BooksChatter: ℚ♫ The Eden Tree

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Peter Worthington to talk about The Eden Tree (19 July 2016, Clink Street Publishing, 280 pages), a Contemporary Christian Inspirational novel.

The Eden Tree is Peter's first novel and is inspired by his own experiences with his son, John Wesley, who underwent treatment for cancer but sadly passed away after his seventh birthday.

Although a difficult time, Peter has never lost his faith, or exuberance for life, and the Eden Tree is his way of giving his much-loved son a happier ending. He hopes it will give comfort, escapism, to others who have gone through or are going through similar difficult situations in their own lives.

Synopsis | Teaser | Author Q&A | About the Author | Tour Stops |

A very warm welcome to fellow Brit Peter Worthington; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter.

To begin, as we love music, Peter has shared with us his music playlist for The Eden Tree - enjoy!

What was the inspiration for The Eden Tree?

"As detailed in the press release, the inspiration for the Eden Tree was our family’s experiences with losing a child – our Wesley - to cancer. Coupled with my knowledge of the biblical story of the garden of Eden and the Tree of life, my tale of fiction gives a happier to the Wesley in the Eden Tree and draws my characters into an adventure. I hope it gives readers hope and some escapism."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Though my protagonist is unlike me in some ways there is much detail in John Morgan that reflects me. He marries a Welsh woman from Ebbw Vale. My wife - Margaret - is from Tredegar. Their wedding anniversary is ours on August 18th, and John is born on February 14th 1950 like me. He lives in Cheshire and the school motto “As a man sows he will reap” was mine at Sandbach Grammar. His son, James, and his friends play World of Warcraft as I do. The experience of Great Ormond Street Hospital with Wesley echo my own feelings at the time.

John Morgan is also a positive organiser, and I consider myself the same. His friendships are solid and supportive as are mine. The Morgan family grappling with the story of Eden and particularly the research and ideas of James about Christ could reflect questions I have faced.

My knowledge of social housing is used when Liz’s father enters Bron Afon - a community housing association that I’ve visited. The family meeting is conducted business-like using formats I am familiar with in the business world."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for The Eden Tree - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"My publisher, Authoright, used the concepts of a mysterious tree and sent me some ideas. I chose the one that is used as the whole image draws me into a mystery. It is beautiful and captivating, but I take no credit for the art!

The colour scheme and title enhance the story’s concept, and I hope causes potential readers to be drawn in to read."

Why should we read The Eden Tree and what sets it apart from the rest?

"My debut novel, the Eden Tree, has believable characters in a story that is also plausible. Readers looking for some mystery, action, romance and a message of hope, should find the book entertaining.

What sets it apart is my knowledge of childhood cancer, the framework of a caring family circle, the IT and survivalist skills within the extended family, and my knowledge of the Bible and its core themes. Using detailed research about the location of the mystical garden my characters are able to solve the mystery of the garden of Eden.

It is unique in that it both asks questions and yields some answers as an apologetic."

Can you tell us something quirky about The Eden Tree, its story and characters?

"Some may find the quirkiness in the World of Warcraft players who use their IT skills to help the Morgan household, alongside the gamers deciding to play a scenario on James’ bachelor party and later don WOW costumes for a disco.

Readers may also find some quirkiness in the huge cousin of Aly who appears at her wedding. He is aptly called ‘Goliath’.

Others may find it very quirky that John Morgan discovers his destiny to open the antique box is linked to a tattoo on his hand: an identical pattern to the box lid."

Who would you recommend The Eden Tree to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I would recommend the Eden Tree to anyone who likes a story with a happy ending, one that unfolds with a central theme and involves some mystery, romance and comedy.

The story of ‘healing leaves’ could help anyone going through illness, loss, or troubled times. It offers hope. I believe that Christian and non-Christian will find the Eden Tree gives a good engrossing story."

If you could / wished to turn The Eden Tree into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"As John Morgan I would love Harrison Ford and as Liz I see Catherine Zeta Jones.

Steven Spielberg would be my director and the locations could be as in the novel: Cheshire, London, Israel."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I like to write fiction with a mystery theme, centred in hope. Currently my genre is religious/ Christian fiction. I read thrillers, crime fiction, such as James Patterson, John Grisham or Lee Child."

What is your writing process?

"I write 200/400 words a day. Sometimes part of my sequel and sometimes short stories. Very often I will wake with an idea that I have to write down and then the words flow. I also like to do research about the places my characters visit to give some accuracy."

What is in store next?

"The sequel “Return to Eden” is about one third in a draft phase. I hope to complete it by the end of 2017."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"Dogs have been a part of my life since childhood and in my novel there are two dogs with individual characters, a Labrador called Bourneville and a husky called Aunty. Below is a photo of my West Highland White terrier called Dino. Sadly he passed away at 17yrs."