Author Interview- Joel Chanaca
Author of Young Adult Science Fiction Novel
What inspired you to write this story?
I was inspired by several layers of truth. People are made in God’s image. We are wired for action and adventure. We love a great hero story. Mankind reflects intelligent design when we create and build new things. We are called to function together as the Body of Christ, each doing our part. At the same time, the world is failing to provide safe content for families who follow God’s principles.
Christian content creators are stirring one another to raise the standard. This story offers safe, exciting fun for families who know the Lord, and it also serves as a tool to open conversations with non-believers. Several who do not share my faith have read and enjoyed the book. It creates a natural doorway to discuss Biblical truth.
The Frogman inspiration came from learning to SCUBA dive under the instruction of Navy frogman John Becker.
What kind of research did you have to do for this story?
I studied different areas of physics, both theoretical and applied, along with emerging technologies and conceptual devices. While the series has a strong science fiction element, I researched real prototypes and larger-scale models to ground parts of the story in technologies that may be possible in the future. Some elements were included simply for fun and heroic expression, but much of it was carefully considered.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this story?
The biggest challenge was not simply launching into action, but developing the characters in book one. I wanted readers to see them grow, learn, and engagingly apply wisdom. Many superheroes are the result of accidents, random events, alien origins, or mutations. They are already suited up and fully trained when the story begins.
In Frogman Puck, growth matters. While the characters develop, subtle clues are planted about larger events unfolding beneath the surface. Those early threads eventually lead into the artifact hunt and the broader conflict.
What was the easiest aspect of writing this story?
It is a subject I genuinely love. Writing about adventures you would want to experience yourself makes the process exciting. It allows you to step away from the ordinary and imagine what could happen if you took action the way God intends.
How did you incorporate Christian themes into your story?
Christian themes are woven directly into the narrative through Scripture, references to Biblical passages, and the principles the team applies to accomplish their mission. The story addresses the presence of sin, Christ’s redemptive power, the call to reach the lost, forgiveness, and the Gospel message.
In writing this story, did you plan it in detail, or did parts of the plot come unexpectedly?
The first book grew out of sitting through a hurricane and sensing there was more to tell. It felt like something undiscovered was waiting to emerge. I slowly expanded the story, drawing from real events in my life.
Often, Scripture would come to mind either the day after writing a section or the morning I was preparing to write. At times, connections came together unexpectedly in powerful ways. I did not originally plan a second or third book, but after readers experienced Frogman Puck: Origins, they began asking for more. I completed Frogman Puck Resurgent in under three months, but it was intense work, hours every day. I started coming up with the outline and drafting Reckoning right away. Then, Frogman Puck Origins won a secular gold medal award while I was writing the third book. Immediately following that, Origins received a five-star editorial book review. That was fuel to show that the content was striking the correct tone with readers.
Which character did you connect with the most?
Puck’s storyline reflects many aspects of my own life. My grandfather called me Puck. The love of adventure, diving, flying, superheroes, and standing up to those who harm others comes directly from my experiences in law enforcement.
What is the significance of the setting you chose?
The setting is the world itself. Team TIDES has members across the globe. Many scenes are inspired by real-world locations, but I intentionally leave space for readers to imagine the action unfolding near their own hometown. Most missions take place in coastal regions near the ocean, or within reach of a rapid flight, a tunnel ride in an Octopod, or a high-speed transit through the underwater network in Frogman Mode.
Giveaway: Joel is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card and an autographed copy of the book. Click the below link to enter: https://gleam.io/c1Hae/frogman-puck-origins-the-rising-tides-celebration-tour-giveaway
Sounds unique
I like the idea of the origination of Puck's character being related to Mr. Chanaca