the book. I knew a lot was riding on this one chapter and so I did what any good author would do—I asked my wife. It appears she made the right choice.

Heidi:

What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?

Bob:

Look into the field of writing with your eyes wide-open. There are a lot of people out there waiting for naïve writers who would do almost anything to get published. Join a writers group or club to become more knowledgeable about what to avoid and what to pursue. Expect to do a lot a work after the book is published if you want it to be successful. You have to learn how to be a good business person as well as a good writer.

I would also suggest that whatever you write, write it with passion. And try to set your writing goals on what it will do for your readers rather than for yourself. This will help maintain a higher level of integrity in your work. Also, read good authors. You will instinctively pick up good writing habits without even realizing it.

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help/assistance/faith in you/etc?

Bob: 

I really have to thank the members of my Bible study class as they have been my proof-readers and critics. Most of all I have to thank my wife for her patience in giving me the time I needed to think through and prepare each chapter and for reading them over again and again looking for errors as well as approving changes. 

Heidi:

How can your readers connect with you?

Bob:

I have several different social media sites:

WIPF & STOCK (PUBLISHER)

AMAZON

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

PROFESSIONAL FACEBOOK PAGE

BLOGS: 

                BOOK

                PHILOSOPHY 

GOODREADS

PROFESSIONAL EMAIL